Four new bars, and a way to reuse JBL speakers you own
JBL has announced the Cinema SB MK2 soundbar series, four models that share a new trick: the bars can link wirelessly to a pair of compatible JBL portable speakers and use them as rear surround channels (opens in a new tab). JBL calls the feature SurroundPlay, and says the speakers become rear channels at the touch of a button. At launch, the only compatible model is the JBL Flip 7.
- Works with
- A pair of JBL Flip 7 portable speakers as rear channels via SurroundPlay
- Connections
- Bluetooth and Auracast; HDMI eARC and HDMI-IN on SB595MK2 and SB580MK2, HDMI ARC on SB550MK2 and SB510MK2
- Formats
- True Dolby Atmos on SB595MK2, Dolby Atmos on SB580MK2, Dolby Audio on SB550MK2 and SB510MK2
- Price
- Not announced
- Available
- Select markets from 1 October 2026 at JBL.com
The range runs from the SB510MK2, a 200W all-in-one bar with a built-in subwoofer, up to the SB595MK2 at 440W with a wireless 6.5-inch subwoofer and two upfiring drivers for True Dolby Atmos. The SB580MK2 also lists 440W with a wireless 6.5-inch subwoofer and Dolby Atmos, while the SB550MK2 is rated 360W with a wireless 5.25-inch subwoofer. Every model has a dedicated center channel for dialogue, and all are multi-channel bars.
JBL says the series goes on sale in select markets from 1 October 2026 at JBL.com. The company did not announce prices in its launch material. The bars fold into a U-shape for packing, which JBL says cuts packed volume by up to 20%.
What the rear-channel trick asks of your setup
SurroundPlay is the headline change for anyone who already owns JBL portables. A pair of Flip 7 speakers handles rear duty wirelessly, so there are no speaker cables to run behind the couch. The bar itself connects over Bluetooth and Auracast. If your TV is the source, the two top models take HDMI eARC and HDMI-IN, while the SB550MK2 and SB510MK2 step down to HDMI ARC.
Atmos support is split across the line rather than shared. Only the SB595MK2 carries True Dolby Atmos with upfiring drivers, the SB580MK2 offers Dolby Atmos, and the two smaller bars list Dolby Audio. Carsten Olesen, President, Consumer Audio at HARMAN, framed the pairing as value for existing owners: "if you already own a pair of JBL Flip 7 portable speakers, you can put them to work as surround channels".