Drawing from JBL’s cinema heritage, this lineup – including the JBL Soundbars 300MK2, 500MK2, 700MK2, 1000MK2, and flagship Bar 1300MK2 – packs HARMAN’s cutting-edge tech for sound that doesn’t just play; it envelops. In this guide, we’ll unpack what makes them tick, why they’re a game-changer, and how to pick the right one – all under 1200 words for your quick read.
JBL didn’t just tweak their old favorites; they supercharged them. Inspired by pro cinema systems, the series introduces MultiBeam 3.0 for virtual surround from a single bar, SmartDetails for nuanced audio (think whispers in a thriller), and PureVoice 2.0 to keep dialogue crystal-clear amid chaos. All support Dolby Atmos and DTS:X (true or virtual, depending on the model), with OTA updates rolling out DTS Virtual:X later this year. Connectivity? Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, AirPlay 2, Chromecast, and Spotify Connect mean seamless streaming. Ready to level up? Let’s break it down model by model.
JBL Bar 300MK2 – Entry-Level Immersion on a Budget
Starting at around KSh 39,000, the Bar 300MK2 is your gateway to next-gen sound without overwhelming your wallet. This 2.0-channel bar (upgradable to 5.1 with optional sub) clocks in at 260W, using MultiBeam 3.0 to bounce sound off walls for a wide, virtual surround stage. No sub included, but its punchy bass handles casual Netflix binges or Spotify playlists just fine.
What stands out? The compact 32-inch design fits under any TV, and PureVoice 2.0 ensures you catch every quip in The Office reruns. Virtual Dolby Atmos adds height to rain scenes or explosions, while the included remote and HDMI eARC make setup a breeze – plug in, pair, and play. Battery life isn’t a factor (it’s wired), but low-power modes keep energy bills friendly.
Best for: Small living rooms or first-timers. If you’re upgrading from TV speakers, this bar transforms dialogue-heavy shows into engaging listens.
JBL Bar 500MK2 – Everyday Entertainment Upgraded
Upgrade to the Bar 500MK2 for a 5.1-channel setup with a wireless 6.5-inch subwoofer, delivering 590W of total power. This 34-inch bar shines with MultiBeam 3.0 for immersive panning effects – bullets whizzing left-to-right in shooters feel real. Virtual Dolby Atmos and DTS:X create overhead drama, perfect for Top Gun: Maverick dogfights.
PureVoice 2.0 auto-adjusts vocals, so no more subtitles during noisy scenes, and SmartDetails pulls out subtle effects like rustling leaves. HDMI eARC with 4K/120Hz passthrough supports gaming consoles flawlessly, and voice assistant integration (Alexa/Google) lets you control playback hands-free. The sub’s app-controlled EQ fine-tunes bass for your room’s acoustics.
Ideal for: Mid-sized spaces like apartments. It’s versatile for movies, music, and sports – that World Cup roar will shake the floor.
JBL Bar 700MK2 and 1000MK2 – Wireless Freedom Meets Power
For flexibility, the Bar 700MK2 offers a 5.1.2-channel (with upfiring drivers for true Dolby Atmos) and 780W power, including a sub and detachable battery-powered rear speakers. These “MultiBeam Modules” snap off the bar, doubling as portable Bluetooth speakers – take one to the kitchen for podcasts while the other handles movie rears.
The Bar 1000MK2 amps it to 7.1.4 channels and 960W, with four upfiring drivers for sky-high Atmos effects and DTS:X at launch. Detachable rears and a 10-inch sub deliver theater-shaking lows, while PureVoice ensures clarity in Succession boardroom battles. Both have Night Mode to tame bass for late-night views, and the JBL One app streamlines calibration.
These are stars for gamers and movie lovers – imagine God of War rumbles from all angles.
JBL Bar 1300MK2 – The King of All Soundbars
Crowning the series, the Bar 1300MK2 boasts an 11.1.4-channel array with 2470W peak power – a monster sub with dual 8-inch drivers and battery-powered detachable rears that roam freely. True Dolby Atmos/DTS:X, plus AI Sound Boost (new for 2025), intelligently enhances weak mixes for fuller immersion.
MultiBeam 3.0 expands the stage massively, SmartDetails revives faint audio cues, and PureVoice 2.0 makes accents pop in The Crown. With 8K passthrough and multi-room audio, it’s future-proof for your evolving setup.
Suited for: Large homes or dedicated theaters. It rivals Sonos Arc Ultra in depth, turning basements into IMAX.
Why Upgrade to JBL’s Bar Series? The Immersion Edge
These soundbars aren’t just louder; they’re smarter. MultiBeam 3.0 turns any wall into a reflector for 360-degree sound, while AI-driven tweaks like Sound Boost ensure every genre shines – from podcasts to EDM. Eco-friendly? Many parts are recyclable, aligning with sustainable vibes. In tests, they score high for ease (under 10-minute setup) and value – the 500MK2 often beats pricier rivals in clarity.
Quick comparison:
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And finally where can you get them? If you are in Kenya you can get the JBL Soundbars at our store, The Gadget Connect Ltd. You can call/whatsapp us on +254719300300/+254757200200, incase of any other questions you may have. Happy Shopping.