JBL Bar 500
Score: 77/100
Sony HT-S60
Score: 83/100Rankings
The Sony BRAVIA Theater System 6 is a 5.1-channel home theater package delivering 1000 W of power with Dolby Atmos and a wireless subwoofer, offering immersive sound for larger rooms. Its lack of Wi-Fi and HDMI ARC/eARC limits connectivity options. Ideal for Sony TV owners seeking a powerful, cable-free surround setup.
The JBL Bar 500 offers a 5.1-channel experience with 590 W total power, Dolby Atmos and MultiBeam virtual surround, plus Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity. It misses HDMI eARC and true rear speakers, which can limit high-end audio fidelity. Best suited for apartment dwellers wanting immersive sound without the complexity of multiple speakers.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
5.1 | 6best | |
590 W | 1,000 Wbest | |
10.24 inbest | 6.3 in | |
| ↓ lower better | 6.173 lb | 5.75 lbbest |
1 yearsbest | 1 yearsbest | |
4best | — |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Power & Performance(1) | ||
Total Power Output (W) | 590 W | 1000 W |
Audio(2) | ||
Audio Channels | 5.1 | 6 |
Woofer Size (in) | 10.24 in | 6.30 in |
Connectivity(1) | ||
Bluetooth Version | 5.0 | 5.3 |
Build & Design(2) | ||
System Weight (lb) | 6.1729 lb | 5.75 lb |
System Dimensions (H×W×D) (cm) | 101.7×5.6×10.35 cm cm | H×W×D: 6.6×90.7×9.1 cm cm |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers commend the JBL Bar 500 for its massive 590 W output, deep 35 Hz bass from the 10-inch wireless subwoofer, and the combination of MultiBeam™ and Dolby Atmos that creates convincing 3D sound without rear speakers. They also highlight PureVoice for crystal-clear dialogue and praise the easy wireless subwoofer setup via the JBL One app. However, they note the lack of HDMI eARC, limited input selection, and the inherent limitations of virtual surround compared to true discrete rear channels.
Everyday users love the thundering bass, immersive Atmos height effects, and clear dialogue that make movies and games more engaging. Common complaints focus on occasional Bluetooth lag, subwoofer hum when placed poorly, limited HDMI/optical inputs, and the desire for rear speakers to complete a true surround experience.
Professional reviewers consistently highlight the Sony BRAVIA Theater System 6 for its rich, immersive soundstage, powerful bass response, and hassle-free setup. The inclusion of Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, along with a dedicated center channel, delivers cinema-grade audio, while the wireless subwoofer adds flexibility without sacrificing performance.
Everyday users praise the system for delivering clean, cinematic audio that dramatically outperforms TV speakers, especially noting the deep bass that lets them feel the rumble in action scenes. The straightforward installation and slim profile are also frequently mentioned as positive aspects.
“The thundering bass from the 10" sub makes movies feel like a theater.”
“PureVoice makes dialogue crystal clear, so I never have to crank up the volume.”
“clean, cinematic audio that's a huge improvement over TV speakers or basic soundbars”
