Amazon Renewed RM Soundbar Review
Our verdict
This Amazon Renewed listing delivers the JBL Bar 500's 5.1-channel, 590W system at the same $387 price as new, with the difference being that it has been factory-tested and refurbished. A 4.6-star average across 70 reviews is encouraging, though the small review count warrants some caution before treating it as a fully proven unit.
Check price on AmazonBest for
Value hunters who are comfortable with Amazon Renewed's guarantee and want the JBL Bar 500 system without paying a new-unit premium
Skip if
You want a full manufacturer warranty or are not comfortable buying renewed electronics
- Channels 5.1
- Power 590 W
- Speaker type Subwoofer
- Connectivity Rca
- Mounting Bar Mount
- Color Black
- Priced 22% above the category median ($316.79 across 62 tracked models)
- Power of 590 W - higher than 79% of the 63 models we track
- Weight of 6.17 lb - lighter than 67% of the 63 models we track
Pros
- JBL Bar 500's 590W, 5.1-channel system at the same price as new
- 4.6-star average across 70 reviews, higher than the new listing
- Amazon Renewed guarantee provides a return safety net
- Strong value if the unit performs within spec
Cons
- Only 70 reviews, making the 4.6-star score statistically fragile
- RCA connectivity listing is inconsistent with standard Bar 500 specs, needs verification
- No full manufacturer warranty typical of a new purchase
- Condition of internal components in renewed units varies
Our scorecard
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Owner rating4.6/5
4.6 average across 70 owner ratings
-
Popularity1.3/5
70 owner reviews, fewer than most models here
The overall score is owner satisfaction weighted by how many reviews back it, so a high rating from few reviews counts for less. The bars below show where this model stands against the other AV receivers and amplifiers, soundbars, home theater speakers, subwoofers, surround sound systems and Blu-ray players we track in this category on price, popularity and size. Context, not marks against it, and our read of the data, not a lab test.
Overview
Amazon Renewed products go through a testing and refurbishment process before relisting, and this JBL Bar 500 variant arrives with a 5.1-channel configuration and 590W rated output, identical specs to the new version reviewed separately. The key consideration is product condition and warranty: Amazon Renewed typically offers a 90-day return window and a satisfaction guarantee, but the manufacturer's standard warranty may not apply.
The specs show 5.1 channels at 590W with RCA connectivity and a bar-mount configuration. The RCA connectivity listing is unusual for a product in this bracket and worth clarifying on the listing, as it may reflect the specific renewed unit's hookup options or a spec-sheet anomaly. The bar dimension note of 40 x 19 x 16 inches in this listing also differs from the standard Bar 500 dimensions and may reflect packaging rather than bar measurements.
At $387 for a 5.1 system with JBL's engineering behind it, renewed offers genuine value if the unit performs as expected. The 4.6-star average across 70 reviews is actually higher than the new version's score, which suggests buyers who purchased renewed have been satisfied. The small sample size means that score could shift, so read current reviews before purchasing.
Specifications
| Channels | 5.1 |
|---|---|
| Power | 590 W |
| Speaker type | Subwoofer |
| Connectivity | Rca |
| Mounting | Bar Mount |
| Color | Black |
| Dimensions | 40 X 19 X 16 In |
| Weight | 6.17 lb |
Performance notes
Listed at 590W, 5.1-channel configuration. Connectivity listed as RCA, which conflicts with the new Bar 500's Bluetooth spec and should be verified. Weight listed at 6.17 pounds, consistent with the bar unit alone. Subwoofer designation in speaker type suggests the sub is part of the system. Dimension discrepancies (40 x 19 x 16 in) likely reflect shipping box dimensions rather than bar measurements.
What buyers say
Seventy reviews averaging 4.6 stars is a positive signal, slightly ahead of the new Bar 500 listing. However, with a sample this size, a few outlier reviews can meaningfully shift the average. Renewed electronics buyers tend to leave ratings after confirming the unit works as expected, which may bias the score slightly positive versus new-unit buyers with wider performance expectations.
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Frequently asked questions
What does Amazon Renewed mean for this JBL Bar 500?
Amazon Renewed means the unit has been inspected, tested, and certified to work like new. It may show minor cosmetic wear but should perform to original specifications. Amazon typically backs renewed purchases with a 90-day return guarantee. The original manufacturer warranty may or may not transfer, so check the listing details.
Is the connectivity on this listing accurate?
The spec sheet lists RCA as the connectivity type, which is inconsistent with the standard JBL Bar 500 that ships with Bluetooth and typically HDMI ARC. This may be a spec-sheet error in the renewed listing or reflect a specific configuration. Confirm the actual inputs on the current Amazon product page before purchasing.
Should I buy this renewed version or the new JBL Bar 500?
If both are priced the same, the new unit comes with a full manufacturer warranty and guaranteed condition. The renewed version can be a smart buy if it is discounted or if you are comfortable with Amazon's 90-day return guarantee. At identical prices with no discount, the new version is the lower-risk choice.