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Roku Streambar SE vs Sony HT-S100F: Which TV Setup Fits Your Sources?

Choose Roku Streambar SE if you want built-in Roku 4K streaming as well as a soundbar; its TV connection needs ARC or HDMI plus optical, and Roku says to set the TV audio output to PCM stereo. Choose Sony HT-S100F if streaming is already handled by your TV or another source and you want documented Dolby Digital or 2-channel PCM support over ARC/optical. This is a source-and-setup comparison, not a sound-quality ranking.

Published by Pickoryx · Published 2026-10-02

Source checked 2026-10-02 06:36 UTC

Products compared

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The buying question

Do you need a Roku streaming interface built into the soundbar, and what audio format does your TV send over ARC or optical?

Roku combines a 4K streaming player and soundbar, but Roku’s SE setup guide tells TV users to output PCM stereo. Sony’s HT-S100F manual documents TV audio over HDMI ARC or optical and supports Dolby Digital or two-channel linear PCM on those inputs, while listing Bluetooth and USB as other playback sources. Neither source establishes a sound-quality winner.

Quick verdict

When to skip: Neither soundbar fits the TV’s available audio outputs; confirm HDMI ARC or optical compatibility before purchase.
When the recommendation changes
  • Your TV lacks an ARC port and optical output, or its audio-output settings cannot be changed; check the TV manual before choosing.
  • Your TV or source only outputs a format unsupported by the selected soundbar input; verify the source output mode and soundbar input format first.
  • You want measured sound or dialogue-clarity results; these documents describe features and setup, not a comparative listening test.

The differences that matter

Streaming Platform Setup

Roku Streambar SE 4K Soundbar with Built-in Streaming Device (9104R)

Roku describes the Streambar SE (model 9104R) as a 2-in-1 soundbar and 4K streaming device with channels/apps built in. Setup connects it to the TV, power, and internet; the Roku setup guide also describes account activation.[1, 2]

Sony HT-S100F 2.0ch Compact Soundbar for TV with Bluetooth (HT-S100F)

Sony describes HT-S100F as a TV soundbar. Its U.S. operating instructions document TV sound over HDMI ARC or optical, plus Bluetooth and USB inputs; the manual does not document an integrated streaming interface. Use your TV’s apps or a separate source for streaming, then send the TV audio to the bar.[4, 5]

What this changes: If the TV needs a streaming interface, the Roku SE supplies one in the soundbar. If streaming already comes from a smart TV or external player, the Sony’s documented job is to receive that TV audio through ARC or optical; it need not duplicate the streaming source. Roku also needs internet for its player setup, so compare this with the TV/source you already own.[1, 2, 5]

The better fit depends on your priorities

Audio Format Source Setup

Roku Streambar SE 4K Soundbar with Built-in Streaming Device (9104R)

For TV audio, Roku’s Streambar SE setup guidance says the TV audio output should be PCM-Stereo (or Stereo); the SE cannot play Dolby Audio or DTS from that TV output path. Roku separately allows HDMI ARC or HDMI plus optical depending on the TV.[2, 3]

Sony HT-S100F 2.0ch Compact Soundbar for TV with Bluetooth (HT-S100F)

Sony’s HT-S100F operating instructions list Dolby Digital and Linear PCM 2ch as supported formats for TV audio entering over HDMI OUT (TV ARC) or TV IN (OPTICAL). When ARC and optical are both connected, the manual says the ARC input has priority.[5, 4]

What this changes: Check the TV or source audio-output menu before choosing. If it is set to Dolby Digital and you want to keep that format through a TV-connected input, Sony explicitly lists support for it; Roku’s Streambar SE TV setup instead calls for PCM stereo. If PCM stereo is available, either documented TV-audio path may fit, subject to the TV’s ports and settings.[2, 3, 5]

The better fit depends on your priorities

Best for your routine

Add Roku 4K apps at the soundbar for a TV without an existing streaming interface

Best fit: Roku Streambar SE 4K Soundbar with Built-in Streaming Device (9104R)

Based on listed features, not comparative testing.

Roku documents built-in 4K streaming on model 9104R. Confirm internet access, TV port compatibility and 4K/HDCP requirements for the desired video path.

View Roku Streambar SE 4K Soundbar with Built-in Streaming Device (9104R) on AmazonPaid link

Keep an existing smart-TV or external-player setup and pass Dolby Digital TV audio to the soundbar

Best fit: Sony HT-S100F 2.0ch Compact Soundbar for TV with Bluetooth (HT-S100F)

Based on listed features, not comparative testing.

Sony’s U.S. manual documents Dolby Digital support through TV ARC or optical inputs. Roku’s SE TV setup guide directs TV output to PCM stereo.

View Sony HT-S100F 2.0ch Compact Soundbar for TV with Bluetooth (HT-S100F) on AmazonPaid link

Value and trade-offs

One or both observed offers have eligibility conditions, so no unrestricted price difference is shown.

Compare the current checkout offers with whether built-in Roku streaming is useful for your setup and whether your TV audio format fits the soundbar input.

Compare current checkout prices, availability, package contents and required TV connections before choosing.

Limitations

  • This compares documented platform and TV-audio setup features, not matched sound, dialogue-clarity, loudness or bass testing.
  • TV ARC/optical port availability, TV audio-format controls, HDMI-CEC behavior, 4K/HDCP capability and app/service availability vary by TV and setup; check the TV and source manuals.
  • Roku’s PCM stereo instruction is scoped to its TV-audio input setup. Roku’s product page separately lists media-file formats for the device; this comparison does not generalize the TV-input instruction to every internal streaming or file playback path.
  • Offers, sellers and included cables or accessories can vary; confirm the current checkout details and required TV connections before buying.

Questions shoppers ask

Does the Roku Streambar SE replace a separate Roku streaming player?

It has built-in Roku 4K streaming for apps/channels. For TV audio, Roku recommends HDMI ARC; without ARC, its setup uses HDMI plus optical. Connect to internet and complete on-screen activation.

Do both soundbars work if my TV has no ARC?

Roku says Streambar SE can use an HDMI port plus the included optical cable when the TV lacks ARC. Sony’s manual lists optical TV input. Check that the TV has an optical output and that the selected TV audio format is supported.

What should I set for TV audio output?

Roku’s Streambar SE setup guidance calls for PCM-Stereo (or Stereo) from the TV. Sony’s HT-S100F manual lists Dolby Digital and Linear PCM 2ch for TV audio over ARC or optical. Check the exact TV/source settings rather than assuming the same format path for both.

Methodology and sources

Compared the Roku Streambar SE (model 9104R) and Sony HT-S100F. Read Roku’s SE product page and setup instructions for built-in streaming, TV connections and the TV-audio format setting; read Sony’s HT-S100F U.S. specifications and operating manual for TV, Bluetooth and USB inputs and supported TV-audio formats. No sound or dialogue testing was performed.

Automated tools assisted with organizing official product documentation and drafting. The comparison reports documented setup paths and input formats, not hands-on results.

View 5 sources
  1. 1.Roku Streambar SE | RokuRoku · Official specifications · Source checked 2026-10-02 06:36 UTC
    Evidence used on this page
    • Product description and Product Details: built-in 4K streaming, model 9104R, package and TV compatibility. Price deliberately excluded.: Roku identifies Streambar SE as a 2-in-1 TV upgrade with built-in 4K streaming and identifies model 9104R. Used for exact model, streaming capability and TV/port context; dynamic displayed price not used.
  2. 2.How to set up your Roku Streambar SE | Official Roku SupportRoku Support · Official support · Source checked 2026-10-02 06:36 UTC
    Evidence used on this page
    • How to connect your Roku Streambar SE; How to adjust your TV settings; on-screen setup and activation.: Exact Streambar SE guide states ARC is the recommended TV connection; without ARC use HDMI plus optical. It says the TV audio output should be PCM-Stereo/Stereo because the SE cannot play Dolby Audio or DTS on this TV-audio path. It also covers power, internet and on-screen setup.
  3. 3.How to set up your Roku Streambar SE or Roku Streambar with a non-Roku TV system | Official Roku SupportRoku Support · Official support · Source checked 2026-10-02 06:36 UTC
    Evidence used on this page
    • Streambar setup checklist, “PCM? (Streambar SE only),” and on-screen setup and activation.: Roku article expressly marks the PCM-only TV audio requirement as “Streambar SE only” and says this unit cannot play Dolby Audio or DTS formats from the TV output, which should be PCM-Stereo/Stereo. It is otherwise a shared setup article for SE/Streambar; claims are limited to the SE-specific note.
  4. 4.HT-S100F Specifications | Sony USASony · Official specifications · Source checked 2026-10-02 06:36 UTC
    Evidence used on this page
    • Interface input/output terminals; Audio Formats for HDMI input, Bluetooth receiver, USB and optical input; model title.: Sony’s exact HT-S100F U.S. specification lists HDMI ARC, optical audio and USB inputs; Dolby Digital/Dolby Dual mono/LPCM 2ch for HDMI/optical, SBC for Bluetooth receiver, and supported USB media formats. Used for exact model identity and documented formats only.
  5. 5.HT-S100F Operating Instructions (US) | SonySony · Official specifications · Source checked 2026-10-02 06:36 UTC
    Evidence used on this page
    • Front matter identifies HT-S100F Operating Instructions US; pp. 10–11: ARC/optical/USB inputs and INPUT cycle; p. 17 TV/other input behavior; p. 34 supported input formats on ARC/optical; troubleshooting p. 28: set unsupported TV formats to PCM.: Exact-model U.S. manual documents TV audio over ARC/optical, Bluetooth and USB input selection; the ARC TV input takes priority if both ARC and optical are connected. It lists Dolby Digital and Linear PCM 2ch as supported TV input audio formats and directs PCM output when a TV sends an unsupported format.

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