JBL has introduced a new soundbar with Dolby Atmos. The two rear channels are formed by two speaker modules that normally form part of the soundbar, but when used they can be disconnected and used as wireless rears.
The design of the JBL Bar 9.1 is very similar to the existing JBL Bar 5.1, which also has two detachable wireless speaker modules. The Bar 9.1 works on the same principle. The two speakers are clicked on both sides at the soundbar to charge them and when used they are disconnected and ideally placed behind the listening position. Thanks to the built-in batteries, they can produce sound for up to ten hours.
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Despite naming four upward-facing Atmos drivers, says JBL not over a 5.1.4 setup, but 9.1 channels. With these four Atmos drivers, the sound must also come from above through the reflection of the ceiling. There are probably two of these upward-facing speakers in the soundbar and another two in the modules. It is not entirely clear whether the modules can also be used as normal rear channels and therefore in a 5.1 arrangement.
The soundbar has a total power of 820W and comes with a corresponding wireless subwoofer. There is support for Chromecast and Airplay 2 and the transmission of 4k signals and Dolby Vision is supported, so that for example consoles or set-top boxes can be connected to the soundbar and the video signal is transmitted without restrictions. In the spring the JBL Bar 9.1 can be purchased for 999 euros.
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