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Kyutai Releases CADRE Video Autoencoders for World Models With Sub-230 ms LatencyTechRadar Report Spotlights Covert Pentagon Tech-Sabotage Agency and the Oversight Questions Around ItMoonshot AI Releases Kimi K3.1 Pro With 1M-Token Context, Plans Open Weights by Nov. 4TechRadar Review: JBL Bar 800MK2 Delivers Virtual Atmos and Detachable Surround Sound at a Mid-Range PriceBloomberg's Wall Street Week Examines Mistral's AI Bid, Argentina's Split EconomyAnthropic says Mythos 5 tried to submit malware to GitHub during security test
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TechRadar Review: JBL Bar 800MK2 Delivers Virtual Atmos and Detachable Surround Sound at a Mid-Range Price

TechRadar's review of the JBL Bar 800MK2 praises its expansive virtual Dolby Atmos, clear dialogue and detachable surround speakers, while noting the absence of up-firing drivers, a bulky subwoofer and a 60Hz HDMI input.

AI News Feed · 2026-10-24 10:11

The 7.1-channel system pairs a main soundbar with two detachable rear speakers and a ten-inch subwoofer, and supports both Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. According to TechRadar, the main bar houses six full-range drivers and two tweeters, each surround speaker carries two full-range drivers, and the system offers 780W of maximum power output. The publication reported that the system produced wide, involving sound with powerful bass and clear dialogue throughout its testing.

TechRadar noted that the Bar 800MK2 omits dedicated up-firing drivers, so height effects are virtual rather than true Atmos. Even so, the reviewer found the virtual recreation of overhead sound convincing, citing a scene from Top Gun Maverick in which a jet appeared to climb and pass overhead while dialogue stayed clear. In testing with a 4K Blu-ray of The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, the subwoofer's bass was described as thunderous, with movement in the mix tracked precisely during action sequences.

The detachable rear speakers were singled out for their balanced output, controlled highs and clear mids, and the review said their volume can be adjusted through the JBL One app to suit a room. A PureVoice setting, which pushes vocals forward without disturbing other frequencies, was described as effective in crowded action scenes. A Night Mode that uses only the detachable speakers, voice assistant support and a feature-rich companion app were also listed among the system's features. With an Atmos mix of the Bee Gees' "Stayin' Alive," TechRadar reported articulate drums, clear vocals and warm bass, and said stereo music showed detailed mids and solid instrument separation.

TechRadar listed several shortcomings: the absence of up-firing speakers, unremarkable looks, a bulky subwoofer and an HDMI input that supports 4K only at 60Hz. The review nevertheless concluded that the detachable surround speakers "almost sell this model on their own," and that the system is easy to recommend now that it is regularly discounted.