JBL Cinema SB595 Soundbar Review: True Dolby Atmos Sound

Finding the perfect soundbar can feel overwhelming with so many options available today. You want something that delivers cinematic audio without breaking the bank. The JBL Cinema SB595 promises to bring true Dolby Atmos sound into your living room with 440 watts of powerful audio and a wireless subwoofer.

But does it really live up to the hype? This detailed review covers everything you need to know about this soundbar system before making your purchase decision.

Key Takeaways

Rich 3D Audio Experience: The JBL Cinema SB595 features true Dolby Atmos technology with a 3.1.2 channel configuration that creates immersive three-dimensional sound, making you feel like you’re sitting in a movie theater.

Powerful Bass Performance: With a 6.5-inch wireless subwoofer and 440 watts of total system power, this soundbar delivers deep, room-filling bass that adds impact to explosions, music, and intense action scenes.

Crystal Clear Dialogue: The dedicated center channel driver ensures superior voice clarity so you never miss important conversations or dialogue in movies and TV shows.

Flexible Connectivity Options: Multiple connection options including HDMI eARC, HDMI-in, optical input, and Bluetooth make it compatible with virtually any TV or streaming device you own.

Budget-Friendly Premium Sound: Available for around $239 to $360 depending on retailer sales, this soundbar offers exceptional value for anyone seeking Dolby Atmos capability without spending over $500.

What Makes the JBL Cinema SB595 Stand Out

The JBL Cinema SB595 enters a competitive market segment where many soundbars claim premium features but deliver mediocre results. This model distinguishes itself by offering true Dolby Atmos rather than virtual surround sound. The difference matters significantly because genuine Dolby Atmos uses upward-firing speakers to bounce sound off your ceiling, creating authentic overhead audio effects. When helicopters fly overhead in action movies or rain falls in dramatic scenes, you actually hear these sounds coming from above you.

The soundbar measures 39.4 inches wide, making it suitable for most TV sizes from 50 inches and up. Its low-profile design at just 2.6 inches tall ensures it won’t block your TV screen or remote sensor. The sleek black finish with subtle JBL branding looks sophisticated without drawing attention away from your television. Build quality feels solid with no cheap plastic components that rattle or flex when you pick up the unit.

Dolby Atmos Performance and Sound Quality

True Dolby Atmos capability stands as the headline feature of the JBL Cinema SB595. The 3.1.2 channel setup includes left, center, and right front channels, plus two height channels that fire sound upward. This configuration creates a realistic 3D soundstage that traditional soundbars simply cannot match. During testing with movies like Top Gun: Maverick and Dune, the overhead effects add tremendous immersion. Jet engines roar above you while dialogue remains anchored at screen level.

The sound separation between channels impresses for a soundbar in this price range. Instruments occupy distinct positions in the soundstage when playing music. Vocals sit front and center while guitars spread left and right. Bass extends down cleanly without muddiness thanks to the dedicated subwoofer handling low frequencies. Mid-range frequencies sound natural and detailed, making both male and female voices sound lifelike.

Listening tests across various content types reveal the soundbar handles action sequences, music, and quiet dialogue scenes with equal competence. Dynamic range allows whisper-quiet moments to contrast sharply with explosive crescendos. You don’t need to constantly adjust volume because the soundbar maintains good balance across different volume levels.

Wireless Subwoofer Deep Bass Experience

The included 6.5-inch wireless subwoofer measures 7.9 inches wide by 15.9 inches tall. Its compact footprint allows flexible placement around your room. The subwoofer connects wirelessly to the soundbar, eliminating the need for cables running across your floor. Setup takes seconds because the subwoofer pairs automatically when you power on both units.

Bass output delivers satisfying punch and depth without sounding boomy or overwhelming. The subwoofer can rattle windows during intense movie scenes if you crank the volume, yet it also provides subtle low-end support during quieter content. Music genres from hip-hop to classical benefit from the extended bass response. Electronic music with synthesized bass lines sounds particularly impressive with tight, controlled low frequencies.

You can adjust bass levels using the included remote control. The bass adjustment feature proves valuable because room acoustics vary significantly. Corner placement tends to amplify bass while placing the subwoofer near the center of a wall produces more balanced output. Experiment with positioning to find the sweet spot in your specific room.

Center Channel Voice Clarity and Dialogue

Many affordable soundbars struggle with dialogue clarity, forcing viewers to turn on subtitles or constantly adjust volume. The JBL Cinema SB595 solves this problem with its dedicated center channel driver. This speaker handles all center channel audio, which includes most dialogue and vocals in movies and shows. The focused design ensures voices project clearly toward the listening position.

Testing with dialogue-heavy content like news programs and dramatic films confirms the center channel performs excellently. Accents remain intelligible even when characters speak rapidly or quietly. Background music and sound effects never drown out conversations. This clarity proves especially valuable during complex scenes with multiple people talking simultaneously.

The center channel also enhances music listening by anchoring lead vocals. Solo artists sound like they’re performing directly in front of you. Live concert recordings benefit from the clear vocal reproduction combined with the spacious soundstage from the left and right channels.

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HDMI eARC and Connectivity Options

Modern TVs require soundbars that support the latest audio formats and connection standards. The JBL Cinema SB595 includes HDMI eARC (enhanced Audio Return Channel), which allows the soundbar to receive high-quality audio directly from your TV through a single HDMI cable. This connection supports Dolby Atmos passthrough from streaming apps on your smart TV.

The soundbar also provides an HDMI input for connecting external devices like game consoles or Blu-ray players directly to the soundbar. This input supports 4K video passthrough, so you can route all your devices through the soundbar without sacrificing video quality. An optical digital input offers compatibility with older TVs that lack HDMI ARC capability.

Setup simplicity deserves praise. Connect the included HDMI cable from the soundbar’s HDMI eARC port to your TV’s HDMI ARC or eARC port. Power on both devices and most modern TVs automatically detect the soundbar and route audio correctly. If your TV supports CEC (Consumer Electronics Control), you can control soundbar volume using your TV remote without any additional programming.

Bluetooth Streaming and Wireless Music

Beyond movie watching, the JBL Cinema SB595 functions as a capable Bluetooth speaker for music streaming. Pairing your smartphone or tablet takes seconds. Press the Bluetooth button on the remote, select JBL Cinema SB595 from your device’s Bluetooth menu, and you’re connected. The soundbar remembers previously paired devices for faster reconnection.

Audio quality over Bluetooth exceeds expectations for wireless streaming. The soundbar likely uses aptX or AAC codecs to maintain fidelity. Streaming services like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube Music sound detailed and engaging through the system. The wide soundstage and powerful bass make the soundbar suitable for parties or casual background music.

Bluetooth range performs well up to approximately 30 feet with clear line of sight. Walls and obstacles reduce range somewhat, but you can typically move throughout a medium-sized room without dropouts. Latency remains low enough that lip-sync issues don’t occur when watching videos on your paired device.

Design and Build Quality Assessment

The JBL Cinema SB595 showcases thoughtful industrial design that balances aesthetics with functionality. The soundbar cabinet uses dense materials that minimize unwanted vibrations. The front fabric grille protects the drivers while allowing sound to pass through clearly. Rubber feet on the bottom prevent the soundbar from sliding on smooth surfaces.

The wireless subwoofer features a side-firing driver with a front-facing port. This design allows flexible placement since the subwoofer doesn’t need to face directly toward the listening position. The cabinet feels substantial and well-braced to handle high output levels without audible distortion or cabinet rattling.

Button controls on the soundbar itself include power, input selection, and volume. These buttons provide backup control if you misplace the remote. LED indicators show the current input source and volume level. The indicators dim automatically after a few seconds so they don’t distract during movie watching.

Remote Control and User Interface

The included infrared remote control feels lightweight but functional. Button layout makes sense with large, clearly labeled keys for common functions. Power, input selection, volume, and bass adjustment sit within easy reach. Dedicated buttons for Bluetooth pairing and sound mode selection add convenience.

The remote requires line of sight to the soundbar’s IR receiver. This traditional approach works reliably but means you need to point the remote toward the soundbar. Some competing models offer RF remotes that work without line-of-sight, though these usually cost significantly more.

Sound modes accessible via the remote include Movie, Music, and Standard. These presets adjust the EQ curve to optimize performance for different content types. Movie mode enhances bass and surround effects for cinematic impact. Music mode emphasizes mid-range clarity and vocal presence. Standard mode provides a balanced profile suitable for mixed content.

Setup Process and Installation Tips

Installing the JBL Cinema SB595 requires minimal technical knowledge. Unbox the soundbar and subwoofer, place them in your desired locations, and plug both units into power outlets. The subwoofer pairs automatically with the soundbar. Connect your TV to the soundbar using the included HDMI cable.

For optimal Dolby Atmos performance, position the soundbar directly below or above your TV screen. The upward-firing speakers need a flat ceiling approximately 8 to 12 feet above to bounce sound effectively. Vaulted or textured ceilings may reduce overhead effect intensity. The soundbar should sit at least a few inches in front of any wall to allow sound to project freely.

Subwoofer placement offers more flexibility. Start by positioning it near the front of the room, either left or right of your TV. The “subwoofer crawl technique” helps find the best location. Place the subwoofer at your main listening position, play bass-heavy content, then walk around the room’s perimeter listening for where bass sounds strongest and most balanced. Place the subwoofer in that spot for optimal results.

Movie Watching Experience

The JBL Cinema SB595 truly shines during movie playback. Action films benefit enormously from the powerful bass and dynamic range. Explosions deliver visceral impact that you feel as much as hear. Car chases maintain tension with engines that roar realistically through the soundstage. Overhead effects from helicopters, aircraft, or weather add immersion that traditional stereo soundbars cannot replicate.

Dramatic films with careful sound design also benefit. Subtle environmental sounds like wind, rain, or distant traffic create atmosphere. The soundbar’s ability to play quietly without losing detail means you can enjoy late-night viewing without disturbing others. When tension builds toward a climax, the system responds with thunderous dynamics that command attention.

Streaming content from Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and other services works beautifully. These platforms increasingly offer Dolby Atmos tracks for their original content and popular movies. The soundbar automatically detects and decodes these formats, displaying a confirmation on the LED indicator.

Music Listening Performance

While primarily designed for movies and TV, the JBL Cinema SB595 delivers surprisingly good music performance. The wide soundstage creates separation between instruments that rivals some dedicated stereo speakers in this price range. Acoustic music sounds natural with realistic instrument timbre. Rock and pop benefit from the punchy bass and clear vocals.

Classical music reveals the soundbar’s dynamic range capability. Quiet string passages sound delicate and refined while orchestral crescendos swell with authority. Jazz recordings shine thanks to the detailed mid-range that reproduces saxophones, pianos, and upright bass faithfully. Electronic and hip-hop tracks leverage the powerful subwoofer for satisfying low-end impact.

The soundbar lacks the ultimate refinement of dedicated high-end stereo systems. Audiophiles seeking the absolute best sound quality should invest in separate speakers and amplifiers. However, for casual music listening and background audio, the JBL Cinema SB595 performs admirably and eliminates the need for a separate music system.

Gaming Audio Performance

Modern gaming consoles like PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X support Dolby Atmos audio in many titles. Connecting these consoles to the soundbar’s HDMI input enables immersive gaming audio. First-person shooters benefit tremendously from the 3D soundstage that helps locate enemies by sound. Racing games deliver engine roar and tire squeal with realistic impact.

Role-playing games with detailed soundscapes create atmospheric worlds. Environmental sounds position correctly around you while music swells during dramatic moments. The soundbar’s low latency ensures no audio delay, keeping action synchronized with on-screen visuals. This timing precision matters greatly for competitive gaming where split-second reactions determine success.

The dedicated center channel proves valuable for games with extensive dialogue and voice acting. Every word remains clear even during chaotic battle sequences with explosions and gunfire. Party chat through your console also sounds clear, making communication with teammates effortless.

Power Output and Volume Capabilities

The JBL Cinema SB595 delivers 440 watts of total system power across all channels. This specification represents maximum peak power rather than continuous output. Nevertheless, the system plays surprisingly loud without audible distortion. A medium-sized room fills easily at moderate volume levels while larger spaces benefit from the ample headroom available.

Maximum volume reaches levels that most users will never need in home environments. Push the system hard and bass remains controlled without sounding strained. The soundbar doesn’t exhibit the compression that plagues some budget models when approaching maximum output. Dynamic peaks in action movies and music maintain their impact even at loud volumes.

For apartment living or shared walls with neighbors, the soundbar also performs well at lower volumes. JBL’s engineering ensures the frequency balance remains relatively consistent across the volume range. You don’t lose bass response or vocal clarity when listening quietly at night.

Comparison with Competing Soundbars

The JBL Cinema SB595 competes directly with models like the Samsung HW-Q600C and Sony HT-S400. The Samsung offers a similar 3.1.2 configuration with Dolby Atmos but typically costs $50 to $100 more. Sound quality proves comparable between these models with slight differences in tonal balance. The Samsung emphasizes treble slightly more while the JBL delivers warmer mid-range.

The Sony HT-S400 comes in as a budget-friendly 2.1 system without height channels for Atmos. It costs less but sacrifices the overhead sound effects that make the JBL Cinema SB595 special. For buyers who prioritize immersive audio over budget constraints, the JBL’s Atmos capability justifies the price difference.

Vizio offers several competing models in this price range with varying channel configurations. Vizio soundbars often provide excellent value though build quality and customer service don’t always match established brands like JBL. The JBL Cinema SB595 feels more premium and benefits from JBL’s decades of audio engineering expertise.

Value for Money Assessment

At its typical selling price around $239 to $360, the JBL Cinema SB595 represents excellent value for buyers seeking true Dolby Atmos performance. Many competing soundbars at similar prices offer only virtual surround sound rather than genuine height channels. The inclusion of a wireless subwoofer adds further value since many soundbars at this price point lack dedicated bass extension.

The system competes with soundbars costing $100 to $200 more in terms of features and performance. JBL likely achieves this pricing through economies of scale and efficient manufacturing. Costco and other warehouse retailers sometimes offer promotional pricing that pushes the value proposition even higher.

For home theater enthusiasts on a budget, this soundbar delivers a significant upgrade over TV speakers without requiring the $800 to $1500+ investment that premium soundbars demand. The performance gap between the JBL Cinema SB595 and models costing twice as much proves relatively small for most listeners.

Potential Drawbacks and Limitations

No product is perfect and the JBL Cinema SB595 has some limitations worth noting. The soundbar lacks rear speakers, so true 5.1.2 surround sound isn’t possible. Sounds meant to come from behind you still originate from the front soundbar. The Dolby Atmos processing creates a convincing front-to-back soundstage, but dedicated rear speakers would enhance immersion further.

The system doesn’t include room calibration features found in some premium models. You cannot run an automated setup that measures your room acoustics and adjusts EQ accordingly. Sound tuning requires manual adjustment of bass and treble settings by ear.

Streaming capability is limited to Bluetooth. The soundbar doesn’t support Wi-Fi, AirPlay, Chromecast, or Spotify Connect. Buyers seeking multi-room audio or lossless streaming should consider models with built-in network connectivity. For most users, Bluetooth proves sufficient for casual music streaming.

The included remote uses infrared rather than RF or Bluetooth, requiring line-of-sight operation. This traditional approach works fine but feels less modern than remotes that work from any direction or through furniture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the JBL Cinema SB595 support 4K and HDR video passthrough?

Yes, the HDMI input on the JBL Cinema SB595 supports 4K video passthrough including HDR10 and Dolby Vision. You can connect your game console or streaming device to the soundbar and route video to your TV without quality loss. The system handles current video standards effectively.

Can I add wireless rear speakers to create a 5.1.2 system?

No, the JBL Cinema SB595 does not support optional rear speaker add-ons. The system is designed as a complete 3.1.2 configuration out of the box. If you want true surround sound with rear speakers, consider JBL’s Bar 5.1 model which includes detachable rear speakers built into the soundbar.

How does the soundbar work with different TV brands?

The JBL Cinema SB595 works universally with any TV that has HDMI ARC, HDMI eARC, or optical audio output. Samsung, LG, Sony, TCL, Vizio, and other TV brands all support these connection standards. HDMI CEC allows most TVs to control the soundbar volume with their own remotes automatically.

Is the wireless subwoofer truly wireless or does it need a power cable?

The subwoofer connects to the soundbar wirelessly for audio transmission, but it requires a power cable plugged into an electrical outlet. No audio cables run between the subwoofer and soundbar, giving you placement flexibility. However, you need an outlet near wherever you position the subwoofer.

Does this soundbar require a special ceiling type for Dolby Atmos to work properly?

Dolby Atmos works best with flat, reflective ceilings at standard height around 8 to 12 feet. Vaulted, angled, or acoustically treated ceilings may reduce the overhead effect intensity. Textured popcorn ceilings can scatter sound but still provide some height effect. The soundbar performs this ceiling reflection automatically without any setup required from you.

Can I use the soundbar with my computer or gaming PC?

Yes, you can connect your computer to the JBL Cinema SB595 using HDMI, optical, or Bluetooth. HDMI or optical connections provide the best audio quality for gaming and movies. Bluetooth works for music streaming from your computer. The low latency ensures audio stays synchronized with video during gaming sessions.

How long is the warranty and what does it cover?

JBL typically provides a one-year limited warranty covering manufacturing defects and component failures. The warranty covers repair or replacement at JBL’s discretion. Keep your purchase receipt as proof of purchase date. Extended warranties may be available through retailers for additional protection beyond the standard manufacturer warranty period.

Last update on 2026-01-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API