JBL Soundbars
Last updated: Jan 25, 2023
JBL BAR 9.1 True Wireless Surround with Dolby Atmos®
Release Date: 2020
The JBL Bar 9.1 can upmix any content into the 5.1.4 audio system. The JBL Bar 9.1 is sold in the USA at USD 1199.95. The device is costly but it does not fall short in delivery. The sound bar delivers thunderous audio with rare channels that are detachable, providing users with an immersive listening experience. JBL BAR 9.1 comes with powerful audio and a thunderous depth of bass. The system has Dolby Atmos drivers. For additional support, there are wireless rear channel speakers. The speaker system is seamlessly easy to set up. The top of the soundbar assembly has controls for power, volume up/down, and choice of sound source. It also has a button to switch between Bluetooth, HDM, I and TV (HDMI ARC). The connectivity includes Ethernet, optical, US, B and connection for power connection. The package also comes with an HDMI cable but does not have any optical cable.
The only hassle for the user will be to get all the components out of the massive box. But the soundbar connection is easy. There is one connection for the power cable, one connection for the subwoofer, and one HDMI cable for the HDMI arc port on the tv and the system will be good to go. Users are recommended to connect the wireless speakers with the wireless speaker to charge the bar. The Music performance stands perfectly for the price tag. Fixing the bass to mid-level, and lowering the Atmos drivers to the minimum level the system puts a refined experience of the bass. In conclusion, it can be said that JBL Bar 9.1 is a powerhouse. Though the price is in the premium range, it provides an immersive sound experience with a wireless rear channel thanks to the Dolby Atmos which provides a powerful sub that is easily adjustable.
Price
CostCo:
Sam's Club: NA
Best Buy: USD 1,199.99
Amazon: USD 1199.95
JBL Site: USD 1199 .95
JBL Bar 2.1 Deep Bass
Release Year: 2019
The low-cost and easy-to-use soundbars have separate customer appeal in the market. JBL Bar 2.0 All-in-One is one such model from the JBL brand. JBL has reintroduced its products and the designs are having features that scale as per the price tag. In terms of features, the Bar 2.1 Deep Bass and Bar 2.0 All-on-one have many similar features but there are differences. The Bar 2.1 has got a sleek design, can become loud ahead of its size, is simple to set up, and has a low cost.The speaker provides a dynamic and detailed movie sound experience. The sub-woofer has good depth. Two HDMI ports included in the device add flexibility. The design of the Bar 2.1 has the archetypal black sound bar appearance. It can be easily rested on a flat surface. The device can be termed as a small bar with a big sub.
The sub-woofer is new, and it offers various features which can be controlled by a simple remote. The main speaker is small and comes with a set of controls on top for volume, source and power. The wireless subwoofer is a monster. The subwoofer comes with a 6.5-inch driver which packs enough power to provide a movie experience. The speakers are limited by the laws of physics. The gap is fulfilled by a hefty bass response and it enhances the intelligibility of the dialogues and brings out details. The JBL 2.1 Big bass sounded more thrilling compared to Vizio and the Polk who are the competitors in the market. The single bass buttons come with three levels as the subwoofer is larger and more powerful. Users might feel a need for another level of bass when it comes to music listening.
Price
Costco:
Sam's Club: NA
Best Buy: USD 349.99
Amazon: USD 349.95
JBL Site: USD 289.94
Bar 5.0 Multi-beam
Release: 2021
The JBL Bar 5.0 Multi-beam has its ambition in the market. It is a more streaming-centric device that relies on a compact design. The Bar 5.0 has an excellent sound quality which generates great output for movies. The device comes with numerous streaming options. It has two HDMI outputs, virtual Dolby Atmos, and Wi-fi connectivity. The main speaker of the soundbar has three race track drivers three on the front and two mounted on each side. The remote control is simple and has a cool look. However, the setup system is a bit complex as it needs long presses and non intuitive actions. There is a dedicated control for Dolby Atmos which creates an Atmos-like effect even for non-Atmos media like sound and movies. An additional toggle button is provided for always-on Smart mode. The Beam model in terms of sound is subtle and it is ahead of most compact soundbars in terms of quality. Smart Mode adds depth to the movie sound. It can pick up low-end sounds which are often used in movies. The perfect setting of the bass can be achieved by setting the bass level to 2.
Bar 5.0 Multibeam has only issues with the simplicity of the remote control. The remote is counterintuitive in the way it makes the sound best. The JBL Bar 5.0 Multibeam can produce high-quality sound. Overall, the JBL Bar 5.0 is good for movies and it’s a boxy sound profile that packs a punch and adds a fair boom to the movies. Though it fails to push the bass at times, and there is a gap of deep rumble during the action sequences in the movies. The bass adjustment feature is commendable and can provide good support to the overall sound. The sound bar has the quality of getting louder compared to its size. If users look for a compact soundbar for a movie experience, this is the perfect JBL sound system with consistent output.
Price
Costco:
Sam's Club: NA
Best Buy: NA
Amazon: USD 399.95
JBL Site: USD 399.95
JBL Bar 5.1 Surround
Release: 2020
The JBL Bar 5.1 Surround appeared as a versatile soundbar which makes it decent for various uses. The multi-beam technology planted in the sound bar plays surround sound virtually and uses a multi-beam technology which brings more cinematic effects to the living room. The product is priced at USD 649. 95 with an Austere 2 series 4K HDMI cable. JBL Bar 5.1 has some premium features which puts it ahead in the list of the year 2020 midrange soundbars. The system comes with a room correction tool that can optimize the audio depending on the room acoustics which vary from one another. In comparison to its predecessors, JBL Bar 5.1 has enhanced its musical consistency. It has expanded its expertise in film and music. Considering the price point of the product, Bar 5.1 Surround is a deal breaker for consumers.
The device has a powerful bass depth and crisis with clear highs. The system has an adjustable bass EQ with a wireless subwoofer. The product has introduced multi-beam technology which is ahead of its predecessors. It can fill up the room with an immersive theater-like audio experience. For the given price the system is a solid soundbar that has an HDMI cable, HDMI ARC TV, and optical and USB for services and playback. The sub-woofer has a power and pairing button. While playing music like orchestral tracks, the sound is crisp with solid bass which helps to anchor the mix. The sound bar can deliver a robust, dynamic, balanced sound and it will need little bass level adjustment.
Costco:
Sam's Club: NA
Best Buy: USD 299.99
Amazon: USD 399.95
JBL Site: USD 459.94 (with Austere III series 4K cable)
Bar 2.0 all-in-one
Release: 2019
The previous entry-level soundbar from JBL, the Bar studio has come with a choice of five presets, user adjustment of bass outputs, and implementation of virtual surround sound. The replacement model, Bar 2.0 has been refreshed ahead of all the previous options. The Bar 2.0 all-in-one has removed all the clutters, and come up with only power, volume, mute, and TV/Bluetooth source. The setup of the device has become simple. Users can connect it to a TV using the HDMI ARC connection or digital optical audio input. The soundbar is compact and neatly styled with rounded edges and a full grille on the front. LED light denotes the volume changes. The new release has got increased onboard power which claims to be 80W. The device has a low end of 70 HZ which packs in enough depth to support cinematic effects without affecting the quality. The LF output works well with the midrange details for a smoother and even balance.
The device features a consistency where it can work well with the solid handling of dialogues, noticeable variation of bass and crispness of sound for daily tv viewing. During football broadcasts, the soundbar shows clear whistles, and claps and adjusts with the scale of the stadium. Overall, the product is a perfect example of how a product should focus on generating perfect sound. The soundbar is simple, punchy, and authoritative sonics and the affordable price of Bar 2.0 all-in-one follows a new line of design that is common in all the new JBL soundbars. The top side of Bar 2.0 all-in-one has been minimal where there are in-built controls that have been kept in the center. It provides simplicity of design but functionality. The Bar 2.0 All-in-one has Dolby Audio support which reflects that Dolby Digital is downmixed in the 2.0 channels to ensure decent playback in the unit.
Costco:
Sam's Club: NA
Best Buy: USD 199.99
Amazon: USD 199.95
JBL Site: USD 199.95