Can't decide between a regular soundbar or a package? This nifty JBL offering might be for you
If you're undecided about adding surround speakers, the JBL Bar 1000 MK2 lets you have it both ways
by Daniel Furn · What Hi-Fi?
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If you're looking to upgrade your sound system, then there are currently more options than ever.
Soundbars, soundbar packages, 5.1 systems... the choice is yours.
But one of JBL's latest releases, the JBL Bar 1000 Mk2, offers the best of both worlds when it comes to soundbars. The Bar 1000MK2 features detachable surrounds, meaning they can connect to the main soundbar to save space or function as a fully-fledged multi-speaker package, with rear satellites.
And this is where things get really innovative – the surround speakers can also be taken to another room, where they can continue playing either in mono or stereo. Ideal for not missing any of the action!
To top it all off, the Bar 1000Mk2 is back to its lowest price. Get it from Amazon now for £719, a good £281 off the £1000 price we tested at.
New lowest price
Save 28% (£281)
JBL Bar 1000Mk2: was £1,000 now £719 at Amazon
The versatile, clever design of the JBL Bar 1000MK2 means the rear speakers can work as surrounds, attach to the main soundbar or even be taken to another room. The package also includes a subwoofer, and together they create an exciting, detailed sound.
Deal also at Peter Tyson
While the wireless speaker party trick might be the biggest draw of the JBL Bar 1000MK2, we're happy to report that the all-important sound quality is also up to scratch.
The Dolby Atmos system delivers an exciting and reasonably detailed sound at all times, but our expert testers found it performs best when using the two wireless speakers as surrounds.
"Switching to Blade Runner 2049, we also get a sense of the JBL’s ability to create a wide soundfield," our JBL Bar 1000MK2 review reads. "We watch as raindrops fall around Officer K and his digital companion Joi, and feel the downpour just behind the listening position.
"This track also shows off the soundbar’s sense of movement, as drones whizz past the viewer with an energy that will have you double-checking you are not sat next to a Replicant."
We also found the surround speakers to be lightweight enough to carry between rooms, and it was easy to switch between stereo and mono using the accompanying app.
The JBL Bar 1000 Mk2 is also a rare case of four HDMI ports. There's no 120Hz support for high-frame-rate gaming, but the HDMI passthrough can handle signals up to 4K/60Hz as well as Dolby Vision and HDR10+.
If you are an audiophile who is serious about sound, you might want to consider the Sonos Arc Ultra, which offers a more immersive overall experience. However, it currently retails for a pricier £899 and lacks the detachable surrounds.
If you want the benefit of surround speakers but want somewhere tidy to keep them – or perhaps you're often popping to the kitchen during your TV watching – then the JBL Bar 1000MK2 may well be the ideal solution for you. And it's now back to its Prime Day pricing of £719 at Amazon.
MORE:
Here is our review of the JBL Bar 1000MK2
Check out our thoughts on the step-down JBL Bar 300MK2
And these are the best Dolby Atmos soundbars right now