Amazon Fire TV Plus vs JBL Bar 700: Which 5.1 Soundbar System Deserves Your Money?

If you've ever tried watching an action movie on your TV's built-in speakers, you know the struggle. Explosions sound like firecrackers, dialogue gets lost in the mix, and you're constantly adjusting the volume. That's where 5.1 channel soundbar systems come to the rescue, transforming your living room into something closer to a real theater experience.

But with dozens of options flooding the market, choosing the right system can feel overwhelming. Today we're comparing two popular approaches: the Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus 5.1 Channel System and the JBL Bar 700 Dolby Atmos 5.1 Soundbar. These systems represent different philosophies—one prioritizes value and simplicity, while the other focuses on premium performance and wireless convenience.

Understanding Modern Soundbar Systems

Before diving into specifics, let's clarify what makes a 5.1 system special. The "5.1" refers to six separate audio channels: left, center, right, two surround channels, and one subwoofer channel (the ".1"). This setup creates genuine surround sound by placing audio sources around your listening position, unlike basic soundbars that simulate surround effects through digital processing.

Modern soundbar systems have evolved significantly since their early 2010s origins. Today's systems support advanced audio formats like Dolby Atmos (which adds height information to create three-dimensional sound) and offer wireless connectivity that eliminates the cable mess of traditional home theater setups. The key considerations when shopping include audio performance, ease of setup, connectivity options, and overall value for your specific needs and budget.

The Contenders: Two Different Approaches

The Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus, released in 2023 as Amazon's successor to their original Fire TV Soundbar, takes a budget-focused approach. At the time of writing, it costs roughly 30% less than premium competitors while still delivering a complete 5.1 experience with dedicated rear speakers and a wireless subwoofer.

The JBL Bar 700, also launched in recent years, represents JBL's premium offering in the mid-range soundbar market. It costs significantly more but includes advanced features like battery-powered wireless surround speakers and comprehensive streaming capabilities.

The fundamental difference lies in their target audiences: Amazon aims for Fire TV users wanting affordable surround sound, while JBL targets audio enthusiasts willing to pay extra for convenience and performance.

Audio Performance: Where Your Money Goes

Power and Sound Quality

The most obvious difference between these systems is raw power output. The JBL Bar 700 delivers 620 watts of total power, distributed across a 240-watt main soundbar, 300-watt 10-inch subwoofer, and two 40-watt surround speakers. Amazon doesn't specify exact power figures for their Fire TV Plus system, but based on our research into similar systems in this price range, it likely produces significantly less total output.

This power difference translates to real-world performance gaps. The JBL's larger 10-inch subwoofer creates deeper, more impactful bass that you'll feel during explosion scenes or when listening to music with strong low-end content. The Amazon system's smaller subwoofer still improves dramatically over TV speakers but won't rattle your chest during intense action sequences.

For dialogue clarity—arguably the most important aspect of any soundbar—both systems include dedicated center channels, which is crucial for clear speech reproduction. However, the JBL Bar 700 features PureVoice technology, which uses advanced digital processing to maintain dialogue intelligibility even when surround effects are at their loudest. This becomes particularly valuable during complex movie scenes where explosions, music, and dialogue compete for your attention.

Frequency Response: The Full Audio Spectrum

The JBL Bar 700 covers a frequency range from 35Hz to 20kHz, meaning it reproduces very deep bass notes and crisp high frequencies. This wide range ensures that whether you're listening to the rumble of a spaceship engine or the delicate shimmer of cymbals in a jazz recording, you'll hear details that cheaper systems miss.

While Amazon doesn't publish specific frequency response data for their Fire TV Plus system, user reviews and expert evaluations suggest it delivers solid mid-range performance with adequate bass extension when the subwoofer is properly positioned. The system reportedly handles dialogue well and provides satisfying bass for its price point, though it can't match the JBL's deep-end extension or high-frequency detail.

Dolby Atmos: The Height Dimension

Both systems support Dolby Atmos, but their implementations differ significantly. Dolby Atmos adds height information to traditional surround sound, creating the impression that sounds are coming from above your head—think helicopters flying overhead or rain falling from the sky.

Neither system includes dedicated up-firing speakers (small drivers that bounce sound off your ceiling), so both rely on virtualization—digital processing that simulates height effects through psychoacoustic tricks. However, the JBL Bar 700 uses more sophisticated processing algorithms that create a more convincing three-dimensional soundstage.

In practice, this means the JBL delivers a more immersive Atmos experience, though both systems fall short of soundbars with actual height speakers. If Atmos performance is crucial to your decision, you might want to consider systems with dedicated up-firing drivers, though they typically cost significantly more.

Connectivity and Smart Features: Modern Convenience

Wireless Capabilities

Here's where the systems diverge dramatically. The JBL Bar 700 includes built-in Wi-Fi with support for AirPlay (for Apple devices), Chromecast (for Android and web-based streaming), and Alexa Multi-Room Music (for Amazon ecosystem integration). This connectivity allows you to stream music directly from your smartphone, tablet, or computer without needing additional devices.

The Amazon Fire TV Plus takes a more basic approach, offering Bluetooth connectivity for phone streaming and USB input for local file playback, but lacks built-in Wi-Fi or advanced streaming features. Instead, it focuses on integration with Fire TV devices—when connected via HDMI, you can control the soundbar through your Fire TV's interface and remote.

HDMI and Audio Format Support

Both systems include HDMI connectivity, but with important differences. The JBL Bar 700 features HDMI eARC (enhanced Audio Return Channel) with 4K Dolby Vision pass-through, ensuring that high-quality video signals from your Blu-ray player or gaming console maintain their full quality on their way to your TV.

The Amazon Fire TV Plus supports HDMI ARC and can handle lossless audio formats like Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD MA—formats typically found on Blu-ray discs that offer superior sound quality compared to streaming audio. This format support is impressive for a budget-focused system and represents genuine value for movie enthusiasts.

The Surround Speaker Situation

Perhaps the most practical difference between these systems lies in their surround speaker implementation. The Amazon Fire TV Plus includes traditional wired satellite speakers that require cable runs from your TV area to your seating position. While this isn't unusual for budget systems, it does mean planning your room layout around speaker placement and dealing with visible cables unless you're willing to run them through walls.

The JBL Bar 700 takes a different approach with detachable, battery-powered surround speakers. These speakers charge when connected to the main soundbar but can operate wirelessly for up to 10 hours once detached. This design eliminates cable management headaches and allows flexible speaker placement without worrying about power outlets or wire routing.

From a practical standpoint, the JBL's wireless approach offers significant advantages in most living situations. You can easily move the speakers for optimal placement during movie nights, then tuck them away when not needed. The Amazon system requires more permanent positioning but includes the advantage of never needing to remember to charge the speakers.

Setup and User Experience

Initial Setup

Both systems emphasize easy setup, but their approaches differ. The Amazon Fire TV Plus comes with all components pre-paired, meaning you simply plug everything in and power it on—no complicated pairing procedures or app downloads required. The included remote provides access to essential controls like bass, treble, and dialogue enhancement settings.

The JBL Bar 700 includes automatic sound calibration that uses built-in microphones to analyze your room's acoustics and adjust the speaker settings accordingly. This process takes a few minutes but can significantly improve performance by compensating for room size, furniture placement, and wall materials that affect sound reflection.

Daily Operation

For day-to-day use, the Amazon system prioritizes simplicity. Physical controls on the soundbar handle basic functions, while the included remote manages audio settings. When connected to Fire TV devices, you can control volume and basic settings through your TV interface, streamlining the number of remotes you need.

The JBL Bar 700 offers more control options through the JBL One app, which provides detailed equalizer settings, room correction features, and streaming service access. While this flexibility appeals to audio enthusiasts who want to fine-tune their experience, it might feel overwhelming for users who prefer simple operation.

Value Proposition: What You Get for Your Money

At the time of writing, the Amazon Fire TV Plus costs significantly less than the JBL Bar 700—roughly a 30-40% price difference depending on sales and promotions. This price gap raises the crucial question: what do you get for that extra money, and is it worth it?

The Amazon system delivers solid value for budget-conscious buyers who want genuine 5.1 surround sound without premium pricing. It handles the basics well—clear dialogue, decent bass response, and adequate surround effects for small to medium rooms. The Fire TV integration adds convenience for Amazon ecosystem users, and the support for lossless audio formats provides genuine quality for movie enthusiasts.

However, that lower price comes with compromises. The wired surround speakers limit placement flexibility, the overall power output restricts performance in larger rooms, and the lack of advanced features may feel limiting as your needs evolve.

The JBL Bar 700 costs more but delivers proportionally greater value in several areas. The wireless surround speakers alone justify much of the price premium for many users, eliminating installation headaches and offering flexible placement. The significantly higher power output makes it suitable for larger rooms, while the extensive streaming features and app control provide long-term flexibility.

Room Size and Placement Considerations

Your room size plays a crucial role in determining which system makes sense. The Amazon Fire TV Plus performs well in small to medium rooms (up to about 250 square feet) where its power output can adequately fill the space. In these environments, the system provides satisfying bass response and clear dialogue without feeling overwhelmed.

The JBL Bar 700 shines in medium to large rooms where its higher power output and superior bass extension become apparent. The 10-inch subwoofer moves more air than smaller units, creating bass you can feel rather than just hear. For open-concept living spaces or rooms larger than 300 square feet, the JBL's extra power becomes increasingly valuable.

Placement flexibility also matters. If your room layout makes running speaker wires challenging—perhaps due to furniture arrangement, room shape, or aesthetic preferences—the JBL's wireless surround speakers offer a clear advantage. Conversely, if you have a dedicated media room where permanent speaker placement isn't an issue, the Amazon system's wired approach works perfectly well.

Who Should Choose Which System

Choose the Amazon Fire TV Plus if:

You're working with a strict budget but still want genuine surround sound improvement over TV speakers. The system makes particular sense for Fire TV ecosystem users who value seamless integration and simple operation. It's ideal for smaller rooms, apartment living, or situations where running speaker wires isn't problematic.

The Amazon system also appeals to users who prioritize simplicity over features. If you want to plug it in, set basic levels, and forget about it, this approach works well. The support for lossless audio formats provides future-proofing for serious movie watching without premium pricing.

Choose the JBL Bar 700 if:

You value convenience and performance over cost savings. The wireless surround speakers alone make this system worth considering for many users, especially those in challenging room layouts where cable management would be difficult.

The JBL makes sense for audio enthusiasts who want room calibration, app control, and extensive streaming options. If you frequently stream music from various sources or want a system that can grow with changing technology, the JBL's comprehensive feature set provides better long-term value.

The system particularly excels for larger rooms or open-concept spaces where its higher power output becomes essential for filling the space with quality sound.

Making the Final Decision

Both the Amazon Fire TV Plus and JBL Bar 700 succeed in their intended roles, but they target different user priorities and budgets. The Amazon system proves that you don't need to spend premium prices for genuine surround sound improvement, while the JBL demonstrates why wireless convenience and higher performance command price premiums.

Your decision should center on your specific situation: room size, budget flexibility, importance of wireless convenience, and desired feature set. The price difference between these systems represents a meaningful investment, but for many users, the JBL's advantages in power, convenience, and long-term flexibility justify the additional cost.

Consider your usage patterns, room characteristics, and technology preferences. If you primarily watch TV shows and occasional movies in a smaller space, the Amazon system provides excellent value. If you're building a more serious home theater setup or value cutting-edge features and maximum convenience, the JBL Bar 700 represents a solid investment in long-term audio satisfaction.

Either choice will dramatically improve your audio experience over built-in TV speakers—the question is simply how much improvement you want and what you're willing to pay for it.

Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus 5.1 Channel System Deals and Prices

JBL Bar 700 Dolby Atmos 5.1 Soundbar with Subwoofer Deals and Prices