JBL has unveiled its latest soundbar, the JBL Bar 1000 MK2, which features rechargeable rear speakers and will be joined by more MK2 models later in the year.
The Bar 1000 MK2 is a 7.1.4-channel Dolby Atmos soundbar that comes with a 10-inch wireless subwoofer. The speaker includes detachable rears you can place around the room, and the system's Night mode transforms these to become "fronts" -- the thinking is that as these rears are closer to your ears the sound is less likely to carry.
The system also boasts PureVoice 2.0, which analyzes the dialogue and boosts it, plus it includes the latest version of its beam-forming surround tech called MultiBeam 3.0.
The soundbar features compatibility with multiple streaming systems including Bluetooth and Wi-Fi with AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect and Roon Ready. You can control it with the JBL One App.
I reviewed the first models in its Bar systems back in 2020, and found that the soundbars took their rock and theater heritage seriously with plenty of deep bass. However, there is plenty of competition for high-end Atmos soundbars, including from JBL's parent company, Samsung.
The JBL Bar 1000 MK2 is available now for $1,199 while the other models in the Bar MK2 series will include:
JBL Bar 300 MK2: $449 (late September)
JBL Bar 500 MK2: $649 (Aug. 3)
JBL Bar 700 MK2: $899 (late September)