JBL - Bar 500

I have the jbl 5.1 sound bar. I was so impressed I bought 2 more so I have 3 total in my house. Now here’s the catch: I paid 200-250$ for each one vs the 5-600 they normally sell for. I don’t think it’s worth that much. The replacement for the 5.1 is the jbl 500, same basic design newer speaker packaging which looks better and you can find it factory refurbished for the 300$ range. I got this sound bar because the sound stream technology that reflects off the walls to give you a 5.1 experience actually works really well. Is it ever going to replace a real Atmos system? No. I’m in the process of selling my house that had an in ceiling 5.2 system, so using the network I’d play music on the main denon receiver and then the 3 sound bars… 2 in a bedroom, one of them in the loft upstairs and the whole entire house was filled with rich, clear sounding music So when I downsized, I obviously couldn’t take my inceiling system with me but for a smaller room/apartment like I live in right now that JBL sound bar… it’s amazing.

Don't get the JBL Bar 500, dialogue sux. Back to subtitles..

We moved a couple months ago and Im in a room very similar to this... While waiting on my end game solution I moved a JBL 2.1 Deep Bass from a spare bedroom into the LR and it has a really nice improvement on TV speakers... increased volume/clarity for sure and I have a great location for the wireless sub right behind the couch where it gives great tactile feedback. Im under no illusions that this compares to my dedicated theater setup but I think everyone enjoys it without being obtrusive to the decor... and honestly for casual watching sports, news, some video games and occasionally some streaming shows for my wife, it really fits the bill. I think I got this model on its way out at best buy for a nice price so thats where Id recommend you start... entry level JBL and see if that satisfy's your needs... edit: So a couple more thoughts, I looked at the 2 systems you are thinking about... With the caveat I've never heard them, I can tell you that I would shy away from the Bose because lacking a separate subwoofer it is not going to be "engaging" enough for me... if your only concern is getting more volume that tv speakers this might still be an option for you though... And the Sony has a 4" sub which can add some thump in a small room just isn't going to bring much in a room this size. I went and measured my JBL and the cone is close to 11" diameter so maybe I have the 5.1 surround model (I honestly don't know and its not labelled clearly)... Looking at Crutchfield's current models this would correspond to the Bar 500 which is about $400. To me this is about the lowest entry level I would go as it is a significant step up in performance and increasing engagement in a really satisfying way. I wouldn't waste time thinking too much about surround effects from a sound bar as they just aren't going to function in a satisfying way given your room layout....

I have the JBL 500 in my bedroom. No complaints, produces clear vocals and deep bass. Haven't read much positive about the Hisense models.

I had the JBL 5.1 multibeam for years and wasn't that happy with the subwoofer, now I got the Samsung HW Q995D and it just sounds like a cinema. They've reworked it a bit, but I think the thing still doesn't sound as good as the Samsung one. I only got it back then because it was 10 inches

I have the JBL 500 with the 10 inch subwoofer...It's awesome, only thing missing is support for DTS X surround sound..The Dolby Atmos is good at creating sound with no up firing speakers..I got it for a steal for $300!!

JBL bar 500 is a solid choice

I got the JBL and it sounds pretty good, I went down from a 5.2.2 to this and still pretty impressed, the bass is really good.

I know it's all personal preference but I wouldn't count on JBL for longevity personally. I am sorry to hear that tho, def a bummer. It's the JBL Bar 500? Same model they have out now or an older version? Jw. Also, I have personal experience and have heard some others report bad connections between LG sound bars and subwoofers. My sister's setup is very confused where the crossover is and decides to cut out entirely for minutes at a time. So I lean away from LG for audio personally. If looking at $500 roughly for price point I'd suggest the Denon S517, The newer Klipsch Flexus Core 200 line, Polk Signa S4/S4D.. If you can get one for the steal snag a Sony A5000 before they're all gone as they bring in the Bravia 8/9 bars etc. That A5000 is a beast at its price point imo and the system is buildable. I set my parents up with it for their family room cu they have a proper basement theater, so they use it with no sub nor rears, but you can always add both or either of them later. Sony is really in a good place rn imho hardware-wise. I was aiming for that bar for them for Bravia Sync to maximize the use of their brand new TV in a new home, but I didn't expect to be so thoroughly impressed with Sony's virtual surround capabilities rn. They're doing something right. Stinks to have to replace that that soon tho 2 years is a joke. Edit: +1 any device from any brand can fail early or malfunction before too long or even right out of the box. But I did wanna say my personal 2 cents on JBL. I think the brand has its place, just longevity in home theater systems isn't my first place I'd give them points. Their portable and more rugged speakers tho that are more designed asking to take a beating, that's where they shine imo. Pretty much every other application there's another product I'd prefer. But again, that's just my preference! I won't say I have never been impressed by their sound. I may often find some of their tuning a bit bassy, but it depends on the exactly product really.

I bought the JBL 500 last week and love it. It packs a punch with the Bass for sure which you have level 1-5. 2 is enough honestly. 5 will rattle your windows. The clarity works great for me. For the price it’s a great system. Upside is you can shut the system off which i had the Sonos beam and mini sub and was frustrated that u couldn’t turn the system off so even the news had bass which sucked. I am very pleased with the purchase. It def makes you feel like you’re in a movie theater. My Sonos didn’t sound this good and now I have xtra $ for something else lol. I am still researching if I can add extra speakers which I was told by the sales guy that I couldn’t but I’m still searching. Either way I love it.

I got the Sonos beam and mini sub for Christmas. It didn’t pair the first day on Christmas but the next day it paired perfectly. It sounds great but I’m going to return it as you cannot shut it off. How stupid? The only way to turn it off is unplug it or shut off your WiFi. Love it but I don’t want it on all the damn time. Looking for other options now.

I returned mine and purchased a much cheaper option the JBL500. Bass is unbelievable def better than the Sonos. Got it for $375 from $500 and it’s 5.1 and Dolby Atmos. Best part is I can just press the power button to turn it off and my tv speakers come alive again. Much happier now and so is the wife lol.

Reverts right back to the soundbar when I click tv audio. I want to turn it off as I have the sub as well and don’t need it listening to the news.