TL;DR
The JBL Bar 500MK2 is a compact 2.1 soundbar and wireless subwoofer package that delivers immersive Dolby Atmos effects and strong, warm bass for its size. It supports major casting standards, offers dialog-enhancing PureVoice 2.0, and sells at street prices under $500 in the review.
What happened
WIRED reviewed JBL’s Bar 500MK2, a compact 2.1 soundbar paired with a sizable wireless subwoofer. The reviewer found the short, 2-inch-tall bar easy to fit under modern TVs and praised the 10-inch sub for producing full, warm low end down toward JBL’s claimed 40 Hz. With a claimed combined output of 750 watts, the system produced immersive Dolby Atmos effects that simulated side and rear imaging despite lacking separate surround speakers. The Bar 500MK2 also includes an LED status display, minimal on-device controls, a remote, and support for room calibration and tone adjustment via JBL’s One app. Streaming support covers AirPlay, Google Cast, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect and Roon Ready, and the electronics pass through HDR10+ and Dolby Vision. The reviewer highlighted strong dialog processing (PureVoice 2.0) and broad usefulness in small-to-medium rooms, while noting a plain design and bass that favors warmth over hyper-fast punch.
Why it matters
- Delivers immersive Atmos-style surround without requiring rear speakers, useful for smaller rooms or rentals.
- 10-inch wireless subwoofer provides substantial low end that addresses a common weakness in compact soundbars.
- Wide streaming compatibility and video pass-through make it easy to integrate with phones, players and consoles.
- Dialog-enhancing PureVoice 2.0 can improve intelligibility for viewers who struggle to hear speech.
Key facts
- WIRED rating: 9/10.
- Configuration: 2.1 (soundbar plus wireless subwoofer).
- Subwoofer: 10-inch driver; reviewer notes it reaches JBL’s claimed ~40 Hz floor.
- Claimed total output: 750 watts across bar and subwoofer.
- Supports Dolby Atmos processing for immersive effects without rear speakers.
- Dialog feature: PureVoice 2.0 raises speech based on scene and volume.
- Streaming and connectivity: AirPlay, Google Cast, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect and Roon Ready.
- Video passthrough: HDR10+ and Dolby Vision supported.
- Controls: minimal on-bar buttons, remote control, and an LED front display; adjustable via JBL One app with room calibration.
- Retail pricing shown in review: discounted listings around $450 (Amazon and JBL) and $475 (Walmart) at time of testing.
What to watch next
- Long-term reliability and firmware update cadence: not confirmed in the source.
- Performance in very large rooms or outdoor spaces: not confirmed in the source.
- Whether the system supports HDMI eARC specifically: not confirmed in the source.
Quick glossary
- 2.1: An audio configuration with two main channels (left and right) plus one subwoofer channel for low-frequency effects.
- Dolby Atmos: An object-based surround format that creates more three-dimensional sound imaging, often by simulating overhead or side effects.
- Subwoofer: A speaker designed to reproduce low-frequency audio (bass), typically used alongside other speakers to extend the system’s low-end response.
- Pass-through: A feature that allows video and metadata (like HDR formats) to travel through an audio device to the TV or display without being altered.
- Room calibration: A process or feature that measures and adjusts a system’s output to better suit the acoustics of the listening space.
Reader FAQ
Does the Bar 500MK2 support Dolby Atmos?
Yes — the review reports convincing Dolby Atmos effects from the 2.1 system.
Are rear speakers included?
No. It is a 2.1 system with no separate rear surround speakers included.
Is it suitable for small or medium rooms?
The reviewer recommends it for small-to-medium rooms and finds it especially useful where rear speakers aren’t practical.
What about warranty or long-term support?
Not confirmed in the source.
PARKER HALL GEAR DEC 24, 2025 10:05 AM Review: JBL Bar 500MK2 This compact 2.1 soundbar system offers realistic Dolby Atmos surround sound. COURTESY OF AMAZON SAVE THIS STORY All…
Sources
- JBL Bar 500MK2 Review: A Fantastic Soundbar System
- Amazon.com: JBL Bar 500MK2-5.1 Channel soundbar …
- JBL Bar 500 MK2 Powered 5.1-channel Dolby Atmos® …
- JBL Bar 500MK2 – Tech Reviews
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