JBL Bar 500 590W 5.1-Channel Dolby Atmos Soundbar System

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.

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.

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!!

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.

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

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...