JBL Bar 5.0 Multibeam in testing

The JBL Bar 5.0 Multibeam Soundbar is a compact soundbar that brings a cinema-like feel to the home thanks to Dolby Atmos, even without a subwoofer. The test shows whether it is successful.

When it comes to any type of speaker, good sound depends not only on the available space. Physically, such speakers require a certain minimum volume to be able to produce proper sound. This also applies to the soundbar, which due to its design should be as flat and thin as possible. Soundbars without subwoofers make it particularly difficult for manufacturers, but they also usually advertise such products using marketing-effective terms. JBL is also confident with its own product with its Bar 5.0 MultiBeam and promises to bring cinema sound to the living room. The magic word here is Dolby Atmos – but does the soundbar deliver on what the manufacturer promises?

The JBL Bar 5.0 Multibeam features a typically subtle, high-quality and modern JBL design in matte black color. At 709 mm wide, 58 mm high and 101 mm deep, the soundbar is compact and inconspicuous. With a total weight of 2.8 kg, it is quite convenient too. The corners and edges of the soundbar are rounded and hence pleasant to touch. It is attractive and practical.

When it comes to the materials of the soundbar, JBL uses plastic for the most part. Only on the front is there a nice metal grill behind which the speakers are placed. Due to the soundbar’s compact size, it can easily fit in a cupboard under the television. Alternatively, it is possible to attach the soundbar to the wall using the mounting material included in the delivery. A rubberized button bar is installed on the top of the soundbar. Here you will find on/off, volume+/- buttons and a button to select input. There is also a microphone for audio calibration (Automatic Multibeam Calibration, AMC for short) in the middle of the button bar. When you press a button, a small display appears behind the metal grill. There are discreet, flat rubber feet on the bottom of the soundbar to protect the cabinet surface.

As the name JBL Bar 5.0 Multibeam suggests, sound plays on five channels. This is done with a total of five 4.8 × 8 cm drivers, one each placed on the right and left sides of the soundbar, and three on the front. There are no real height speakers. Each driver is powered by 50 W, so the total output of the soundbar is a maximum of 250 W. Two 75 mm passive membranes installed at the top and bottom are intended to provide deeper tones; JBL Bar 5.0 MultiBeam comes without a subwoofer. Unfortunately, it is not possible to expand the surround system later, more on this later.

The speakers support Dolby Atmos and Multibeam sound formats. There is one HDMI input and one HDMI output on the back of the soundbar. Here it is possible to use the soundbar as a central interface for a game console or media player if the television does not offer it. It also has an optical, Ethernet, and a USB-C port. The JBL Bar 5.0 MultiBeam also has Bluetooth and WiFi. AirPlay 2, Chromecast and Alexa access is also provided.

JBL Bar 5.0 MultiBeam offers various control options. The volume and sound mode can be changed using the remote control. The playback source can also be selected using the TV, Bluetooth or HDMI buttons. By pressing the HDMI button for a longer time (more than 5 seconds), the soundbar automatically calibrates and thus adapts to the room. During calibration, test tones are emitted by the soundbar and picked up by the microphone on the button bar. Its purpose is to optimally optimize the surround sound in the room. Attention: The sounds emitted are loud!

If your television has HDMI-ARC (Audio Return Channel), you can easily control the volume of the JBL Bar 5.0 MultiBeam using the television’s remote control. This means that only one remote control is needed in everyday life. A small display (about 2 × 4 cm) with a maximum of five characters behind the metal grille in front of the soundbar is intended to simplify operation with the help of scrolling text. This works very well because the font is easy to read. The JBL Bar 5.0 MultiBeam does not have its own voice assistant, but common voice assistants like Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri are supported. If you’re looking for presets or EQs to improve sound quality, unfortunately you’ll be disappointed. There is also no EQ available in the “JBL Bar” setup app.

You can only adjust the bass using the remote control – and that’s quite complicated. To do this, press and hold the TV button for 3 seconds and then press the plus or minus button. The bass is specified in five different levels. JBL specifies a low frequency of 50 Hz. In the bass test at 50 percent volume and a frequency of 59 Hz, a slight increase can be heard. The lows really only reach around 40Hz, but levels below 50Hz are negligible. Overall, this is not enough; This is less noticeable in bass testing and more in everyday life.

With music and movies, sound quality degrades at high volumes, making the sound thin and indistinct. The described lack of bass pressure is also noticeable here. When switching from Bluetooth to HDMI, our ears almost blow off because the difference in volume is so huge. Positives: Language is reproduced clearly and distinctly on the JBL Bar 5.0 Multibeam. Turning on Dolby Atmos on the remote control greatly improves the atmosphere of movies and television, and the stage becomes much wider. This is especially noticeable in movies with Dolby Atmos support. However, there is no enveloping 3D sound that can touch the listener from all sides or even from different heights.

At the time of testing, JBL is offering the JBL Bar 5.0 Multibeam soundbar on its website for around 400 euros. However, the model is currently temporarily out of stock. An eBay dealer is currently offering the soundbar 300 euros To.

The JBL Bar 5.0 MultiBeam offers a sleek and modern design that will definitely fit into many living rooms due to its comparatively compact dimensions. It is easy to connect and set up. Dialogue and, at normal volumes, the entire soundscape are reproduced beautifully and clearly; JBL Soundbar is undoubtedly an enhancement to TV sound. However, when you listen to something closer and louder it quickly reaches its limits. If you want more, you have to put more money in your pocket. For just under 130 euros you can get our test winner from the current best list.

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