JBL today introduced the latest addition to its sound bar lineup, the JBL Bar 5.0 MultiBeam. With support for AirPlay 2, the Bar 5.0 is ideal for Apple users, as audio can be wirelessly streamed to the sound bar from devices like the iPhone and iPad.
AirPlay 2 allows for multi-room audio when the JBL sound bar is paired with other AirPlay 2 devices, such as the HomePod, Apple TV, select Sonos speakers, and more. Additionally, users can use Siri to control audio playback.
The sound bar delivers surround sound, with support for both Dolby Atmos and JBL's proprietary beamforming technology MultiBeam:
Equipped with four passive radiators for deep and punchy bass, the Bar 5.0 produces clear, heightened and room filling JBL 3D Surround Sound, without the need for an additional subwoofer. Highlighted within the Bar 5.0 is HARMAN's MultiBeam technology that enables users to hear and feel surround sound without needing additional surround speakers, generating an immersive listening experience. In addition, Virtual Dolby Atmos allows the Bar 5.0 to reproduce the audio height dimensions from a movie or TV show, turning any living space into a 3D personal theater.
JBL says the sound bar will be available on JBL.com and at select retailers in Spring 2021, priced at $399.95 in the United States.
JBL is introducing several other products ahead of CES 2021, including a new retro-inspired integrated amplifier with AirPlay 2 support. The new SA750 amplifier is priced at $3,000 in the United States, with availability beginning April 2021.
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If making modern electronics look like it’s from the 70s can command a premium will we have to wait until 2031 to pay extra for a modern amplifier that comes in an oversized cheap neon plastic shell?
Dumb question: If I connect this Airplay 2 equipped Sound Bar to a TV, can I mirror my iPad video or just audio?
Your iPad will find the soundbar as an AirPlay 2 speaker. So you can only stream audio to it. If you want to mirror your screen, you will need an Apple TV hooked to your TV.
I just outfitted my tv space this holiday season with proper Dolby Atmos and it is incredible. I feel bad for whoever purchases that sound bar with hopes of Atmos
Wow. That amp is seriously good looking! Add to Cart!
Eh it does "look" nice but generally retro-inspired products made today lose a lot in the translation from the original. Usually they tend to feel cheaply made. Also with all the discrete components commonly used in amplifiers back in the day it would be a very expensive audio product to create that today, such as the McIntosh systems.
