JBL Just Gave Its Standout Dolby Atmos Soundbar a Powerful Hi-Fi Upgrade

When JBL released the Bar 1000 in 2022, it was unlike any other Dolby Atmos soundbar. It featured detachable side speakers that could be placed behind the listener and used as rear-channel speakers, thus transforming a standard soundbar into a full-on surround sound system.

Now, fast-forward nearly three years, and JBL has introduced a second-generation — or MK2 version — of its ingeniously designed Dolby Atmos soundbar that promises even bigger and better sound.

JBL Bar 1000 MK2

JBL

Same design, more power

Just like its predecessor, the JBL Bar 1000 MK2 is a 7.1.4-channel soundbar and wireless subwoofer system. On either side of the soundbar, there are detachable wireless speakers.

When you’re getting ready to watch a movie (or anything really), you can pick up these side speakers, place them behind you, and they will automatically turn into surround speakers. Then, when you’re done, you put the speakers back on the soundbar to recharge. (Note: each speaker has an up to 10-hour battery life.)

The main difference between the original Bar 1000 and the new MK2 version is power. The original had a maximum power output of 880 watts, while the new version maxes out at 960 watts, promising a louder and more immersive sound.

JBL

Night Listening

The JBL Bar 1000 MK2 is very much a modern Dolby Atmos soundbar. It connects to your TV via a single HDMI eARC cable, supports Wi-Fi (including AirPlay 2 and Spotify Connect) and Bluetooth streaming when not watching TV.

One thing that makes the Bar 1000 MK2 unique is that, like the original, it supports a special “Night Listening” mode. For this, you place the detachable wireless speakers in front of you and they are the only speakers that play audio. The soundbar and subwoofer are automatically muted.

According to the brand, the two front speakers deliver an “intimate high-quality experience” that won’t wake the rest of the house. (Note: this Night Listening mode needs to be initiated in the JBL One app.)

JBL

Five bars

The JBL Bar 1000 MK2 isn’t the only new “MK2” soundbar that JBL is introducing. In fact, there are five.

The Bar 1300 MK2 is the flagship model. It’s an 11.1.4-channel soundbar that comes with dual wireless subwoofers, and each of the detachable wireless speakers has built-in Bluetooth functionality — so you can remove one of these speakers and use it as a standalone portable Bluetooth speaker. However, it won’t be available until later this year.

Then there’s the Bar 700 MK2, which is essentially a smaller version of the Bar 1000 MK2. It features detachable wireless speakers and supports Dolby Atmos, but lacks up-firing drivers, which means it can only virtualize Dolby Atmos content.

The Bar 500 MK2 and Bar 300 MK2 are the company’s two smallest upcoming soundbars. Neither has detachable wireless speakers or supports Dolby Atmos.

JBL

Price and availability

The JBL Bar 1000 MK2 is priced at $1,199 and will be available later this month.

As for JBL’s smaller soundbars, the Bar 700 MK2 ($899), the Bar 500 MK2 ($649) and the Bar 300 MK2 ($449) will all be available later this month, as well.

The flagship model, the Bar 1300 MK2, will cost $1,699 and be released in October of this year.

JBL

JBL Bar 1000 MK2

• $1,200 at JBL

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