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JBL CS480BG is a 5.1 surround sound system that supports both Dolby Digital and DTS effects. It features a 125W (250W peak) subwoofer, a Titanium-laminate dome tweeter center-channel speaker, and four Titanium-laminate dome tweeter satellite speakers. The sound system is sophisticatedly designed for your television, music player, home theater, personal computer, and gaming devices.
What is in the Box
JBL CS480BG Sound System comes in a colored cardboard box, which includes a powered subwoofer, a center-channel speaker, four satellite speakers, five adjustable wall brackets for satellites and the center channel with tightening bar, four fixed-mount wall brackets for the satellite speakers, and a fixed-mount wall bracket for the center-channel speaker.
Design
The rectangular-shaped subwoofer of JBL CS480BG Sound System is designed with a side-firing port. The center-channel speaker of the sound system is rectangular-shaped, while the satellite speakers of the sound system are oval-shaped. A glossy black finish gives a sleek look to the subwoofer and the speakers.
The subwoofer weighs 29 pounds; the center-channel speaker 3.2 pounds, and each satellite speaker 2.0 pounds.
The amplifier output of the subwoofer is 125W (250W), while the recommended amplifier power range for the center-channel speaker and each satellite speaker is 10W-100W. The sensitivity (2.83V @ 1 meter) of the center-channel speaker is 88dB, whereas the sensitivity (2.83V @ 1 meter) of each satellite speaker is 86dB. However, the nominal impedance of the center-channel speaker and each satellite speaker is exactly the same (8 ohms).
The JBL CS480BG Sound System is provided with an 8-inch bass driver. The center-channel speaker and the satellite speakers have a 1/2-inch high-frequency driver each. On the other hand, the center-channel speaker has a dual 3-1/2-inch midrange driver. The crossover frequency of the center-channel speaker and each satellite speaker of the sound system is identical (3.0kHz; 12dB/octave).
Features
The Subwoofer rear panel of the JBL Sound System CS480BG sports Subwoofer-Level Control, Phase Switch, LFE Input, Line-Level Inputs, Power indicator LED, and Power Switch. By turning the ‘Level Control’ knob on the subwoofer up and down, you can tailor the amount of bass you would like. With the ‘Phase Switch’ option, you can select the position (between 0 and 180 degrees) of the switch, which produces the fullest bass without any distortion.
The LFE Input is a handy option of the subwoofer. Using this option you can add further deep, low-pitched sound effects to the subwoofer output. As a result, you can enjoy rattle free bass from the subwoofer even at the maximum volume. The ‘Line-Level Inputs’ bypasses your receiver’s internal processing and delivers a full signal to your subwoofer. The ‘Power Indicator LED’ on your subwoofer is unlit when the AC power is switched off. The LED glows red when the Subwoofer is in the standby mode and it glows green when the subwoofer is switched on. The ‘Power Switch’ lets you set the subwoofer to Auto On operation. In Auto On, your subwoofer will be in Standby mode until it detects an audio signal input.
Performance
JBL CS480BG’s 125W (250W peak) subwoofer is good enough to produce deep bass. We listened to Heavy Metal (Slipknot, Limp Bizkit) or Punk Rock (Against Me) with this sound system. The ‘boominess’ was exasperating. On the other hand, we had an equally pleasing experience listening to Blues (Jimi Hendrix), Jazz (Sade), Country (Kenny Rogers), and even Bluegrass (Alison Krauss) thanks to the 1/2-inch magnetically shielded mid-range drivers on the satellites!
The center-channel speaker and the satellite speakers of JBL CS480BG Sound System are magnetically shielded. So, you will never see your TV picture flickering even if you place the speakers close to your TV. The adjustable wall brackets and the fixed-mount wall brackets let you place the speakers in a way so you can enjoy theater-quality surround music.
The sound output of JBL CS480BG didn’t take us by surprise. We were satisfied with the output of this sound system. But we believe it could have been a bit louder with a deeper base. Fidelity is good enough though.
| Pros | Cons |
| Affordable, clear output with decent bass, and high fidelity. | Not loud enough. Output distorts at a higher volume. |
Conclusion
JBL CS480BG produces a decent bass with high fidelity. Even at maximum volume, the music sounded pleasant to our ears. We especially liked its tweeter output; the base didn’t shake furniture in the room but it was deep enough. JBL CS480BG Sound System can be one of the best surround sound system available under $300. It comes with five-year limited parts and labor warranty.
Specifications
Product Model: CS480
MPN: CS480BG
Dimensions:
Satellite Speaker: 6 (H)x 6.38 (W) x 3.86 (D) (in inch)
Center Speaker: 5.24 (H) x 11.38 (W) x 3.39 (D) (in inch)
Subwoofer: 16.26 (H) x 12 (W) x 13.62 (D) (in inch)
Output Power: 125 W (RMS) Woofer
Speaker Configuration: 5.1