Hardware

Published on September 16th, 2021 | by Andrew Bistak

JBL Cinema SB110 Soundbar Review

JBL Cinema SB110 Soundbar Review Andrew Bistak
Score

Summary: The JBL Cinema SB110 Soundbar is a decent entry level soundbar and will definitely improve over any TV speakers you are currently using.

4

Entry level


With a RRP of $199AUD, the JBL Cinema SB110 is an affordable and no nonsense soundbar that offers audio lovers a combined 110 watts of power, two full range drivers, two 2.5″ woofers and Dolby Digital to help bring your sound to life. It supports HDMI ARC (audio return channel) which basically connects your TV via an included (albeit short) HDMI cable which allows any audio from your TV to be passed through the JBL Cinemas SB110 and removes the need for an optical cable. Additionally, it supports Bluetooth that allows you to stream wirelessly from your smart devices to the soundbar. In relation to HDMI ARC technology, most modern TV’s will support this feature so if you have an older model, you may want to check if this feature is available before purchase or use the optical-in method which is just as good.

Features and benefits

  • Built-in subwoofer
    The built-in subwoofer delivers deep bass. There’s no need for another box and extra cables around your living room
  • Dolby Digital embedded
    Delivers powerful sound that enhances any movie experience.
  • Wireless music streaming via Bluetooth
    Stream and enjoy all your music wirelessly from any mobile device.
  • One cable connection with HDMI ARC
    The one cable HDMI ARC connection allows for the simplest set-up and a hassle-free user experience.

Gallery

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Box contents

  • Soundbar
  • Remote control with batteries
  • Power cable
  • HDMI cable
  • Wall-mount bracket kit with screws
  • Quick start guide
  • Warranty card
  • Safety sheet

Unboxing Gallery

In terms of design, the JBL Cinema SB110 is a well-designed soundbar that visually won’t look out of place in any home or office. It also comes with everything you need in connecting it to your TV and in terms of setup, you simply connect the HDMI into the ARC port on the soundbar and the other end into your TV and presto, connection established. Pairing with your smart devices is just as easy and by holding down the pairing button the soundbar, this will allow you to find the SB110 on your device via Bluetooth.

On the top of the soundbar, there are five buttons that include power, source, equalizer, volume down and volume up. The other control option is the remote control which gives you more control, particularly if you’ve connected it to your phone in order to swap between tracks or change the equalizer on the fly such as movie, music and news. On the back of the soundbar, you will find power, optical-in, USB (firmware updates) and the HDMI arc output. The unit even comes with wall mounting brackets if you wish to put the soundbar on your wall.

Once connected to our TV and more importantly PlayStation 5, the sound quality was clear that produced good audio levels across the spectrum although the bass could be more powerful. Furthermore, streaming services such as Netflix & Disney+, gaming and audio performed well and the soundbar which was far superior than our TV speakers. Streaming via our smartphone again performed admirably and the combined 110w can add quite a bit of loudness to your room, although if you put the volume too loud, audio will start to become disrupted. As the unit is Dolby Digital compliant, you should notice that films become a much more cinematic experience that made the films more immersive.

Final Thoughts?

The JBL Cinema SB110 Soundbar is a decent entry level soundbar and will definitely improve over any TV speakers you are currently using. Overall, the sound quality is good, however I did find the bass a little on the lower side, however using it for movies via Dolby Digital does improve this element and the only addition I would have liked is a game mode, however I guess that is the movie mode. All in all, an affordable product from JBL.

Technical Specifications

General

Power supply: 100 – 240VAC, ~ 50/60Hz
Total speaker power output (Max. @THD 1%): 110W
Soundbar power output (Max. @THD 1%): 2 x 27W + 56W
Subwoofer power output (Max. @THD 1%): N/A
Soundbar transducer: 2 x 2.25″ full range driver + 2 x 2.5″ woofer
Operating temperature: 0°C – 45°C

Video

HDMI Video output (With Audio return channel): 1
HDMI HDCP version: 1.4

Audio

Max SPL: 82dB
Frequency response: 40Hz – 20kHz
Audio inputs: 1 Optical, Bluetooth (USB is for Service only.)
USB (For Service only)
USB port: Type A
USB rating: 5VDC/0.5A
Supporting file format: mp3, wav
MP3 Codec: MPEG 1 Layer 2/3; MPEG 2 Layer 3; MPEG 2.5 Layer 3
MP3 sampling rate: 16kHz – 48kHz
MP3 bitrate: 80kbps – 320kbps;
80kbps – 160kbps (MPEG 2.5 Layer 3)
WAV sample rate: 16kHz – 48kHz
WAV bitrate: Up to 3000kbps

Wireless

Bluetooth version: 4.2
Bluetooth profile: A2DP V1.3/AVRCP V1.5
Bluetooth frequency range: 2402MHz – 2480MHz
Bluetooth max. transmitting power: <0dbm (EIRP)
Modulation type: GFSK, π/4 DQPSK

Dimension

Soundbar dimensions (W x H x D): 950 x 90 x 55(mm) / 37.4″ x 3.5″ x 2.1″
Soundbar weight: 2.6kg
Packaging dimensions (W x H x D):
1100 x 125 x 95(mm) / 43.3″ x 4.9″ x 3.7″
Packaging weight (Gross weight): 3.1kg


About the Author

When he's not trying to save the world, Andrew enjoys travel (although loathes turbulence), going to the movies, reading and being a dad to his two dogs (and now twins) with his wife.


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