JBL Bar 5.1 Surround Soundbar w/ Wireless Subwoofer

MSRP 500 USD76% External
Keywords: home-theatrejblsoundbarsubwoofersurround-soundwirelesswireless-subwoofer

Product Gallery

Photo 0of JBL Bar 5.1 Surround Soundbar w/ Wireless SubwooferPhoto 1of JBL Bar 5.1 Surround Soundbar w/ Wireless SubwooferPhoto 2of JBL Bar 5.1 Surround Soundbar w/ Wireless SubwooferPhoto 3of JBL Bar 5.1 Surround Soundbar w/ Wireless SubwooferPhoto 4of JBL Bar 5.1 Surround Soundbar w/ Wireless Subwoofer

Product Overview

JBL Bar 5.1 is a mid-range soundbar with a wireless subwoofer designed for minimalist home theatre setup. With five full-range drivers, dual side-firing tweeters, and a wireless subwoofer, the JBL Bar 5.1 can deliver up to 550W output in a compact package.
JBL's MultiBeam technology produces an immersive listening experience from a single soundbar. Coupled with an easy-to-place wireless subwoofer, the Bar 5.1 fits easily into any modern home.
In the same generation, JBL also markets the 2.0-channel Bar 2.0, 2.1-channel Bar 2.1, and 5.1.4-channel Bar 9.1.

Ratings

What we found**

Pros
  • Powerful, dynamic sound signature
  • AirPlay 2 and Chromecast support
  • Wireless subwoofer
Cons
  • Nothing in particular

What external reviewers found***

External score 76% (not directly comparable across industries)
Pros
  • Impressive audio performance
  • Impressive sound quality
  • Excellent virtual surround sound
  • Comfortable remote control
  • Supports Atmos
  • Comfortable to use
Cons
  • No Dolby Atmos support
  • No Movie or Music mode
  • Not the most attractive design
  • Weak mids
  • No EQ presets
  • Doesn’t support Atmos
Read More

Price Comparison

Specifications

Connectivity

Ports
[Input] 1x HDMI | [Output] 1x Optical + USB (playback only in US)
Wireless Connectivity
Bluetooth 4.2

Construction

Drivers | Subwoofer
10" subwoofer
Drivers | Tweeter
2x 1.25" side-firing tweeters
Drivers | Woofer
5x racetrack drivers
Form Factor
Soundbar with wireless subwoofer

Dimensions

Size | Depth
100 mm / 3.94 inch
Size | Height
58 mm / 2.28 inch
Size | Width
1018 mm / 40 inch
Weight
2.85 kg

Function

Audio
JBL Surround Sound, JBL MultiBeam
Bluetooth Profiles
A2DP V1.3, AVRCP V1.5
Channels
5.1-channel
Operating Temperature
0 - 45°C

Performance

Frequency Response
40Hz - 20kHz
Max Sound Level
103 dB
Power Output
5x50W (bar) + 300W (sub)

Production

Availability
2019-10
Debut
2019-09 IFA
Model Name
JBL2GBAR51IMBLKAM

Related Products

JBL BAR 9.1 Soundbar w/ Wireless Surround, Subwoofer, and Dolby Atmos

JBL BAR 9.1 Soundbar w/ Wireless Surround, Subwoofer, and Dolby Atmos

66% External
JBL BAR 9.1 is a premium soundbar system with two detachable, wireless surrounds and a wireless subwoofer for flexibility in placement and 820W powerful listening experience. The JBL BAR 9.1 also supports Dolby Atmos, thanks to its three custom up-firi...
Sony HT-S20R Home Cinema 5.1-Channel Soundbar System w/ Subwoofer

Sony HT-S20R Home Cinema 5.1-Channel Soundbar System w/ Subwoofer

Sony HT-S20R is an entry-level 5.1-channel home cinema solution in the form of a soundbar system. Easy to connect and set up, the HT-S20R supports several digital inputs, including Bluetooth audio. With physical rear speakers and subwoofer, the HT-S20R...
Samsung HW-Q950T 9.1.4-Channel Soundbar w/ Wireless Rear Speakers and Subwoofer

Samsung HW-Q950T 9.1.4-Channel Soundbar w/ Wireless Rear Speakers and Subwoofer

81% External
HW-Q950T is the flagship in Samsung's soundbar lineup, occupying the top spot in the company's premium Q-series. The HW-Q950T sports 20 drivers in a 9.1.4-channel setup and supports the most complete set of digital audio processing features in ...
Sony HT-G700 3.1-Channel Soundbar w/ Wireless Subwoofer

Sony HT-G700 3.1-Channel Soundbar w/ Wireless Subwoofer

69% External
Sony HT-G700 is a 3.1-channel soundbar with a wireless subwoofer. Thanks to Sony's Vertical Surround Engine, the three front speakers in the HT-G700, combined with Sony's digital signal processing, can intelligently place sound to envelop the l...
JBL BAR 2.0 All-In-One Soundbar

JBL BAR 2.0 All-In-One Soundbar

JBL Bar 2.0 is an entry-level, minimalist all-in-one soundbar with Bluetooth connectivity. Designed to enhance the listening experience of compact smart TVs with weak sound output, the JBL Bar 2.0 features a low-profile design that is easy to place at ...
Samsung HW-Q70T 3.1.2-Channel Soundbar w/ Wireless Subwoofer

Samsung HW-Q70T 3.1.2-Channel Soundbar w/ Wireless Subwoofer

44% External
HW-Q70T is a 3.1.2-channel soundbar in Samsung's 2020 premium Q-series lineup. Rather similar to the HW-Q800T, the HW-Q70T comes with a smaller wireless subwoofer but retains the same main unit. Like most other 2020 Q-series soundbars, the HW-Q70T supp...
Sony HT-A9 Surround Sound Wireless Speaker System (2021)

Sony HT-A9 Surround Sound Wireless Speaker System (2021)

70% External
Sony HT-9 is an innovative wireless home theatre system that comprises four identical speakers and a control box. With 12 drivers in total, the HT-9 is able to deliver an impressive surround sound experience. Naturally, the HT-9 supports a full suite o...
LG SPK8-S Wireless Rear Speakers for Soundbars

LG SPK8-S Wireless Rear Speakers for Soundbars

LG SPK8-S wireless rear speakers are the complement to compatible LG soundbars to create a more authentic surround sound experience. It supports not only LG's 2020 soundbar models (SN-series) but also earlier SL- (2019) and SK-series (2018). We may...
Sony SA-RS3S Wireless Rear Speakers (2021)

Sony SA-RS3S Wireless Rear Speakers (2021)

Sony SA-RS3S is an optional wireless rear speaker set designed to pair with Sony's new flagship HT-A7000 soundbar. The two rear speakers can connect wirelessly with the HT-A7000 and provide a more authentic surround sound experience. Each speaker in th...
JBL Bar 2.1 Deep Bass 2.1-Channel Soundbar w/ Wireless Subwoofer

JBL Bar 2.1 Deep Bass 2.1-Channel Soundbar w/ Wireless Subwoofer

66% External
JBL Bar 2.1 is a minimalist soundbar with a wireless subwoofer. Designed to enhance the listening experience of TV programs as well as console games, the JBL Bar 2.1 is easy to place, thanks to its wireless subwoofer. The JBL Bar 2.1 features four full...
Sennheiser AMBEO 5.1.4-channel All-in-One Soundbar

Sennheiser AMBEO 5.1.4-channel All-in-One Soundbar

81% External
Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar is a high-end 5.1.4-channel all-in-one soundbar that features 13 drivers, including six 4-inch woofers, two top-firing units, and five 1-inch tweeters. All is encased in an elegant brushed aluminum exterior with a minimalist d...
Samsung HW-S60T 4.0-Channel Soundbar

Samsung HW-S60T 4.0-Channel Soundbar

61% External
Samsung HW-S60T is an entry-level 4.0-channel all-in-one soundbar. It supports Dolby Audio and DTS Digital Surround and is compatible with SWA-8500S wireless rear speakers. The HW-S60T features two side-firing horn speakers with Samsung Acoustic Beam t...
Launch Comparison
Clear List

3rd-Party Review Videos

External Reviews

pcmag[1]

Reviewer score 71%
Reviewers from pcmag have found the following***:
With the system's volume maxed out and the bass at its highest, you get a near-theater experience in terms of rumble. On tracks with intense sub-bass content, like The Knife's "Silent Shout," with bass levels at mid, the Bar 5.1 Surround delivers intense low-frequency response. The lack of a Movie or Music mode simply means you have to create your own settings.
Find the original article here.
Pros
  • Powerful, dynamic sound signature
  • Powerful subwoofer
Cons
  • No Movie or Music mode

techadvisor[2]

Reviewer score 82%
Reviewers from techadvisor have found the following***:
The JBL Bar 5.1 Surround offers both AirPlay 2 and Chromecast support, connected either via built-in 2.4GHz Wi-Fi or Ethernet. The soundscape is nothing short of impressive, with incredible sound separation and simulated directional audio. JBL has been producing sound systems for cinemas for over 75 years, utilising the company's own MultiBeam technology.
Find the original article here.
Pros
  • Impressive audio performance
  • AirPlay 2 and Chromecast support
  • Comfortable remote control
Cons
  • No EQ presets
  • No Dolby Atmos support

techradar[3]

Reviewer score 70%
Reviewers from techradar have found the following***:
The JBL Bar 5.1 Surround Sound is the biggest and boldest of its new soundbars. Announced at IFA 2019, the soundbar is the successor to last year's Bar Series 3.1. It uses Multi-Beam audio that hopes to mimic the effect of surround sound without needing a vast array of speakers around the room. We found the output impressive, with a strong and powerful roar.
Find the original article here.
Pros
  • Powerful sound
  • Multi-Beam audio
Cons
  • No separate tweeters
  • No EQ settings

techradar[4]

Reviewer score 81%
Reviewers from techradar have found the following***:
The JBL Bar 5.1 is a low-fi surround sound system with wireless speakers. It can also be paired to a device over Bluetooth for wireless music playing. The speakers are able to produce room-shaking volume without ever losing clarity. The bass capabilities and sharp trebles mean you get both satisfying room-rattling sound, and crystal-clear dialogue.
Find the original article here.
Pros
  • Impressive sound quality
  • Easy to set up
  • Comfortable to use
Cons
  • Weak mids
  • Not the most attractive design

tomsguide[5]

Reviewer score 78%
Reviewers from tomsguide have found the following***:
Bar 5.1 Surround's virtual surround sound worked surprisingly well and overall it produced a rich, encompassing sound. Voices were clear and easy to understand, though I found the treble to be a bit harsh in some cases. It definitely sounded better than cheaper alternatives, such as the Yamaha YAS-209, but can't match more expensive units with Atmos like the Sonos Arc.
Find the original article here.
Pros
  • Excellent virtual surround sound
  • Easy to set up
  • Supports Atmos
Cons
  • Doesn’t support Atmos

User Reviews

Comments

Please login before adding comments.

References

  1. ^ JBL Bar 5.1 Surround Review. [pcmag]. https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/jbl-bar-51-surround. 2020-04-23. Retrieved 2021-03-22.
  2. ^ JBL Bar 5.1 Surround review. [techadvisor]. https://www.techadvisor.co.uk/review/jbl-bar-51-surround-3792923/. 2020-07-17. Retrieved 2021-03-22.
  3. ^ Hands on: JBL Bar 5.1 Surround Sound review. [techradar]. https://www.techradar.com/reviews/hands-on-jbl-bar-51-surround-sound. 2019-09-05. Retrieved 2021-03-22.
  4. ^ JBL Bar 5.1 review. [techradar]. https://www.techradar.com/reviews/jbl-bar-51. 2021-11-23. Retrieved 2021-12-07.
  5. ^ JBL Bar 5.1 Surround review. [tomsguide]. https://www.tomsguide.com/reviews/jbl-bar-51-surround. 2020-12-08. Retrieved 2021-03-22.

The MSRP provided on this page may not apply to all regions equally. For the current price, please refer to the Price Comparison section.

This page contains affiliate links to third-party merchants such as Amazon, eBay, and Rakuten. When you make a purchase using the supplied links, we will receive a commission.

These key takeaways ("pros" and "cons") and summaries are identified from third-party reviews. They may differ from the original texts.

<

>

x