Customer reviews from jbl.com
JBL - Refurbished Excellent - 9.1-Channel Soundbar with Wireless Subwoofer and Dolby Atmos/DTS:X - Black
Average customer rating
3.9
(106 Reviews)
Rating breakdown 106 reviews
5 Stars
59
4 Stars
16
3 Stars
11
2 Stars
5
1 Star
15
84%of customers recommend this product.
(
48 out of
57)
Customer Reviews for JBL - Refurbished Excellent - 9.1-Channel Soundbar with Wireless Subwoofer and Dolby Atmos/DTS:X - Black
Customer Rating
5
Movie Theater & Live Concert at Home
on June 21, 2020
Posted by: IbrahimBoran
from Clifton, NJ, United States
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] Overall Quality & Feel & Important Features:
The main soundbar, detachable speakers, and the subwoofer look very minimal and give out a premium, high-end feel. They feel very sturdy, compact, and durable. From the LED screen/indicator to the minimal buttons on the main soundbar, every piece has a quality feel to it. The detachable wireless surround speakers are one of the best features this product offers. I love how simple it is to just detach the speakers from the main soundbar and place it on the desired location. Not all "surround sound" soundbars have this feature! The strong magnets on each side of the main soundbar and also on the detachable speakers allow a seamless and easy connection for charging and overall premium appearance (shown in the photo). The LED indicators on both of the detachable speakers are also a great touch (shown in the photo). They turn white when completely charged and turn red when charging. The bar also notifies when the battery is low on the detachable speakers so there's no need to worry about the battery or it suddenly turning off. The small strips on the main soundbar as well as on the detachable speakers protect the devices from slipping and scratching the surface (shown in the photo). The detachable speakers can also be mounted on the wall (as well as the main soundbar) and they come with all the required tools/items for it except the screwdriver of course. The LED screen/indicator located on the right side of the main soundbar displays the source options, connected device's name, bass and volume level, and so on (shown in the "MUTE" photo). There are also four buttons on the main soundbar that allow easy turn on, as well as volume, and source adjustments. Therefore, if you wish to connect with your mobile device via Bluetooth and simply play music, those buttons make the process easier and less time-consuming. As far as the subwoofer goes, it is very solid, minimal, and large enough.
The main soundbar, detachable speakers, and the subwoofer look very minimal and give out a premium, high-end feel. They feel very sturdy, compact, and durable. From the LED screen/indicator to the minimal buttons on the main soundbar, every piece has a quality feel to it. The detachable wireless surround speakers are one of the best features this product offers. I love how simple it is to just detach the speakers from the main soundbar and place it on the desired location. Not all "surround sound" soundbars have this feature! The strong magnets on each side of the main soundbar and also on the detachable speakers allow a seamless and easy connection for charging and overall premium appearance (shown in the photo). The LED indicators on both of the detachable speakers are also a great touch (shown in the photo). They turn white when completely charged and turn red when charging. The bar also notifies when the battery is low on the detachable speakers so there's no need to worry about the battery or it suddenly turning off. The small strips on the main soundbar as well as on the detachable speakers protect the devices from slipping and scratching the surface (shown in the photo). The detachable speakers can also be mounted on the wall (as well as the main soundbar) and they come with all the required tools/items for it except the screwdriver of course. The LED screen/indicator located on the right side of the main soundbar displays the source options, connected device's name, bass and volume level, and so on (shown in the "MUTE" photo). There are also four buttons on the main soundbar that allow easy turn on, as well as volume, and source adjustments. Therefore, if you wish to connect with your mobile device via Bluetooth and simply play music, those buttons make the process easier and less time-consuming. As far as the subwoofer goes, it is very solid, minimal, and large enough.
Audio Quality:
Just like any other JBL product, there was no surprise in this category. It definitely feels weird at first because having two speakers slightly behind you isn't something we're used to at home. However, it for sure adds a lot to the audio experience. I was able to discover more in the songs I usually listen to and the movies and the tv series I usually watch. The kicks, open/close hats and snares feel punchier and crispier in electronic dance music, 808s shake the house in rap music and the saxophone was definitely present in my soul when listening to jazz music. I felt like I was in the front row of an electronic dance music concert in Brooklyn with this setup right in my living room. The same concept applies to movies as well. The sound effects, soundtracks, voices, and transitions are clearer. The "Atmos" and "Rear" buttons on the remote allow the user to switch between low, mid, and high levels of Dolby Atmos. Therefore, the "surround sound" effect could be adjusted as desired. There's also no lag when playing movies and videos from a device that's connected via Bluetooth. There are five bass levels (1-5) and as I mentioned, bass at 5 definitely shakes the floor and vibrates the objects around it which is amazing. The audio quality of the subwoofer is phenomenal (amazing bass) and adds a lot of depth to audio, whether that's in movies or music.
Just like any other JBL product, there was no surprise in this category. It definitely feels weird at first because having two speakers slightly behind you isn't something we're used to at home. However, it for sure adds a lot to the audio experience. I was able to discover more in the songs I usually listen to and the movies and the tv series I usually watch. The kicks, open/close hats and snares feel punchier and crispier in electronic dance music, 808s shake the house in rap music and the saxophone was definitely present in my soul when listening to jazz music. I felt like I was in the front row of an electronic dance music concert in Brooklyn with this setup right in my living room. The same concept applies to movies as well. The sound effects, soundtracks, voices, and transitions are clearer. The "Atmos" and "Rear" buttons on the remote allow the user to switch between low, mid, and high levels of Dolby Atmos. Therefore, the "surround sound" effect could be adjusted as desired. There's also no lag when playing movies and videos from a device that's connected via Bluetooth. There are five bass levels (1-5) and as I mentioned, bass at 5 definitely shakes the floor and vibrates the objects around it which is amazing. The audio quality of the subwoofer is phenomenal (amazing bass) and adds a lot of depth to audio, whether that's in movies or music.
What could have been done better & recommendations:
- More audio control buttons on the main soundbar:
Yes, we have the remote for a reason but some nights when you just want to listen to late-night tunes, you don't want to deal with a remote or going through settings. Therefore, just like how there's a power, volume up/down, and a source button on the soundbar, there could've been a bass, atmos, and/or rear buttons located right on the main soundbar.
- More audio control buttons on the main soundbar:
Yes, we have the remote for a reason but some nights when you just want to listen to late-night tunes, you don't want to deal with a remote or going through settings. Therefore, just like how there's a power, volume up/down, and a source button on the soundbar, there could've been a bass, atmos, and/or rear buttons located right on the main soundbar.
- LED or RGB for the buttons on the main soundbar and on the remote:
Again, I cannot see the buttons when I enter the living room at night. The buttons could've also had LED lights so that we know where to press and don't keep pressing the same buttons over and over again or try to find the right button by sliding our fingers around. Just like how it is on the JBL Flip speakers where the power button lights up when pressed, the same concept could've been applied here with an always-on light. The same comments apply to the remote as well. A little lighting on the remote would've been better. In addition, it would be better if they were RGB where we can control the color of the light via an app (more on this at the end).
Again, I cannot see the buttons when I enter the living room at night. The buttons could've also had LED lights so that we know where to press and don't keep pressing the same buttons over and over again or try to find the right button by sliding our fingers around. Just like how it is on the JBL Flip speakers where the power button lights up when pressed, the same concept could've been applied here with an always-on light. The same comments apply to the remote as well. A little lighting on the remote would've been better. In addition, it would be better if they were RGB where we can control the color of the light via an app (more on this at the end).
- Larger detachable speakers:
Detachable speakers are definitely one of the best features of this product, however, they are small. Even though they are still good enough, larger speakers could've had a greater impact and add more to the experience.
Detachable speakers are definitely one of the best features of this product, however, they are small. Even though they are still good enough, larger speakers could've had a greater impact and add more to the experience.
- Longer power cables for the bar and the subwoofer:
There are two identical power cables and they are identically short! Yes, our devices' cables are getting shorter every day, however, this shouldn't be the case with this amazing product. I had to purchase an extra extension cord to get power to the set-up.
There are two identical power cables and they are identically short! Yes, our devices' cables are getting shorter every day, however, this shouldn't be the case with this amazing product. I had to purchase an extra extension cord to get power to the set-up.
- Application for easy controls:
Just like the JBL Headphones app, an app for these sound set-ups (not just the 9.1) would've been great. As I mentioned, we could customize the RGB lights on the soundbar, use an equalizer, or simply control the set-up from our mobile devices. Yes, there's a remote but controlling the settings from our phones are way easier and cooler considering that we all have our phones with us at all times but not the remote.
Just like the JBL Headphones app, an app for these sound set-ups (not just the 9.1) would've been great. As I mentioned, we could customize the RGB lights on the soundbar, use an equalizer, or simply control the set-up from our mobile devices. Yes, there's a remote but controlling the settings from our phones are way easier and cooler considering that we all have our phones with us at all times but not the remote.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting jbl.com
Customer Rating
5
Great Sound Bar!
on June 24, 2020
Posted by: DreDay
from Hollywood, FL
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] I received my JBL Sound Bar a week ago. The setup was easy! Took less than 10 minutes to set up! The sound is so clear! Watched a movie with the family and they loved it! Love that I can connect my phone via bluetooth and listen to music! It also makes my gaming experience better!
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting jbl.com
Customer Rating
2
Troubles with surround speakers
on June 27, 2020
Posted by: nlbleau
from North Carolina
The bar sounds great with the remotes attached but when I disconnect the surround speakers, the sound starts to break up. Almost sounds like a blown speaker but is intermittent. Only 15 feet from bar with no obstructions so it sucks but they are getting returned.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
Response from jbl.comBy Mario at Customer Service, Customer Support, July 5, 2020
We appreciate the feedback you've provided to us. We understand that our JBL Bar 9.1 did not meet your expectations. We're always looking for ways to improve so we'll make sure to submit your feedback to the right department.
Written by a customer while visiting jbl.com
Customer Rating
5
Next level setup!!!
on July 10, 2020
Posted by: Licks
from California, United States
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] Well, i was looking to upgrade my home stereo and i wanted something clean but with a kick to it, oh boy this is it! I'm beyond than happy with this, firstly there are no wires, it looks clean and sophisticated, yet my favorite part is the sound distribution. There i was watching my movie feeling the surround and then a helicopter felt just like it zoomed over my head and the whole room was packed with sound, i went bananas! Plays my music, looks good, makes my movies and games better and will make yours too for sure. Enjoy!
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting jbl.com
Customer Rating
5
Great sound
on October 22, 2020
Posted by: Simon78
from Nigeria
I bought this jbl 9.1 soundbar 3 weeks ago.... The sound is indeed phenomenal
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting jbl.com
Customer Rating
5
Awesome Sound
on June 24, 2020
Posted by: Jetc33
from Brooklyn, NY
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] I have become a fan favorite of JBL products. I have bought a few portable speakers from my phone carrier but I am a satisfied customer. When given the opportunity for jbl backstage this has only made my experience better. My 16yr old son helped me put it together and WE ARE PLEASED. He first tried it with his PS4 and the sound quality is just crisp clean all around AWESOME. We then listened to the music quality via bluetooth.. another winner. The base sound was not too overwhelming just all round great beats. The tv sound quality is also great...now my mom doesn't have to turn up the tv too loud...Everything is Crystal Clear. We are more than Satisfied. Another AWESOME piece of equipment to have.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting jbl.com
Customer Rating
5
The best!! The sound is magnificent!
on June 27, 2020
Posted by: boudreaux
from Denham Springs, LA, United States
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] The Bar 9.1 was surprisingly easy to hook up. It took me about 15 minutes! I love that the surround speakers are so easy to charge(attach to soundbar magnetically!) and can be placed anywhere. The sound while watching a movie with family was like being in a theater. To top it off, it connects to blue tooth so music can be played from my phone. This takes JBL's crystal clear sound to a whole new level! If you love movies with theater sound or want to listen to music like being at a concert, get this speaker. You will not be disappointed!
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting jbl.com
Customer Rating
5
Simply Amazing!
on November 25, 2020
Posted by: dhvol
from TN
Looked forever for a wireless option to replace my old wired surround sound system from Bose. Decided to give JBL a shot with the 9.1. I've been so impressed with the quality of this bar system. When you crank up the volume to above 15 it rivals my old system and is totally wireless!!! I'd highly recommend it, especially if you don't wanna drop 2500 on another brands components that sounds virtually the same as this.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting jbl.com