The present review is aimed to compare two soundbars - Yamaha YSP-5600 vs JBL Bar 2.1 that are meant to satisfy the needs of cinema and music lovers. Based on our rating, YSP-5600 has a total rating of 8,4 out of 10 versus 6 for Bar 2.1. The competitors' control buttons are different: input, volume down, volume up, power and power, volume down, volume up, source, respectively.
Both soundbars have active amplification type. A significant difference between the units in the number of channels, the Yamaha YSP-5600 has 7.1.2 versus 2.1 for the JBL Bar 2.1. The output power is different and equal to 128 (overall) W for the YSP-5600 versus 300 (overall) W for the Bar 2.1. Only the Yamaha YSP-5600 has a built-in subwoofer. Both models received our 7 rating of 10 for their audio features and specs. Spotify support is available on the YSP-5600.
These models have the ability to connect to the Internet via WI-FI. Rivals from our review have Bluetooth support. The Yamaha YSP-5600 has 4/1 HDMI inputs/outputs versus 1/1 of the JBL Bar 2.1. The HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC) feature supports both devices. Both soundbars have a USB connector. For connectivity, the YSP-5600 received a rating of 9/10 versus 8/10, respectively. App control is available for the YSP-5600. A built-in microphone is present in each model. Multi-room is only available for the Yamaha YSP-5600.
Only the YSP-5600 has a Dolby Atmos multichannel audio format support. A surround technology DTS:X is supported only by the YSP-5600. For multichannel surround Yamaha YSP-5600 got a rating of 8, and JBL Bar 2.1 4 out of 10.