Want cinematic sound without the cinema price tag? Best Buy has slashed $340 off theJBL Bar 5.1 Surround Soundbaras part of itsNew Year sale. Originally priced at $600, you can pick up this soundbar with a wireless subwoofer for just $260. The deal runs until midnight on 12/31, so act quickly if you want to upgrade your entertainment center without breaking the bank.

While some high-end TVs, such as theSony BRAVIA 9 QLEDandLG G4 OLED, deliver solid, dynamic, room-filling sound, you’ll need a proper external sound system for most other TVs, especiallybudget-friendly models. With that in mind, the JBL Bar 5.1 Surround isn’t the best soundbar you can get, but it packs a solid punch for its price. Watching movies or gaming with this soundbar compared to TV speakers is like stepping into another world.

The JBL Bar 5.1 Surround soundbar and subwoofer in a living room.

What Makes the JBL Bar 5.1 Special?

Crisp Dialogue and Booming Bass

Perhaps the most common complaint about TV speakers is the lack of deep, rumbling bass and proper surround sound capabilities. The JBL Bar 5.1 Surround Soundbar is designed from the ground up to address these shortcomings and deliver an immersive, theater-like experience. While it doesn’t have a true surround setup with rear speakers, itsMultiBeam technologycleverly bounces sound off the walls and ceiling to create a wider, more enveloping soundstage.

JBL Bar 5.1 Surround Soundbar

Grab the $600 JBL Bar 5.1 Surround Soundbar at just $260 right now at Best Buy. This soundbar comes with a separate subwoofer, decent surround sound with room correction, clear dialogue, and both wired and wireless connectivity.

The 10-inch wireless subwoofer delivers deep, rumbling bass that adds weight and impact to movie explosions. Combined with rich mids and detailed highs from the soundbar, it provides a wide and balanced soundstage that can reveal subtle details and effects often hidden in weaker speakers. Dialogue is also clear and detailed, ensuring that whether you’re watching action-heavy movies or listening to podcasts, this soundbar will truly impress.

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In terms of features, you get a room correction tool, built-in Chromecast and Apple AirPlay support, and a few EQ presets. It supports Bluetooth and wired connectivity, including HDMI. It does have some drawbacks, though. One major downside is the lack of Dolby Atmos support and rear surround speakers. It also doesn’t have an EQ graph or bass or treble adjustments. However, if those features don’t matter to you, this soundbar offers decent value for the price.

Should You Buy the JBL Bar 5.1 Surround?

If you’re still relying on your TV’s built-in speakers for movies and gaming, this soundbar offers a significant upgrade without breaking the bank. With its immersive surround sound, crisp dialogue, and the powerful punch of a dedicated subwoofer, the JBL Bar 5.1 delivers a theater-like experience that your TV simply can’t match. Andat just $260, it’s currently at its lowest price ever, making it the perfect time to upgrade your home entertainment.

For audiophiles or those looking for a true surround sound setup, there are better alternatives, such as theSamsung Q990D. Of course, these come with a higher price tag, but they offer a truly exceptional audio experience. Regardless, if you’re on a tight budget, it’s hard to go wrong with the JBL Bar 5.1 Surround at its current discounted price. If you are looking for more soundbar deals, the entry-level Samsung Q-series 3.1ch. soundbar with Dolby Atmos has been discounted from $379 to $199 atWalmart.

The JBL Bar 5.1 Surround on a TV stand