Although most soundbars have virtual surround techniques, nothing beats real surround sound. As the JBL Bar 5.1 already reveals in the product name, the set is equipped with a full 5.1 audio system. In addition to the soundbar, the manufacturer supplies a wireless subwoofer and two rechargeable rear speakers for this. You can read how well this system works in our JBL Bar 5.1 review.
JBL Bar 5.1
Price€ 749,-
Connections
hdmi2.0a output, 3 hdmi2.0a inputs, s/pdif (optical), analog (3.5mm)
wireless
Bluetooth 4.2
Amplifier Output Power
510 watts
Frequency range
35Hz – 20kHz
Soundbar dimensions (including linked surround speakers)
114.8 × 5.8 × 9.3 centimeters
Sound bar weight
3.9 kilos
Website
www.jbl.nl
9 Score 90
- Pros
- Fully wireless surround speakers
- Cables included
- True surround sound
- Great audio quality
- Negatives
- No network function
- Short adapter cords
With a specified length of almost 115 centimeters, you would expect a huge soundbar. That is very easy in practice.
You can mount both surround speakers on both sides via a magnetic mounting module, after which you reach the specified length. Cleverly conceived, because you charge the rear speakers via this 'dock function'. If you are going to watch a movie, place both boxes in the desired location. According to JBL, both batteries last about ten hours. A big advantage of this construction is that you don't need power points for the small speakers. To complete the picture, JBL supplies a weighty subwoofer of 13 kilos.
Connectivity
The back of the JBL Bar 5.1 has two notches. On one side there is an HDMI output with arc support (audio return channel) and an HDMI input. The other notch has two more HDMI inputs, S/PDIF (optical), analog and USB. A bluetooth adapter is available for wireless audio transmission. Unfortunately, you cannot connect the audio system to a home network.
It is neat that JBL supplies various necessities as standard, such as cables for HDMI, S/PDIF and analog. In addition, we also come across a measuring microphone and suspension system in the product box. By the way, keep in mind relatively short adapter cables for the soundbar and subwoofer.
Configuration
Setting up the JBL Bar 5.1 is a simple job. After the television and any other playback equipment have been connected, you can calibrate the surround speakers. To do this, briefly press the Calibration button on the remote control and the audio system will play a loud test tone on all channels. Then choose the desired source. It is striking that the connected television does not show a menu and playback data. You can adjust various things via the remote control and the simple display. Think, for example, of the bass level, the volume level of the surround speakers and lip sync. This all works very logically, without having to dive deep into all kinds of settings.
Sound Playback
The JBL Bar 5.1 is surprisingly pleasant to the ear and does not quickly get out of hand. Surround effects are flying around us, while the soundbar also sounds very open and dynamic. As we have come to expect from JBL, the bass is very dominant. Fortunately, you can turn that back at your own discretion. Compared to more expensive products, we sometimes miss some detail, but this soundbar is fine for the average film and music lover.
Conclusion
The JBL Bar 5.1 manages to surprise us in a positive way. The product is very complete and contains a realistic surround sound. Thanks to the smart charging system for the rear speakers, you can also use these compact speakers in places without a power supply without any problems. In addition to the user-friendly configuration, this home cinema system also sounds quite decent. In short, highly recommended!
