JBL Bar 800MK2 Review: Immersive Sound Without Up-Firing Speakers

Introduction

The JBL Bar 800MK2 has arrived, bringing with it a host of features designed to enhance the home audio experience. Despite the absence of up-firing speakers, the soundbar impressively delivers virtual Dolby Atmos, coupled with an exceptional bass response that captivates listeners. This review delves into the performance, specifications, and user experience of this notable soundbar.

Performance Overview

When it comes to audio performance, the JBL Bar 800MK2 excels in creating an expansive sound that fills a room, largely owing to its configuration and powerful output. The system includes six full-range drivers and two tweeters housed in the main soundbar, paired with two full-range drivers in each detachable surround speaker and a substantial ten-inch bass unit in the subwoofer. All this power amounts to a solid 780W maximum output, ensuring the Klipsch audio experience is nothing short of thrilling.

Testing the soundbar with 4K UHD Blu-rays, including the animated film The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, showcased its ability to deliver a thunderous bass response. Moments of action, like the sound of Peach's Castle being lifted, provided an immersive experience with impactful audio effects that felt both precise and expansive. Similarly, in Top Gun Maverick, the flight sequences sounded remarkably realistic, demonstrating the system's adeptness at virtual Atmos effects, despite the lack of dedicated up-firing drivers.

Virtual Atmos Capabilities

This soundbar does not feature dedicated up-firing speakers, which typically enhance vertical audio effects in Atmos setups. However, the JBL Bar 800MK2 compensates effectively through its virtual Atmos processing. Critics of the system might claim it lacks the true depth prevalent in setups equipped with up-firing drivers.

Nonetheless, during movie playback, it effectively created an illusion of height. The clarity of dialogue remained consistent throughout various explosions and dynamic scenes, thanks in part to the PureVoice setting, which focuses on vocals without compromising overall sound fidelity.

Detachable Rear Speakers

The inclusion of detachable rear speakers significantly enhances the surround sound experience. These battery-powered units can function wirelessly and provide the flexibility to position them optimally within any room. During testing, they proved to deliver a coherent blend with the soundbar, ensuring an immersive atmosphere. Listeners can adjust their volume using the JBL One app, which is easy to navigate and enhances user experience. The rears managed to project highs and mids clearly, amplifying the immersive quality of films.

Music Performance

The JBL Bar 800MK2's prowess isn’t limited to movies; it also performs exceptionally well for music. Testing various genres, including the iconic Stayin' Alive by the Bee Gees, revealed that it produced a clear and expansive soundstage. The bass provided warmth without being overly pronounced, while the treble showcased articulate drums and clean vocals, demonstrating the bar's versatility beyond just cinematic sound.

Features and Connectivity Options

This soundbar stands out for its broad feature set. In addition to supporting Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, the JBL Bar 800MK2 includes multiple connectivity options: one HDMI eARC, one HDMI input, digital optical, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth 5.3 for the main speakers, with the rear speakers utilizing Bluetooth 5.4. Instructions for setup and use are straightforward, ensuring all technical aspects can be managed easily through the JBL One app.

Additional features include:

• Night Mode: Utilizing only the detachable speakers for late-night viewing.
• Sound Calibration: A quick setup process that optimally adjusts the sound profile based on the room's layout.
• EQ Options: Users can customize audio output based on personal preferences.

Design and Build Quality

Visually, the JBL Bar 800MK2 leaves a bit to be desired. The design is regarded as somewhat utilitarian, lacking the premium aesthetic seen in competitors. The main soundbar may appear plasticky, and the subwoofer has a significant footprint, making it bulkier compared to options like the JBL Bar 1300MK2, which offers a more compact subwoofer design. However, functionality is not sacrificed; rather, it is enhanced by the innovative features of the detachable rear speakers, adding versatility to the setup.

Pricing and Availability

Initially priced at £899 or AU$1,199.95 (approximately $1,200), the JBL Bar 800MK2 is frequently available at a more attractive price point, often south of £650 or AU$850. This pricing strategy makes the soundbar a viable option for those looking for quality sound without breaking the bank. It remains unclear when or if it will launch in the US market, as it is currently unavailable there.

JBL Bar 800MK2 Specifications

Key Takeaways

• The JBL Bar 800MK2 impresses with virtual Dolby Atmos sound despite the absence of up-firing speakers.
• It delivers 780W of audio power through an expansive 7.1 setup.
• The detachable rear speakers provide significant flexibility and versatility in room setup.
• Typically available for under £650 / AU$850, making it a competitive option in its category.
• Although it lacks a sleek design, it excels in sound quality and user-friendly features.

Conclusion

Overall, the JBL Bar 800MK2 sounds powerful, offering exceptional audio quality and strong features that cater well to movie lovers and music enthusiasts alike. While it may lack style points and dedicated up-firing drivers, its virtual Atmos performance and robust bass response make it a worthy contender in the soundbar market. If looking for a reliable setup that delivers immersive sound, this model is worth considering, particularly given its frequent discounts that enhance its value.