Soundbars have recently begun to gain popularity as more and more products are being released with different features and varying price ranges. This category of sound devices has gotten a little complicated as it grows; new technological features are being introduced for maximum usability and popularity. Buyers usually get confused and unable to decide which soundbar to pick, whether to go with the one having a satellite surround speaker or wireless subwoofers, or the one having a voice assistant. It is a dilemma most buyers go through.
If you want to experience Dolby Atmos’ immersive sound but don’t want to invest in a lot of speakers or spend a lot of money, the $350 JBL Bar 5.0 MultiBeam soundbar should be at the top of your list. The all-in-one Bar 5.0 MultiBeam is small enough to fit into any setup while still producing a powerful sound. It also has a feature that only a few inexpensive Atmos soundbars have: auto-calibration, which automatically adjusts the driver distances and levels for the most significant surround sound impact in your home.
Box & Its Accessories
The soundbar, a power cable, an HDMI cable, a slim remote with two AA batteries, a set of wall-mount brackets with a mounting template, and a quick-start guide are all included by JBL. A little foam wrapper protects the soundbar, but the rest of the package is recyclable.
Design
The small size of the Bar 5.0 MultiBeam conceals the volume it produces. Five drivers and four passive radiators are squeezed inside JBL’s 27.9 x 3.9 x 2.3-inch frame. It’s an all-in-one Atmos unit, with no separate surrounds or wireless subwoofer.
Distraction or obstruction would be the last words we might use for this soundbar since they fit right into any setup and barely draws any unwanted attention.
Power, volume up and down, and input buttons are located on the top of the soundbar. That is all there is to it. When you alter something, an LED display on the front right illuminates.
The remote that accompanies the soundbar is minimalistic and light, with buttons for volume change, power, HDMI, and Bluetooth.
Connectivity Features
An HDMI ARC port and one HDMI input are located on the rear of the soundbar. Optical digital audio can also be used to connect to your TV. You can use the USB connector to upgrade the firmware or play audio files. Wi-Fi is built into the soundbar, but you may also connect via Ethernet cable.
To get the most out of the JBL 5.0, we would suggest that you set up the soundbar through Wi-Fi; the sound quality over Wi-Fi is much better, and you can connect and access Airplay, Chromecast, or Alexa Music.
Setting Up the Soundbar
There is not much of a hassle in setting up the JBL 5.0 soundbar. There are different ways to connect it to the source; with the provided HDMI cable, connect it to your TV’s HDMI ARC or eARC connector, then plug it into a power outlet. You can also use an optical cable to connect it to the TV, but the sound output will be limited.
You may set up Wi-Fi using one of three methods: the Google Home app for Android or iOS, the AirPlay speaker for iOS, or the Alexa app. That’s a lot of options for a soundbar that appears to strive for simplicity.
The last thing that is needed to be done after connecting it is to calibrate the speaker; for this, all you have to do is hold down the HDMI button for 5 seconds and follow the LED display prompts.
Sound Quality
Considering its size and absence of a subwoofer, the Bar 5.0 Multi Bean will impress you with its wide sound and deep bass. It handles Atmos better than most standalone soundbars once adjusted and calibrated-especially for the price.
This little soundbar packs enough punch to fill an ample space. At full volume, it measured around 95 decibels. It didn’t distort much, but the audio became too bright and harsh at that volume. The only thing missing is the presets for specific sound output, such as Movies, Speech, Music, etc.
Final Verdict of JBL 5.0
There’s a lot to like about the JBL Bar 5.0 MultiBeam. It comes at a reasonable price. Its tiny all-in-one form means it will most likely fit into your current setup and won’t take up too much space. And, most crucially, even without surrounds or a subwoofer, it sounds incredible and handles Dolby Atmos perfectly.
However, because you will be unable to adjust EQs, you’re virtually trapped if the calibrated sound doesn’t like your ears. The central channel in the mix, where the conversation comes from, will most likely be the biggest issue.
Other Alternatives
Other Atmos soundbars in this price range, such as the Vizio M-Series M51a-H6, have greater control but lack the upfiring speakers required for Atmos height, as well as having more speakers. The Bar 5.0 MultiBeam is worth a listen if you’re looking for an all-in-one Atmos soundbar-and it may be a terrific addition to your home theatre.
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