JBL Bar 800MK2 review
The JBL Bar 800MK2 is the mid-range option in the audio specialist’s MK2 line, delivering surround sound though its main bar, detachable rear speakers, and mighty subwoofer. It comes with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support, a wide range of connectivity options, and an expansive 7.1 channel configuration — but is it actually worth buying?
The source reviewer spent numerous hours testing the JBL Bar 800MK2, putting it through its paces with 4K UHD Blu-rays as well as Dolby Atmos and stereo format music.
Let’s start by talking about performance, an area where this model certainly excels. Like a lot of the best soundbars, the JBL Bar 800MK2 produces beautifully expansive sound with powerful bass and clear dialogue, and it consistently impressed during testing. It makes use of six full-range drivers and two tweeters in the main bar, two full rangers in each surround speaker, and a ten-inch bass unit in the sub, with a solid 780W maximum power output, so you’re really going to feel the action in every scene when watching movies.
For instance, when watching a 4K Blu-ray of The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, the source reviewer noted thunderous bass on offer as a UFO airlifted Peach’s Castle into the stratosphere, with a regimented, rippling sound emanating from the sub. As the chaos unfurled, crashing waves hit with tremendous impact, and as Toads jumped into the water, their movement was tracked with commendable precision. Similarly, the sound of Yoshi’s tongue flicking across the scene was mapped perfectly, making for an immensely immersive viewing experience, with the width of motion far exceeding the limited confines of the soundbar.
The JBL Bar 800MK2 skips on dedicated up-firing drivers, so you’re not going to get the most convincing verticality while watching Atmos movies, but the virtual recreation of height effects remains seriously impressive. For example, in Top Gun Maverick, the sound of a jet flying up and overhead sounded surprisingly life-like, and it genuinely seemed as if the upward trajectory could be heard. The low-end rumble of jet engines also shook the testing room to its foundations, all while dialogue continued to come through clearly in the mix.
Speaking of dialogue, the JBL Bar 800MK2 is well equipped to deliver clear and concise speech at all times. That’s in part thanks to the PureVoice setting, which enables users to push vocals forward without ruining the fidelity of sounds elsewhere in the frequency range. Testing showed that PureVoice never made the movie’s audio seem unbalanced, proving super-effective in crowded, action-packed sequences where dialogue can sometimes take a backseat.
The sound quality coming from the detachable rear speakers is also noteworthy. They sounded brilliantly balanced during evaluation, and their volume level can easily be adjusted in the JBL One app to suit different room setups. They give Dolby Atmos movies an ultra-expansive quality and provide controlled highs and clear mids for stellar surround sound.
When playing music, the JBL Bar 800MK2 performed fantastically well. With an Atmos mix of Stayin’ Alive by the Bee Gees, the system whipped up a strikingly expansive presentation with articulate drums in the treble range, great vocal clarity, and warm bass that never sounded overly assertive. The rears combined really nicely here, while stereo music also impressed with deep and agile bass, detailed mids, and solid instrument separation.
Despite lacking dedicated up-firing drivers, the virtual Atmos on the 800MK2 works very well, handling the fundamentals with ease.
In terms of features, this system is a strong all-rounder. On top of the PureVoice setting, there’s a Night Mode that uses the detachable speakers only, voice assistant support, AirPlay and Google Cast support, EQ options, and more. All of these features can be accessed via the intuitive JBL One app.
Sound-related features include MultiBeam 3.0, which creates a wide, cinema-like soundstage by harnessing beamforming and digital processing. There is also a quick and seamless sound calibration option that provides optimized three-dimensional sound for any specific room layout.
The Bar 800MK2 also has a very solid set of connectivity options. Users get HDMI eARC, digital optical, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth, alongside Ethernet and an HDMI input supporting 4K passthrough at 60Hz, making it less optimal for peak-performance gaming.
In terms of design, the JBL Bar 800MK2 is ingenious in some respects. Its use of battery-powered rear speakers makes it incredibly versatile, allowing placement anywhere in a room for a flexible, wire-free setup. The rear speakers can even function as standalone Bluetooth speakers or be used while connected to a USB-C power cable.
On the other hand, the soundbar looks quite expensive-looking in features but somewhat cheap in physical appearance, sporting a plasticky, one-note finish. The subwoofer is also very bulky, though the system easily makes up for its lack of sleek style with immense substance.
While the list price of £899 / AU$1,199.95 may seem steep, the system can frequently be found discounted below £650 / AU$850. At that street price, the Bar 800MK2 represents an excellent investment for its virtual Atmos capabilities, low-end power, and versatile feature set.
For users wanting something slimmer and more stylish, alternatives like the Sonos Beam Ultra might appeal, but for a high-value surround sound package, the JBL Bar 800MK2 remains a top recommendation.
