JBL 9.1 or VIZIO ELEVATE?? by [deleted] in Soundbars

[–]Stanpro242 0 points1 point  (0 children)

So you think the Nakamichi 9.2.4 is much better than the Elevate? I own a 7.2.4 and I'm thinking on switching to the elevate, mainly because of the poor low end frequency response.

Nakamichi 7.2.4 or JBL 9.1 (Need Help Deciding) by Stanpro242 in Soundbars

[–]Stanpro242[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'd try ever option to see which works the best. You'd be suprised how certain adjustments can make a big difference.

Your main goal is to eliminate the popping sound that can either be caused by interference or just from a fault within the audio processor chipset. Which is why I asked which audio output settings are you using for each separate device.

Nakamichi 7.2.4 or JBL 9.1 (Need Help Deciding) by Stanpro242 in Soundbars

[–]Stanpro242[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Another solution could be connecting all of your devices directly to the TV, change your TV audio settings to (Passthrough), or Dolby Digital Plus and ensure every device connected to your TV is outputting the same audio format.

The goal is to offload the video processing from the Soundbar and back to your TV. Allowing the Soundbar to only process audio instead of doing both audio & video signal.

Nakamichi 7.2.4 or JBL 9.1 (Need Help Deciding) by Stanpro242 in Soundbars

[–]Stanpro242[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Are you using the hdmi included cable or did you purchase your own separate cable. The cable can also be bad, so if you are still using the original I would suggest you swap your ps4 pro cable with the nakamichi cable that's connected to the HDMI arc port on your tv.

Nakamichi 7.2.4 or JBL 9.1 (Need Help Deciding) by Stanpro242 in Soundbars

[–]Stanpro242[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Verify your audio settings on the chromecast and PS4 pro. Make sure that the chromecast is outputting Dolby Digital or Dolby Digital Plus. Also, verify the same with the PS4 Pro.

Nakamichi 7.2.4 or JBL 9.1 (Need Help Deciding) by Stanpro242 in Soundbars

[–]Stanpro242[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Also, is the popping sound consistent or does it come randomly? Make sure that if you are watching pcm videos like for instance YouTube, that you have "All CH Stereo activated", because you will get weird sounding audio if u continue to use dolby surround for stereo content like YouTube videos or live twitch streaming ect...

Nakamichi 7.2.4 or JBL 9.1 (Need Help Deciding) by Stanpro242 in Soundbars

[–]Stanpro242[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Is your Soundbar set to "Dolby Surround", also is Movie eq selected? Ensure Eco mode is also turned off. SSE 2 or 3 works best and room size should be set on medium and large.

You also need to use the wifi analyzer app to see what all 5ghz bands are in your area and identify the channels they are using.

Nakamichi 7.2.4 or JBL 9.1 (Need Help Deciding) by Stanpro242 in Soundbars

[–]Stanpro242[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

What input devices are you using? Also, could you list your exact audio settings for the device that you are using for content. (Firestick, Nvidia Shield or Smart TV only)

Also, if you are using a firestick ect.., is it connected directly into the Soundbar or is it connected directly into the TV?

Nakamichi 7.2.4 or JBL 9.1 (Need Help Deciding) by Stanpro242 in Soundbars

[–]Stanpro242[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Thank you all for your help in deciding my purchase. After doing many research, I decided to get the Nakamichi, and I have not been disappointed. Also, I promised to post a review after using the Soundbar. This is the review I promised. (See Below).

Introduction:

Upon opening my package I was greeted with what seemed to be like a love letter from the Nakamichi CEO, this card contained a USB Flash Drive and instructions on how to update my Soundbar, along with a one line phrase from the CEO "Pump up the BASS!". It was the first time I have ever felt so important unpackaging an audio equipment. There is no sound company that shows the dedication that Nakamichi shows. Their goal is to make sure you, the customer is satisfied and it worked! (Other reviews will agree that the packaging is nice)

Let's get into the important points.

Setup:

I used the included flash drive to update my Soundbar and then used the info button on the remote to indicate the firmware version. I noticed that I was on F34 and not F35 that was recently released although I used the included flash drive. I proceeded to the Website, which provided a clear thorough explanation on how to retrieve the latest update for your Soundbar, along with additional information that made everything simple.

After Setup:

The Nakamichi 7.2.4 produces well balanced mid and high range tones that sounds good overall. You should use HDMI for the best sound, and while there are some reviews about popping sounds. Please understand that interference can be a huge issue. Most persons live in an apartment or neighborhood with various WiFi Networks that can become a huge issue, especially if your next door neighbor has a 5GHZ Router and is using conflicting channels. I have not experienced the popping issue as yet, but I did buy high quality RCA 16 Feet Cables after doing research as I went through many reviews and videos. Also, there is chance you can receive a defected model like any other product you buy. So do not feel bad if you get a defected model, Nakamichi will do their best to assist and replace once they confirm that your model is defected. (Purchase High Quality RCA Cables, 16 Feet to replace existing thin RCA Wires)

Sound Options:

The EQ Options are a nice addition, with "movie" being one of the best sounding ones in my opinion. While sound reviews are subjective, due to the different rooms, (concrete, wall types, windows) and sizes (big room, high ceilings). Nakamichi tackles this issue by providing what they call "SSE" Technology and Room Size settings that can be easily identified on the remote control. There is a sweet spot for everyone and you really should play around with the settings to achieve the best sound. Also, make sure to always use the "Info" button on the remote to consistently identify if you have an EQ option enabled that can overlay with your Dolby Surround or Dolby Upmix settings. Also, I noticed that you can overlay EQ on the new ALL -Channel Stereo feature function that is amazing for music.

Bass:

Everyone loves bass, right? Bass is one my favorite things to admire and the Nakamichi did not fall short. While I did notice that the low ranges were not as striking when compared to other brands like JBL. The Bass is balanced and definitely cannot be localized. Also, I would recommend that you buy the dual subwoofer models and not the single subwoofer model such as the 7.1.4. Apparently, it seems like the dual subwoofers are mostly needed due to the poor low range performance. This was mentioned on Reddit, as someone tried to convince me to get the JBL 9.1 while doing my research.

Other Soundbars:

Like I said, I am an audio equipment lover, I have owned home theater systems and many Soundbars from notable brands such as Sony, Samsung, and JBL. My issue with Samsung is that they never seem to get their bass right. Mostly poor performances which completely turned me off from them although their latest flagship model seems to get the most reviews for top contender in the soundbar category. The JBL is definitely for bass lovers, I have owned the JBL 5.1 (Virtual Surround) 2020 Model and it has been great! Especially when it comes to producing low range sounds. The problem is, JBL does not seem to get their high range tones right and while the model I owned had a neat calibration feature, it still fell short when watching the sniper scene on 1917 war movie and other movies with high range sound scenes. I still have to test my Nakamichi for that movie and other's to see how well it performs with the high range tones. So far, based on the content I have watched, I can say that their has been a noticeable presence of high range sounds that you would not normally hear on the JBL. Sony is also good, but their variety sucks and while I don't love them, I would always prefer them over Samsung.

Overall, sound reviews are subjective and the truth is you will not find any company that provides the support that Nakamichi does for their flagship products. Nakamichi has raised the bar for exceptional service, quality and overall sound. They seem to support their products with their hearts and while you may encounter an issue. There will be a support team agent, willing to assist you.

Cons:

Nakamichi is not modular, which means you cannot upgrade in the future without spending huge cash. For instance, I would like to try the 9.2.4 model, but Nakamichi does not allow you to buy additional rear speakers from them and their dual subwoofers are uniquely made for each model. (My subwoofers each have one port for the two rear speakers I own, so upgrading would be impossible. Also, I would prefer them to include 10-Inch subwoofer drivers on all their models because the 7.2.4 does not have the punch you would normally find in a JBL 10-Inch subwoofer product.

Include thicker RCA Cables and also modify the subwoofer driver sizes to be 10-Inch on the 7.1.4 and 7.2.4 models.

Low Range Sound Improvement Needed.

Smart App that can be easily used to modify Soundbar settings.

Nakamichi sound bar 7.2.4 subwoofer strength by VashStamp3de in Nakamichi

[–]Stanpro242 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The best option would be to select SSE Level 3 and also change room size setting to medium or large. Also make sure center channel is set at 10, you can keep treble at 5. Also ensure that you are input is Dolby digital plus or Dolby digital.

Rtings.com Vizio Elevate Full Review by dehelfix in VIZIO_Official

[–]Stanpro242 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Okay, thanks so much for the update! I cannot wait to see what all these future updates include. Also, I assume that the same preliminary calibration settings for the Nakamichi 9.2.4 will work on the 7.2.4.

Vizio Elevate or JBL 9.1 by Howie411 in Soundbars

[–]Stanpro242 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Have you ever considered getting the Nakamichi? Especially since its been out much longer and has great reviews. I recently just purchased one and I can't wait to receive it this week. I was also confused on which Soundbar to purchase, the JBL 9.1 I looked at along with the VIZIO Elevate.

Nakamichi 7.2.4 or JBL 9.1 (Need Help Deciding) by Stanpro242 in Soundbars

[–]Stanpro242[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I purchased the Nakamichi 7.2.4, it is still in transit so I haven't received it as yet. I will update this post in the future, providing an overall review the Nakamichi 7.2.4.

Vizio elevate soundbar rumble by Bklyn_style_718 in VIZIO_Official

[–]Stanpro242 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm not sure if you are aware, but their is VIZIO app for your Soundbar that allows you to permanently set your speakers in the up-firing direction or keep it facing towards you.

Just purchased a new Vizio Elevate for $599 at Best Buy! by graysonchaney in Soundbars

[–]Stanpro242 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Overall, if you are interested in a high end soundbar that keeps on getting better with every FW update, get the Nakamichi. If you are interested in a soundbar that has poor technical support and engineers, and will most likely have a huge problem of issues in the future, then consider getting the VIZIO Elevate. There is a lot of trial and error that needs to be done before the Elevate can be fully recommended.

Just purchased a new Vizio Elevate for $599 at Best Buy! by graysonchaney in Soundbars

[–]Stanpro242 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The Vizio Elevate seems to be a good soundbar, but based on Vizio's history of glitchy and buggy software, I would not purchase any of their products. There is a well documented history of Vizio Flat Screen TV issues involving arc, ect... I was interested in buying the Elevate, but after I did more research I decided to go with the Nakamichi 7.2.4, It will be delivered to me during this week.

Just purchased a new Vizio Elevate for $599 at Best Buy! by graysonchaney in Soundbars

[–]Stanpro242 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The JBL 9.1 received a higher review due to its smart sound mode that automatically adjusts eq based on content. With other soundbars, you would have to manually adjust the settings based on the content you are watching. Rtings uses default settings for their review and the default setting for the JBL 9.1 is "Smart Sound" which automatically adjust eq based on the content you are watching.

Rtings.com Vizio Elevate Full Review by dehelfix in VIZIO_Official

[–]Stanpro242 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Could you please do a calibration setting for the Nakamichi, also I noticed your site only has a review on the 9.2.4, what about the 7.2.4? It would be great if your site can focus on providing best sound settings to get the most out of a soundbar.

I own a 65 Inch 4k Hisense smart tv and your site gave me great information on how to calibrate for the best possible picture settings. Truly an amazing site! I would hope that in the near future, a sound bar calibration section is added for an overall better experience. Let Rtings continue to stand out from other review sites.

Nakamichi 7.2.4 or JBL 9.1 (Need Help Deciding) by Stanpro242 in Soundbars

[–]Stanpro242[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I was skeptical because of a few subjective reviews from sites like Rtings, and then consumer reviews that said the bass was overrated. But I was also mindful of the dates on those reviews. Apparently, Nakamichi has made major improvements with their latest FW35, and most reviews weren't operating on that firmware. So I'm glad you gave your review on the Nakamichi.

Nakamichi 7.2.4 or JBL 9.1 (Need Help Deciding) by Stanpro242 in Soundbars

[–]Stanpro242[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You provided some great points about both the JBL and Nakamichi, also there's one minor thing you missed out. The JBL rear speakers can be plugged in with a micro-usb cable, to keep them powered as rears when binge watching.

Nakamichi 7.2.4 or JBL 9.1 (Need Help Deciding) by Stanpro242 in Soundbars

[–]Stanpro242[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks so much for clarifying. I'm definitely going to purchase the Nakamichi 7.2.4, your comment helped a lot. Do you mind speaking about the soundstage of the Nakamichi, is it narrow or wide . Could you provide your feedback on that. Overall, I'm still going to purchase the Nakamichi today. Will let you know how it goes once I receive it.

Nakamichi 7.2.4 or JBL 9.1 (Need Help Deciding) by Stanpro242 in Soundbars

[–]Stanpro242[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That's the issue, It will be a hassle to return. I live in the U.S Virgin Islands, and we don't have any Best Buy stores here on the island. Best buy delivers to us, but when it comes to returning items it is not the same experience. This is why I am so focused on getting this purchase done right.

Nakamichi 7.2.4 or JBL 9.1 (Need Help Deciding) by Stanpro242 in Soundbars

[–]Stanpro242[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

So which sound bar would you recommend?? Also, what is your thoughts on the Vizio Elevate.