JBL - BAR 500 5.1ch Dolby Atmos Soundbar with Wireless Subwoofer - Black
Key Features
- Format Type: Yes
- Output Power (Watts): 290
- Bluetooth Connectivity: Yes
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Delivery & Pickup Options
Delivery and Pickup Options
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Call Customer Service at (877) 727-1909 let us know how to help.
Delivery and Pickup Options
Superior Service, Before, During & After the Sale
We're dedicated to providing you with fast and reliable shipping options to get your products where they need to go.
Questions?
Call Customer Service at (877) 727-1909 let us know how to help.
Delivery and Pickup Options
Superior Service, Before, During & After the Sale
We're dedicated to providing you with fast and reliable shipping options to get your products where they need to go.
Questions?
Call Customer Service at (877) 727-1909 let us know how to help.
Delivery and Pickup Options
Superior Service, Before, During & After the Sale
We're dedicated to providing you with fast and reliable shipping options to get your products where they need to go.
Questions?
Call Customer Service at (877) 727-1909 let us know how to help.
Installation Options
About this Item
Specifications
Output Power (Watts)
290 Watts Output
Bluetooth Connectivity
Yes
WiFi
Yes
Optical Audio Input
Yes
HDMI Inputs
1 HDMI Input(s)
Remote Control
Yes
Additional Features
Dolby Atmos and MultiBeam surround sound, 10 wireless subwoofer, PureVoice dialogue enhancement technology, Built-In Wi-Fi with AirPlay, Alexa Multi-Room Music and Chromecast built-in, Works with voice assistant-enabled speakers, HDMI eARC with 4K Dolby Vision passthrough.
Dimensions
40.0(w) X 2.2(h) X 4.0(d)
Shipping Weight
36 lbs
Reviews
Rated 5 out of
5
by
prince316 from
Soundbar with a BOOM!
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] I recently had the opportunity to try out the JBL Bar 500 and I was thoroughly impressed with its performance. JBL does not disappoint as always!
Build Quality:
Sleek and sophisticated 10 Inch soundbar with 590W total output with pristine build quality.
Features:
It is loaded with
1. Multi Beam Technology with 6 front and side speakers. Sub Woofer that shakes your room.
2. Built In Chromecast, helping you to connect your audio apps directly to play music.
3. Alexa Multi Room Music, seamless integration with other echo devices: You can have your favorite tunes playing throughout the house.
4. Seamless voice integration
5. Can connect via HDMI ARC and Bluetooth
6. Room correction tool is a game changer to optimize the sound based on your surroundings. It worked wonders in my basement.
Audio Quality: This Bar 500 provides exceptional audio with clear dimension, distortion-free bass for an immersive experience when watching movies. The crystal-clear sound setup and impactful bass enhance audio immersion, ensuring optimal performance and precise sound adjustments tailored to your preferences.
Set Up:
The Bar 500 stands out for its exceptional performance in setup, usability, and seamless app integration. It effortlessly syncs with the subwoofer and television, boasting a remote control that is intuitive and easy to navigate. Setting up Chromecast for top-notch music playback is a simple process, enhancing the overall entertainment experience. The JBL One app further enhances user convenience by streamlining setup procedures, providing regular updates, allowing for precise sound adjustments, and offering access to a variety of streaming services.
Date published: 2024-02-20
Rated 5 out of
5
by
JeremyF from
The beat will keep bumpin!
This thing is amazing! I wish I had made this purchase years ago instead of wasting money on the cheaper 5.1 sound bars. The subwoofer engulfs the old Sony I had, and the bar gets theater loud with good clarity. The first thing I did was put on a NASCAR race, and when the engine start command was given, you could feel the engines fire up! I took this to use at a party in a university conference room, and that party was poppin! Even down the hall, it sounded and felt like a party should.
Date published: 2023-12-12
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Joesfplumbing from
Great speakers
You can never go wrong with JBL
Can’t wait to buy JBL EON715 15" Powered Loudspeaker
Date published: 2023-09-09
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Michael93 from
Superb Sound & Thunderous Bass
Superb Sound quality with thunderous bass! Pros: just about everything... except two tiny cons: ONE- PureVoice feature is not a definite on or off feature (you can turn it off, but it'll be back on after a power cycle) I know this is by design, but I hope they change it in a future firmware update. In my opinion the PureVoice feature wrecks the dialogue when it's not needed (which is 99% of the time if you are using HDMI passthrough), so I'm constantly turning it off which will eventually wear out the two buttons needed to turn the feature on or off... not the end of the world to have to turn it off during each use, just an unnecessary hassle. AND TWO- less of a big deal, but still annoying nonetheless... The network connection will "flutter" briefly on occasion (usually once per use) and as a result "NO NETWORK" then "NETWORK READY" scrolls across the information display on the soundbar... Haven't been able to figure that one out yet.
All in all, an EXCELLENT choice for premium virtual surround sound quality (especially if the content has Dolby Atmos surround) and thunderous couch vibrating bass from a company that's been around for a very long time.
I DEFINITELY RECOMMEND IT!
Date published: 2023-07-23
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Van Goghs Ear from
Simplify Your Audio
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] I was extremely apprensive about trying a Soundbar and Subwoofer combination as a surround sound option. It didn't seem likely that such a set-up would be able to deliver the sound you would normally expect from a traditional arrangement using 5 or more speakers. With this economical solution that was not the case. It delivered beyond my expectations and did this with a simpler, more minimalist look. The audio clarity was comparable to many higher priced products (unnecessarily high), found at audiophile stores. JBL is known for it's unflinching quality and high standards to please the most exacting customers. Give up the "stockpile" of speakers without sacrificing a true surround sound experience...
Date published: 2023-02-11
Rated 5 out of
5
by
The Bald Guy from
I could close my eyes and see the sound stage!
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] Soundbars have come a long ways over the years.The JBL BAR 500 appears to be a reasonably good system evolved over the years. I am in the starting phase of building a video/audio area, I used what was available to play and test this system.
And came away with some thoughts.
1. Pretty much a plug and play unit
2. Initial setup easy but a little time consuming
3. Does not look correct with a 40” TV. Needs 50” or bigger
4. The height is amazing compared to the sound output
5. The width of the soundbar too much, but did change my mind later
6. LED’s under mesh on right side eliminate guessing
7. The app for my phone followed the KISS principle. (keep it simple stupid)
8. Parts included: remote, batteries, brackets, HDMI cable and so on
9. Power cords plugged straight into subwoofer and soundbar without a power block
10. The products were packaged quite well, but see below in the negatives
Changes I can and will suggest.
1. In the app change to a 5 point equalizer from the three point equalizer
2. Add a one meter optical cable
3. The power cords to the sound bar and subwoofer could be 50% longer
4. Adjustable time for the LED’s . Seemed too short a time for my taste
5. In the Phone app a button for a flat sound, no boost on anything/frequency
6. Might consider a 120V plug on the back of the soundbar for the TV.
A duplex is not enough to power the TV, soundbar and woofer.
The negatives.
1. Due to the unbalanced weight the package was hard to carry and maneuver.
How about a carry strap or maybe dual handles? My Grandson did the heavy lifting.
2. Kind of shy on the instructions. Bigger and bolder print would be a bonus for tired eyes
3. On the app, said Chromecast included. Never got that figured out.
Needed more info maybe in the instruction booklet?
Sound: the important subject.
1. The soundbar produces a vocal forward sound. Vocals are enhanced - wonderful!
2. Those with reduced hearing will appreciate the enhanced vocals
3. The subwoofer is not overwhelming and balanced to the soundbar output.
4. The five steps for the subwoofer loudness is effective.
5. The sound for music is quite good, but do not compare to a true HI-FI system
6. Side note: My Grandson felt the sound for his preferred music was excellent.
7. Depending on what is playing the sound can be immersive
8. The sounds are not harsh so listening for extended periods not an issue
Final thoughts
1. The design and execution of design works for the intended purpose
2. The sound is balanced for watching a wide variety of TV shows.
3. The best sound for me was centered a reasonable distance from the system
4. Off center listening still way more than acceptable
5. The design works. Now I understand the length of the soundbar
6. I will be using this system for a long time to come.
7. Overall a very favorable rating from Grandpa and Grandson
Date published: 2023-02-07
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Neuty from
Excellent quality and value!
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] JBL hasn’t lost their touch! Sound quality and bass exposure is excellent at this price point. I did have a few issues with the bass not connecting to the sound bar but that was handled by my in-house IT (14 y/o son) with ease.
Date published: 2023-02-07
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Vrios91 from
Very Impressed with the Loud Sound!!!
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] Never been a fan of "Sound Bars" because I had heard other Bars and wasn't impressed. But this Sound Bar is not what I expected. The clarity and bass is outstanding. I installed in my son's room to his gaming console.. and wow!, what a difference. It shakes the bedroom door. The Bass is Solid and Clear, no distortion so far. Music sounds great as well. He plays Rock, Hip Hop, and some Cumbias lol and Sounds awesome. Cons... Iam having to tell him to lower the volume all the time.. lol and his sister now wants to watch movies in his room all the time lol. The remote is very easy to use as well. Sound Bar also works with the HDMI ARC compatible Tv's which makes it easier to control both devices (Tv & Sound Bar) with the same Remote. Definitely recommend it!!
Date published: 2023-02-03
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Dave b from
Bar 500 home sound bar with subwoofer
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] This sound bar get loud.that subwoofer that it comes with booms!.easy Bluetooth hookup so no wires anywhere.if you live in a condo this may be too much system for your place.will shake the walls.sub has a huge 10 inch woofer with power to spare.never distorted at maximum volume.the bar itself easily handles the mids and trebles excellently.uses HDMI and optical outputs.no rca jacks so if you have an older TV be aware of this.easily hooks up to your phone for music.has a pause skip song button on remote for easy control.can hookup to wifi but I don't have that.has a calibration button which will automatically adjust sound to fit any room.this is a cool feature I've seen on top of line home receivers.make movies incredible and music awesome with this system.love it!
Date published: 2023-01-31
Rated 5 out of
5
by
StephLR87 from
Great midlevel soundbar
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] Superior sound with great bass. This sound bar subwoofer combo is perfect. Set up took a bit of time to get the soundbar synced with the TV remote. Other than that, superior sound, sleek design, great bass.
Date published: 2023-01-31
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Achambers1978 from
Amazing sound if you cant place satellite speakers
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] For this JBL Bar 500, I'll skip the specs since that info is really available, and I'll stick with my impressions and recommendations. Overall, the sound is incredible and whatever magic JBL uses to create an Atmos soundstage, it works. Now that being said, I'm able to directly compare this against other types of sound systems. 1: A mid-to-low end soundbar with sub and rear satellites. 2. A mid-to-high end soundbar with sub. 3. My 5.2.1 Atmos home theater system, with a full receiver and a JBL subwoofer that costs as much as the entire Bar 500 system.
In regards to sound quality, the Bar500 sits right up at the top of that group, about even with another higher end soundbar and just below my full home theater. Really crisp, rich sound, and plenty of bass.
For soundstage, this is where things get interesting. Compared to the higher end bar with no rear speakers, the immersive, surrounding sound of the Bar 500 really grabs you. Now, comparing it to my home theater, and even the lower end soundbar with rear satellites, I DO notice the lack of actual speakers behind and above me. It seems to be that the engineers are able to bounce those rear and height sounds where they need to go, BUT, since they are bouncing there, you notice them in more spatial locations then JUST above or behind you. So the sounds ARE above and behind you, but also everywhere else a bit, too. To summarize: Uh-mazing for a soundbar with no satellites, but you just can't compare to real, physical speakers.
An area where the Bar500 really shines is the setup, ease of use features, and the app. Power it on and it will boot up, find and connect the sub and then auto sense the TV and any inputs. The remote is intuitive and feels great. I installed the JBL One app which sound the unit immediately, asked for my wifi password, and then updated itself. After that I could calibrate the sound, use the equalizer, change settings, or manage built in streaming services. Everything was very slick and well done.
One thing I hope JBL will change with an update is this: when the bar senses a new sound stream, it will let you know on the display. Unfortunately, I only ever saw it say: Multi channel signal, rather than a specific description such as Dolby Atmos, DTS, Dolby Digital, etc. If it doesn't recognize the signal, such as when I tried to send it a direct PCM stream, or just displays Unsupported Format. At the very least, if you could get more detailed info on the app, that would be nice.
To summarize, if you want to add amazing sound (with real surround sound) with just a soundbar and sub, and you want great streaming features and plug and play setup, this is for you. However, if you are looking for this soundbar package to replace or rival a full home theater system, it won't. Frankly, I don't think a soundbar without satellites can. But if your setup doesn't allow for rear speakers, or you don't want to deal with them, this is the next best thing.
Date published: 2023-01-31
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Bambino1242 from
Very user friendly/ Amazing sound!
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] I have been in the market for a sound bar for a while now and I never really found one that met my expectations until now. This sound bar meets all expectations and then some. It has that JBL sound that you expect in a JBL product. The theater quality sound is above and beyond what I could of asked for. The setup out of the box was so incredibly easy and user friendly. The JBL One app made it very quick and easy to set up the Bluetooth for the subwoofer and bar. I was able to connect multiple devices to the system with ease, the whole process took about 10 minutes. One movie I watched was bond film and I was surrounded by all the action in the film thanks to the technology in this sound bar. The bass that came out of the subwoofer shook the whole house. If you’re in the market for a sound bar for your home theater experience that is easy to set up and makes you feel like you’re in the movie you’re watching, you definitely want this for your home.
Date published: 2023-01-31
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Sinuhe_0123 from
Blown Away!!!!
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] I was looking for a new sound bar to upgrade my 6 year old living room's sound system. I then came across the JBL Bar 500, and I'm glad I did! The sound is very good for a sound bar, specially when watching Atmos content, a first for me. When listening to Atmos content I could hear the sound coming from all around the room, not just from the front like with the old soundbar. The remote comes with a Calibration button so this helps set up the perfect sound for my living room. Speaking of the setup, I had a bit of a problem connecting the Bar 500 to wifi and complete the setup using the JBL One app, after restarting the router and selecting a different network the Bar 500 went through an update process that took about 10 minutes. I like how simple the JBL One is since it lets me use a digital remote and manage some EQ settings for better sound. The digital remote is a big deal since is have 2 kids that like grabbing the remotes around the house, I hid the original remote in a safe place and I'm only using the remote on the app now. The remote comes with different buttons to control each input and also the Bass Level, level 4 is the sweet spot for me. Speaking of the Bass, the subwoofer looks very sleek and fits well with the furniture in the living room. When it comes to inputs the Bar 500 will only have one HDMI input, I use it for my streaming device. The TV output goes directly to the TV and I'm able to get 4k signal through the Bar 500. I also have 3 gaming systems connected to the TV and use the Digital input for the Audio. The only weird thing is that I have to unplug the HDMI input cable from the Bar 500 in order to get audio using the TV/Digital input. Most of the time the streaming device is playing something on the TV so it's not that big of a deal to unplug the HDMI when it is time for a gaming session. The Bar 500 is loud most of the time the audio is set to 10-13. My family is very happy with this new JBL Bar 500, movies, music and games have never sounded this good.
Date published: 2023-01-26
Rated 5 out of
5
by
apalmo1 from
Movie Night at Home
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] This is a real easy sound bar to setup and use. After unboxing I had it connected to my projector in about 5 minutes. It took me a while to setup the wifi, but I was able to do that using the google home app, I was using the wrong JBL app. Once connected to wifi it did do an update, so I recommend setting up the wifi so the sound bar can get updates or use the built in chrome cast.
I really wish that the instruction manual would say what the buttons do on the remote and sound bar. I still need to do some digging to figure out what some of them do, but for now its working great. Once you have the sound bar in place and working, push the CALIBR button on the remote. This will produce a weird sound, but its setting up the sound bar to optimally work for your space. Mine is setup in the middle of the room (basement) about 8 feet away from the screen. The calibration made the way the surround work much better. even though the sound bar is 8 feet away from me and also 8 feet away from the screen, the sound engulfed the whole room. You can really hear surround effects as if you have many more speakers in the room.
I also have a JBL Bar 2.1 Deep bass which is great, but the bar 500 blows it away. First the sub with the bar 500 is much larger and sound bar speaker array is way better. The bar 500 is great for a larger space whereas the bar 2.1 deep bass is great for a smaller room. The bar 500 filled my basement with true movie like effects. The sub is large and produces strong bass! The sub even at normal volume levels was shaking cabinets on the first floor (I had the bass at the highest setting). You can adjust the bass using the remote, but I like a lot of bass. Watching movies on my projector have really come to life because of this sound bar.
I wish the sound bar had one or two more HDMI ports to connect other devices. Currently you have one input and one output. My projector only has one HDMI input so having a sound bar with one or two extra would have been nice. This is just me being nit picky but the sound bar and sub are different shades of black/gray. Its not a huge deal but something I noticed as all my other sound bars match the sub.
I think the bar 500 is another win for JBL. I would consider maybe going to the next level and get the one with true surround speakers. However the bar 500 does a great job and really made my projector come to life and make it feel like we are at the movies! JBL makes great speakers, sound bars, etc you really cant go wrong with anyone of them.
Date published: 2023-01-26
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Miguel C from
JBL BAR 500 PACKS A PUNCH OF SOUND!
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] Amazing sound! The JBL Bar 500 soundbar is very well constructed. Just make sure to calibrate the soundbar to your room with the settings to get it dialed in. It has 5.1 surround with Dolby Atmos. Listening to movies can be heard very clearly with dialogue enhancement technology integrated on the soundbar. Amazingly, sounds can also be heard from different angles without any rear surround speakers.The soundbar does have front and side firing speakers, but I noticed no up-firing speakers. It does connect via hdmi E-Arc and has an additional hdmi input, ethernet, usb, and optical input. However, I wish there was an additional HDMI input on the soundbar. Overall, the 10-inch subwoofer, clarity, Dolby Atmos, and punchy base do make up for an immersive sound experience. This soundbar can definitely put out some power. A whopping 590 watts total can be heard when you raise the volume with no distortion. Plus, using the JBL app and listening to music is very impressive with clear highs and lows and a boomy base from the sub. With the JBL One app, you can customize your own personal settings and connect it via WIFI. I like that you can link your voice assistant device and ask to stream your music to the soundbar. The JBL bar 500 is an excellent soundbar with great sound and base that can fill a room when watching movies or listening to music in a convenient package.
Date published: 2023-01-26
Rated 5 out of
5
by
EricGCWI from
Great sound and ease of use!!
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] I was always hesitant to get a sound bar because I hated the idea of having to deal with another remote just to control sound. But apparently I should have done research sooner! With HDMI and the ARC or eARC function on newer TV's you don't have to. The bar and turns on and off with the tv automatically. The ARC function also makes it so you don't have to use up another HDMI port, you connect whatever device you have to the bar, and then that to the ARC port on the TV. The only hiccup I had setting it up was it didn't like my TDS receiver on the ARC input, the picture kept flickering, but once I put it through the PS4 everything was fine. One other weird bugaboo, when I turn off the TV, it just says "mute" on the display all the time instead of turning itself off. I tried switching it through another device and even tried just hooking it directly to the TV but it won't turn that word off unless I manaully turn it off with the remote. I have a JBL sound bar 300 on a different TV and it doesn't do that. I may try to reset it and start over, maybe I goofed something on setup. It works through all the gaming systems and TV sound automatically.
Now to the sound! It sounds great, and configuring was easy. It pretty much walks you through it when installing. I highly recommend downloading the JBL One app to help with the setup. It connected super easy to the sub. The sub, by the way, is a great size to double as an end table, it's tall enough. Watching movies is awesome on this, the sound bar makes hearing subtle dialogue easy, and when the scenes ramp up the sound intensifies and you really feel it! It also has Bluetooth capabilities to connect directly to your phone and you can play whatever you want on it. Just click the TV button on the remote to bring it back to the TV's sound. There's a nice rich sound with deep bass on everything you watch. There's a 1-5 setting for bass, even at 1 it's plenty for most TV you'd watch, it's kind of fun to crank it up listening to music or watching action flicks.
There's a setup function that calibrates the bar's sound to the room you're using it in to make it have a surround sound feel. This bar is nice and wide so it really creates a surround feel without adding extra speakers all over the place. You can USB or optical to this unit also but pretty much the included HDMI chord is all you use. The sub has a power plug but that's it, it has a wireless connection the bar which is a nice function.
Date published: 2023-01-26
Rated 5 out of
5
by
68eight from
Bigger Sounds Better
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] Love the tight bass.Most soundbars subwoofers are 6 or 8 inch.This comes with a 10 in with a total of 590 watts so this is where you'll notice the difference.While most underpowered smaller subs struggle with distorted bass this one has much to spare.From videos to movies the system is cristal clear and bass hits tight and hard.The sound is truly amazing. Coming from a smaller unit i definitely noticed the difference.Now it does have it's drawback primarily the size of the sub its 17in tall and 12 x12 wide/depth.The soundbar is 2in height 4 in depth 40 in wide.A 50 in plus tv is a must for a bar of this size.It comes with all the latest tech and sound features.The remote is simple to use and the install with hdmi arc took 2 min.The bracket and screws are included for those who prefer a cleaner look and mount it.Love that you can see the volume and settings on soundbar with its built-in lcd.The materials and quality feel and look very high end.If shopping for a soundbar you cannot go wrong with this one.
Date published: 2023-01-24
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Scallywag from
Incredible Sound System
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] The JBL Bar 500 is a PHENOMENAL sound system. I have been testing it out with all kinds of movies, TV shows, and music. The bar itself is pretty good, but once the subwoofer is connected, the sound has a new depth that completely revolutionizes the experience. Setup was very easy and straight forward -- plug and play. I actually use this for my home PC setup connected via Bluetooth and I love it! The bar sits on my desk underneath my monitors, and the subwoofer is underneath the desk. Both items are very sturdy and appear to have a good build quality. Being matte black, they keep a low visual profile as well.
As for sound, it checks all the boxes you want for a sound system. Vocals and acoustics are crystal clear and the bass is PUNCHY if you want it to be. There is also a calibration system that adjusts to the acoustics of the room the speaker is in. The speakers can get LOUD which perfect for parties or if you just want vibe to some tunes as well.
Date published: 2023-01-24
Rated 5 out of
5
by
taro from
Balanced sound with decent sound stage
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] The sound bar itself is fairly compact with wireless subwoofer being the largest footprint. Sub at level 5 is not distorted but level 4 would in most cases be more natural sounding.
The remote is very basic while the smart mode works with TV. eARC initially not recognize (Sony 65 inch as a size reference in attached photo) but later for some reason works without user input.
Date published: 2023-01-23
Rated 4 out of
5
by
Richard from
QUALITY SOUND!!!
Powerful soundbar with good clear sound...This is a Must Buy in my opinion!
Date published: 2024-02-11
Rated 4 out of
5
by
RobbieRex from
Great sound!
I give the Bar 500 a 4.5 out of 5. I didn't want a system that was overly complex with speakers everywhere so this fit the bill. I'm very happy with the sound and the sub does a real nice job. I think this is a really nice set up for the money. I have had an issue with the soundbar not always working when I turn on the TV. I've had to unplug the soundbar and plug it back in and then it syncs back up. I also wish that the volume on the TV were better synced with the soundbar. If I go up one increment in volume on the soundbar it moves the TV sound up 3 increments. I'm hoping that a future software upgrade will fix this issue.
Date published: 2023-10-31
Rated 4 out of
5
by
MNnice from
Big sound, small appearance
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] The Bar 500 black pairs well with my 42” tv that was in need of better sound. The sound bar is just slightly shorter than the horizontal length of my tv. I chose to have it just sit on the entertainment center. The subwoofer is sleek black in color and sits well, unnoticed next to my entertainment center.
Set up was easy. I utilized a Roku streaming stick, flatscreen tv, and the included HDMI cables to set up for my main living room tv.
The remote is small and slim. Buttons are easy to use and straightforward functions. Good remote range from across the room.
The first thing I watched after setting up was a NHL hockey game. Wow, big and clear sound as if you were there at the arena.
The bass effect outdoes the basic sound of my tv. No more boring movies. Even enhances regular tv shows with background music.
With the ability to connect to WiFi and also to Bluetooth, I plan to use the Bar 500 black to play internet streaming music services and to connect to a smartphone to play music on a playlist. Easy to connect to the Bluetooth.
Overall I’m pleased with the performance of the Bar 500 black. A great product for anyone looking to enhance their tv and music experience without committing to a full surround sound system.
The only drawback I’ve found so far is now needing the JBL remote to adjust volume and power on the Roku streaming stick that is plugged into the Bar 500 black. This results in needing three remotes to watch tv (tv remote for power, Roku remote to access smart apps and change channels, and the JBL remote to adjust volume and power on Roku stick). I maybe missing or overlooking an easier way to manage all the devices and how to simplify remote needs. I haven’t researched enough yet though to tackle or resolve that minor con.
Date published: 2023-02-14
Rated 4 out of
5
by
Kul27 from
It will make you happy
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] So I was pretty psyched to recieve this soundbar and subwoofer setup. Having built a full 5.1 Surround sound (Infinty speakers) setup like 5 or 6 years ago, I was curious as to how it would compare. And compare it did. First, it is a clean, quality look from JBL as far as the speaker design is. I have always been hesitant on the wireless subwoofer, but it left no questions on signal and ability to hit hard. It was easy to setup and calibrate. The only downside was having to get an audio only cable for hookup to my older TV. But to call that a downside is kinda bull to begin with. I was able to get everything unpackaged and setup while watching my three year old and 5 month old. And in less than an hour. This setup makes me question why I even need my fancy setup downstairs. Great sound and easily used. Loved the bass output button on the controller. Makes it nicer for less house shake when the kids finally fall asleep.
Date published: 2023-02-08
Rated 4 out of
5
by
Duffer917 from
Great system for the size.
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] The JBL Bar 500. I must admit I was a bit skeptical when I opened the box. The bar was lighter than I expected at 6 lbs for the bar and 22 for the woofer. My other phone set is substantially heavier. I am presently surprised.
The Bar was extremely easy to set up. Best way for the system is via the eARC to the TV. This allows the TV/Bar to recognize each system and lets your TV remote control most functions of the Bar; on/off, volume, etc.
After plugging in the system, download the JBL One App which allows more settings, especially the equalizer. This bar isn't a sound beast, so crank up the settings to max. You can back off from there to your liking. Make certain to calibrate the bar from the remote. It maximizes the bar to it's environment so as to give you the best sound mix based on your room. Definitely makes a difference in surround sound.
Surround sound is not as effective as having separate speakers, but you're not paying for extras and not trying to find electrical outlets and a place to hide the speakers either. The Bar does a decent job, especially in smaller areas. When I initially plugged in the system, it sounded a bit "tinny", but after calibration and adjusting the equalizer, I am quite impressed.
The Bar 500 isn't quite the system I already had, but at about 1/3 the price, I'm impressed.
The additional attributes of the system are WiFi 6, latest Bluetooth (and simple set-up), as well as most interfaces you'd expect such as Alexa, apple airplay, etc.
Overall, a solid performer!
Date published: 2023-01-31
Rated 4 out of
5
by
benrudolph from
Overall great soundbar with room for improvement
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] I have been wanting to get a soundbar for our dining room TV. It's where we catch up on shows while eating dinner. The built in speakers on the TV just made it very hard to hear voices. My family was getting tired of me having to crank the TV up just to hear people speak.
Enter the JBL Bar 500. So far, after about two weeks I am pretty impressed. And my family is glad that I don't need to crank the TV up. Because we all know TV speakers just get loud. There is no balance. So I will start with things that I liked about the Bar 500, then go into things I feel need improved.
Starting with the unbox, it was your typical soundbar box. Big on one end for the subwoofer, long and skinny on the other. After unpacking, the first thing I noticed was the build quality. Nothing felt cheap and the subwoofer looked/felt very impressive. There was a heft to everything. One thing that really stuck out was the inclusion of hardware to mount the soundbar on the wall. I was ready for a hardware run for mounting brackets but glad I didn't have to. Another nice feature were the rubber feat on the subwoofer and the soundbar. I assume to cut down on vibrations. Whether mounted or sitting on a stand. After getting everything plugged in and mounted it was time for setup. The quick start guide was super simple and easy to follow. The remote also made setup easy with a dedicated button for calibration. No need to dig through an app. Remote also has dedicated bass and input buttons. I love bass, my wife not so much. So being able to quickly turn it down is a plus.
As far as the sound goes, I was impressed for the most part. Without rear surround speakers, it is hard to create the signature Dolby Atmos sound. I have used Atmos on over the ear headphones and it sounds phenomenal. So that part was a little disappointing. But for being just a front facing speaker with a subwoofer, I was pleased with the overall sound. I have to say some of that could also be my room. In the quick start guide it has an illustration with sound bouncing off walls to the left and right of the soundbar. I have a curtain on the left side and the room opens up to the living room on the right. So no walls for the sound to bounce off of.
Dialogue was clear and for me that was the main reason for getting a soundbar for the TV. It does lean towards heavy bass and mid sounds. Which seems to be the norm for JBL products. So I did appreciate the bass button, as mentioned before, and the App which has a basic EQ for bass, mid and treble adjustments.
Listening and watching music videos on my Apple TV 4K is a blast. I think that's where this unit shines for me. Music and music videos. Not that it's bad at movies, it's actually great. It just made watching music videos fun and it was like a time warp back to my MTV days.
On to the things I didn't like or could use some improvements.
The biggest room for improvement is the App in my opinion. Very minimalistic which is nice to look at, but it felt like it was lacking features to enhance the listening experience. Like maybe some presets for the EQ. One for music (rock, hip-hop, pop, etc.) and another for movies (speech enhancement, balanced for bass and treble). I know there was a mention of a feature called Pure Voice in the marketing materials but no setting to turn off or on in the app or remote. It would be nice to toggle off/on to hear the difference it truly makes.
No support for Apple Music in the App. Which renders the "Moment" button on the remote useless for me. Sounds like a neat feature but one I won't get to experience.
I did not like the tiny display that scrolls text when settings are changed, volume increased, inputs changed. To me it could have been made wide enough to display "Dolby Surround" without having to scroll the text. Just feels like an after thought. Looks to only be able to display 5 characters at a time.
Overall I am pleased with the Bar 500 and could recommend it to anyone that has the right setup to get the best sound from it. If you don't have a TV that supports Dolby Atmos or a set-top box like an Apple TV 4K, Roku 4K models then you won't get the full experience. Like any of these cool new video and audio technologies, they are nothing without the proper source.
Date published: 2023-01-29
Rated 3 out of
5
by
Broncos Fan from
Disappointed
When it’s working properly, the sound is great. The problem is the sound is generally all over the place and is constantly out of sync. Settings have been adjusted repeatedly, optical and HDMI ARC cables have been changed, etc., with no improvement. We’re still trying to work it out, but it’s looking like we’ll have to return it. It’s making us crazy. It’s a shame because we love it when everything is functioning properly.
Date published: 2023-08-07
Rated 3 out of
5
by
tony122000 from
I recently bought a BAR 500. I have mixed feelings about it. It does have good sound in general, however the volume level adjustment seems to be inconsistent and the EQ they spoke of is very minimal hardly worth making the claim that it even has EQ on it. For me I get better sound out of my tv than the BAR 500 at lower to medium volume levels. If I want to crank it up to high volume sounds pretty good and better than my tv, but then it's loud enuf I have to worry about the sound bothering neighbors. It's like the bar 500 only has very low volume and very high volume no medium volume is available.
Date published: 2023-08-02
Rated 3 out of
5
by
BobH1272 from
First JBL product disappointment
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] Not impressed. I have a JBL 5.1 system with a Yamaha processor and it is a world better, but I tried to disconnect it and use the soundbar, but no dice. I disconnected the HDMI out from the Dish Network reciever/sound processor and connected it directly to the soundbar, then to the new 65" TV and I got mild sound from the bar but no video. The accompanying picture book was useless. Everything I could see said there was nothing more to do, but I spent 2 days messing with it before giving up.
I brought the set to my son's house and we connected it in his family room and we were able to get it to work.
Volume range seems a bit too wide at the lower volumes I tend to prefer. The bass is very subtle. Even at the highest setting it doesn't have the deeper reverb of my 5.1 system with a smaller subwoofer.
Also the inputs on the back point straight towards the wall despite the intention to mount it, meaning the cords would almost certainly hit or bend, and the cords it comes with don't even make up for it by being the 90 degree kind of plugs. It would be much better if the inputs were vertically accessible.
For the cost of the soundbar/subwoofer, I'd be brutally disappointed and steer folks to a real speaker system. This thing is not quick OR easy and the sound is inadequate for the cost.
Date published: 2023-02-14
Rated 1 out of
5
by
S Harris from
Do it right or don't do it
I purchased this as I've had JBL in the past and was satisfied. Connected to the tv easy enough... The sound, however, was nowhere near as good as I thought it would be. Second, it seems all functionality is in the app that the soundbar won't connect to.
Date published: 2024-04-05
Rated 1 out of
5
by
Joe.B from
Great when it works
Keeps cutting off after a couple hours of use.only way to getting to work again is to unplug and reboot.
Date published: 2024-02-29
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