JBL Cinema SB550
Verified5 reviews
I tend to expect a lot from the brand JBL and this is no exception for a $328 sound bar It was connected to a bedroom TV to improve the basic audio with a Samsung 43 inch and make use of the HDMI eArc features to then only need one remote at its core it is a great sound bar. But, I'm not sure it is fully deserving of the JBL badge. There are certainly other things about the product that to be something they should add even on entry level sound bars. In this case the sound is great for a bedroom, not too powerful but certainly makes it more enjoyable than the TV speakers. The biggest let down here is what seems to be basic features that he's not part of the sound bar that would potentially make this not an ideal purchase for anything more than a bedroom set up. The remote feels very cheap in hand, not overly intuitive compared to the other JBL remote we have. It does not have simple feature like night mode which would be fantastic for a bedroom. The LED display does not show the volume and is limited to simple 3 colour dots that you must learn to interpret. I am not quite sure whether or not this is a bug with the TV or the sound But also when using the remote for the TV to increase the volume it does not on screen show the current volume number which also makes it quite difficult to and learn a good volume to keep it at.
pros: - easy to mount on the wall and setup for any basic setup of sound bar and TV. power cable and one HDMI both included in the box. - sound Quality is fantastic, I do feel for a bedroom even a entry level branded sound bar would come close too. - the right amount of base from the wireless sub, 3.1 Surround sound makes it a step above your cheaper 2.1 surround sound options on the market.
cons: - not easy to work out how much base is set, as it is not a up and down volume more of cycle through button - remote is poorly manufactured. If using HDMI eArc you would possibly not require this remote most of the time. - the price is a little steep, I did get this on a deal and given I have other JBL sound bars I was investing in the experience with those and the quality. However I do feel again any cheap branded sound bar would come close to this.
All in all would I purchase this sound bar again, I would probably next time try a cheaper brand and make sure that I have a good option to return if not happy with it's quality.
Purchased in at JB Hi-Fi Retail Stores for $328.
Total rubbish, had nothing but trouble with it. Only works when it wants to. No error codes to help you work out what the problem is. Eventually had a professional set it up, no one else could. Seemed to be good after that,but only for a week then had trouble with it again. Don't waste your money.
Purchased in .
Horrific audio – Piece of cloudy-muddy shït. Bought this for my partner for Christmas to go with her new computer screens. We replaced a Logitech Z623 (google it) While the item is simple and small I found it impossible to find either on the JBL website, the good guys, or JB pretty much anywhere the "RMS ratings" of the bar and the sub. Without this very valuable information it is near impossible to get something decent without hearing it in person (if they have it set up) which in this case they didn't (marketing tactics my guess)
Anywho, has an underwhelming (smaller than my palm) subwoofer 20w power usage (it's horrid). sub - about 15wrms output (minusing 5w for the wireless and loss) The Logitech was a 6.5" 80wrms wired sub Much much more full and powerful massively noticeable when watching movies
The sound quality on the sb550 is muddy not clear and as good as a 15 year old Panasonic plasma.
Honestly this was $300aud The Logitech was $300aud Go the Logitech hands down This sb550 is an embarrassment to the JBL brand. Total trash!!
Don't do it, don't buy it, it's only "worth" $30.
Purchased in .
Worth the purchase – Quality sound! Just the kind of set-up I want for my work space.
Does the job ok – Works fine. The TV sound is much improved so I'd say it was a good buy. Didn't work straight out of the box as it's supposed to connect to the HDMI ARC port on the TV but we have a we have a Fetch box plugged into that. Had to go buy an optical cable instead which was only $10 so I don't understand why one wasn't included in the box as it probably cost less than $2 to make. Loses a star for that.
Having the Fetch connected to the HDMI ARC port allows me to control the TV volume output with the Fetch remote. Can't control the volume on the soundbar with this so have to use the supplied remote control. If you just have a TV and connect it to the soundbar via the HDMI ARC port you won't need the soundbar remote.
The soundbar remote is pretty basic - you can choose the sound profile to be either voice, music or movie and there is a noticable difference to the mids and bass depending on which you choose. There are also three levels of bass for the woofer but there's no indication on the bar or remote showing which level you are at so it's a selection you have to make by ear. The woofer self connects to the soundbar via Bluetooth so can be placed anywhere in the room as long as there's a power outlet nearby.
Will go very loud if you want it to. Overall I'd say it was a good purchase but having to use a separate remote is slightly annoying.
Pic shows the bar. I've put it behind the TV stand so it's a bit more discreet. The woofer isn't too obvious either. The three remotes I now have to use are a bit meh though.
Edit: some months in I can now hear an intermittent electrical noise. Hard to describe but it's like a very brief electric squeak. Occurrs once every 5 or so minutes. Seems to come from the soundbar rather than the woofer.
Purchased at JB Hi-Fi for $249.
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