JBL Cinema SB170: Affordable Soundbar Review

Hey everyone! Today, we're diving deep into the JBL Cinema SB170, a soundbar that's making waves in the world of home entertainment. If you're on the hunt for a budget-friendly way to upgrade your TV's audio, then you've come to the right place. This review will cover everything you need to know, from the specs and sound quality to the ease of setup and overall value. So, grab your snacks, settle in, and let's see if the JBL SB170 is the right soundbar for you, alright?

Unboxing and Initial Impressions

Alright, let's start with the basics, shall we? When you unbox the JBL Cinema SB170, you'll find the soundbar itself, a wireless subwoofer, a remote control (with batteries included - yay!), a power adapter, an optical cable, and some documentation. First impressions? The soundbar has a sleek, minimalist design that should blend in nicely with most home setups. It's not going to win any design awards, but it's not trying to. It's all about delivering a solid audio experience without breaking the bank, ya know? The build quality feels decent for the price, nothing super fancy, but it doesn't feel cheap either. The subwoofer, also pretty compact, has a simple, functional design. It's wireless, which is a massive plus because it means you can place it anywhere in your room without having to worry about messy cables. Overall, the initial impression is positive. JBL has a good reputation, and the SB170 seems to deliver on that promise of quality and value. We are looking for an affordable soundbar, and so far so good.

Now, let's talk about the setup process. The good news is, it's super easy, even for those of us who aren't tech wizards. Basically, you just plug in the soundbar and the subwoofer, connect the soundbar to your TV using either the included optical cable or an HDMI cable (if your TV supports it – more on that later), and you're good to go. The wireless subwoofer automatically connects to the soundbar, so you don't have to mess around with pairing or anything like that. The remote is simple to use, with clearly labeled buttons for power, volume, source selection, and sound modes. I think that anyone can set this up quickly, so don't you worry.

Design and Build Quality

Let's get into the nitty-gritty of the design and build quality of the JBL Cinema SB170. As mentioned earlier, the soundbar boasts a clean, understated aesthetic. It's designed to be unobtrusive, so it won't draw too much attention to itself, allowing the focus to remain on your viewing experience. The soundbar is primarily made of plastic, which is typical for soundbars in this price range. While it might not feel as premium as some of the higher-end models, the plastic feels sturdy enough and doesn't feel cheap or flimsy. The front of the soundbar is covered with a metal grille, which not only protects the drivers but also adds a touch of elegance to the overall design. On the top, you'll find a few physical buttons for basic functions like power and volume, which is handy if you misplace the remote (we've all been there, right?). The subwoofer, with its compact design, also blends seamlessly into the background. It's made of a similar type of material, and it's built to withstand daily use. The wireless aspect is a huge bonus here, allowing you to position it wherever you get the best bass response in your room without the hassle of cables. I think that the design is great, and so is the build quality of this product for its price.

Sound Quality: Does it Deliver?

Now, the moment of truth: how does the JBL Cinema SB170 sound? This is the most crucial aspect of any soundbar, and the SB170 aims to impress. For a soundbar in this price range, the SB170 delivers a surprisingly good audio experience. It features a 2.1 channel system, meaning it has a soundbar and a separate subwoofer. This configuration is a significant upgrade from your TV's built-in speakers, which often sound thin and tinny. The soundbar itself handles the mid and high frequencies, while the subwoofer pumps out the bass. The result is a more balanced and immersive soundstage. The SB170 does a decent job of separating the audio elements, allowing you to hear dialogue clearly and distinguish between different sound effects. The soundbar supports Dolby Digital, which enhances the overall audio quality, making movies and TV shows sound more dynamic and realistic. However, don't expect the same level of audio fidelity as you'd get from a high-end soundbar with features like Dolby Atmos. But, considering the price, the SB170 offers excellent value. It's a significant improvement over your TV's built-in speakers, adding depth, clarity, and a fuller sound to your entertainment experience. It's really hard to find such quality at such an affordable price.

Let's break down the sound quality in more detail. The soundbar produces clear and crisp highs, making dialogue easy to understand and enhancing the details in music and sound effects. The mid-range frequencies are well-balanced, contributing to a natural and realistic sound. The subwoofer adds a significant punch to the low-end frequencies, providing a satisfying bass response. It's not going to rattle your windows like some of the more powerful subwoofers out there, but it adds enough depth and impact to make movies and music more enjoyable. The SB170 offers various sound modes, such as movie, music, and voice, which optimize the audio for different types of content. The movie mode enhances the surround sound effects, creating a more immersive experience. The music mode provides a more balanced sound, which is great for listening to your favorite tunes. The voice mode enhances dialogue, making it easier to understand what people are saying, especially in movies and TV shows with complex audio mixes. I would say that it is a great product overall.

Features and Connectivity

Alright, let's talk about the features and connectivity options of the JBL Cinema SB170. The SB170 keeps things simple, which is a good thing for many users. You won't find a ton of bells and whistles here, but it covers the essentials. The most important connectivity options are the HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) and optical audio input. HDMI ARC allows you to connect the soundbar to your TV with a single HDMI cable and control the volume using your TV's remote. This simplifies the setup and makes it easier to use. If your TV doesn't have HDMI ARC, you can use the optical audio input, which is the next best option. The SB170 also supports Bluetooth, so you can wirelessly stream music from your smartphone, tablet, or other Bluetooth-enabled devices. This is a super convenient feature, allowing you to easily play your favorite tunes without needing to connect any cables. The remote control is pretty basic, but it gets the job done. It lets you control power, volume, input selection, and sound modes. It's straightforward and easy to use. The SB170 doesn't have Wi-Fi or any advanced features like built-in voice assistants or multi-room audio. But, considering the price, these omissions are understandable. The focus is on providing a great sound experience without adding unnecessary complexity. I think that the features are great for its price.

Setup and Ease of Use

One of the biggest strengths of the JBL Cinema SB170 is its ease of use. JBL has made the setup process incredibly straightforward, ensuring that even tech-averse users can get the soundbar up and running in minutes. Here's a breakdown of the setup process:

Unboxing: The first step, obviously, is to unbox the soundbar and its components. You'll find the soundbar, the wireless subwoofer, the remote control, the power adapter, an optical cable, and the user manual. Make sure everything is present before you begin. Check out all the components to ensure everything's there.
Placement: Decide where you want to place the soundbar and the subwoofer. The soundbar should ideally be placed in front of your TV. The subwoofer can be placed anywhere in your room, but it's generally best to experiment with different locations to find the one that provides the best bass response. Consider how it will fit with your current setup.
Connections: Connect the soundbar to your TV using either the included optical cable or an HDMI cable. If your TV supports HDMI ARC, using an HDMI cable is recommended, as it allows you to control the volume with your TV's remote. Plug the soundbar and subwoofer into power outlets. Connect the power to the devices.
Power On: Turn on the soundbar and subwoofer. The subwoofer should automatically connect to the soundbar wirelessly. Select the appropriate input on your TV and the soundbar. After you turn it on, select the correct input.
Bluetooth Pairing (Optional): If you want to stream music from your smartphone or tablet, pair your device with the soundbar via Bluetooth. Go to your device's Bluetooth settings and select the JBL SB170. Pair it with your phone, tablet, or other devices.

The user manual provides clear and concise instructions, making the setup process even easier. The remote control is also simple to use, with clearly labeled buttons for power, volume, input selection, and sound modes. Once everything is set up, operating the soundbar is a breeze. The straightforward interface and intuitive controls make it easy to enjoy your favorite movies, TV shows, and music. Overall, the setup and ease of use of the JBL Cinema SB170 are major selling points. JBL has done an excellent job of simplifying the process, making it accessible to all users. No complicated menus or confusing settings, just a straightforward setup and easy operation.

Pros and Cons

Let's get down to the nitty-gritty: the pros and cons of the JBL Cinema SB170.

Pros:

Excellent Value: The SB170 offers a lot of bang for your buck. For the price, you get a significant upgrade in sound quality compared to your TV's built-in speakers. It's one of the best affordable options out there.
Easy Setup: The setup process is incredibly straightforward, even for those who aren't tech-savvy. You can have the soundbar up and running in minutes.
Wireless Subwoofer: The wireless subwoofer is a game-changer. It eliminates the need for messy cables and allows you to place the subwoofer anywhere in your room for optimal bass response. This is a huge convenience factor.
Bluetooth Connectivity: The built-in Bluetooth allows you to stream music wirelessly from your devices, making it easy to enjoy your favorite tunes. It adds a lot of convenience for users.
Sleek Design: The soundbar has a clean, minimalist design that should blend in nicely with most home setups. It's not flashy, but it's aesthetically pleasing and unobtrusive.

Cons:

Limited Features: The SB170 lacks some advanced features, such as Wi-Fi, Dolby Atmos, and built-in voice assistants. It focuses on the basics, which may be a drawback for some users. This might not be suitable for people looking for advanced features.
Sound Quality Limitations: While the sound quality is good for the price, it doesn't match the performance of higher-end soundbars. The soundstage isn't as wide or immersive as you'd get from more expensive models. The sound is good, but it is not as great as other products.
Plastic Build: The soundbar is primarily made of plastic, which doesn't feel as premium as some of the more expensive options. Although it doesn't affect the performance, it can affect the looks of the product.

Final Verdict: Is the JBL Cinema SB170 Worth It?

So, is the JBL Cinema SB170 worth your money? Absolutely, yes! If you're looking for a budget-friendly soundbar to significantly improve your TV's audio, the SB170 is a fantastic choice. It offers an excellent balance of sound quality, ease of use, and features for its price point. While it doesn't have all the bells and whistles of the more expensive models, it delivers a clear, balanced sound and a satisfying bass response. The easy setup and wireless subwoofer make it a breeze to integrate into your home entertainment system. For anyone looking to upgrade their audio without breaking the bank, the JBL Cinema SB170 is a solid recommendation. It's perfect for casual listeners and anyone who wants a simple, effective soundbar solution. If you need a quality, affordable product, go for it!

Do you have any other questions about the JBL Cinema SB170? Drop them in the comments below! Thanks for reading, and happy listening! I hope this helps you guys.