JBL Bar 1000 M2 Black

Looking for a soundbar that transforms your living room into a movie theater? Then the JBL Bar 1000 MK2 is the perfect choice. The sound is impressive: powerful, crystal clear, and rich in detail. Thanks to Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, everything sounds more spacious, with effects that move around you. You're right in the middle of the action, whether you're a movie buff or just want to share the fun with the neighbors. This soundbar draws you right into the action. The subwoofer and rear speakers are wireless. This allows you to detach the two rear speakers from the soundbar and place them behind you during movie night. The subwoofer can be placed anywhere. All you need is a power supply.

The aesthetics are impressive: modern, sturdy, and it feels luxurious. However, if you mount it on the wall, it lacks a sleek look. It looks more like a bookshelf. The Bar 1000 MK2 juts out slightly, as if you've quickly added a shelf. It works, but it doesn't look as sleek as you might expect at this price. I also noticed that the speaker name kept disappearing via Spotify Connect. You had to change it in the JBL One app to get it back.

Then there are the detachable rear speakers. A clever idea on paper, but a bit of a hassle in practice. If you place them behind your sofa, they need to be connected to USB-C for power. So you still end up with exposed cables. A shame, because you want a neat set. Mounting those speakers isn't exactly a pretty sight either.

And yes, it's a hefty soundbar. You really need some space, because it won't fit under any TV without blocking a portion of the screen. The price is on the high side, but honestly: the sound makes up for a lot.

Conclusion

The JBL Bar 1000 MK2 is designed for anyone who wants top-notch sound and doesn't care about a super sleek finish. The sound is absolutely fantastic. It brings the cinema into your own home. Can you live with some visible cables and a less-than-neat wall mounting? Then you'll enjoy this every day.

The soundbar comes in a sturdy box. Connecting the soundbar is very easy. It's just a matter of plugging it in and turning it on. You can then perform the calibration via the app, and the soundbar is ready to use.

What I like about the soundbar is that the sound for movies and TV shows via streaming services with Dolby Atmos truly delivers that cinematic sound/effect. Especially if you disconnect the side speakers and place them behind you. The volume of these speakers can also be adjusted via the app. Disconnecting them is also easy. Playing music via Bluetooth or Spotify through the app also sounds very good. I also appreciate that no lights or text remain on while the soundbar is in use.

What I don't like about the soundbar is its length. If you have a smaller TV, keep this in mind. The side speakers can also be charged via an external cable, so you don't have to leave them connected to the soundbar. You do have to make sure they're charged when you want to use them. I think few people would do this, but your soundbar will be considerably smaller in length. I also find it a shame that there aren't any pre-installed sound modes available through the app or remote control. For example, a pre-installed mode for sports, music, movies, etc. Now, you have to constantly adjust the sound using the app's equalizer if you want. Hopefully, JBL will add this to the app. I personally find the sound of music programs a bit weaker. The music is more prominent than the vocals. I find it a bit weaker than the sound of regular TV, but this can probably be adjusted personally with the equalizer.

I was looking for a soundbar that provides good sound for movies, TV shows, and music, and this soundbar is perfect for that.

Connecting the soundbar is very easy. It's just a matter of plugging it in and turning it on. You can then perform the calibration via the app, and the soundbar is ready to use.

What I like about the soundbar is that the sound for movies and TV shows via streaming services with Dolby Atmos truly delivers that cinematic sound/effect. Especially if you disconnect the side speakers and place them behind you. The volume of these speakers can also be adjusted via the app. Disconnecting them is also easy. Playing music from your phone or via the app also sounds very good. I also appreciate that no lights or text remain on while the soundbar is in use.

What I don't like about the soundbar is its length. If you have a smaller TV, keep this in mind. The side speakers can also be charged via an external cable, so you don't have to leave them connected to the soundbar. You do have to make sure they're charged when you want to use them. I think few people would do this, but your soundbar will be considerably smaller in length. I also find it a shame that there aren't any pre-installed sound modes available through the app or remote control. For example, a pre-installed mode for sports, music, movies, etc. Currently, you have to adjust the sound using the app's equalizer if you want to. Hopefully, this will be added to the app. Personally, I find the sound quality of music programs a bit weaker. The music is more prominent than the vocals. I find it a bit weaker than the sound of regular TV, but this can probably be adjusted with the equalizer.

I was looking for a soundbar that provides good sound for movies, TV shows, and music, and this soundbar is perfect for that.