JBL Bar Studio 2.0 Soundbar Black
Enhance your TV sound JBL Bar Studio compact soundbar provides stellar sound for your favorite TV series movies and music. It’s slim incomparably designed and extremely easy to use. JBL surround sound and double bass ports turn your TV sound into real cinema sound. The JBL Bar Studio includes Bluetooth connectivity so that you can stream your favorite music to the speaker wirelessly. It is easy to set up with just one single HDMI cable to connect between your TV and the soundbar. You can control the JBL Bar Studio with your existing TV remote control. All–in–one Soundbar with built–in Dual Bass Port design Enjoy significantly better sound with more bass from your TV series movies and music through Dual Bass Port design. JBL Surround Sound Bring movies to life with JBL Surround Sound without the hassle of any additional wires or speakers. Wireless music streaming with Bluetooth Stream all your music wirelessly from any mobile device. HDMI (ARC) connection All you need to do is connect a single HDMI cable between the soundbar and your TV. Works with your TV remote control This JBL soundbar is designed to work with many of today’s top TV remote controls so you can use your existing TV remote control for both TV and soundbar.
Enhance your TV sound JBL Bar Studio compact soundbar provides stellar sound for your favorite TV series movies and music. It’s slim incomparably designed and extremely easy to use. JBL surround sound and double bass ports turn your TV sound into real cinema sound. The JBL Bar Studio includes Bluetooth connectivity so that you can stream your favorite music to the speaker wirelessly. It is easy to set up with just one single HDMI cable to connect between your TV and the soundbar. You can control the JBL Bar Studio with your existing TV remote control. All–in–one Soundbar with built–in Dual Bass Port design Enjoy significantly better sound with more bass from your TV series movies and music through Dual Bass Port design. JBL Surround Sound Bring movies to life with JBL Surround Sound without the hassle of any additional wires or speakers. Wireless music streaming with Bluetooth Stream all your music wirelessly from any mobile device. HDMI (ARC) connection All you need to do is connect a single HDMI cable between the soundbar and your TV. Works with your TV remote control This JBL soundbar is designed to work with many of today’s top TV remote controls so you can use your existing TV remote control for both TV and soundbar.
Enhance your TV sound JBL Bar Studio compact soundbar provides stellar sound for your favorite TV series movies and music. It’s slim incomparably designed and extremely easy to use. JBL surround sound and double bass ports turn your TV sound into real cinema sound. The JBL Bar Studio includes Bluetooth connectivity so that you can stream your favorite music to the speaker wirelessly. It is easy to set up with just one single HDMI cable to connect between your TV and the soundbar. You can control the JBL Bar Studio with your existing TV remote control. All–in–one Soundbar with built–in Dual Bass Port design Enjoy significantly better sound with more bass from your TV series movies and music through Dual Bass Port design. JBL Surround Sound Bring movies to life with JBL Surround Sound without the hassle of any additional wires or speakers. Wireless music streaming with Bluetooth Stream all your music wirelessly from any mobile device. HDMI (ARC) connection All you need to do is connect a single HDMI cable between the soundbar and your TV. Works with your TV remote control This JBL soundbar is designed to work with many of today’s top TV remote controls so you can use your existing TV remote control for both TV and soundbar.
Enhance your TV sound JBL Bar Studio compact soundbar provides stellar sound for your favorite TV series movies and music. It’s slim incomparably designed and extremely easy to use. JBL surround sound and double bass ports turn your TV sound into real cinema sound. The JBL Bar Studio includes Bluetooth connectivity so that you can stream your favorite music to the speaker wirelessly. It is easy to set up with just one single HDMI cable to connect between your TV and the soundbar. You can control the JBL Bar Studio with your existing TV remote control. All–in–one Soundbar with built–in Dual Bass Port design Enjoy significantly better sound with more bass from your TV series movies and music through Dual Bass Port design. JBL Surround Sound Bring movies to life with JBL Surround Sound without the hassle of any additional wires or speakers. Wireless music streaming with Bluetooth Stream all your music wirelessly from any mobile device. HDMI (ARC) connection All you need to do is connect a single HDMI cable between the soundbar and your TV. Works with your TV remote control This JBL soundbar is designed to work with many of today’s top TV remote controls so you can use your existing TV remote control for both TV and soundbar.
in 3 offers
The lowest price for JBL Bar Studio 2.0 Soundbar Black right now is $168.88 at eBay.com.au, compared across 2 retailers.
The all-time low was $98.51 on 7 June 2026 — today's price is 71% above the lowest ever. It has been notably cheaper before — worth setting a price alert.
Prices last updated 9 June 2026.
Last updated at 09/06/2026 13:03:49
Jbl Jblbarsblkas 30w 2.0 Channels Bar Soundbar With Bluetooth - Black
Delivery $8.50
Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive a small commission for purchases made through this link at no extra cost to you. This helps support our site. Thank you!
JBL JBLBARSBLKAS 30W 2.0 Channels Bar Soundbar with Bluetooth - Black
Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive a small commission for purchases made through this link at no extra cost to you. This helps support our site. Thank you!
JBL Bar Studio 2.0 Channel Soundbar with Bluetooth - Black
Free delivery between Wed – Thu
originally posted on richersounds.com
As a recording engineer back in the 70s, I monitored using JBL 4340s a remarkable Studio monitor. At home I chose the Tannoy HPDs fitted in Lockwood Enclosures as they provided a lovely round sound for the home. I also use BOSE speakers. However our large flat screen Samsung, although producing an amazing picture, only provided a very 'average' sound reproduction. I was considering a Sound Bar for the TV, but didn't want (another bass box) but was concerned that without one, the bass response would be poor. When I found the JBL Bar Studio, I decided as it was JBL, I would give it a trial. I have to say that I am exceedingly impressed. OK, the bass is not ground-shaking, and I wasn't expecting it to be such, but it is far better than I imagined it could be from a ... MoreAs a recording engineer back in the 70s, I monitored using JBL 4340s a remarkable Studio monitor. At home I chose the Tannoy HPDs fitted in Lockwood Enclosures as they provided a lovely round sound for the home. I also use BOSE speakers. However our large flat screen Samsung, although producing an amazing picture, only provided a very 'average' sound reproduction. I was considering a Sound Bar for the TV, but didn't want (another bass box) but was concerned that without one, the bass response would be poor. When I found the JBL Bar Studio, I decided as it was JBL, I would give it a trial. I have to say that I am exceedingly impressed. OK, the bass is not ground-shaking, and I wasn't expecting it to be such, but it is far better than I imagined it could be from a single soundbar. The set E.Qs. are useful too, switching from voice to music provides a startling difference. It has added a new depth of enjoyment and was worth every penny. The fact that it is also bluetooth is an added bonus as we can use it from our phones and other mobile devices - although it adds a level of discussion as to whose music we are going to listen to. What could make it better? Wifi enabled would have been the cream so that we could stream cloud music to it - but, of course, I can access music via the TV and then play it through the JBL.In Summary; an excellent piece of kit at the price of a tank of fuel!
originally posted on richersounds.com
I tried a cheap £50 soundbar from another store and returned it as the sound was hardly better than the TV. The JBL BAR STUDIO has lots of inputs but I found the best method was to use the HDMI ARC input as the sound was controlled by the TV and Sky remote.You can program the soundbar to your TV remote using the learning mode but this was less convenient. I like the various sound modes plus the surround option adds real depth to the TV sound. We chose this model because at less than 6cm high it did not spill into the picture viewing area which lots of the taller models did. Despite its small size it's a massive improvement on the Panasonic TV sound.If I have one gripe it that the various sound modes and connections are only shown by series of lights rather than ... MoreI tried a cheap £50 soundbar from another store and returned it as the sound was hardly better than the TV. The JBL BAR STUDIO has lots of inputs but I found the best method was to use the HDMI ARC input as the sound was controlled by the TV and Sky remote.You can program the soundbar to your TV remote using the learning mode but this was less convenient. I like the various sound modes plus the surround option adds real depth to the TV sound. We chose this model because at less than 6cm high it did not spill into the picture viewing area which lots of the taller models did. Despite its small size it's a massive improvement on the Panasonic TV sound.If I have one gripe it that the various sound modes and connections are only shown by series of lights rather than an LED display like on the more expensive models. This meant I had to print out the instructions so I knew what each light combination meant. This is not a huge problem as once setup you rarely need to change anything.As a bonus it has a USB port for music and music sounds very good when connected by Bluetooth.
originally posted on richersounds.com
I put a review up (anonymous , Eton) a month ago stating that I had issues with the bar. The two problems were that the sound cut out at quiet moments and also the soundbar wouldnt switch on with the TV. That issue was happening when the TV would be swtiched off. The soundbar would also go off , but when the TV was switched on the soundbar wouldnt respond. I had to go to the TV audio settings , switch the audio to another setting (Tv , headphones etc) , then switch it BACK to HDMI again to get it to kick in.After some research I found that by updating the software on the television (Phillips Ambilight) I cured the issue of having to keep switching audio outputs when it had been in standby.Also there is a software patch for the soundbar to stop it turning off ... MoreI put a review up (anonymous , Eton) a month ago stating that I had issues with the bar. The two problems were that the sound cut out at quiet moments and also the soundbar wouldnt switch on with the TV. That issue was happening when the TV would be swtiched off. The soundbar would also go off , but when the TV was switched on the soundbar wouldnt respond. I had to go to the TV audio settings , switch the audio to another setting (Tv , headphones etc) , then switch it BACK to HDMI again to get it to kick in.After some research I found that by updating the software on the television (Phillips Ambilight) I cured the issue of having to keep switching audio outputs when it had been in standby.Also there is a software patch for the soundbar to stop it turning off when there is no sound on the TV (very noticeable when watching something like golf, cricket , etc). If you email JBLs customer care they will email you back the software patch. Copy that to a USB stick , insert it in the soundbar and follow the email instructions. Very simple and it fixes the problem.
Jbl Jblbarsblkas 30w 2.0 Channels Bar Soundbar With Bluetooth - Black
Delivery $8.50
Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive a small commission for purchases made through this link at no extra cost to you. This helps support our site. Thank you!
JBL JBLBARSBLKAS 30W 2.0 Channels Bar Soundbar with Bluetooth - Black
Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive a small commission for purchases made through this link at no extra cost to you. This helps support our site. Thank you!
JBL Bar Studio 2.0 Channel Soundbar with Bluetooth - Black
Free delivery between Wed – Thu
As a recording engineer back in the 70s, I monitored using JBL 4340s a remarkable Studio monitor. At home I chose the Tannoy HPDs fitted in Lockwood Enclosures as they provided a lovely round sound for the home. I also use BOSE speakers. However our large flat screen Samsung, although producing an amazing picture, only provided a very 'average' sound reproduction. I was considering a Sound Bar for the TV, but didn't want (another bass box) but was concerned that without one, the bass response would be poor. When I found the JBL Bar Studio, I decided as it was JBL, I would give it a trial. I have to say that I am exceedingly impressed. OK, the bass is not ground-shaking, and I wasn't expecting it to be such, but it is far better than I imagined it could be from a ... MoreAs a recording engineer back in the 70s, I monitored using JBL 4340s a remarkable Studio monitor. At home I chose the Tannoy HPDs fitted in Lockwood Enclosures as they provided a lovely round sound for the home. I also use BOSE speakers. However our large flat screen Samsung, although producing an amazing picture, only provided a very 'average' sound reproduction. I was considering a Sound Bar for the TV, but didn't want (another bass box) but was concerned that without one, the bass response would be poor. When I found the JBL Bar Studio, I decided as it was JBL, I would give it a trial. I have to say that I am exceedingly impressed. OK, the bass is not ground-shaking, and I wasn't expecting it to be such, but it is far better than I imagined it could be from a single soundbar. The set E.Qs. are useful too, switching from voice to music provides a startling difference. It has added a new depth of enjoyment and was worth every penny. The fact that it is also bluetooth is an added bonus as we can use it from our phones and other mobile devices - although it adds a level of discussion as to whose music we are going to listen to. What could make it better? Wifi enabled would have been the cream so that we could stream cloud music to it - but, of course, I can access music via the TV and then play it through the JBL.In Summary; an excellent piece of kit at the price of a tank of fuel!
I tried a cheap £50 soundbar from another store and returned it as the sound was hardly better than the TV. The JBL BAR STUDIO has lots of inputs but I found the best method was to use the HDMI ARC input as the sound was controlled by the TV and Sky remote.You can program the soundbar to your TV remote using the learning mode but this was less convenient. I like the various sound modes plus the surround option adds real depth to the TV sound. We chose this model because at less than 6cm high it did not spill into the picture viewing area which lots of the taller models did. Despite its small size it's a massive improvement on the Panasonic TV sound.If I have one gripe it that the various sound modes and connections are only shown by series of lights rather than ... MoreI tried a cheap £50 soundbar from another store and returned it as the sound was hardly better than the TV. The JBL BAR STUDIO has lots of inputs but I found the best method was to use the HDMI ARC input as the sound was controlled by the TV and Sky remote.You can program the soundbar to your TV remote using the learning mode but this was less convenient. I like the various sound modes plus the surround option adds real depth to the TV sound. We chose this model because at less than 6cm high it did not spill into the picture viewing area which lots of the taller models did. Despite its small size it's a massive improvement on the Panasonic TV sound.If I have one gripe it that the various sound modes and connections are only shown by series of lights rather than an LED display like on the more expensive models. This meant I had to print out the instructions so I knew what each light combination meant. This is not a huge problem as once setup you rarely need to change anything.As a bonus it has a USB port for music and music sounds very good when connected by Bluetooth.
I put a review up (anonymous , Eton) a month ago stating that I had issues with the bar. The two problems were that the sound cut out at quiet moments and also the soundbar wouldnt switch on with the TV. That issue was happening when the TV would be swtiched off. The soundbar would also go off , but when the TV was switched on the soundbar wouldnt respond. I had to go to the TV audio settings , switch the audio to another setting (Tv , headphones etc) , then switch it BACK to HDMI again to get it to kick in.After some research I found that by updating the software on the television (Phillips Ambilight) I cured the issue of having to keep switching audio outputs when it had been in standby.Also there is a software patch for the soundbar to stop it turning off ... MoreI put a review up (anonymous , Eton) a month ago stating that I had issues with the bar. The two problems were that the sound cut out at quiet moments and also the soundbar wouldnt switch on with the TV. That issue was happening when the TV would be swtiched off. The soundbar would also go off , but when the TV was switched on the soundbar wouldnt respond. I had to go to the TV audio settings , switch the audio to another setting (Tv , headphones etc) , then switch it BACK to HDMI again to get it to kick in.After some research I found that by updating the software on the television (Phillips Ambilight) I cured the issue of having to keep switching audio outputs when it had been in standby.Also there is a software patch for the soundbar to stop it turning off when there is no sound on the TV (very noticeable when watching something like golf, cricket , etc). If you email JBLs customer care they will email you back the software patch. Copy that to a USB stick , insert it in the soundbar and follow the email instructions. Very simple and it fixes the problem.
I've had this speaker for several months now. This seemed like a good option for me as I live in a small apartment and have limited space. I use it primarily for watching movies and listening to music. I'm a bit of a sound quality snob, so if you are anything like me, you may not like this speaker. When the sound output from your movie or show reaches a low enough level, the speaker will shut off until sound output reaches a high enough level. Once the sound registers through the speaker, it takes a little over a half a second for the sound to kick in. This is incredibly annoying during a quieter scene with mostly dialog because the speaker cuts in and out so much that it's difficult to pick up what is being said. I've tried using HDMI, optical, and auxiliary, and ... MoreI've had this speaker for several months now. This seemed like a good option for me as I live in a small apartment and have limited space. I use it primarily for watching movies and listening to music. I'm a bit of a sound quality snob, so if you are anything like me, you may not like this speaker. When the sound output from your movie or show reaches a low enough level, the speaker will shut off until sound output reaches a high enough level. Once the sound registers through the speaker, it takes a little over a half a second for the sound to kick in. This is incredibly annoying during a quieter scene with mostly dialog because the speaker cuts in and out so much that it's difficult to pick up what is being said. I've tried using HDMI, optical, and auxiliary, and all of these attachments have the same issue. The only time this issue doesn't occur is when I use a bluetooth connection to my smart TV, in which case the sound quality takes a huge hit and you end up dealing with sound lag that is even more annoying than the choppy audio.
I bought this 6-9 months ago as wanted something to complement one of my two TVs is purchased from the fantastic Richer Sounds.However, I immediately noticed that when sound levels of the program you are watching are low such as if someone is asleep, no talking etc, the bar cuts out and doesent produce the low background noise such as breathing or whispering.It’s more noticeable on certain broadcasts. Harry Potter and the deathly hallows 1 for example has lots of low noise. It became unwatchable with the sound bar and I have to revert to my tinny TV sound.That’s the only gripe I have with this product. I have tried googling but have come up blank, and there are no firmware updates for the product. I only wish now I had immediately taken the product back to ... MoreI bought this 6-9 months ago as wanted something to complement one of my two TVs is purchased from the fantastic Richer Sounds.However, I immediately noticed that when sound levels of the program you are watching are low such as if someone is asleep, no talking etc, the bar cuts out and doesent produce the low background noise such as breathing or whispering.It’s more noticeable on certain broadcasts. Harry Potter and the deathly hallows 1 for example has lots of low noise. It became unwatchable with the sound bar and I have to revert to my tinny TV sound.That’s the only gripe I have with this product. I have tried googling but have come up blank, and there are no firmware updates for the product. I only wish now I had immediately taken the product back to Richer Sounds and asked them to replace.HOWEVER, I must add then when normal sound levels come through it’s a remarkable improvement on any tv speakers. There are 5 stock settings, you can increase the base and I found the surround mode quite impressive too.I have given three stars because of the big issue I’m finding very annoying. But that aside it’s easily worth 4 - 4.5
Sound is much better than what comes from the TV speakers, however, there are a few caveats in my setup.Connecting with a Panasonic 750DX and SkyQ, the ARC connection gets out of sync. Swapping channels fixes the issue, but swapping again causes it to get out of sync again.Connecting through optical to SkyQ directly works fine, but that means that the TV needs to be connected through something else. Connecting optical to the TV has the same problem.When there are low sounds or a time of quietness, it stops sound for a split second, that is annoying.Seems like this can be fixed through a firmware update, but trying to contact support got no answer. I got the response twice about my case cannot be assigned to a support agent.Overall is good sound quality, ... MoreSound is much better than what comes from the TV speakers, however, there are a few caveats in my setup.Connecting with a Panasonic 750DX and SkyQ, the ARC connection gets out of sync. Swapping channels fixes the issue, but swapping again causes it to get out of sync again.Connecting through optical to SkyQ directly works fine, but that means that the TV needs to be connected through something else. Connecting optical to the TV has the same problem.When there are low sounds or a time of quietness, it stops sound for a split second, that is annoying.Seems like this can be fixed through a firmware update, but trying to contact support got no answer. I got the response twice about my case cannot be assigned to a support agent.Overall is good sound quality, much better than the TV, but could be simpler.
Bought this for a second TV in the conservatory as I was unable to hear the TV over the exercise bike, washing machine & tumble drier. Read many reviews especially What HiFi. Was looking at the Sonos Beam (£330 at the time) but took a gamble on this - during lockdown was unable to actually test it in-store (it was £99 at time of purchase). So glad I did. Doesn't have the snazzy smart features of the Sonos but it does have Bluetooth, HDMI & Optical which is all I really needed. Sound is amazing, have had it really loud with no distortion and plenty of bass too. It switches on with the LG TV and volume worked with the TV remote straight away. Some feedback stated that the soundbar turns off during quiet periods while watching TV. I have not found this to be the case ... MoreBought this for a second TV in the conservatory as I was unable to hear the TV over the exercise bike, washing machine & tumble drier. Read many reviews especially What HiFi. Was looking at the Sonos Beam (£330 at the time) but took a gamble on this - during lockdown was unable to actually test it in-store (it was £99 at time of purchase). So glad I did. Doesn't have the snazzy smart features of the Sonos but it does have Bluetooth, HDMI & Optical which is all I really needed. Sound is amazing, have had it really loud with no distortion and plenty of bass too. It switches on with the LG TV and volume worked with the TV remote straight away. Some feedback stated that the soundbar turns off during quiet periods while watching TV. I have not found this to be the case but I did contact JBL for the latest firmware anyway. I had to contact them via the support website and give them the serial number before they provided it, you cannot simply download it.
A compact all-in-one Bar Studio from a world renowned speaker company which has all the necessary connections and features and is now available at less than half the price is nothing short of a steal.But, be prepared to have the JBL India Customer Service steal the joy of owning and experiencing the Bar Studio.I purchased the JBL Bar Studio from the official JBL India website for Rs 5,799, a huge discount from the initial price of Rs 11,999.I was aware that this speaker was over 2 years old and had already been replaced by a newer JBL Bar 2.0 All-in-One soundbar. But while the newer speaker has far greater sound (80 watts RMS vs 50 watts RMS), it was not necessarily an upgrade as quite a few features were missing from the outgoing model. A comparison of the ... MoreA compact all-in-one Bar Studio from a world renowned speaker company which has all the necessary connections and features and is now available at less than half the price is nothing short of a steal.But, be prepared to have the JBL India Customer Service steal the joy of owning and experiencing the Bar Studio.I purchased the JBL Bar Studio from the official JBL India website for Rs 5,799, a huge discount from the initial price of Rs 11,999.I was aware that this speaker was over 2 years old and had already been replaced by a newer JBL Bar 2.0 All-in-One soundbar. But while the newer speaker has far greater sound (80 watts RMS vs 50 watts RMS), it was not necessarily an upgrade as quite a few features were missing from the outgoing model. A comparison of the two speakers and individual reviews of the two speakers are easily available on the internet to compare the differences.I wanted a compact and versatile soundbar with most connection options (HDMI ARC, BT, USB, Optical and Analogue 3.5mm input) and quality sound sufficient for a room at the least possible price. The JBL Bar Studio checked all these boxes and had some more features on offer (a remote control with preset EQs, surround sound, added bass control).The JBL Bar Studio seemed and sounded like a dream come true.But on reading the reviews the world over, I was aware of a major flaw: The Bar Studio would automatically cut off when there was no sound output for a short while. This was a widely reported issue which annoyed quite a few users/owners of the Bar Studio. I then read somewhere that JBL had officially issued a software/firmware update 42.37 in March 2019 to resolve this muting issue.I was quite sure that I would contact the JBL Customer Service and request them to send me this software/firmware update 42.37, as soon as I received the Bar Studio.I opened my brand new Bar Studio on August 1 and immediately noticed that the remote did not work. There were two reasons: Either the battery on the remote was dead (the speaker I purchased was manufactured in April 2019) and the remote was OK or that, the battery was OK and the remote had a manufacturing defect.I then contacted the JBL Customer Service and requested them to send a technician to test the remote. I also asked them to send me the firmware/software update by email. Even though my Bar Studio was manufactured in April 2019, it still had the old firmware 40.37, which had made it susceptible to the common muting issue.The JBL had already officially released the software/firmware update 42.37 in March 2019 and I was surprised that JBL had not incorporated the new software in subsequent Bar Studio soundbars manufactured in April 2019.Since August 1, I contacted the JBL Customer Service in India twice by phone and even sent them an email, requesting for this firmware/software update by email. Till now, I am still awaiting for a reply from them, with the desired software/firmware update 42.37.How long does it take the JBL Customer Service to attach a software/firmware update 42.37 (which is 3.09 MB in size) and send it along with required instructions to the user/owner, especially when requested? Why is this software/firmware update 42.37 not easily available on the JBL Bar Studio Support Page itself, especially since JBL has officially acknowledged this muting issue with the JBL Bar Studio and has even released a firmware/software update to resolve this issue? Why is the JBL Service Centre not equipped with this firmware update, so that technicians can update this firmware/software for those users/owners not technologically competent? JBL may kindly answer these questions.After much effort all over the internet, I finally traced the official JBL software/firmware update 42.37 with simple/clear instructions on how to update the software/firmware. It would have been so much easier and better had JBL simply sent me the software/firmware update 42.37 by email or even, had sent a technician with the software/firmware update 42.37 for my soundbar.If the JBL Customer Service desired to steal the joy of owning and experiencing the Bar Studio, it most certainly did a wonderful job.The remote issue on my JBL Bar Studio has also been resolved. The JBL Bar Studio is indeed a wonderful soundbar for its capabilities and has been widely praised in reviews by users and audio experts alike. It is compact, superbly built, more than sufficient volume for a decent room, has excellent clarity and has virtually all features and connections possible to make it a versatile speaker.I do hope to enjoy the JBL Bar Studio for as long as possible. While JBL speakers are superbly crafted audio equipment and are a prized possession for any and every household, I would be reluctant to recommend JBL to friends and relatives, given the poor support and service of the JBL Customer Service in India.
Bought from Richer Sounds four years ago and certainly improved the sound from the TV (connected via optical). We didn't really bother to investigate the 5 sound modes. Also, as many others mention, in quiet passages the sound drops away to complete silence. There's a firmware fix for this from JBL, as I discovered when I investigated a far more serious problem — the device has simply stopped working. It awaits diagnosis by Richer Sounds but my hopes aren't high. Four years may be an acceptable service life for a phone, but for audio equipment — no, that's simply not good enough.
First and foremost this is a huge improvement over my TV's built-in sound. For the price I don't think you can find much better than this. I love that I was quickly able to program my TV remote to control the basics (power, volume, mute).That being said, if you have more money to throw around, you can get better quality. The LED indicators for volume/bass level, input, mode, power, etc. are not very intuitive; I have to keep the instructions handy if I want to change any settings. It's also hard to tell when the bar is on or off. A simple display (or even a light that comes on & stays on when the bar is powered up) would go a long way. As far as sound quality, I'm no audiophile but there's room for improvement (though, as I said, it's still far better than my TV ... MoreFirst and foremost this is a huge improvement over my TV's built-in sound. For the price I don't think you can find much better than this. I love that I was quickly able to program my TV remote to control the basics (power, volume, mute).That being said, if you have more money to throw around, you can get better quality. The LED indicators for volume/bass level, input, mode, power, etc. are not very intuitive; I have to keep the instructions handy if I want to change any settings. It's also hard to tell when the bar is on or off. A simple display (or even a light that comes on & stays on when the bar is powered up) would go a long way. As far as sound quality, I'm no audiophile but there's room for improvement (though, as I said, it's still far better than my TV by itself).I read several reviews before buying that said the sound will cut out if the volume drops below a certain level, and it can be fixed by a firmware update. I bought a refurbished one and I haven't experienced this, so my bar may have been updated before I bought it. It seems to me that a voluntary recall would be a good way for Harman to make sure customers don't have to go through this process.TL;DR - for the price, it's a good buy, but if - unlike me - you're willing to spend more, do so.
