When it comes to home entertainment, sound quality is paramount. A good soundbar can elevate your viewing experience, making you feel like you’re right in the action. Bose, a renowned brand in the audio industry, offers two high-end soundbars: the 900 and the 700. Both models boast impressive features, but the question remains: Is the Bose 900 soundbar better than the 700 soundbar? In this article, we’ll dive deep into the specifications, designs, and performance of each model to help you make an informed decision.
Design and Build Quality
Aesthetics play a significant role in choosing the right soundbar for your living room. Both the Bose 900 and 700 soundbars exude a premium feel, but they differ in design and build quality.
The Bose 900 Soundbar:
The 900 soundbar boasts a sleek, slim design that measures 2.5 inches tall and 4 inches deep. Its glass-top finish gives it a sophisticated look, making it perfect for modern living rooms. The soundbar’s body is constructed from high-quality plastic, ensuring durability and stability. Weighing in at around 10.5 pounds, the 900 is easy to move around or mount on the wall using the optional bracket.
The Bose 700 Soundbar:
The 700 soundbar sports a more angular design, with a slightly thicker profile (2.75 inches tall and 4.25 inches deep) than the 900. Its top is wrapped in a smoked glass finish, lending it a sleek, premium appearance. The soundbar’s body is built from a combination of plastic and aluminum, making it sturdy and lightweight (around 8.5 pounds). Although it’s slightly smaller than the 900, the 700 still packs a punch in terms of design and build quality.
Remote Control and Connectivity Options
Both soundbars come with a sleek, compact remote control that allows you to adjust volume, switch between sources, and access other essential functions. However, the Bose 900’s remote features a more intuitive design, with clear labeling and a more ergonomic shape.
In terms of connectivity options, both soundbars offer similar features:
- HDMI eARC (enhanced audio return channel)
- HDMI ARC (audio return channel)
- Optical digital audio input
- 2x analog audio inputs
- USB input
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity
The Bose 900, however, takes it a step further with its proprietary AdaptIQ technology, which allows for seamless connectivity with other Bose smart speakers and devices.
Sound Quality and Performance
This is where the Bose 900 and 700 soundbars truly shine. Both models deliver exceptional sound quality, but they differ in certain aspects.
The Bose 900 Soundbar:
The 900 soundbar features a more extensive driver array, with nine speakers (including two tweeters, four full-range drivers, and three bass modules) that work in tandem to produce a more immersive sound experience. This results in:
- Clearer dialogue and vocals
- Wide, expansive soundstages
- Punchy, detailed bass response
- Support for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X formats
The 900’s more comprehensive driver arrangement enables it to offer a more nuanced sound, making it ideal for music enthusiasts and movie buffs alike.
The Bose 700 Soundbar:
The 700 soundbar, on the other hand, employs a more compact driver array, featuring six speakers (including two tweeters, two full-range drivers, and two bass modules). While it still delivers excellent sound quality, it may not quite match the 900’s level of detail and immersion.
- Vocals and dialogue are clear, but not as precise as the 900
- Soundstages are slightly narrower, but still engaging
- Bass response is punchy, but lacks some of the 900’s depth
That being said, the 700 still offers a remarkable listening experience, especially considering its more compact design.
Additional Features and Technologies
Both soundbars feature some innovative technologies that enhance their overall performance:
- Bose PhaseGuide technology: This proprietary technology uses carefully placed drivers to create a sense of height and width, making the soundstage feel more extensive.
- Bose TrueSpace technology: This feature uses advanced psychoacoustic modeling to create a more realistic, immersive sound experience.
The Bose 900, however, takes it a step further with its proprietary QuietPort technology, which reduces distortion and enhances low-frequency response.
Additional Features and Accessories
Both soundbars offer a range of additional features and accessories that enhance their overall value.
The Bose 900 Soundbar:
The 900 comes with:
- A dedicated subwoofer that connects wirelessly, providing deeper bass response
- Optional wireless rear surround speakers for a more immersive experience
- Compatibility with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant for voice control
- Integration with the Bose Music app for seamless music streaming and control
The Bose 700 Soundbar:
The 700 includes:
- A more compact, optional bass module that connects wirelessly
- Compatibility with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant for voice control
- Integration with the Bose Music app for seamless music streaming and control
- A more affordable price point compared to the 900
Price and Value
The Bose 900 and 700 soundbars differ significantly in terms of price. The 900 typically retails for around $1,400, while the 700 usually costs around $900.
| Soundbar | Price (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Bose 900 | $1,400 |
| Bose 700 | $900 |
While the 900 offers more advanced features, better sound quality, and a more premium design, the 700 provides excellent value for its price, making it a more accessible option for those on a budget.
Conclusion
So, is the Bose 900 soundbar better than the 700 soundbar? The answer ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences.
If you’re looking for the absolute best sound quality, a more premium design, and advanced features like QuietPort technology, the Bose 900 is the clear winner. However, be prepared to pay a premium for its superior performance.
On the other hand, if you’re on a budget or prefer a more compact design, the Bose 700 is an excellent choice. It still offers exceptional sound quality, a sleek design, and many of the same features as the 900, all at a lower price point.
Ultimately, the decision comes down to your priorities:
- Are you willing to invest in the absolute best sound quality and premium design?
- Or do you prioritize affordability and a more compact form factor?
Choosing between the Bose 900 and 700 soundbars requires careful consideration, but either option will undoubtedly elevate your home entertainment experience.
What are the key differences between the Bose 900 and 700 soundbars?
The Bose 900 and 700 soundbars are both high-end models, but they have some significant differences. The Bose 900 is a more advanced model, with a sleeker design and a more immersive sound experience. It has a separate subwoofer, which provides deeper bass and more cinematic sound. On the other hand, the Bose 700 is a more compact model, with a built-in subwoofer and a more affordable price tag.
In terms of features, the Bose 900 has more advanced technology, including a more advanced noise-cancellation system and more precise sound calibration. It also has more connectivity options, including HDMI eARC and Wi-Fi connectivity. The Bose 700, on the other hand, has a more limited set of features, but it’s still a high-quality soundbar with excellent sound performance.
Which soundbar is better suited for larger rooms?
The Bose 900 is better suited for larger rooms due to its more powerful sound output and separate subwoofer. The separate subwoofer provides deeper bass and more cinematic sound, which is perfect for larger rooms where sound can get lost. The Bose 900 also has a more advanced noise-cancellation system, which helps to reduce echo and reverberation in larger rooms.
In contrast, the Bose 700 is better suited for smaller to medium-sized rooms. Its compact design and built-in subwoofer make it perfect for rooms where space is limited. While it can still provide excellent sound performance, it may not be able to fill larger rooms with the same level of sound as the Bose 900.
Do both soundbars have Wi-Fi connectivity?
The Bose 900 has Wi-Fi connectivity, which allows for seamless connection to the internet and access to streaming services like Spotify and Amazon Music. It also allows for wireless software updates and integration with other smart devices. However, the Bose 700 does not have built-in Wi-Fi connectivity. Instead, it relies on Bluetooth connectivity, which can be more limited in terms of range and functionality.
That being said, both soundbars have excellent connectivity options. The Bose 900 has multiple HDMI inputs, including HDMI eARC, as well as USB and analog audio inputs. The Bose 700 has Bluetooth connectivity, as well as optical and analog audio inputs. Both soundbars also have voice control capabilities through Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant.
Can I use the Bose 900 or 700 as a home theater system?
Both the Bose 900 and 700 can be used as a home theater system, but the Bose 900 is better suited for this purpose. Its separate subwoofer and more advanced sound calibration technology provide a more immersive sound experience, perfect for watching movies or playing video games. The Bose 900 also has more connectivity options, including HDMI eARC, which allows for more advanced audio processing and a more cinematic sound experience.
That being said, the Bose 700 can still provide an excellent home theater experience. Its built-in subwoofer and advanced sound calibration technology provide clear and detailed sound, and its compact design makes it easy to place in smaller rooms. However, it may not be able to provide the same level of immersion as the Bose 900.
Are both soundbars compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant?
Yes, both the Bose 900 and 700 are compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. They have built-in microphones and support for voice control, allowing you to control your soundbar with simple voice commands. You can use voice control to play music, adjust the volume, and even control other smart devices in your home.
Both soundbars also have seamless integration with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, allowing you to control your soundbar and other smart devices with ease. However, the Bose 900 has more advanced voice control capabilities, including the ability to use voice control to adjust settings and customize your sound experience.
How do the Bose 900 and 700 compare in terms of price?
The Bose 900 is significantly more expensive than the Bose 700. The Bose 900 typically retails for around $1,000, while the Bose 700 typically retails for around $600. This is due to the Bose 900’s more advanced technology and features, including its separate subwoofer and more advanced noise-cancellation system.
That being said, both soundbars are high-quality options that are worth the investment. If you’re looking for a more affordable option with still-excellent sound performance, the Bose 700 may be the better choice. However, if you’re willing to invest in a more advanced soundbar with more features and better sound quality, the Bose 900 may be worth the extra cost.
Which soundbar is more durable and built to last?
Both the Bose 900 and 700 are built to last, with high-quality materials and construction. However, the Bose 900 has a more solid build and a more premium feel, with a sleeker design and more advanced materials. It also has a more comprehensive warranty, with a 5-year warranty compared to the Bose 700’s 1-year warranty.
That being said, the Bose 700 is still a well-built soundbar that is designed to withstand the test of time. It has a compact design and a durable construction, and it’s easy to move around and place in different rooms. However, if you’re looking for a soundbar that will last for many years to come, the Bose 900 may be the better choice.