JBL’s New Bar Series Levels Up with Dolby Atmos and AI Sound

Following StereoNET’s June report on the flagship JBL Bar 1300 MK2, the company has now expanded its next-generation Bar Series globally — rolling out five models designed to bring cinematic Dolby Atmos and DTS:X sound to a wider audience. The new lineup introduces refined styling, more innovative signal processing, and the debut of HARMAN’s latest AI-powered technologies across the range.

The Bar Series draws on JBL’s long-standing expertise in cinema sound, combining proprietary MultiBeam 3.0 technology with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X for a truly immersive experience. Each model has been engineered to deliver more accurate spatial imaging and dynamic performance, whether you’re upgrading your first home cinema system or seeking a reference-level soundbar solution.

Grace Koh, Vice President and General Manager of Consumer Audio (APAC) at HARMAN, said the new series demonstrates JBL’s continued innovation in the home entertainment space:

“We’re combining our proprietary acoustic technologies with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, delivering the most immersive and best-performing soundbars we’ve ever created. Innovation runs throughout the range — SmartDetails, AI Sound Boost, MultiBeam 3.0 and PureVoice 2.0 highlight the strength of our technology and the performance it delivers.”

At the top of the range, the JBL Bar 1300 MK2 headlines with an 11.1.4-channel configuration, six up-firing drivers, and a compact dual 8-inch subwoofer featuring new AI Sound Boost technology. Powered by adaptive processing, HARMAN says AI Sound Boost analyses the incoming signal in real time to lift dynamics and low-end punch, giving action scenes more energy and music greater drive — all without edging into distortion.

The Bar 1300 MK2 also ships with the new JBL One Commander — a wireless transmitter that connects directly to the TV via HDMI and USB, transmitting lossless audio to the soundbar and removing the need for visible cabling. Its detachable, battery-powered surround speakers can be positioned behind the listener for true rear-channel immersion, or paired via Bluetooth to play music in another room.

Below it, the JBL Bar 1000 MK2 offers a 7.1.4 setup with dual up-firing drivers and a 10-inch subwoofer, while the Bar 800 MK2 retains detachable rear speakers and virtual Dolby Atmos for smaller spaces. The more affordable Bar 500 MK2 and Bar 300 MK2 deliver 5.1 and 5.0 configurations respectively — ideal for compact apartments or first-time buyers seeking plug-and-play cinematic sound.

All models are powered by the JBL One Platform, a connected ecosystem for streaming, updates, and personalisation. Users can fine-tune a seven-band EQ, create presets, and stream directly from popular services including Spotify, Tidal, Apple Music, Amazon Music HD and Roon Ready sources. Connectivity options include Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, AirPlay 2, Google Cast, and SmartThings.

The new Bar Series also debuts SmartDetails, a HARMAN technology designed to reveal subtle sonic textures — from quiet ambient effects to whispered dialogue — while PureVoice 2.0 enhances vocal clarity for more intelligible speech. Combined with cleaner amplification and slimmer industrial design, JBL says the MK2 range delivers its most natural and distortion-free sound to date.

Global Pricing and Availability

JBL Bar 1300 MK2 – A$2,299.95 | US $1,699.95 | £1,299.99 | €1,499.99
JBL Bar 1000 MK2 – A$1,599.95 | US $1,199 | £899.99 | €999.99
JBL Bar 800 MK2 – A$999.95 | US $899 | £699.99 | €799.99
JBL Bar 500 MK2 – A$769.95 | US $649 | £499.99 | €599.99
JBL Bar 300 MK2 – A$549.95 | US $449 | £349.99 | €399.99

For the Australian market, the Bar 1300 MK2 — along with the white editions of the Bar 500 MK2 and Bar 300 MK2 — will be exclusive to Harvey Norman until the end of 2025.

For more information visit JBL