TLDR Review: JBL Bar 500MK2 Soundbar System
Pros
- •Significantly improves sound quality over standard TV speakers, especially enhancing dialogue clarity, music, and ambient sounds.
- •Easy and quick initial setup through the companion app’s equalizer, which minimizes the need for fiddly manual adjustments.
- •Produces excellent, clear sound with impressive bass thanks to the 10" subwoofer, suitable for small to medium rooms.
- •The detachable surround speakers offer flexible placement options to better fill larger spaces with sound.
- •Enhances older DVD and loweuality source playback with noticeable improvements in audio detail.
- •Reliable brand recognition from JBL, known for quality audio products and consistent performance.
- •Works well when connected properly to streaming devices and game consoles.
- •Advanced features like Dolby Atmos, MultiBeam 3.0, and PureVoice 2.0 deliver immersive and clear audio experiences.
- •Easy sound calibration helps tailor the sound to your room environment without hassle.
- •Good value for a 750W system in the $40$700 price range, making it accessible for casual and more discerning listeners alike.
Cons
- •HDMI ARC setup can be tricky and requires trial and error, including disconnecting and reconnecting cables to get proper device recognition.
- •Noticeable audio lag may occur with 4K Blay playback when routed through the soundbar’s HDMI input; better to connect the player directly to the TV.
- •HDMI input on the soundbar lacks support for HDMI splitters, limiting the use of multiple HDMI devices simultaneously through it.
- •Does not support eARC on older TVs, which might restrict the full potential of Dolby Atmos and other enhanced audio features.
- •Initial connection issues with Dolby Atmos HDMI can be frustrating for users not comfortable troubleshooting AV setups.
Bottom Line
The **JBL Bar 500MK2** is a powerful upgrade from typical TV speakers that delivers rich, clear sound and booming bass with user-friendly app-based calibration, making it a solid choice for medium-sized rooms and casual audiophiles. However, be prepared for some HDMI hookup challenges and keep in mind the audio lag issue with 4K Blu-ray when routing through the soundbar. If HDMI setup complexity or eARC support is a dealbreaker, you might want to explore alternative Dolby Atmos soundbars with more flexible HDMI options. Otherwise, for its price and sound quality, this JBL system is a compelling package to enhance your home theater experience.
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How we researched this
About this review: We pulled together findings from professional reviews and hundreds of user reviews, and cross-referenced them with ShopSavvy's pricing data from 1 retailers to give you the short version.
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