Audio is an often overlooked aspect when purchasing a home entertainment system. Eyes easily judge the difference between LCD, LED, OLED, QLED and Micro LED panels. But this audio system we feel the difference between 5.1, 7.1 and Dolby Atmos channels is more difficult to distinguish because it needs to be properly tuned. The existing tuning system is not very user-friendly. Another obstacle is that if an Atmos system is purchased, many do not have room for rear speakers due to tangled wires
The JBL Bar 1000 has a solution that has been around for decades. It's a Dolby Atmos 7.1.4 speaker system that has two satellite speakers for audio from the back that works wirelessly. After using it for a week we can say Bar 1000 is the easiest way to create home movies so far.
SPECIFICATION AND DESIGN
JBL Bar 1000
Soundbar type
Driver 10 speakers, 1 sub (7.1.4)
I/O port 1x HMDI eARC
3x HDMI 2.0
1x Optical
1x USB-A
1x RJ45
Dolby Atmos Codec
DTS:X with MultiBeam
All operating systems are supported
Virtual assistant support None
Touchpad None
Bluetooth Bluetooth 5.0
AUX Audio Jack None
NFC None
Selling Price RM 4999
The Bar 1000 is a soundbar that supports 7.1.4 channel audio. There are 5x oval shaped drivers (46×90)mm, 3x tweeters (20mm) tweeters, 2x upward firing drivers (70mm) and a 10″ subwoofer. Eight drivers are placed on the main body of the soundbar and the rest on two satellite speakers that operate wirelessly.
Two satellite speakers for the rear channel are equipped with a 3283mAh battery that allows it to operate wirelessly for 10 hours. With this system there is no more trouble connecting the rear speakers to the power source and finding ways to hide tangled wires.
After running out of battery, the satellite speakers are recharged by connecting them to the left and right sides of the soundbar. There is a magnet that ensures it will not come off easily. JBL provides four plastic side covers (2x for the soundbar and 2x for the satellite) that can be used to make it look neater.
The main soundbar design is boxy with a large metal grille in front and two more small metal grilles at the top. There is a button for bluetooth tethering as well at the top along with an audio adjustment button. There is no NFC system to facilitate addition to the smartphone.
The soundbar is also quite thin with a size of only 884 x 56 x 125 mm. It can be placed under TVs as large as 55″ and above. On smaller TVs, the Bar 100 looks so large that it looks disproportionate. The two satellite speakers are 155 x 56 x 125 mm while the wooden subwoofer is 305 x 440.4 x 305 mm which is quite large. We have a relatively small living room at home and had difficulty finding the best place to place the subwoofer.
The design used is standard. Does not attract the eye from the content watched on TV and at the same time does not look strange so that it looks strange in the living room.
A dot matrix screen placed in front displays the audio status and the input being used. It will also display a message when the battery on the satellite speaker is low. Overall the Bar 1000 design is conventional, and classic but still stylish.
On the back of this soundbar, there are inputs for 1x HMDI eARc, 3x HDMI 2.0, 11x optical, and 1x USB. The I/O options provided are good but there is no HDMI 2.1 support for console connections that support high frame rates. The port for the power plug is also placed on the back so it is easily accessible.
The weight of the soundbar is 3.7 kilograms while each satellite speaker weighs 1.4 kg. Finally, the large subwoofer weighs 10 kg.
Two wireless satellite speakers
USAGE
The connection process to the TV is not a headache. Connect one end of the HDMI cable to the HDMI In input on the back of the soundbar and the other to the HDMI ARC/eARC port on the TV at home. Immediately after switching on, the soundbar will automatically connect to the subwoofer and two satellites. Then use the JBL One application to complete the process of connecting the Bar 1000 to WiFi and perform the audio calibration process.
Satellite speakers when connected to a soundbar to charge
The calibration process takes several minutes with the satellite having to be placed to the left and right of the listener twice so that it can measure the size of the Bar 1000 room in use. After this process is done, the audio system will be changed according to the settings that best suit the space in the house.
When detecting a Dolby Atmos audio source, this system will be selected automatically. On non-Atmos content, Dolby Surround will be used to provide a 360-degree audio experience.
One odd thing is that when the satellite is reconnected to the soundbar, it automatically turns off. So in this configuration Bar 1000 changes
The JBL One app can also be used to add services such as Amazon Music, Tidal, Napster and TuneIn. Although Spotify and Apple Music are not listed, both services can still be used on the Bar 1000 via Chromecast, Spotify Connect or AirPlay. So Android and iOS ecosystem users don't have to worry about Bar 1000 compatibility with their music service of choice.
In addition, the application can also be used to access the equalizer, update the firmware, change the satellite settings and also access the remote control of the application version. For those who don't like keeping a physical manual, the electronic manual can also be accessed directly from within the JBL One. This software is recommended to be installed on a smart device because it makes it easier to use Bar 1000.
REMOTE CONTROL
The remote control is made of plastic with the buttons also made of the same material. Even so these buttons still feel comfortable to press without having to worry about them expanding or tearing like buttons made of rubber material. It uses two AAA size batteries to work.
There are input change buttons, ATMOS control, bass strength control, satellite speaker strength, volume level, calibration, bluetooth, power button and mute button. The options provided are adequate but unfortunately there is no treble control button. Treble, mid and bass levels can only be changed in more detail through the JBL One application only.
Audio Quality
The Bar 1000 is one of the best soundbars ever reviewed in the our lab. Let's start with the positives first. It comes with a PureVoice system that ensures dialogue is always heard clearly even in scenes filled with explosive effects. We tested the Bar 1000's Dolby Atmos system by watching the documentary Our Planet II and the action film All Quiet on The Western Front on Netflix.
In Our Planet II there is a scene where billions of locusts fly over Africa. Bar 1000 managed to give us the experience of being in the middle of this swarm of locusts. Can hear the sound of locusts from all directions. The sound of billions of wings is loud enough but the narration given by Sir David Attenborough is clearly heard from the center channel of the soundbar. We then went back to using only the TV speakers and the experience was like heaven and earth. The TV speakers do not feel like they are surrounded by locusts and Sir David's narration is drowned out by the sound of locusts.
Then in All Quiet on The Western Front, in the climactic scene where German soldiers are being mortared and attacked by tanks, the details of the ground, rocks, sticks and flying bullets can be clearly heard from where they came. It really felt like we were in the battlefield with the main character trapped.
We also had the chance to test Dune Part I and once again Bar 1000 did not disappoint. The acoustic drums of Hans Zimmer's background music are very clear as if playing before the eyes. When Shai Hulud came to attack, sand grains could be heard rustling sharply.
Bass even at low settings is strong enough that we didn't choose to put it on the highest setting. Afraid of being punched in the chest or the next door neighbor calling the police because the audio that was released shook the walls of the house.
The Bar 1000 also excels at video games. We only had time to match it with the PlayStation 5 and after doing the audio tuning system the console's 3D audio can be enjoyed very well. In Uncharted 4 and Doom Eternal from which direction we are shot can be heard exactly.
There is a slight drawback where we feel the performance of Dolby Atmos on the Bar 1000 is not strong enough. Audio from a certain height is not very clear when compared to the Samsung Q990B which is able to provide a better Atmos experience.
IN THE BOX
In every purchase, you will receive the following.
1x JBL Bar 1000 Soundbar.
1x JBL Bar 1000 Subwoofer.
2x Satellite speakers.
1x HDMI Cable 1.5m.
6x UK/US/China power cables.
2x Soundbar side cover.
2x Satellite edge cover.
1x Manual.
CONCLUSION
At a price of RM4999 a set, the JBL Bar 1000 falls into the premium category as it is in the same class as the Samsung HW-Q990C. The price is expensive but the Bar 1000 is the easiest soundbar we've used since we started reviewing AV products . The process of taking it out of the box is much longer than the process of connecting it to the TV and starting watching with solid audio quality.
Bar 1000 size comparison with 65″ TV
Audio performance is excellent with PureVoice technology ensuring dialogue is always heard even in scenes filled with loud explosions. The bass thump is strong enough that it feels like the chest has been kicked by a wild boar. Surround audio was also successfully produced.
If there is a shortcoming, it's just that the satellite speakers work wirelessly for only 10 hours before needing to be recharged in about 3 hours. Every night before the satellite has to be reconnected to the soundbar to charge. The height effect of Dolby Atmos is also not very noticeable when compared to the Samsung Q990B that we use at home now.
You pay a bit of a premium for the convenience of using the Bar 1000 and an audio system that won't tangle wires at all. We recommend the JBL Bar 1000 for those who want the easiest home cinema audio system to use.
Pro
Neat design, beautiful and robust.
Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support with MultiBeam.
Satellite speakers work wirelessly. No tangled cables.
Audio is excellent with PureVoice technology.
Easy to install and tune the sound according to the room of the house.
Cons
The satellite only operates up to 10 hours before needing to be charged.
Dolby Atmos effect is not very noticeable.