Build Quality
Main Soundbar
Although JBL is overshadowed by its parent company Samsung in the soundbar arena, the Bar 1000 stands out as both ambitious and innovative. Visually, the bar strikes a balance between sleek and understated, particularly when the satellite speakers are docked on either end.
However, you’ll typically use it in “standard mode” with the satellites detached at the rear, meaning you’ll need to fit small plastic covers over the bar’s exposed connectors. At just 884mm wide and around 56mm high, the Bar 1000 is quite discreet on a TV unit, although its 125mm depth may be an issue on narrower stands. It’s most suitable for screens from 42 up to 55 inches, though you can still use it with larger 65-inch models.
Despite not quite matching the build standards of, say, Sennheiser’s Ambeo Soundbar Plus or Devialet’s Dione, the JBL Bar 1000 is still reassuringly solid. Rather than fabric, it uses sturdy plastic and extensive metal grilles.
Subwoofer
Though the sub is built to a high standard, it’s physically substantial at 305 × 440.4 × 305mm. This bulk may cause placement issues in smaller living rooms.
Satellite Speakers
The two satellite units are arguably the most striking part of this system. Each module houses both front-firing and upward-firing drivers, finished in the same dense plastic and metal grilles as the main bar. They weigh about 1.4kg each yet remain impressively compact.
Accessories
The package is refreshingly comprehensive. Besides the soundbar, sub, and satellite speakers, you get:
- A remote control (batteries included)
- An HDMI cable
- Two power cables (for the soundbar and subwoofer)
- A high-quality wall-mount bracket for the main bar
- Two small wall-mount brackets for the satellite speakers
- Pairs of protective plastic covers (for both the bar and satellites when disconnected)
Connectivity and Wireless
The Bar 1000 is well equipped:
- HDMI: Three inputs plus one HDMI eARC port
- Optical (Toslink) port
- USB-A: For power/charging only (no media playback)
- Ethernet port
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
One caveat: while the HDMI inputs offer passthrough for 4K at 60Hz and can handle 1080p at 120Hz (with VRR/ALLM), there’s no passthrough for 4K at 120Hz.
Wireless streaming is flexible: you have Bluetooth (basic SBC codec, no multipoint) as well as Chromecast, Alexa MRM, Apple AirPlay, and Spotify Connect. Most mainstream streaming services can be accessed via JBL’s dedicated app, though the interface is somewhat clunky, and there’s no integrated voice assistant.
User Experience
Overall Interface
Though simpler than some of Samsung’s or LG’s top-tier bars, the Bar 1000 hits a comfortable middle ground:
- Front Display: A small but clear alphanumeric readout
- Minimal Controls on the Bar: Input selection and volume
- Remote Control: Unlit, straightforward, with buttons for input, volume, playback, surround levels, sub level, and Atmos level
JBL One App
The JBL One app feels basic, with a three-band EQ, individual channel level adjustments (subwoofer, satellites, Atmos), and update functionality. Sadly, it doesn’t show which audio format is being decoded. Its main draw is remote control and one-tap calibration.
Setup and Modular Satellites
The satellites can be attached to the main bar (handy for charging and slightly widening the front soundstage) or placed behind the listener for a genuine 7.1.4 arrangement. When detached, they run on internal batteries with an advertised 8-hour life. You can power them down manually to conserve battery or simply dock them to recharge.
The bar automatically detects whether the satellites are connected or not. A quick re-run of the built-in room calibration is advisable whenever you move the modules to ensure accurate 3D/surround processing.
Audio Performance
Overall Sound
As a 7.1.4 system, the JBL Bar 1000 packs 15 drivers:
- Main Bar: Five oval bass/mid drivers, three 20mm tweeters, and two upward-firing Atmos drivers
- Satellites: Each includes a 20mm front tweeter and an up-firing Atmos driver
- Subwoofer: A sizeable 26cm driver in a large ported enclosure
In “Standard” mode—our preference over the default “Smart Mode”—the sound signature is generally well balanced, with decent clarity and detail across the midrange and treble. However, the system can feel dynamically constrained at higher volumes, especially compared to Samsung’s equivalents.
Midrange has a few slight peaks that occasionally make dialogue or certain instruments sound a touch brighter than necessary. While not harsh, this emphasis can create a mild sense of artificial sheen.
Bass
The imposing subwoofer reaches impressively deep (around 30Hz without fuss) for a consumer-friendly soundbar system. The flipside is a somewhat broad, enveloping bass that can feel overly boomy or dominant in smaller rooms. If you can’t place it in a more spacious environment, you may struggle to tame its rumble without losing impact.
Spatialisation
Surround Effects
With proper rear placement, the detachable satellites give respectable rear-channel clarity. Movement around the listening position is quite discernible, though lateral (side) effects sometimes feel muted. There’s a slight gap in the 360° sound field between the front soundbar and the rear satellites.
Dolby Atmos
While overhead cues (rain, overhead flyovers) are noticeable, the precision isn’t as pinpoint as you’d get from higher-end systems or dedicated overhead speakers. The sensation of a true vertical “bubble” is modest, though the calibration helps.
Satellite-on-Bar Mode
Connecting the satellites to each end of the bar broadens its front stage slightly, but real surround immersion requires them behind the listener. We’d only recommend docking them if you need to recharge or simply don’t have space for permanent rears.
Dialogue Clarity
Voices are projected well, cutting through complex mixes without sounding muffled. However, the centre channel lacks the sheer authority heard in some premium systems.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Balanced, reasonably detailed sound
- Superb low-frequency extension
- Clever detachable satellites
- Comprehensive I/O and streaming protocols
- Solid build quality
Cons
- Limited dynamics at higher volumes
- Subwoofer lacks punch (more “woof” than “thump”)
- Underwhelming side effects (narrow lateral spread)
- Very few sound modes or adjustments; clunky app
- No 4K/120Hz passthrough
Conclusion
The JBL Bar 1000 is a flexible 7.1.4 soundbar system that stands out for its detachable, battery-powered rear speakers and extensive connectivity. It’s easy to set up and generally performs well, with deep-reaching bass and a pleasing tonal balance—just don’t expect reference-level punch or ultra-precise surround immersion.
For movies and TV, the Bar 1000 can deliver a suitably cinematic experience, but in a competitive market, it doesn’t consistently outperform alternatives like the Samsung HW-Q935D. It’s best viewed as a neat, space-saving, modular package, albeit one that doesn’t fully live up to its promise of total immersion and dynamic slam.
