JBL Bar 800 vs JBL Bar 800 MK2

Who wins: JBL Bar 800 or JBL Bar 800 MK2?

Choose the JBL Bar 800 MK2 for broader streaming protocol support, PureVoice 2.0, and DTS Virtual:X, or choose the JBL Bar 800 if physical up-firing height drivers are preferred.

Based on our analysis across 5 dimensions with 20 sources, JBL Bar 800 scores 7.8/10 overall while JBL Bar 800 MK2 scores 8.5/10 overall.

Should I choose JBL Bar 800 or JBL Bar 800 MK2?

Verdict: Choose the JBL Bar 800 MK2 for broader streaming protocol support, PureVoice 2.0, and DTS Virtual:X, or choose the JBL Bar 800 if physical up-firing height drivers are preferred.

The Bar 800 offers dedicated up-firing drivers for 5.1.2 Atmos, while the Bar 800 MK2 delivers 780W max power, PureVoice 2.0, DTS Virtual:X, and broader streaming protocols.

Choosing between the JBL Bar 800 and JBL Bar 800 MK2 depends primarily on audio architecture and software features. The JBL Bar 800 utilizes a 5.1.2-channel configuration with 2 physical up-firing transducers to bounce Atmos sound off the ceiling, rated at 720W maximum power. In contrast, the JBL Bar 800 MK2 adopts a 7.1-channel layout rated at 780W maximum power (390W RMS), utilizing MultiBeam 3.0 and DTS Virtual:X processing alongside Dolby Atmos. The MK2 also upgrades dialogue processing with PureVoice 2.0, adds SmartDetails, and expands streaming compatibility with native support for Tidal Connect, Roon Ready, and Spotify Connect alongside AirPlay and Google Cast. Both models share a 10-inch 300W wireless subwoofer and 4K Dolby Vision HDMI passthrough.

Best for JBL Bar 800

• Users seeking physical upward-firing drivers for ceiling-reflected Dolby Atmos height effects
• Traditional 5.1.2-channel home cinema setups with detachable rear speakers

Best for JBL Bar 800 MK2

• Listeners seeking higher rated maximum wattage (780W vs 720W)
• Users streaming via Tidal Connect, Roon Ready, or Spotify Connect
• Setups benefiting from PureVoice 2.0, MultiBeam 3.0, and DTS Virtual:X processing
• Listeners wanting portable Broadcasting and Night listening listening modes

When not to compare directly

Do not compare them directly when specifically requiring a dedicated 5.1.2-channel physical driver layout versus a 7.1-channel horizontal MultiBeam architecture.

What are the key differences between JBL Bar 800 and JBL Bar 800 MK2?

• Channel Configuration & Spatial Audio

  The Bar 800 uses a 5.1.2 layout with physical up-firing drivers, while the MK2 uses a 7.1-channel system with MultiBeam 3.0 and DTS Virtual:X processing.

  JBL Bar 800: The JBL Bar 800 features a 5.1.2-channel layout with 2 up-firing drivers in the soundbar designed to reflect sound off ceilings for Dolby Atmos 3D audio.

  JBL Bar 800 MK2: The JBL Bar 800 MK2 uses a 7.1-channel system with MultiBeam 3.0, Dolby Atmos, and DTS Virtual:X to deliver surround effects and a wide horizontal soundstage.

  Driver layout and spatial processing determine soundstage dimensions, surround presence, and overhead sound effects.

  Sources: BAR 800, BAR 800MK2

• Power Output & Subwoofer

  The JBL Bar 800 MK2 is rated at 780W maximum total output, whereas the JBL Bar 800 is rated at 720W maximum total power.

  JBL Bar 800: The JBL Bar 800 specifies 720W total system power (Max @THD 1%), comprising a 340W soundbar, two 40W surround speakers, and a 300W 10-inch subwoofer.

  JBL Bar 800 MK2: The JBL Bar 800 MK2 specifies 780W total system power (Max @THD 1%, 390W RMS), comprising a 400W soundbar, two 40W surround speakers, and a 300W 10-inch subwoofer.

  Scores — JBL Bar 800: 8/10, JBL Bar 800 MK2: 8.5/10

  Total rated wattage and driver amplification indicate potential volume output across the soundbar and subwoofer components.

  Sources: Want the local experience?, BAR 800MK2

• Audio Processing & Dialogue Enhancement

  The Bar 800 MK2 features PureVoice 2.0, SmartDetails, and DTS Virtual:X, whereas the original Bar 800 includes first-generation PureVoice.

  JBL Bar 800: The JBL Bar 800 incorporates standard PureVoice dialogue enhancement technology to optimize vocal clarity during loud surround passages.

  JBL Bar 800 MK2: The JBL Bar 800 MK2 includes upgraded PureVoice 2.0 technology, SmartDetails audio enhancement, and DTS Virtual:X surround sound processing.

  Scores — JBL Bar 800: 7.5/10, JBL Bar 800 MK2: 8.8/10

  Dialogue clarity algorithms and format decoders enhance speech intelligibility and virtual surround reproduction.

  Sources: BAR 800, Dolby Atmos and DTS Virtual:X

• Wireless Connectivity & Streaming Protocols

  The JBL Bar 800 MK2 adds explicit support for Tidal Connect, Roon Ready, and Spotify Connect alongside AirPlay and Google Cast.

  JBL Bar 800: The JBL Bar 800 provides Bluetooth 5.0 and Wi-Fi streaming via AirPlay, Alexa Multi-Room Music (MRM), and Chromecast built-in.

  JBL Bar 800 MK2: The JBL Bar 800 MK2 supports streaming via AirPlay, Google Cast, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, and Roon Ready, along with Bluetooth.

  Scores — JBL Bar 800: 7.5/10, JBL Bar 800 MK2: 8.8/10

  Supported wireless protocols determine music streaming source compatibility and smart ecosystem integration.

  Sources: Want the local experience?, JBL Bar 800MK2

• Video Passthrough & Video Formats

  Both models provide HDMI eARC connectivity and pass through 4K video signals with Dolby Vision HDR support.

  JBL Bar 800: The JBL Bar 800 includes an HDMI input and an HDMI eARC output supporting 4K video passthrough with Dolby Vision.

  JBL Bar 800 MK2: The JBL Bar 800 MK2 includes an HDMI eARC connection supporting 4K video passthrough with Dolby Vision compatibility.

  Scores — JBL Bar 800: 8/10, JBL Bar 800 MK2: 8/10

  HDMI passthrough capabilities determine compatibility with 4K HDR source devices connected directly to the soundbar.

  Sources: BAR 800, Dolby Atmos and DTS Virtual:X

What are the pros and cons of JBL Bar 800 vs JBL Bar 800 MK2?

Where does this data come from?

1. BAR 800
2. JBL Bar 800MK2
3. BAR 800
4. JBL Bar 800MK2
5. BAR 800
6. JBL Bar 800MK2
7. Support
8. Dolby Atmos and DTS Virtual:X
9. BAR 800
10. JBL Bar 800MK2
11. Want the local experience?
12. JBL Bar 800MK2
13. BAR 800
14. Dolby Atmos and DTS Virtual:X
15. BAR 800
16. JBL Bar 800MK2
17. JBL BAR 800 5.1.2-Channel Soundbar with Detachable Surround Speakers and Dolby Atmos
18. BAR 800MK2
19. [PDF] BAR 800 JBL
20. Elevate Your Home Theatre Experience with the JBL Bar 800 MK2

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