The JBL Bar 2.1 Deep Bass MK2 is a 2.1-channel soundbar from JBL, listed at $380. It ships with a wireless subwoofer, so the price covers the bass as well as the bar.
JBL Bar 2.1 Deep Bass MK2 Pros and Cons
Drawn from the published figures on this page, not from listening.
- ✓Subwoofer included in the box
- ✓HDMI input with 1080p pass-through - a spare port for a console or player
- ✓Learns your TV remote
- ✗No dedicated centre channel - dialogue comes from the left and right drivers
- ✗HDMI ARC but not eARC, so lossless soundtracks from the TV arrive compressed
- ✗No Wi-Fi - music streams over Bluetooth only
Channels and Surround Sound
The 2.1 badge means 2 ear-level channels, 1 subwoofer channel. It does not decode Dolby Atmos. Virtual surround: JBL Surround Sound.
Subwoofer, Rear Speakers and Mounting
A wireless subwoofer is included, rated at 100 watts, measuring 9.5 x 14.88 x 11.25 in (W x H x D). It cannot add rear speakers. Wall-mountable: Yes (bracket included).
Connections
The JBL Bar 2.1 Deep Bass MK2 has HDMI ARC to the TV (not eARC - lossless formats are compressed on the way); 1 HDMI input with 1080p video pass-through (HDMI 1.4); optical digital input; USB-A input.
Streaming, Control and Sound Modes
No Wi-Fi; Bluetooth; a remote in the box. Sound features: learns the TV remote.
Size and Which TV It Suits
The bar measures 38 x 2.25 x 3.38 in (W x H x D), or 965 x 57 x 86 mm, and weighs 4.7 lbs. It is no wider than the screen of a 50-inch TV (43.6 in wide) or larger, which is where a soundbar looks in proportion. At 2.25 in tall it should clear the bottom of most TVs sitting on their own feet.
Open the soundbar size simulator to try another TV or compare two bars.
JBL Bar 2.1 Deep Bass MK2 Specifications
| Sound |
|---|
| Channels | 2.1 |
| Dolby Atmos | No |
| DTS:X | No |
| Drivers | Tweeters: 1" Dome (2); Woofers: Oval Cone (4); Subwoofer: 6.5" Cone; Enclosure: Bass Relfex |
| Power (bar, total) | 50 watts |
| Power (subwoofer) | 100 watts |
| Frequency response | 40-20k Hz |
| Subwoofer | Included |
| Rear speakers | None |
| Virtual surround | JBL Surround Sound |
| Dialogue enhancement | No |
| Night mode | No |
| Room correction | No |
| Connections |
|---|
| HDMI to TV | ARC |
| HDMI inputs | 1 |
| Video pass-through | 1080p |
| HDMI version | 1.4 |
| Optical inputs | Yes |
| Analogue input | No |
| USB | USB-A |
| Subwoofer output | Wireless |
| HDMI CEC | Yes |
| Streaming and Control |
|---|
| Wi-Fi | No |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Voice control | No |
| Remote included | Yes |
| Learns TV remote | Yes |
| Physical |
|---|
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 38 x 2.25 x 3.38 in / 965 x 57 x 86 mm |
| Weight | 4.7 lbs / 2.13 kg |
| Subwoofer size | 9.5 x 14.88 x 11.25 in (W x H x D), 12.5 lbs |
| Wall mounting | Yes (bracket included) |
| Warranty | 1 Year parts, 1 Year labour |
| List price | $380 |
Power is the maker's total across all drivers and is not comparable to an amplifier's per-channel rating.