Furnishings
Unpack, connect two cables to JBL Multibeam 5.0 (select appropriate HDMI on TV), done. The smartphone immediately finds a Chromecast device, you switch to the Google Home app, set up the device for your home, and the WiFi transfers directly. On the TV you switch directly to the soundbar, a few options in the TV’s sound menu from off to automatic, and that’s it. At some point the TV will contact you again and ask to set up the soundbar, play a few words and you’re done. Nothing felt changed.
Next we start the automatic configuration. The multibeam plays the left, right and centered tone several times and probably misses the room.
That was basically it. What is written here is as authentic as it sounds, in reality it is just as crisp. Multibeam is ready to use. Later we’ll extend the base via Bluetooth and pair a smartphone. But as it is now, all connections except Bluetooth are working. It will run just as fast through Apple devices. An Amazon Echo can even “work”. But it can be as short and sweet as possible. More plug ‘n’ play is rarely possible.
Connection Options/Connection Options
Chromecast Audio, AirPlay, Bluetooth, TV, HDMI devices. Except there’s no analog jack, you can connect the boom bar in all the important ways. There is even a LAN connection! IMPORTANT: WITHOUT ANY SOFTWARE OR APP!
We have an Ikea Sonos speaker that can only be accessed through the Sonos app. You need to download YouTube videos and play them locally on your smartphone Unfortunately, not all festival sets are available on YouTube Music But that too is done. Sonos has removed the ability to play local files for no reason. Music should come via Spotify, YouTube Music and co. Nothing works over WLAN or even Bluetooth.
Things are different at JBL! JBL does not actually provide any software. There’s an app to set up the bar, but with full integration into the three major environments from Google, Apple and Amazon, plus direct Bluetooth connectivity, you’re ready anytime! Technically or by Google restrictions, you can only use Chromecast as an audio device The normal YouTube app doesn’t work. Many videos are available through YouTube Music, otherwise you just turn on the TV. Sonos couldn’t be connected to the TV at all.
How does the JBL Multibeam 5.0 sound?
Technology in brief: The model name 5.0 is five channels that ensure spatial sound. This is ensured by five drivers, which are mounted on the right and left side. Each driver measures 4.8 x 8 cm and is powered by 50 watts of power. Total power is therefore 250 watts. Four passive diaphragms measuring 7.5 cm provide low tones.
Of course, the JBL Bar 5.0 Multibeam sounds worlds better than pure TV speakers. Especially at the current price of €200 or less, JBL offers a real package! Various connectivity options, especially digital, are a huge added value. Music from all possible sources can be played easily and intuitively. Setting it up is child’s play and can easily be done in 4 ways. Requires a smartphone, or at least an Amazon Echo. This should always be present. If you don’t have it, just connect the bar to the TV and you’ll be happy
As I said, the sound is good. There is nothing wrong with that. But something is missing, especially in the bass range. Especially if JBL is also used for listening to music. There is also a lack of oomph and ultimately volume. The JBL Bar 5.0 MultiBeam is therefore a soundbar for price-conscious users who don’t like TV sound, but don’t want to pay too much for sound. A little bit of music every moment from your smartphone or Spotify. Satisfied! It is also worth mentioning that all Dolby surround sound options can be temporarily disabled, for example if you want to listen only to B. Tagesschau.
Anyone expecting a full orchestra or the next rave in their living room will be disappointed. Then the price goes up. But JBL offers new bars with subwoofers and more speakers. Despite the adjustments, the bass is not strong enough. JBL can do more, we don’t know what the successor will do. A subwoofer would complement this, but if the soundbar is sold without it, it should also measure up here. Teufel even has a pure soundbar with an integrated subwoofer. But its price is also double.
Minor errors
The Multibeam 5.0 Soundbar does a lot of things right and clearly shows that JBL knows what’s important. A lack of bass can be expected from successors, but certainly from devices with a subwoofer. Otherwise only small things are noticed. But the first one can be boring. Every few minutes a demo screen appears on the display indicating that the soundbar supports Chromecast, AirPlay, etc. I haven’t found a way to disable it yet. It’s annoying that the soundbar is below the TV and bright text is always displayed in the field of view
During the operation, while I was listening to music, the bar suddenly closed. It also happens on TV from time to time. Suddenly the TV speaker rang again. Of course, this is extremely annoying and I haven’t been able to fix it yet. Unfortunately, the volume set at the bar is pleasant, but on the TV it’s about 3 times louder.
Conclusion
Let’s briefly summarize again. The JBL Multibeam 5.0 is currently available for just under €200. This is a “discontinued model”, JBL is already offering a successor But at most you might catch a snapper or two here. Because only one center unit is set up, with no satellite speakers, the bar produces a balanced and pleasant sound. There is nothing wrong with movies, series and YouTube. Well, in movies you might need a little more pressure from bass. You miss it when you listen to music.
The JBL Multibeam 5.0 is clearly a soundbar for budget TV viewers who listen to music occasionally. If music is supposed to be one of the main disciplines, then this device will not work. Most of the numerous connection options are definitely aimed at music. But every user is thankful for easy connectivity. You can expect something similar from other JBL devices.
Kurz: If you want good sound, great connectivity options and some savings, you’re in good hands with the JBL Multibeam 5.0.
JBL to go? JBL Quantum TWS Air tested by Jens.
JBL Bar 5.0 Multibeam – Wireless Soundbar with Virtual Dolby Atmos and Multibeam Surround Sound – Music System with Gold Base and 3D Sound in Black
- Unique 3D sound experience: Virtual Dolby Atmos sound creates an intense sound environment that fills every corner of the room with high-quality sound.
- Cinema feeling at home: Thanks to four built-in bass radiators, the music box enables powerful, rich bass and an impressive sound without the need for an additional subwoofer.
- With AirPlay, Alexa Multi-Room Music and Chromecast, your favorite online content can be streamed in amazing sound quality with a simple tap or voice command.
- Easy control for maximum comfort: Wireless streaming via Bluetooth lets you play your favorite music from your smartphone or tablet
- Scope of delivery: 1 x Bar 5.0 Multibeam from JBL in black/sound bar with remote control, two batteries, power and HDMI cable, wall mount, quick guide, warranty and safety card
JBL Bar 5.0 Multibeam – Wireless Soundbar with Virtual Dolby Atmos and Multibeam Surround Sound – Black and Flip 6 Bluetooth Box Black – Waterproof, Portable Speaker
- Product 1: Unique 3D Sound Experience: Virtual Dolby Atmos Sound creates an intense sound atmosphere that fills every corner of the room with high-quality sound.
- Product 1: Cinema feeling at home: Thanks to four built-in bass radiators, the music box enables powerful, rich bass and an impressive sound without the need for an additional subwoofer.
- Product 1: With AirPlay, Alexa Multi-Room Music and Chromecast, your favorite online content can be streamed in amazing sound quality with a simple tap or voice command.
- Product 1: Simple control for maximum convenience: Your favorite music can be played via wireless streaming via Bluetooth from your smartphone or tablet.
- Product 2: JBL Pro Sound with 2-Way Speaker System: Speaker box with racetrack-shaped woofer, separate tweeter and 2 optimized passive radiators delivers extremely clear sound with deep bass.
JBL Bar 500 – Compact 5.1 Channel Soundbar for Home Cinema Sound System – Wireless Bluetooth Speaker with Subwoofer and Dolby Atmos Surround Sound – Black
- JBL Bar 500 is a 5.1-channel soundbar with a wireless 10-inch subwoofer: Multibeam and Dolby Atmos technology provide an amazing 3D sound experience without additional speakers.
- An impressive, well-defined base brings action to films and emotion to music: with an output of 590 watts, the home cinema system transforms films and music into immersive adventures
- PureVoice technology uses a unique algorithm to optimize voice clarity so that not a word of conversation is lost, even when 3D sound effects are turned on out of the box.
- Link compatible sound systems via an app: With the JBL One app, the soundbar set is easily set up, settings are personalized and integrated music services are used.
- Scope of delivery: Black 1 x JBL soundbar, 1 x subwoofer, remote control, battery, power and HDMI cables, screws + template, 2 x L-shaped wall brackets with instructions, safety and warranty card
JBL Bar 1000 – 7.1.4-channel soundbar for home cinema sound system – with removable surround speakers, multibeam, Dolby Atmos surround sound and DTS:X – black
- Surround sound for immersive adventures: Two removable battery-powered surround speakers can be placed indoors without any additional cables or power connections.
- Link compatible sound systems via an app: With the JBL One app, the soundbar set is easily set up, settings are personalized and integrated music services are used.
- REAL CINEMA QUALITY: The JBL Bar 1000’s 4 drivers offer real DolbyAtmos and DTS:X with multibeam for a 3D surround sound experience with a total power of 880 watts.
- Convenient streaming: Access over 300 online music streaming services via AirPlay, Alexa MRM and Chromecast, while Wi-Fi connectivity enables automatic software updates
- Scope of delivery: 1 x JBL Bar 1000 black, 2 x speakers, 1 x subwoofer, 1 x remote control, 1 x power cable, 1 x HDMI cable, 1 x quick guide, 1 x safety instructions and warranty card and more.