JBL Bar 5.1 Surround is a superb 5.1 arrangement that makes use of Multibeam technology to further improve its overall performance without the need for satellites that back it.
Its sound profile provides powerful and booming bass (ideal for movies) and is action-packed as well as EDM music. It also has room correction and the ability to stream music directly to the bar using a variety of remote options.
Unfortunately, it does not support Dolby Atmos standards and comes with a limited set of EQ options, but it’s acceptable at this price.
Design
The Bar 5.1 Surround comes in a dark matte and comes with a speaker that is 2.3” x 40.0” x 3.9” (HWD) weighting 6.2 pounds. There’s also an additional subwoofer in the remote that measures 17.3 inches by 12.0” by 12.0,” weighing 23.4 pounds. Both pieces connect and down when the volume is turned upwards.
The bar can rest on top of a tabletop or be set in a divider by using the included sections and screws. The front of the bar is a fully metallic speaker grille that has a beautiful white LED reading which lets you know the source of the sound you’re connecting to. In the grille, it is equipped with five-course design drivers and two sides-terminating1.25-inch tweeters, each with 5 channels that each consume 50 watts with a 300-watt sub.
The sub has 10 inches of down-terminating woofers that acts as an audio port in the backboard. The construction and features are able to deliver the power of 550 watts with an oscillation range that ranges from 40Hz to 20kHz. There are connections across the rear of the soundbar to allow HDMI (video into for 4K goals pass to), HDMI ARC (TV), optical, USB (for both aid and playback of sound) as well as the power link.
The subwoofer comes with an option for power or blending located on its backboard. It’s a simple click to the right of the association to activate the power link included. There’s an HDMI connection, but it’s not an optical link. The controller is powered by 2 AAA batteries (included) and includes buttons for TV, Power (HDMI Audio Control), Bass Level, Bluetooth, HDMI (This is the video input that 4K goal to go through), Mute, and Volume Up/Down.
It’s not unlike a majority of the soundbars that we test. There’s no selection of sound settings here that are similar to Music or Movie. It’s not really a drawback; however, it would be nice to have more powerful and precise EQ controls, rather than an uninspiring bass level range of Mid, Low or High for browsing. It’s virtually impossible to change high pitch, for instance. The volume range is between 1-31, and at maximum thresholds, the structure becomes extremely agitated and load.
Film Performance
We were able to see (and was able to hear) an incredible scene during testing. Edge Runner 2049’s accident scene that sees Ryan Gosling tumbles from the skies looks like a military-grade Lamborghini, which flies and includes several blasts. With the help of Bar 5.1 Surround, it sounds a little tinny in low and mid-bass but stunning at high.
Also, for motion films, especially those with a significant amount of bass like this and in the audio cues and also in the actual soundtrack, you need to boost the output of your subwoofer. The sound is clean and fresh. Even when the sub is at its maximum, it’s clear that there’s a great sound that is balanced between the highs and lows.
When it is at the point that Death Star detonates in Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope, the 5.1 Surround emits a powerful thunder, particularly when the you adjust the bass setting to maximum.
When the model’s volume is pushed to the max and the bass set to its maximum, you will get an authentic sound experience. The bass is strong and the volume sufficiently high. But the overall power is lower as compared to music. In the final moments of your day, if you enjoy watching movies loudly, this model can provide a real thunderous experience that is way too real.
Music Performance
In the wake of a powerful sub-bass sound like knives, The’s “Quiet Shout” with bass levels around mid-range, this Bar 5.1 Surround delivers a remarkably low-recurrence that brings happiness to lovers of bass. Even at the most extreme volume levels–for music, extremely uproarious — the bass can really hurt your ears.
In the most extreme volume levels, the roar is intense, with powerful divider shaking. We recommend a low-to-medium volume for any music and using low and mid-bass frequencies that will lead to generally balanced bombshells. Surprisingly, the sub-bass synth sounds that underscore the beat have less importance in relation to the thunder of the drum circle. This isn’t the norm when a soundbar is useful to produce a massive bass sound.
It’s typically the sub-bass synth sounds that shake the room. However, those lows are tighter throughout The bar 5.1 Surround, and its drum circles and bass flows with vitality. It’s a stunning sound in any situation and, when lows have been set at mid-range, this track will have an impressive balance throughout the recurrence spectrum. The vocals are delivered in a clear and precise manner, and there is no extra vibrato.
Symphonic tracks, like the first scene from John Adams’ The Gospel According to the Mpther Mary, were fresh and had a strong bass that anchored the mix in our tests. The subwoofer’s setting here has an unquestionably lower impact than other models, principally due to the basis that there’s not as much bass to alter in this particular mix.
But we recommend the low or mid setting for jazz and old-fashioned. In general, the bar 5.1 Surround is capable of providing a dynamic, powerful adjustable sound signature. But, it is possible to adjust the bass level to fit your ears. Each listener has their own preference.
Our Verdict
This JBL Bar 5.1 Soundbar is good for television and conversation shows. It can produce amazingly precise and clear dialogue. However, it doesn’t include an upgrade feature to further improve vocal clarity. For potential gains, the bar has an auto-volume option available. It is also possible to stream your favourite audiobooks or webcasts to the bar using Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. You get Chromecast integrated AirPlay and Apple . This soundbar is 100% recommendable.
