JBL Bar 1000MK2 960W 7.1.4-Channel Dolby Atmos Soundbar System – Immersive Home Audio

JBL Bar 1000MK2 960W 7.1.4-Channel Dolby Atmos Soundbar System – Immersive Home Audio

Key Features

• Screen Size: Compatible with all TV sizes
• Resolution: Supports 4K HDR pass-through (HDR10+, Dolby Vision)
• Display Technology: Works with modern TVs; sound optimized for home cinema
• HDR Support: HDR10+, Dolby Vision
• Refresh Rate: Compatible with standard TV refresh rates; HDMI 2.3 with eARC
• Smart Features: Works with streaming devices and smart TV apps
• Operating System: Compatible with Android TV, Google TV, Apple TV, Roku, Fire TV
• Audio Quality: 960W max output, Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, 7.1.4 channels, 10” subwoofer, detachable surrounds
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi 2.4/5GHz, Bluetooth 5.3, Optical, HDMI, USB
• Ports: 3 HDMI inputs, 1 HDMI eARC output, USB Type A, Optical

What Comes in the Box

• JBL Bar 1000MK2 Soundbar
• Detachable Surround Speakers (x2)
• Wireless Subwoofer
• Remote Control
• Power Cables
• HDMI Cable
• Quick Start Guide and Safety Sheet

The JBL Bar 1000MK2 is designed to deliver a truly cinematic home‑theater experience. With a 7.1.4‑channel configuration, 960W peak output, and real Dolby Atmos plus DTS:X support, this soundbar system creates a full, room‑filling soundscape. You get not just a main bar, but detachable wireless surround speakers and a wireless 10-inch subwoofer, giving both flexibility and power.

Design and Build: Flexible, Wireless, and Thoughtful

Detachable Surround Speakers

One of the standout features of the JBL Bar 1000MK2 is its removable surround speakers. These two wireless rear speakers sit on top of the soundbar by default, but you can lift them off with one hand and place them behind your seating area for genuine surround sound. That kind of flexibility is rare — you don’t need to run wires, and when you move them, they recharge simply by docking back on the bar. They run on lithium batteries (6600 mAh) and can provide up to 10 hours of playtime.

Subwoofer

The JBL Bar 1000MK2 subwoofer is a 10‑inch (260 mm) down-firing driver that provides deep, thunderous bass. Despite being wireless, it delivers 300W of output at peak.

Soundbar Drivers and Layout

The main JBL Bar 1000MK2 soundbar features a mix of racetrack drivers, tweeters, and up-firing drivers to create height and surround effects. Technically, it includes:

• 6 × 44×80 mm racetrack drivers for the front and center channels
• 2 × 1″ (25 mm) tweeters for clarity and high frequencies
• 2 × 2.75″ (70 mm) up-firing full-range drivers to support the Atmos height channels

The JBL Bar 1000MK2 detachable surrounds also have their own drivers: 2 × 44×90 mm racetrack drivers plus 2 × 2.75″ up-firing drivers per speaker.

Physical Dimensions and Weight

• The JBL Bar 1000MK2 soundbar measures around 1,018 mm wide × 56 mm high × 102 mm deep.
• It weighs about 4.9 kg with the surrounds attached.
• The subwoofer measures approximately 325 × 400 × 325 mm and weighs about 9.1–9.2 kg.
• Each detachable surround speaker weighs ~0.9 kg.

Power, Audio Channels, and Performance

Power Output

The sJBL Bar 1000MK2 ystem delivers 960W total peak power across all components. This splits roughly into 500W for the soundbar, two times 80W for the surround speakers, and 300W for the subwoofer. The peak figure gives a sense of its maximum punch.

Channel Configuration: True 7.1.4

The 7.1.4 arrangement means:

• 7 main horizontal channels (front, center, left/right surround)
• 1 low-frequency channel (from the subwoofer)
• 4 height / up-firing channels (for overhead sound)

This configuration produces very immersive, three-dimensional audio, especially for movie content with Dolby Atmos or DTS:X.

Surround and Height Effects

Thanks to its four up-firing speakers in the main JBL Bar 1000MK2 bar plus the up-firing driver in each detachable surround, the speaker system is capable of projecting sound overhead and around you. These height effects are a key reason this system feels cinematic.

Sound Technologies: MultiBeam 3.0, PureVoice 2.0, and SmartDetail

• MultiBeam 3.0: Fills your room with a wide, theater-like soundstage so you feel immersed even if you are not sitting directly in front of the bar.

• PureVoice 2.0: AI-based dialogue enhancement adjusts vocal clarity in real-time. It raises soft-spoken dialogue to make whispers or quiet lines more audible.

• SmartDetails: Enhances subtle sound cues like delicate footsteps, creaking doors, or faint background sounds to ensure you don’t miss the small audio details that make films richer.

Connectivity and Integration

HDMI, Digital, and Video Support

• The JBL Bar 1000MK2 soundbar supports HDMI eARC, allowing high-bandwidth, uncompressed audio to pass from your TV, including Dolby Atmos.
• It supports 4K video passthrough, including Dolby Vision and HDR10+.
• For devices without HDMI, there is an optical input.

Wireless Connectivity

• Uses Bluetooth 5.3 for low-latency and stable wireless connection.
• Supports dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz / 5 GHz) for streaming from music services or app-based features.
• Compatible with AirPlay 2, Google Chromecast, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, and Roon Ready.

App Control and Calibration

The JBL ONE app allows you to:

• Perform room calibration for optimized sound in your space.
• Adjust the equalizer, tailoring bass, treble, and mids.
• Update firmware for system improvements.

Eco Mode

In standby, the JBL Bar 1000MK2 system uses less than 1 watt of power, providing energy savings when idle.

Use Scenarios: Where It Excels and Possible Trade‑offs

Ideal Use Cases

This system excels for:

1. Movie Nights: True 7.1.4 channels, up-firing drivers, and a powerful subwoofer deliver a cinematic feel.
2. Gaming: HDMI eARC and multiple HDMI inputs allow low-latency connection and spatial audio for games.
3. Multi-Room Flexibility: Detachable wireless surrounds can be used in another room.
4. Late-Night Listening: Night mode lets you mute the main bar and subwoofer, relying on the detachable speakers.

Strengths: What the JBL Bar 1000MK2 Does Very Well

1. True Immersive Audio: Genuine overhead effects and surround immersion.
2. Powerful Performance: 960W peak output and a 10″ subwoofer deliver impactful bass.
3. Flexible Setup: Detachable wireless surrounds avoid messy cabling.
4. Smart Sound Enhancements: PureVoice 2.0 and SmartDetails improve dialogue clarity and audio details.
5. Broad Connectivity: Multiple HDMI inputs, optical input, and wireless options.
6. Intuitive App: JBL ONE app provides deep customization and firmware updates.
7. Energy Efficient: Low standby power consumption.

Verdict: Is the JBL Bar 1000MK2 Worth It?

Overall, the JBL Bar 1000MK2 is an impressive and versatile soundbar system. If you want a powerful, immersive setup without the complexity of a full AV receiver, it is one of the most compelling options. The true 7.1.4 configuration, detachable wireless surrounds, and robust subwoofer give you a near-theater experience in your living room.

It’s especially well suited for:

• Home theater lovers seeking real Atmos immersion
• Gamers who want low latency and spatial effects
• Users wanting clean aesthetics and minimal wiring

However, if your main focus is music fidelity or maximum dialogue clarity, auditioning the system first is recommended.

FAQs

1. What is the total power output of the JBL Bar 1000MK2 960W 7.1.4-Channel Dolby Atmos Soundbar System?
The system delivers a maximum output of 960W, with 250W from the soundbar, 2x40W from surround speakers, and 150W from the subwoofer.

2. Can I use the detachable surround speakers wirelessly?
Yes, the detachable surrounds run on a rechargeable 6600mAh battery, providing up to 10 hours of wireless playtime.

3. Does the JBL Bar 1000MK2 support Dolby Atmos and DTS:X?
Yes, it supports both Dolby Atmos and DTS:X for immersive, three-dimensional sound.

4. How many HDMI ports does the system have?
It has 3 HDMI inputs and 1 HDMI output with eARC support.

5. Can I connect my phone via Bluetooth?
Yes, Bluetooth 5.3 with A2DP and AVRCP profiles is supported.

6. Does it support HDR video pass-through?
Yes, HDR10+ and Dolby Vision are supported.

7. What is the frequency response range?
The frequency response ranges from 33Hz to 20kHz (-6dB).

8. Is the subwoofer wired or wireless?
The subwoofer is wireless, providing flexible placement options.

9. How heavy is the total system?
The soundbar weighs 5.5kg, the subwoofer 9.1kg, and each surround 0.9kg.

10. What kind of audio files can I play via USB?
The system supports MP3 files with sampling rates from 16-48kHz and bitrates from 80-320kbps.