Customer reviews from jbl.com
JBL - 5.0ch Soundbar with Multibeam - Black
Average customer rating
4.5
(43 Reviews)
Rating breakdown 43 reviews
5 Stars
27
4 Stars
12
3 Stars
2
2 Stars
1
1 Star
1
100%of customers recommend this product.
(
23 out of
23)
Customer Reviews for JBL - 5.0ch Soundbar with Multibeam - Black
Customer Rating
4
Perfect for our bedroom TV!
on February 26, 2021
Posted by: Robyutt
from New Jersey
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] This is a very interesting soundbar ideal for smaller rooms. I have tested it over the past couple of days both in my
Living room where I currently have a 2.1 channel soundbar set up with a wireless woofer and in my bedroom where I was using to built in speakers.
Living room where I currently have a 2.1 channel soundbar set up with a wireless woofer and in my bedroom where I was using to built in speakers.
First my experience in the living room replacing the old system. This is a room that’s roughly 15x20 with a 65 inch screen positioned about 10 feet from the couch. I watched trailers for several action movies on Netflix and Disney+, Guardians of the Galaxy, And some episodes of clone wars. The sound was impressive for such a compact soundbar. I noticed it was taking up about 20% less space than its predecessor. Easily noticeable. Calibration was super easy and I found the atmos virtualization passable in this setting. However, ultimately I decided I missed the feedback of a physical subwoofer more than I enjoyed the surround effect. I connected to this tv through HDMI Arc. The sound quality was slightly higher than my current 2.1 set up, but I ultimately moved this to the bedroom.
In the bedroom this soundbar totally exceeded expectations. It fits nicely on top of my drawers and looks premium. This TV is much older and so the only
Option was to connect through toslink cable. This room is roughly 10x15 and the chair is about 12 feet from screen. In this smaller, more enclosed room I was truly impressed. I knew it would be a big upgrade but after several more clone wars episodes I decided I liked it so much for the space and that it was here to stay. Perfect place for it and couldn’t recommend it more for bedrooms and dens/caves.
Option was to connect through toslink cable. This room is roughly 10x15 and the chair is about 12 feet from screen. In this smaller, more enclosed room I was truly impressed. I knew it would be a big upgrade but after several more clone wars episodes I decided I liked it so much for the space and that it was here to stay. Perfect place for it and couldn’t recommend it more for bedrooms and dens/caves.
I tried setting up the smart features while testing audio. Airplay 2 worked very well. Multi room audio was a breeze. I did not have the same experience with the Google features. Adding it to the my
Google home app failed repeatedly and the “ok Google” feature labeled on the packaging doesn’t seem to work. Or maybe that’s only because it hasn’t connected correctly. Not sure. Either way that is the main reason this got a 4 instead of a 5. Was hoping that Google assistant was on board the way the box made it look, maybe it will be in a future firmware update
Google home app failed repeatedly and the “ok Google” feature labeled on the packaging doesn’t seem to work. Or maybe that’s only because it hasn’t connected correctly. Not sure. Either way that is the main reason this got a 4 instead of a 5. Was hoping that Google assistant was on board the way the box made it look, maybe it will be in a future firmware update
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting jbl.com
Customer Rating
4
At first I hated it. Now, it is essential!
on March 16, 2021
Posted by: Wayloud
from The Prarie, USA
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] JBL BAR 5.0 Multibeam
The BAR 5.0 is a new sound bar from JBL. At first listen I hated it. Now I do not want to be without it…
When JBL offered the BAR 5.0 for my consideration I gladly accepted. While waiting for the shipment to arrive I checked to find scant information online. There is a nifty video from JBL showing an exploded view of the speakers’ components and some press releases but little more. This unit is hot off the drawing board! Touting Dolby Atmos processing, connectivity out the wazoo, five 50-watt amplifiers, forward and side firing drivers, a 3-D sound field, and deep bass all in one unobtrusive little box and…wait for it, no sub…this could be interesting.
The 5.0 is, first and foremost, a sound bar. Designed for smaller TVs and intended to provide an extended sound field in smaller spaces. I employed a 32” base model flat screen as my test TV. Admittedly, the thin, tinny sound produced by this modest device sets the audio fidelity hurdle pretty low, but we are here to not to compare but to discuss the 5.0 and its ability to enhance the viewing experience.
Yes. The JBL 5.0 makes all TV better! With the Atmos Surround enabled, dialog is clear and present while background music and sound effects emit from their proper place in the, background. This alone sells me on the unit. A typical surround system with a powered sub is great for movies, sports or other “immersive” programs. Often though, for the news or other dialog-based programs that same sound system is too “commanding”. So, one disables the surround system. The Dolby Atmos is great to leave on all the time. It does not become overpowering thus allowing conversation. There is no "sweet-spot". The sound is consistent throughout the room. Plus, without a sub transferring sound to the floor, the room can fill with sound and still not disturb the neighbors…or wake the baby. Mind you, this thing gets real loud! If disturbing the neighbors is your goal… Without question immersive shows will blow you away. Atmos is super cool. Sounds do indeed seem to come from above, below and behind.
The JBL 5.0 does have lots of ways to connect including Bluetooth. I paired my Android tablet to listen to music. This is where the unit falls a little flat. For me, the 5.0 would be for background music while playing board games or visiting with friends. It does not sound bad when playing back pre-recorded music just not the JBL sound I know and love. All the elements are there; deep lows, articulate mids and sparkling highs, just not at the same time. Maybe a different tablet would have given me better EQ control but the pre-programmed EQ of the 5.0 left me a bit disappointed.
The lack of EQ does bother a control freak like me. And yes, it took a few hours of listening to become acoustically accustomed to the reflected sound. While not my choice for listening to music it is now essential for TV viewing. All things considered; I think the JBL 5.0 is the perfect sound bar to get a big experience from a small TV.
The BAR 5.0 is a new sound bar from JBL. At first listen I hated it. Now I do not want to be without it…
When JBL offered the BAR 5.0 for my consideration I gladly accepted. While waiting for the shipment to arrive I checked to find scant information online. There is a nifty video from JBL showing an exploded view of the speakers’ components and some press releases but little more. This unit is hot off the drawing board! Touting Dolby Atmos processing, connectivity out the wazoo, five 50-watt amplifiers, forward and side firing drivers, a 3-D sound field, and deep bass all in one unobtrusive little box and…wait for it, no sub…this could be interesting.
The 5.0 is, first and foremost, a sound bar. Designed for smaller TVs and intended to provide an extended sound field in smaller spaces. I employed a 32” base model flat screen as my test TV. Admittedly, the thin, tinny sound produced by this modest device sets the audio fidelity hurdle pretty low, but we are here to not to compare but to discuss the 5.0 and its ability to enhance the viewing experience.
Yes. The JBL 5.0 makes all TV better! With the Atmos Surround enabled, dialog is clear and present while background music and sound effects emit from their proper place in the, background. This alone sells me on the unit. A typical surround system with a powered sub is great for movies, sports or other “immersive” programs. Often though, for the news or other dialog-based programs that same sound system is too “commanding”. So, one disables the surround system. The Dolby Atmos is great to leave on all the time. It does not become overpowering thus allowing conversation. There is no "sweet-spot". The sound is consistent throughout the room. Plus, without a sub transferring sound to the floor, the room can fill with sound and still not disturb the neighbors…or wake the baby. Mind you, this thing gets real loud! If disturbing the neighbors is your goal… Without question immersive shows will blow you away. Atmos is super cool. Sounds do indeed seem to come from above, below and behind.
The JBL 5.0 does have lots of ways to connect including Bluetooth. I paired my Android tablet to listen to music. This is where the unit falls a little flat. For me, the 5.0 would be for background music while playing board games or visiting with friends. It does not sound bad when playing back pre-recorded music just not the JBL sound I know and love. All the elements are there; deep lows, articulate mids and sparkling highs, just not at the same time. Maybe a different tablet would have given me better EQ control but the pre-programmed EQ of the 5.0 left me a bit disappointed.
The lack of EQ does bother a control freak like me. And yes, it took a few hours of listening to become acoustically accustomed to the reflected sound. While not my choice for listening to music it is now essential for TV viewing. All things considered; I think the JBL 5.0 is the perfect sound bar to get a big experience from a small TV.
I would recommend this to a friend!
(click to see the video)
Written by a customer while visiting jbl.com
Customer Rating
5
Couldn’t be more pleased
on July 18, 2021
Posted by: Claude45
from Houston, TX
Soundstage is large and bold, sounds amazing from this tiny bar. Don’t hesitate on this purchase. Connected this to Nvidia Shield (2019) to HDMI input. HDMI output to older 2006 Fujitsu Plasma TV which has a normal HDMI input (no e/arc). JBL Bar 5.0 sent through a beautiful picture to the TV, sound is Atmos via certain Netflix/other shows and the best part was no set up. The JBL sensed both input and output with no messing around and Nvidia remote automatically controlled volume on soundbar. I’ve had other experiences with soundbars where you had to update software or they didn’t sense the streaming devices or they didn’t work out of the box without fussing with it. JBL got this right. I will purchase JBL soundbars again and you should too!
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting jbl.com
Customer Rating
2
Terrible with wireless connections, decent audio
on November 9, 2022
Posted by: alexlicious
from Austin, TX
I like the sound but after trying to configure it for my environment, I was frustrated by constant or random disconnects. I have a Projector with (originally AppleTV, then changed to Firestick) and I have set up a wireless connection to the soundbar under the screen so that I don't have to wire a connection to is. The features in this product should support this functionality. Ultimately I have tried Airplay 2, Bluetooth, and finally Alexa, and the soundbar constantly wants to go to standby mode and won't stay connected wirelessly to my AppleTV or Firestick (consistently). For the AppleTV and airplay 2, I had an older AppleTV (that supports Airplay 2) and the soundbar would constantly disconnect then go to sleep every 5-10 minutes and I would have to manually re-pair. Very frustrating and unusable!!! I would literally go to the bathroom or make a drink, and come back to it being unpaired AGAIN. I finally have it working reasonably with the Firestick, so I recommend this method to anyone that is running into similar issues but it still required me to purchase another streaming device instead of the AppleTV, and even then it still randomly will not connect automatically (but it is now at least usable). At least it doesn't consistently disconnect every 5-10 minutes like Airplay 2. I didn't get to try a newer AppleTV, but I honestly was done with the disconnections so wasn't going to continue using Apple. Bluetooth with the AppleTV also constantly disconnected. The Firestick will connect, but I need to turn on both the Soundbar and Firestick at the same time since the Soundbar standby mode doesnt seem to get the indicator that it should connect automatically.
Aside from the wireless disconnects. Connecting the soundbar to with Apple Home or even Google home was terrible. I messed around with it long enough that i got it working, but i couldnt even define the exact steps. Just mess around with it until it connects.
All the above is a shame because the sound is pretty good when it works for an all-in-one soundbar. I would go with a different product if I had the chance, I have had this for a full year now.
By Customer Support, November 10, 2022
We appreciate your time for providing us your feedback on our JBL Bar 5.0 Multibeam. We're sorry to hear that it didn't meet your expectations. We're always looking for ways to improve and we'll make sure to share your feedback with the appropriate team.
Written by a customer while visiting jbl.com
Customer Rating
5
Great sound bar with a very full sound!
on February 23, 2021
Posted by: MMafia09
from Salt Lake City, UT, United States
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] This was easy to setup, and fit right where it needed to fit right by my TV, The sound was full and now my TV is not quiet at all.
Written by a customer while visiting jbl.com
Customer Rating
5
Great Sound
on February 27, 2021
Posted by: josh408
from Campbell, CA, United States
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] So happy with this product. Not only does it look awesome, the sound is excellent. I have had soundbars in the past that have wireless subwoofers and although this does not come with a wireless subwoofer, it still has excellent base.
The speaker has a very clean display that shows if you are connected through bluetooth, HDMI, TV, etc. which is very easily controlled from the top of the device or the remote. I use it for both movies and listening to music.
Watching movies is so much more thrilling with this soundbar as it enhances the experience compared to the traditional tv speakers. The bluetooth connection is seamless and the quality is crisp. I would highly recommend this product for anyone looking to enhance their music listening/movie experience. The mount is very easy to install and it looks custom mounted under the TV as well.
JBL has done it again! Another great product.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting jbl.com
Customer Rating
5
Beautiful product
on March 2, 2021
Posted by: Sledgeham2787
from Chattanooga, TN, United States
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] I cannot believe how amazing this product is. Wait, of course I can. Its JBL. Great quality. Durable. And booming clear sound blasting from the speakers. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!!
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting jbl.com
Customer Rating
3
Good Speakers But Did Not Wow Me
on March 14, 2021
Posted by: poeman
from Dalton, GA, United States
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] I received the JBL Bar 5.0 Multibeam about a week or two ago. JBL makes amazing products, and they tend to be very user friendly and easy to setup. I was surprised though that I had difficulty setting up this speaker to my TV and Roku. I eventually figured it out.
It is no doubt that this speaker improves the TV sound. The sound is more full and sounds great in the lows and highs. Watching the News or a show where dialogue is the main focus, this speaker helps you hear the speech clearly, but I could not tell much of a difference between it and my TV speakers. But whenever watching a movie or show with more action or drama, this speaker really does shine. When listening to music on the speaker, I found it lacking compared to some other JBL portable speakers, but this speaker is intended more for watching TV.
Overall I found this speaker better than the TV speakers, but it did not wow me. Maybe I was expecting too much from the surround sound features.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Response from jbl.comBy Kevin, Customer Service, March 16, 2021
We appreciate the feedback you've provided to us. We understand that our JBL Bar 5.0 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. If you've had this product for not more than 30 days and must be purchased directly from our website. You can always return it and get a full refund. Please use the link to contact our customer support. https://bit.ly/2WocMfi
Written by a customer while visiting jbl.com