@Malo83
I saw your previous post from around 2020 too I think.
I just bought this sound bar JBL 5.1 Surround NOT the newer BAR 500. Wow, you were right.
Knowing it's an older model I figured nothing to lose, free ship from JBL, free ship back to JBL if I dont like it.
First as you know the way JBL names their sound bars is crazy, the model line up is all muddy.
The Soundbar 5.1 Surround that we received just yesterday is the model you have Im pretty sure, granted with updated firmware. JBL clearing them out and we paid $399. Says $200 off list, yeah, I know they have sales in-between. Im in shock how well this soundbar sounds. I NEVER expected anything like it, though I did see some very favorable reviews on it.
The subwoofer to me, in this price range is incredible for its well controlled robust bass. You can adjust the subwoofer output from the remote on a scale of 1 to 5. As far as the bar itself, we have a good room for reflecting sound off walls from such a device and wow!
Considering this is an older model, I'm, just at a loss for words.
We just moved into a new, smaller home on the coast now that the kids are all grown and on their own. So I ditched all my audio equipment to get back to a more simple and sane time in my life. WOW. Im still amazed and the price which to me, the sub itself it worth more than the $399 that I paid and I got the whole set up for that.
Assuming you have the same bar, I dont know if you know, with the firmware update it allows bass to be turned up further from a scale of 1 to 5.
The impressive JBL Bar 5.1 Surround delivers the ultimate home cinematic experience. Bring viewing to life with 550 Watts of power and a 10’’ subwoofer.
www.jbl.com
With that said, I NEVER expected it to sound this good but I also have ordered and that is arriving today.
A Sony HT-A700 and more than double the price for an open box item. $829 plus tax. I knew (at the time) the Sony will and should blow the JBL away at more than double the price but I dont think it's going too.
The Sony being a 7.1 WILL have better surround effects but it has a so called built in sub, it doesnt have an external I dont see how it can ever match the JBL sub output...I know it wont.
I SUSPECT WE WILL HAVE TO MAKE A DECISION BETWEEN THE TWO. Sony without an external sub but a 7.1 system or JBL with kick a-- sub but a 5.1 System.
of the Sony and down the road pick up a Sony external sub.
Elevate your audio experience with Sony HT-A7000 Dolby Atmos® Soundbar. Features 360 Reality Audio for supreme sound quality. Pairs with Sony BRAVIA.
electronics.sony.com
Anyway, this is a compliment to JBLs older 5.1 bar posted above. Just amazing, now that JBL and Sony have pushed the prices of these things even higher, I dont know if the new JBL BAR 500 5.1 is as good or not since I dont have that model.
I do know this will be a tough decision once I compare the Sony. Good news is JBL gives you 30 days to try it out and being the Sony is an Amazon open box provided by Beach Camera I get 90 days to try that one.
These things, heavy as heck to ship, having FREE return shipping takes care of that.
I see
@Triple3 in Mo. has the newer Bar 500 and is happy with that too. That is pretty cool I really consider these JBLs great values and better performing in a crowded field. ( I cant help wonder if the Bar 500 has anything more than the 5.1.
Atmos in the 500 but not 5.1??? hmmm