Jbl Soundbar 500 Vs 500 Pro: The Ultimate Showdown For Epic Home Theater
What To Know
- The Soundbar 500 Pro takes the audio performance a step further with its 5.
- Ideal for those seeking a high-quality soundbar with a balanced and articulate audio performance at an affordable price.
- Whether you’re seeking a well-rounded soundbar or the ultimate audio experience, the JBL Soundbar 500 and 500 Pro have you covered.
The realm of home audio has witnessed the advent of two exceptional soundbars from JBL: the Soundbar 500 and the Soundbar 500 Pro. These audio powerhouses promise an immersive cinematic experience, leaving audio enthusiasts torn between the two. This comprehensive comparison delves into the intricacies of each soundbar, unraveling their strengths and nuances to guide you towards the perfect choice for your audio sanctuary.
Design and Aesthetics
The JBL Soundbar 500 and 500 Pro boast a sleek and modern design that complements any home decor. Both soundbars feature a low-profile chassis, allowing for discreet placement beneath your TV. However, the Soundbar 500 Pro stands out with its premium fabric grille, adding a touch of elegance to its overall aesthetic.
Audio Performance
Sound Quality: The Soundbar 500 delivers an impressive soundstage with a balanced and articulate audio profile. Its two-channel setup provides clear and detailed highs, warm and natural mids, and surprisingly powerful bass for its size. The Soundbar 500 Pro takes the audio performance a step further with its 5.1-channel setup, featuring two additional satellite speakers. This immersive sound experience envelops the listener with rich, layered audio, creating a truly cinematic ambiance.
Virtual Surround Sound: Both soundbars incorporate virtual surround sound technology, providing an immersive audio experience without the need for additional speakers. The Soundbar 500 employs Dolby Digital decoding, while the Soundbar 500 Pro utilizes Dolby Atmos and DTS:X decoding, offering an even more expansive and realistic surround sound experience.
Connectivity and Features
Wireless Connectivity: The Soundbar 500 and 500 Pro support Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, enabling seamless wireless streaming from your favorite devices. Additionally, the Soundbar 500 Pro features Google Chromecast built-in, allowing you to cast music and other audio content directly from your smartphone or tablet.
HDMI: Both soundbars include an HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) port, allowing for simplified connection to your TV. The Soundbar 500 Pro adds an HDMI eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel) port, providing support for high-bitrate audio formats such as Dolby Atmos and DTS:X.
Voice Assistant Compatibility: The Soundbar 500 Pro integrates with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, enabling you to control your soundbar and other smart home devices using voice commands.
Remote Control and App
Both soundbars come with a dedicated remote control for convenient operation. Additionally, the JBL One app (available for iOS and Android) provides advanced control options, including sound customization, firmware updates, and the ability to set up multi-room audio systems.
Price and Value
The JBL Soundbar 500 is typically priced around $300, while the Soundbar 500 Pro retails for approximately $500. The price difference reflects the enhanced audio performance and additional features offered by the Soundbar 500 Pro.
Which JBL Soundbar Should You Choose?
Soundbar 500: Ideal for those seeking a high-quality soundbar with a balanced and articulate audio performance at an affordable price.
Soundbar 500 Pro: A perfect choice for audio enthusiasts who demand an immersive and cinematic audio experience with virtual surround sound, advanced connectivity options, and voice assistant compatibility.
The Verdict: The Ultimate Audio Superiority
Both the JBL Soundbar 500 and 500 Pro offer exceptional audio performance in their respective price ranges. However, the Soundbar 500 Pro emerges as the clear winner with its superior 5.1-channel setup, immersive virtual surround sound, advanced connectivity options, and voice assistant integration. Whether you’re seeking a well-rounded soundbar or the ultimate audio experience, the JBL Soundbar 500 and 500 Pro have you covered.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which soundbar has a more powerful bass response?
A: The Soundbar 500 Pro features a dedicated subwoofer for enhanced bass performance.
Q: Can I use the JBL One app to control both soundbars?
A: Yes, the JBL One app is compatible with both the Soundbar 500 and 500 Pro.
Q: Which soundbar supports Dolby Atmos?
A: The Soundbar 500 Pro supports Dolby Atmos decoding for an immersive surround sound experience.
Q: Can I connect a turntable to either soundbar?
A: Yes, both soundbars have an auxiliary input that allows you to connect external audio sources, including turntables.
Q: Which soundbar is better for gaming?
A: Both soundbars offer low-latency Bluetooth connectivity, making them suitable for gaming. However, the Soundbar 500 Pro’s immersive virtual surround sound enhances the gaming experience.