The world of soundbars has undergone a significant transformation in recent years, with top brands like Bose leading the charge. Among Bose’s impressive lineup, the Soundbar 700 and 900 have garnered considerable attention from audiophiles and home theater enthusiasts alike. Both models promise an immersive audio experience, but what sets them apart? In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll delve into the details to help you make an informed decision when choosing between the Bose Soundbar 700 and 900.
Design and Build Quality
At first glance, the Bose Soundbar 700 and 900 appear to share a similar design language. Both soundbars boast a sleek, slim profile that seamlessly integrates into any living room setup. However, upon closer inspection, subtle differences emerge.
The Soundbar 700 features a more minimalist approach, with a matte-black finish and a subtle Bose logo on the front. Its compact size (2.25″ H x 43.75″ W x 4.25″ D) and lightweight design (7 pounds) make it an excellent choice for smaller rooms or apartments. The 700 also comes with a separate subwoofer, which can be placed anywhere in the room to enhance bass response.
In contrast, the Soundbar 900 takes on a more premium aesthetic, with a brushed-metal finish and a more prominent Bose logo. Its slightly larger size (2.5″ H x 48″ W x 4.5″ D) and increased weight (10.5 pounds) are indicative of its more robust feature set and enhanced sound quality. The 900 also includes a dedicated center channel speaker, which contributes to its more immersive audio experience.
Materials and Durability
Both soundbars are built to last, with high-quality materials and a sturdy construction that can withstand regular use. The Soundbar 700’s matte-black finish is scratch-resistant and easy to clean, while the 900’s brushed-metal finish exudes a sense of luxury and sophistication. However, the 900’s more substantial size and weight may make it more prone to scratching or damage if not handled carefully.
Audio Performance
This is where the Bose Soundbar 700 and 900 truly differentiate themselves. While both models deliver exceptional sound quality, the 900 takes it to the next level with its advanced audio technologies and more comprehensive feature set.
Drivers and Amplification
The Soundbar 700 is equipped with four full-range drivers and two tweeters, powered by a total of 240 watts of amplification. This configuration provides a balanced soundstage with clear highs and robust lows. However, the 700’s sound signature is more suited for smaller to medium-sized rooms, as it can struggle to fill larger spaces.
In contrast, the Soundbar 900 boasts a more complex driver array, featuring five full-range drivers, two tweeters, and two dedicated center channel speakers. With a total of 520 watts of amplification, the 900 can effortlessly fill larger rooms with rich, detailed sound. The additional center channel speakers also enable the 900 to produce a more accurate and immersive audio experience, particularly during movie playback.
Sound Modes and EQ
Both soundbars offer a range of sound modes to optimize audio performance for different content types, such as music, movies, and TV shows. However, the Soundbar 900 takes it further with its advanced EQ settings, allowing users to fine-tune the sound to their preferences. The 900 also features a more comprehensive Dialogue Mode, which enhances vocal clarity and intelligibility.
Connectivity and Compatibility
Both the Bose Soundbar 700 and 900 offer a range of connectivity options to cater to various devices and platforms.
Wireless Connectivity
Both soundbars feature Bluetooth 5.0 and Wi-Fi connectivity, enabling seamless pairing with smartphones, tablets, and computers. The Soundbar 700 supports Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), while the 900 takes advantage of the newer Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) standard, promising faster and more reliable connections.
HDMI and Optical Inputs
The Soundbar 700 features one HDMI input and one optical input, suitable for most standard home theater setups. The 900, on the other hand, boasts three HDMI inputs, one optical input, and one HDMI output with ARC (Audio Return Channel). This expanded connectivity options make the 900 more suitable for more complex home theater installations.
Smart Speaker Integration
Both soundbars are compatible with popular smart speaker systems, including Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. However, the Soundbar 900 takes it further by supporting AirPlay 2, allowing users to stream audio content from their iOS devices with ease.
Smart Features and Voice Control
Both the Bose Soundbar 700 and 900 come with a range of smart features that enhance the overall user experience.
Voice Control
Both soundbars support voice control through compatible smart speakers or the Bose Smart Speaker Hub. However, the Soundbar 900’s advanced noise-rejection technology and far-field microphone array enable more accurate voice recognition and hands-free control.
Multi-Room Audio
Both soundbars can be integrated into a multi-room audio setup using the Bose Music app. However, the 900 takes it further by supporting more advanced features, such as synchronized playback and customized room settings.
Price and Value
The Bose Soundbar 700 and 900 occupy different price points in the market, reflecting their distinct feature sets and performance capabilities.
Soundbar 700: Affordability and Accessibility
The Soundbar 700 is priced competitively, making it an attractive option for those seeking a high-quality soundbar without breaking the bank. With a typical retail price of around $700-$800, the 700 offers exceptional value for its performance and features.
Soundbar 900: Premium Performance and Luxury
The Soundbar 900, on the other hand, is positioned as a premium product, priced around $1,300-$1,500. While it’s undoubtedly more expensive, the 900’s advanced audio technologies, expanded connectivity options, and luxurious design justify its higher price point.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Bose Soundbar 700 and 900 cater to different needs and expectations. The Soundbar 700 is an excellent choice for those seeking a high-quality soundbar with a compact design and affordable price point. However, if you’re willing to invest in a premium product with advanced audio technologies and luxurious design, the Soundbar 900 is the clear winner.
Ultimately, the decision between the Bose Soundbar 700 and 900 depends on your specific needs, budget, and preferences. By understanding the key differences between these two exceptional soundbars, you’ll be able to make an informed decision that will elevate your home audio experience to new heights.
What are the key differences between the Bose Soundbar 700 and 900?
The Bose Soundbar 700 and 900 are both high-end soundbars from Bose, but they have distinct differences in terms of design, features, and performance. The Soundbar 700 is a more compact and sleek option, designed to fit seamlessly into smaller spaces. It has a more subtle design profile and is available in two colors: Arctic White and Black. On the other hand, the Soundbar 900 is a larger and more robust option, with a more pronounced design profile and a single color option, Black.
In terms of features, the Soundbar 700 has a more limited set of connectivity options, with only one HDMI input and no eARC support. It also lacks the advanced calibration features of the Soundbar 900, such as the proprietary ADAPTiQ audio calibration system. Overall, the Soundbar 700 is a more compact and affordable option, while the Soundbar 900 is a more feature-rich and premium option.
Which soundbar is better suited for smaller rooms?
The Bose Soundbar 700 is a better fit for smaller rooms due to its compact design and more discreet profile. It is designed to fit seamlessly into smaller spaces, making it an ideal option for apartments, condos, or smaller living rooms. The Soundbar 700’s smaller size also makes it more versatile, allowing it to be placed on a shelf or mounted on a wall.
In terms of performance, the Soundbar 700 is still able to deliver high-quality sound, but it may not have the same level of bass response as the Soundbar 900. However, for smaller rooms, the Soundbar 700’s sound quality is more than sufficient, and its compact design makes it a more practical option.
Does the Bose Soundbar 900 support Dolby Atmos?
Yes, the Bose Soundbar 900 supports Dolby Atmos, which is an advanced audio format that adds height channels to the traditional surround sound setup. This allows for a more immersive audio experience, with sound that comes from above, as well as from the sides and rear. The Soundbar 900’s support for Dolby Atmos makes it a great option for those who want to experience the latest audio formats.
The Soundbar 900’s support for Dolby Atmos is made possible by its upward-firing transducers, which are designed to bounce sound off the ceiling, creating a more immersive audio experience. Additionally, the Soundbar 900 also supports other advanced audio formats, such as DTS:X and HDR10.
Can I use the Bose Soundbar 700 with my TV’s HDMI ARC?
No, the Bose Soundbar 700 does not support HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel), which means it cannot receive audio signals from your TV through an HDMI connection. This may limit your setup options and require additional cables or adapters to connect your TV to the soundbar.
Instead, you’ll need to connect your TV to the Soundbar 700 using an optical digital audio cable or an analog audio cable. While this may not be as convenient as using HDMI ARC, it’s still possible to get great sound quality from the Soundbar 700 using these alternative connection methods.
Does the Bose Soundbar 900 come with a subwoofer?
The Bose Soundbar 900 does not come with a subwoofer, but it does have a built-in subwoofer that provides deep bass response. This means you don’t need to purchase a separate subwoofer to get good bass performance from the soundbar.
The Soundbar 900’s built-in subwoofer is designed to provide deep and rumbling bass, which is perfect for movies, TV shows, and music. However, if you want even more bass, you can always add a separate subwoofer to your setup. Bose offers a separate subwoofer, the Bass Module 700, which is designed to work with the Soundbar 900.
Can I connect my Bose Soundbar 700 to Wi-Fi?
No, the Bose Soundbar 700 does not have built-in Wi-Fi connectivity, which means you cannot connect it to your home network wirelessly. Instead, you’ll need to connect the soundbar to your TV or other devices using physical cables, such as HDMI or optical digital audio cables.
If you want a soundbar with Wi-Fi connectivity, you may want to consider the Bose Soundbar 900, which has built-in Wi-Fi and supports wireless music streaming through services like Spotify and Amazon Music.
Is the Bose Soundbar 900 compatible with Amazon Alexa?
Yes, the Bose Soundbar 900 is compatible with Amazon Alexa, which means you can control the soundbar using voice commands through an Alexa-enabled device, such as an Echo smart speaker. This allows you to control the soundbar’s playback, volume, and other functions using just your voice.
To set up Alexa on the Soundbar 900, you’ll need to download the Bose Music app and follow the instructions to link your Alexa account. Once set up, you can use voice commands to control the soundbar, making it a convenient and hands-free way to enjoy your music and movies.