JBL Bar 500MK2 review: a fantastic soundbar system

The subwoofer is no joke, measuring about 13 x 16 inches and 18 pounds, but it’s not something you’ll need to move around once installed, and it contributes massively (pun intended) to the depth and breadth of the Bar 500MK2’s sound. With a 10-inch driver, that’s more than enough to hit its claimed 40Hz floor.

The controls on the bar are minimal, with volume and input buttons hidden in the center of the matte black bar and an included remote that lets you adjust the settings. There’s a handy LED display hidden inside the right front of the grille that tells you in plain English what’s going on, which is a nice departure from many brands’ variety of lights and colors.

Jamming enabled

The impressive claimed total power of 750 watts from the speaker and subwoofer is truly a bold departure from all built-in TV speakers. In fact, for a small bar, the Bar 500MK2 filled my test room with some of the most immersive sound I’ve heard in a bar that doesn’t include surround back speakers.

It has an uncanny ability to bounce sounds around you in a way that makes it seem like they’re truly coming from the sides or back, especially when you’re playing. Gran Turismo 7 on PlayStation 5 Pro.

Dolby Atmos effects in movies are equally impressive. Watching my 4K Blu-ray copy of Ford Vs. Ferrari, cars zoomed past my head in such realistic detail that I sometimes felt like I had to lean out of the way. When you listen to music like “Good Night” by Agave Fire Pit I was impressed with how well it was able to render vocal effects right in the center of the stereo image.

Photo: Parker Room