JBL Bar 2.1 - Deep Bass Soundbar with 6.5" Wireless Subwoofer (2019 Model), Black

When it comes to premium audio equipment, I check to see if JBL makes what I need first. The JBL Bar 2.1 absolutely delivered on all aspects. I could not be more satisfied by this soundbar.DESIGN: The actual soundbar has nice lines, and the grille is metal, not cloth or plastic as is found on other models of sound bar. There are onboard power and volume controls on the top. The status LED is hidden behind the grille, and even though it is a little simple looking, it is only on for a second or two to let you know what input is currently selected. 2 rubber rails keep the (admittedly very light) bar from sliding on whatever surface it is put on. The sub-woofer, on the other hand, is a hefty stand-alone unit, which connects by Bluetooth, allowing you to place it in an optimal position for your room. It is powered separately, so you will need two outlets to power the system. The sub-woofer cabinet rests on four rubber feet, a nice touch that will prevent the speaker cabinet "walking", and prevent any damage to the surface you place it on. There is a large port on the rear.SOUND: This soundbar delivers full, clear sound, orders of magnitude better than the stock speakers on modern televisions. The experience is just like upgrading the speakers in your car; the clarity is there, the separation of highs, mids, and lows is there.Other reviewers have said that this bar lacks bass, this is categorically false. The bass is full-throated, and you feel and hear it. It will not act like the amplified sub-woofers in cars running at thousands of watts. This is not what this unit was designed to do, and most likely that is not what you want your television audio to do.This unit is rated at 300 watts, and it will remain clear even into the upper limits of volume, and at that point, it can be uncomfortably loud. I live in a 800 sq ft apartment, and this bar fills the entire space. The remote has a button to switch the bass reproduction between settings of Low, Medium, and High.BLUETOOTH CONNECTIVITY: The Bluetooth connectivity is great, audio fidelity is kept crystal clear 30 feet away from the unit, in a different room. Connecting is quick, and it is easy to switch from one Bluetooth connected device to another. One drawback is that the included remote needs to have a direct line of sight with the unit to control it.PROS:+ Solid construction more metal where other units use plastic+ Sleek, understated design+ Excellent sound, clear highs, warm mids, tight punchy bass+ Robust Bluetooth connectivity (easy to switch audio inputs)CONS:- Remote control needs a direct line of sight to workOVERALL GRADE: AIf you have a television, or any other Bluetooth capable audio device with weak onboard audio, you will not be disappointed with this soundbar. Definitely the top shelf of soundbars, another premium quality offering from JBL, 100% worth the money.

Sound from this system (bar & sub) are above average, when comparing to a full multimedia sound system on my downstairs theater room. Don't expect a blasting sound, this one has good sound level for normal TV viewing, without a giant sound. If you want to party, then get the best and biggest sound system, and found it very adequate for a normal sounding level. I had no trouble with connections, either fiber or HDMI, the only thing was making sure the HDMI-ARC was set to "on" rather than off. Through the HDMI-CEC this enables volume on your TV remote to automatically control volume on JBL bar. I don't use the JBL remote (except for setup), because all my sound is TV audio only. I do agree though with other critics, the buttons on JBL remote are a little inconvenient, a one of kind way of button movement, because one has to push up or down on a dimple to increase or decrease volume. So far after a month, everything comes on without delay, meaning the sub is working within a second or 2, and there's a prompt in middle of sound bar scrolling saying Digital Dolby coming from TV. Volume prompt will show up immediately while adjusting volume from TV remote. Overall JBL sound is much better sound than the tinny audio coming from 65" crystal Samsung TV, just purchased at a local department store. Like I said, this isn't a high-end multimedia sound system, but it makes a great enhancement to dull TV sound.

For the money, I am exceptionally pleased. It surpasses my Bose unit. Which I thought would be impossible and even heresy. It matches a higherend true hoe theater 7:1 unit I had that was much more expensive than I could afford to replace. I honestly thought "well this will work in the mean time." After months of use, I really don't miss the other unit. The bluetooth ability to play music was an even more pleasant surprise. I didn't expect it to surpass my Bose for that unique Bose ability to fill up a room with sound, but it does and does it better. Perhaps with a movie in which I want to feel like I am in a theater with various sounds approaching from every which way, I will miss my higher end unit. But, I haven't had an experience yet that has made me think maybe I will still drop the coin for something else. I think this went form "good enough for now" to more permanent status. It works well for a 40 x 25 foot great room. It is distinctive in sound differentiation well enough to be heard over other sounds, conversation, etc. It doesn't so without being loud for the sake of loud. Subwoofer is more than enough for a full effect and really shines with music.

Big upgrade from my 70" fireTv. It was a little tricky setting up being my first sound bar but I was able to figure it out using the included book and a trouble shoot 2 weeks later. The sub is really nice and pacts a punch. The great part about the sub is the low,mid,high option since I live and an apartment complex. The bar seems well enough.Tip: I use my ps5 for everything so the book should to pin through the bar to the TV (PS to bar hdmi in, then hdmi out to TV eARC) It was very subtle but there was a sound delay. It was so subtle at first i thought it was just a cheap bar. The last movie though it was 1 while second behind.Switched from: PS to TV hdmi #, then used hdmi out(eARC) bar to TV eARC.So the TV has two hdmi cords.Eliminated the delay and I'm super happy with this. If there are suround speakers I can find to connect to this that would be a hard 5 star

Not the best sound system, but I am very happy with the purchase, and for the price I think it’s top of its class. Very clear dialog & very decent low ends. Exactly what I expected to get from JBL at this price range. Kinda made me wish I’d have stepped up a price tier. 9/10 recommend, unless you’re willing to spend $500 or more, this is a solid option. Connected to my TCL with no issue, and can even use the tv remote (or Roku app) to control it.