5.1.2 soundbar with Dolby Atmos under 8 thousand! This JVC model offers great sound and high performance

The soundbar market has two price categories. Below ten thousand, you can get either a classic 2.1 system or a virtual “Atmos” without physical rear speakers — meaning the surround sound is only simulated. Above ten thousand, true 5.1.2 setups with real rear satellites begin. In between, however, (besides a few other models) there is also the JVC TH-E874B priced at 7,992 CZK after entering the code ALZADNY20 — and it offers a true 5.1.2 system including two wireless rear speakers.

Quick summary:
✅ Makes sense if you regularly watch movies with Dolby Atmos on Netflix, Disney+, or HBO Max and want true surround sound for a reasonable price. Users in verified reviews on Alza give an average of 4.6/5 and appreciate that the difference compared to TV sound is “incomparable”.
⚠️ Consider that the right rear speaker needs power from an outlet, and the connecting cable between the rear speakers is only three meters long. For apartment living, keep in mind that strong bass will likely not please your neighbors. After 15 minutes of inactivity, the soundbar automatically turns off, and according to users, this function cannot be deactivated.
💡 For 7,992 CZK you get a 5.1.2 soundbar with a total output of 520 W, Dolby Atmos and Dolby Digital support, a width of 100 cm, HDMI eARC and 2 additional HDMI inputs, optical and coaxial input, Bluetooth 5.3, USB for MP3 playback, and an HDMI cable and wall mount included in the package.

What makes a 5.1.2 system exceptional

The 5.1.2 designation means five directional channels (front left, right, center, and two rear), one subwoofer for bass, and two height channels for Dolby Atmos. This latter pair is why Atmos sounds the way it should — sound reflects off the ceiling, creating the impression that it’s moving above you in the film. With virtual Atmos, used by most cheaper soundbars, this effect is merely a simulation via an algorithm, and that’s a difference you can actually hear.

JVC adds a wireless subwoofer, which you can place anywhere within reach of an outlet, and two rear speakers connected by a cable to each other. The subwoofer, with its own 180 W output, can handle the deep bass of movie explosions and action scenes. According to users, the entire system pairs itself after the first power-on — you connect the HDMI cable to the TV, and within minutes, you have a functional 5.1.2 system.

What to watch out for before buying

Real reviews on Alza point out a few minor details. The right rear speaker needs power, so it must be within three meters of an outlet and the left rear speaker. If your living room has an unconventional layout or there are no outlets in the back, you need to consider this. A second note — some Czech streaming applications have limited 5.1 sound support, so the rear speakers will play quietly in them. However, Netflix, Disney+, and HBO Max work without issues.

According to some users, the remote control feels cheap, and there’s no option to highlight only speech in dialogues — bass and treble can be adjusted. After 15 minutes without a signal, the soundbar turns off, and this function cannot be deactivated. However, for most households, this is not a dealbreaker. For a sum under 8 thousand with a 42-month warranty (after registration with the manufacturer), it is still one of the most advantageous ways to elevate TV sound to a new level.

Is a classic 2.1 soundbar enough for movies, or do you prefer true surround sound with rear speakers?