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Title: JBL refreshes its 2025 soundbars with a serious power up

Date: Mon, 09 Jun 2025 12:00:14 +0000
Link: https://www.engadget.com/audio/speakers/jbl-r...

JBL is reintroducing its immersive soundbar lineup with even more power, but
thankfully, the convenient detachable side speakers aren't going anywhere.
JBL refreshed the entire Bar lineup, with the Bar 1000 MK2 leading the
charge. The soundbar still features a 10-inch wireless subwoofer along with
removable speakers on each end that let you continue playing your music or
movies even if you wander away from the TV.

For the 2025 refresh, JBL kept the Bar 1000 MK2 on a 7.1.4 channel setup, but
pumped up the max power output to 960W for an even louder and more immersive
listening experience. The detachable speakers still have a max battery life
of up to 10 hours, where you can reattach them to the soundbar to recharge.
Like its predecessor, the Bar 1000 MK2 features true Dolby Atmos, thanks to
four upfiring drivers, along with DTS:X 3D surround sound and MultiBeam 3.0.
You won't have to constantly adjust the volume when bouncing between dialogue
scenes and loud action since the updated soundbar has PureVoice 2.0 that
automatically optimizes the dialogue volume based on the scene's ambient
sound.

The Bar 1000 MK2 can still use Bluetooth or Wi-Fi to connect to a device, but
is also compatible with AirPlay 2 and Spotify Connect. Besides the Bar 1000
MK2, JBL will debut the refreshed Bar 700 MK2 that comes with detachable
speakers too, but can only virtualize Dolby Atmos. The updated Bar 500 MK2
and Bar 300 MK2 also don't offer true Dolby Atmos, nor JBL's Night Listening
mode that automatically reduces loud noises. If you're in need of a soundbar
with a subwoofer, it's worth noting that the new Bar 300 MK2 still doesn't
have one.

The Bar 1000 MK2 is due to hit the shelves first at $1,199 later this month.
The release of the $899 Bar 700 MK2, the $649 Bar 500 MK2 and the $449 Bar
300 MK2 will follow shortly after. The most expensive of JBL's Bar lineup, an
11.1.4-channel follow-up to the Bar 1300X, will release in the fall and start
at $1,699. While it's much more expensive, it will come with detachable
speakers that have standalone Bluetooth capabilities.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at
https://www.engadget.com/audio/speakers/jbl-r...
a-serious-power-up-120014177.html?src=rss

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