JBL Speaker Bar 500MK2

Introduction

The JBL Speaker Bar 500MK2 is a premium 5.1-channel soundbar system engineered to elevate your home entertainment experience with cinematic-quality audio. Equipped with a powerful 750W max output and a 10-inch wireless subwoofer, this soundbar delivers deep, punchy bass alongside crystal-clear dialogue, making it ideal for movie enthusiasts, gamers, and music lovers alike. Its advanced Dolby Atmos® support and JBL’s proprietary MultiBeam™ 3.0 technology create a wide, immersive soundstage, transforming any room into a theater-like environment.

Designed for seamless integration, the JBL Speaker Bar 500MK2 works effortlessly with all TV brands and supports 4K Dolby Vision passthrough via HDMI eARC, ensuring compatibility with modern home setups. Its PureVoice 2.0 dialog enhancement and SmartDetails sound refinement guarantee clarity and detail in every scene and song, enhancing the overall listening experience. Whether you’re binge-watching your favorite series, gaming, or streaming music, this soundbar offers a versatile audio solution tailored for living rooms, apartments, or media rooms.

Available from major retailers and JBL’s official store, the JBL Speaker Bar 500MK2 typically ranges between $450 and $600, positioning it as a mid-to-high-end option in the soundbar market. This combination of cutting-edge technology, ease of use via the JBL ONE app, and robust sound performance makes it an attractive choice for consumers seeking a balance between price and premium audio features.

WHAT’S IN THE BOX

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

General specification:

Model: BAR 500MK2 (soundbar unit) BAR 500MK2 SUB (subwoofer unit)
Sound system: 5.1 channel
Power supply: 100 - 240 V AC, ~ 50/60 Hz
Total speaker power output (Max. @THD 1%): 750 W
Soundbar output power (Max. @THD 1%): 450 W
Subwoofer output power (Max. @THD 1%): 300 W
Soundbar transducer: 5 x (42 x 80) mm racetrack drivers, 4 x 0.75" (20 mm) tweeters
Subwoofer transducer: 10" (260 mm)
Networked standby power: <2.0 W
Operating temperature: 0 °C - 45 °C

HDMI specification

HDMI video input: 1
HDMI video output (with Enhanced Audio Return Channel, eARC): 1
HDMI HDCP version: 2.3
HDR pass through: HDR10+, Dolby Vision

Audio specification

Frequency response: 40 Hz - 20 kHz (-6 dB)
Audio inputs: Optical, Bluetooth, USB (USB playback is available in the US version. For other versions, USB is for Service only.)

USB specification (Audio playback is for the US version only):

USB port: Type A
USB rating: 5 V DC, 0.5 A
Supporting file formats: mp3
MP3 codec: MPEG 1 Layer 2/3, MPEG 2 Layer 3, MPEG 2.5 Layer 3
MP3 sampling rate: 16 - 48 kHz
MP3 bitrate: 80 - 320 kbps

Wireless specification

Bluetooth version: v5.3
Bluetooth profile: A2DP v1.3, AVRCP v1.5
Bluetooth transmitter frequency range: 2400 MHz - 2483.5 MHz
Bluetooth transmitter power: <15 dBm (EIRP)
Wi-Fi network: IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax (2.4 GHz / 5 GHz)
2.4G Wi-Fi transmitter frequency range: 2412 - 2472 MHz (2.4 GHz ISM Band, USA 11 Channels, Europe and others 13 Channels)
2.4G Wi-Fi transmitter power: < 20 dBm (EIRP)
2.4G wireless transmitter frequency range: 2406 - 2474 MHz
2.4G wireless transmitter power: <10 dBm (EIRP)
5G Wi-Fi transmitter frequency range: 5.15 - 5.35 GHz, 5.470 - 5.725 GHz, 5.725 - 5.825 GHz
5G Wi-Fi transmitter power: 5.15 - 5.25 GHz <23 dBm, 5.25 - 5.35 GHz & 5.470 - 5.725 GHz <20 dBm, 5.725 - 5.825 GHz <14 dBm (EIRP)

Note: Band 5.6 - 5.64 GHz will be disabled when shipped to Australia / New Zealand.

Dimensions

Main soundbar dimensions (W x H x D): 940 x 50.5 x 104 mm / 37" x 2.0" x 4.1"
Subwoofer dimensions (W x H x D): 325 x 400 x 325 mm / 12.8" x 15.7" x 12.8"
Soundbar weight: 2.9 kg / 6.5 lbs
Subwoofer weight: 8.1 kg / 17.8 lbs
Packaging dimensions (W x H x D): 1020 x 395 x 490 mm / 40.2" x 15.6" x 19.3"
Packaging weight: 18.0 kg / 39.68 lbs (EMEA/UK/AU/NZ); 15.86 kg / 34.97 lbs (Others)
- RMS @THD 1%: 375 W
- RMS @THD 1%: 225 W
- RMS @THD 1%: 150 W

PRODUCT OVERVIEW

Front panel & Top panel

Back panel

Americas version (excluding Brazil)

All other versions

Subwoofer

Remote control

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

Verify Line Voltage Before Use
The JBL BAR 500MK2 has been designed for use with 100-240 volt, 50/60 Hz AC. Connection to a line voltage other than that for which your product is intended can create a safety and fire hazard and may damage the unit. If you have any questions about the voltage requirements for your specific model or about the line voltage in your area, contact your retailer or customer service representative before plugging the unit into a wall outlet.

Do Not Use Extension Cords
To avoid safety hazards, use only the power cord supplied with your unit. We do not recommend that extension cords be used with this product. As with all electrical devices, do not run power cords under rugs or carpets, or place heavy objects on them. Damaged power cords should be replaced immediately by an authorized service center with a cord that meets factory specifications.

Handle the AC Power Cord Gently
When disconnecting the power cord from an AC outlet, always pull the plug; never pull the cord. If you do not intend to use this speaker for any considerable length of time, disconnect the plug from the AC outlet.

Do Not Open the Cabinet
There are no user-serviceable components inside this product. Opening the cabinet may present a shock hazard, and any modification to the product will void your warranty. If water accidentally falls inside the unit, disconnect it from the AC power source immediately, and consult an authorized service center.

TROUBLESHOOTING

Never try to repair the product yourself. If you have problems using this product, check the following points before you request services.

System
The unit will not turn on.

Check if the power cord is plugged into the power and the soundbar.

The soundbar has no response to button presses.

Restore the soundbar to factory settings (See “8.2 Factory reset”).

Sound
No sound from the soundbar

Make sure that the soundbar is not muted.
Select the correct audio input source on the remote control.
Connect the soundbar to your TV or other devices properly
Restore the soundbar to factory settings (See “8.2 Factory reset”).

Distorted sound or echo

If you play audio from your TV through the soundbar, make sure that your TV is muted or the built-in TV speaker is disabled.

Audio and video are not synchronized.

Enable the audio sync function to synchronize audio and video (See “8.1 Sound settings (Audio sync)”).

No height sound effects of Dolby Atmos

If your TV supports HDMI ARC only, make sure that you have connected your digital device to the soundbar through the HDMI / HDMI IN connector on the soundbar (See “5.1.2 TV (HDMI ARC)”)
Enjoy the sound effects of Dolby Atmos when you play movies from the TV / HDMI source. For audio streaming over Bluetooth or casting apps (enabled by Google Cast or AirPlay), Dolby Atmos is not supported.

Bluetooth
A device cannot be connected to the soundbar.

Check if you have enabled Bluetooth on the device.
If the soundbar has been paired with another Bluetooth device, reset Bluetooth (See “5.2.3 Connect to another Bluetooth device”).
If your Bluetooth device has ever been paired with the soundbar, reset Bluetooth on the soundbar, unpair the soundbar from the Bluetooth device, and then pair the Bluetooth device with the soundbar again (See“5.2.3 Connect to another Bluetooth device”).

Poor audio quality from a connected Bluetooth device

The Bluetooth reception is poor. Move the source device closer to the soundbar, or remove any obstacle between the source device and the soundbar.

The connected Bluetooth device connects and disconnects constantly.

The Bluetooth reception is poor. Move the source device closer to the soundbar, or remove any obstacle between the source device and the soundbar.

Wi-Fi
Failed to connect to Wi-Fi

Make sure that Wi-Fi is turned on.
Make sure that you have selected the right network and entered the correct password.
Make sure that your router or modem is turned on and within the range.
In your router settings, make sure that you have set the security type to WPA2 or auto.
Make sure that your soundbar is connected to the same wireless LAN as your smartphone or tablet.
If you have difficulties in setting up Wi-Fi, re-enter the Wi-Fi setup mode by holding and pressing the soundbar until “SETUP WIFI” is displayed.

Playback
AirPlay cannot find the soundbar as an AirPlay speaker for music streaming.

On your Apple device, update the software to the latest version: iOS 13.4 and later, macOS 10.15.4 and later, or tvOS 14.3.
Make sure that your Apple device has been connected to the same network as the soundbar.
For a PC running iTunes for Windows, you can stream music from your PC to the soundbar through Bluetooth.

Music playback does not work smoothly when the sound source switches from Bluetooth to Google Cast or AirPlay.

The quality of audio casting and pladependsendent on the traffic and coverage of the network that connects the soundbar and your casting devices, such as phones, tablets an, and PCs.

Music playback does not resume when the sound source switches from Bluetooth to TV / HDMI IN, and then back to Bluetooth.

The music playback in the Bluetooth device stops when the sound source switches from Bluetooth to TV / HDMI IN. When you switch back to the Bluetooth source, start music playback in the Bluetooth device again.

Remote control
The remote control does not work.

Check if the batteries are drained. If so, replace them with new ones.
Reduce the distance and angle between the remote control and the main unit.

Failed to complete the TV remote control learning

Check if you are using an infra-red TV remote control. The IR learning is not supported by a Bluetooth TV remote control.

Pros & Cons of the JBL Speaker Bar 500MK2 Soundbar System

Pros

Immersive Dolby Atmos Surround Sound: The 5.1 channel setup with MultiBeam™ 3.0 technology creates a broad, room-filling soundstage without requiring separate rear speakers.
Powerful Wireless Subwoofer: A 10-inch wireless subwoofer delivers deep and impactful bass, enhancing movies, music, and gaming sessions.
Clear Dialogue with PureVoice 2.0: This feature ensures speech is easily understandable even during intense surround effects.
Easy Integration and Control: HDMI eARC and 4K Dolby Vision passthrough support modern TV setups, and the JBL ONE app allows for personalized sound settings and firmware updates.
SmartDetails Sound Enhancement: Reveals subtle soundtrack elements for a balanced and cinematic audio experience.

Cons

Lack of Discrete Rear Speakers: Surround effects are simulated via front-firing drivers, which may not match the clarity of setups with dedicated rear speakers.
Volume Compression at Maximum Levels: At the highest volume settings, bass compression can affect audio clarity, especially in very large or open spaces.
Price Point: While competitive, some alternatives with detachable surround speakers or DTS X support may appeal to audiophiles seeking full 3D spatial sound.

Customer Reviews and Feedback on JBL Speaker Bar 500MK2

Users consistently praise the JBL Speaker Bar 500MK2 for its rich bass and immersive Dolby Atmos sound, often highlighting the convenience of a single soundbar paired with a wireless subwoofer. Many reviewers appreciate the clarity of dialogue provided by PureVoice 2.0 and the wide soundstage enabled by MultiBeam 3.0 technology. The JBL ONE app integration is also a popular feature, allowing easy customization.

Common complaints include the simulated surround sound not fully replicating the effect of dedicated rear speakers and occasional compression in bass at full volume. Overall, the product holds a strong user rating of around 4 to 4.5 stars out of 5, with many customers recommending it for those looking to upgrade from TV speakers without investing in complex multi-speaker setups.

Purchase recommendations emphasize the JBL Speaker Bar 500MK2 as an excellent value for movie buffs and gamers seeking immersive audio with minimal wiring and setup complexity.

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