JBL will be renewing its range of soundbars next fall with models capable of meeting all needs and consumers. One thing they all have in common is that they all incorporate the latest version of the in-house Multibeam 3.0 technology. Similarly, the 2025 vintage JBL Bar speakers incorporate Pure Voice 2.0, SmartDetails and AISoundBoost technologies (exclusive to the JBL Bar 1300MK2 for the latter). The first offers perfect clarity of dialogue, the second extracts the most subtle sounds from the sound signal).
The floor to Carsten Olesen, President of the Consumer Audio Division at Harman££££
“At JBL, innovation is constantly pushing the boundaries of home audio. "The combination of our exclusive acoustic technologies with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X results in soundbars that are unrivaled in terms of immersion and sonic performance," said Carsten Olesen, President of Consumer Audio at Harman. "Innovation is present in every model, with the arrival of SmartDetail, AI SoundBoost, MultiBeam 3.0 and PureVoice 2.0, all proof of Harman's technological strength and remarkable performance."
JBL Bar 1000MK2, Dolby Atmos and DTS:X compatible££££ The JBL Bar 1000MK2 takes the principle of the detachable surround speakers of the Bar 1000, transforming the soundbar into a true 7.1.4 pack with a pair of autonomous surrounds. These have an integrated battery allowing around ten hours of use. Once the home cinema session is over, simply connect them to the soundbar to recharge them.
The JBL Bar 1000MK2 soundbar has 15 speakers: 10 in the soundbar (6 racetrack speakers with an ovoid shape of 44 x 80 mm + 2 [abc]tweeters[/abc] 25 mm + 2 full-range speakers 70 mm in Up-Firing configuration), four for each surround speaker (2 racetrack speakers with an ovoid shape of 44 x 90 mm + 2 full-range speakers 70 mm in Up-Firing configuration). In addition, there is the 25 cm [abc]boomer[/abc] of the subwoofer. All this delivers a power of 960 W with the [abc]Dolby Atmos[/abc] or [abc]DTS:X[/abc] signals. Enough to recreate a cinema atmosphere in your living room with action movies…
JBL Bar 1000MK2, voice assistants and Bluetooth££££
Multibeam 3.0 technology offers automatic calibration of the JBL Bar 1000MK2 by integrated microphone with analysis of the reflection of waves on the walls and ceiling of the room. Compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, the sound bar can be controlled through an Amazon Echo or Google Home speaker. And the Wi-Fi 6 Dual Band compatibility, combined with the [abc]AirPlay 2[/abc] functions (possible connection of the JBL Bar 1000MK2 to an Apple TV box), [abc]Chromecast (integrated)[/abc], Alexa Multi-Room-Music, Qobuz Connect, Spotify Connect and Tidal Connect integrated, allows a multiroom audio configuration (with other speakers of course) and access to the main music platforms. It is also worth mentioning the Roon Ready label (the Roon company is now owned by Harman).
Finally, the soundbar element of the JBL Bar 1000MK2 is also Bluetooth 5.3 compatible, and the surround speakers can also be used as a standalone Bluetooth speaker to enjoy audio content stored on a suitable device.
Lastly, the connectivity includes three [abc]HDMI[/abc] [abc]eARC[/abc] inputs/one output [abc]HDCP[/abc] 2.3 certified and equipped with [abc]HDR10[/abc]/[abc]HDR Dolby Vision[/abc] Pass-Through functions to connect a 4K Ultra HD Blu-Ray player for example. Not to mention an [abc]optical[/abc] input for connecting an external audio source. It is therefore not yet known whether the HDMI connectors are partially or fully compatible with 120 Hz…
More details later. Availability announced for September. Indicative price: 1,149 euros.
Reminder of the key features of the JBL Bar 1000MK2 soundbar:
• Type: soundbar
• System: 7.1.4
• Amplification: Class D
• Total power: 960 W
• Speakers: 15
• Subwoofer: external wireless (dual 25 cm speakers)
• Technology(ies): multibeam 3.0, Pure Voice 2.0
• Compatibility [abc]AirPlay 2[/abc]
• Compatibility [abc]HDR10[/abc]
• Compatibility [abc]HDR Dolby Vision[/abc]
• Compatibility [abc]CEC[/abc]
• Compatibility [abc]eARC[/abc]
• Compatibility [abc]Bluetooth[/abc] 5.3
• [abc]Wi-Fi[/abc] 6
compatibility• 4K Pass-Throught function
• [abc]Chromecast (built-in)[/abc] function
• Spotify Connect function
• Tidal Connect function
• Roon Ready function
• Qobuz Connect function
• Inputs: 3 [abc]HDMI[/abc] certified [abc]HDCP[/abc] 2.3 inputs, 1 [abc]optical[/abc] input
• Output: 1 [abc]HDMI[/abc] certified [abc]HDCP[/abc] 2.3 output
• App: JBL One
• [abc]Dolby Atmos[/abc] decoders, [abc]DTS:X[/abc]
• Voice assistant(s) Works with Alexa and Works with Hey Google
• Certification [abc]HDCP[/abc] 2.3
