Soundbars
Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar Max
9.6/10SoundGuys scoreRead our review ›
$1,999.95at Amazon
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JBL
JBL Bar 5.1
MSRP
$699View on Amazon
Manufacturer's suggested retail price at launch. Check retailers for current availability.
Key specs
Channels
5.1217%2.115%5.112%3.1.210%
5.1 appears on 12% of the 124 soundbars we've cataloged (of 128).
HDMI Earc
YesMost commonTrue89%False11%
True is the most common — on 89% of the 117 soundbars we've cataloged (of 128).
Surround Sound Format
Dolby DigitalDolby atmos31%Dts:x17%Dts virtual:x14%Dolby digital12%
Dolby digital appears on 12% of the 243 soundbars we've cataloged (of 128).
Expandable System
YesMost commonTrue80%False20%
True is the most common — on 80% of the 108 soundbars we've cataloged (of 128).
Sound
- Channels
- 5.1
- Surround Sound Format
- Dolby Digital
- Amplification
- Active (powered)
- Driver Count
- 7
- Dialogue Enhancement
- Yes
- Night Mode
- Yes
- Room Calibration
- Yes
- Included Subwoofer
- Wireless
- Total Power Output
- 550 W
Connectivity
- HDMI Earc
- Yes
- Connection Type
- Bluetooth, hdmi-arc, optical, usb
- Bluetooth Version
- 4.2
- Optical
- Yes
- HDMI Input Count
- 1
Design
- Expandable System
- Yes
- Dimensions Depth
- 100 mm
- Dimensions Height
- 58 mm
- Dimensions Width
- 1018 mm
- Mounting Type
- Bookshelf/tabletop, wall-mount
- Power Source
- AC mains
- Weight
- 2850 g
Battery
- Battery Life Wireless
- 10 h
Features
- Companion App
- IOS + Android
- Speakerphone
- No
- Voice Assistant Support
- Works with Alexa
Identity
- Model Number
- JBL2GBAR51IMBLKAM
Release
- Date
- 2017
- Msrp Usd
- 699 USD
- Year
- 2017
Features & Opinions
More from the team ›Commentary and deep dives from the SoundGuys editorial team.
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Dave CarrVideo Producer/WriterThe JBL Xtreme 4 does one thing the newer Xtreme 5 can’tThere’s still one very good reason I’d buy the older Xtreme 4, and it’s not the lower price.Dave CarrVideo Producer/WriterI built my own Dolby Atmos speaker system, but I still prefer headphones for musicInvesting in Dolby Atmos wasn't a waste, but listening through headphones is more than a gimmick.
Brady SnyderContributorWired vs wireless headphones: Which should you buy?Wired headphones do not automatically sound better.
Tom TriggsContributorDon't buy the JBL Charge 6. Buy these three speakers insteadThe JBL Charge 6 is a solid speaker, but these three alternatives may be worth buying instead.Dave CarrVideo Producer/WriterBest Bluetooth speakers to buy instead of JBLJBL speakers are popular, but they’re not your only option.Dave CarrVideo Producer/Writer
Dave CarrVideo Producer/WriterThe JBL Xtreme 4 does one thing the newer Xtreme 5 can’tThere’s still one very good reason I’d buy the older Xtreme 4, and it’s not the lower price.Dave CarrVideo Producer/WriterI built my own Dolby Atmos speaker system, but I still prefer headphones for musicInvesting in Dolby Atmos wasn't a waste, but listening through headphones is more than a gimmick.Brady SnyderContributorWired vs wireless headphones: Which should you buy?Wired headphones do not automatically sound better.Tom TriggsContributorDon't buy the JBL Charge 6. Buy these three speakers insteadThe JBL Charge 6 is a solid speaker, but these three alternatives may be worth buying instead.Dave CarrVideo Producer/WriterBest Bluetooth speakers to buy instead of JBLJBL speakers are popular, but they’re not your only option.Dave CarrVideo Producer/WriterMore Soundbars
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