What Do Soundbars Actually Do, and Should Kiwis Get One?

JBL Blogs

Lifestyle

What Do Soundbars Actually Do, and Should Kiwis Get One?

Our perfect Friday night? The couch, chocolate fish, kettle chips, and a movie playlist that scrolls forever. Because nothing says it's the weekend like throwing on your cosiest pair of trackies, ordering in takeaway, and hitting play.

Well, actually, there is one thing that's better. That's the deep, sweet, pristine audio of a seamlessly connected soundbar taking your living room from a one-speaker hangout to a full-blown cinema in the middle of the footy-and-movie action.

Sounds too good to be true? We promise it's not. We'll break down what soundbars do, and when we're done, you'll get why Kiwis everywhere are upgrading their home setup with JBL.

What Exactly Does a Soundbar Do?

As TVs get slimmer, a quality soundbar is a must-have addition to any high-end home audio system for all cinephiles and music lovers. But what does a soundbar actually do? In short, it transforms flat TV sound into rich, dynamic audio that fills the room.

With JBL soundbars, the All Blacks' haka will hit with the same floor-shaking power you feel at Eden Park, and every quiet moment in a movie will still feel crystal-clear and fully immersive. Imagine sound that tucks you into a cocoon of booming bass and keeps your ears on crystal-clear dialogue.

Experience the JBL Boom

JBL Signature Sound isn't just audio, it's a feeling. Born from our legacy in professional studios, concert halls, and live events, JBL Signature Sound brings that same clarity and power straight into your lounge.

This is audio that's clean, balanced, and built for every beat from the roar of a live rugby match to late-night playlists. And, this sound will definitely supercharge your yearly Hunt for the Wilderpeople rewatch, and keep you company long after the credits roll.

Dolby Atmos® and MultiBeam™: Cinema That Fills the Room

There's some serious tech behind the bass. The JBL Bar Series features Dolby Atmos® and MultiBeam™ 3.0 technology.

Dolby Atmos pulls you straight into the scene with sound that moves around you. Meanwhile, MultiBeam™ 3.0 spreads that sound even wider, filling your lounge with big, bold JBL energy from wall to wall. It's pure cinema for the ears.

Go big with JBL soundbars like the JBL Bar 1000MK2, which features detachable wireless surround speakers and a powerful 10” subwoofer you can place anywhere around the couch for the most epic party experience. Whether it's action flicks, AFL replays, or concert films, these soundbars make you feel part of every scene. Every whisper, crash, and cheer surrounds you, just like in the cinema.

JBL Bar 1000MK2

7.1.4 channel soundbar system with detachable surround speakers, MultiBeam 3.0™, Dolby Atmos® and DTS:X®

$1,699.95

Learn More

The Subwoofer Difference

Another home cinema audio essential? The subwoofer. If regular speakers are singers and guitarists of a band, the subwoofer is the bass. It's the heartbeat of the sound, bringing the deep notes, crashes, and rumbles to life. So whether you prefer a full 5.1 setup or a compact all-in-one soundbar, make sure you have a subwoofer.

Luckily, JBL's range covers audio gear for every home in New Zealand. All-in-one soundbars like the JBL Bar 300MK2 pack a huge punch, delivering rich, full-bodied sound without taking up extra space. They're ideal for Kiwis who want a clean setup, big energy, and zero clutter.

JBL Bar 300MK2

5.0 channel all-in-one compact soundbar with MultiBeam™ 3.0, Dolby Atmos® and DTS Virtual:X®

$449.95

$629.95

Learn More

Style Meets Simplicity, Kiwi-Home Edition

You've put a lot of time and effort into creating an oasis out of your living room, and your new soundbar should fit in. That's why soundbars have a real advantage over speakers: they slot neatly into your TV console without sacrificing sound quality. No bulky setups, no clutter, just audio bliss. For a sleek option that fits right in any Kiwi home, the JBL Bar 500MK2 is the winner. Rock the apartment lifestyle with a soundbar that tucks itself right in, the polar opposite of your messy ex-roommate. Then add family photos, band posters, and that footy medal you never forgot to complete the vibes.

JBL Bar 500MK2

5.1 channel soundbar system with MultiBeam™ 3.0 and Dolby Atmos®

$849.95

Learn More

Plug-and-Play Convenience Built for the Kiwi Life

We get it, you want to go back to the All Blacks, and you need immersive sound, now. That's why we made setting up your soundbar as easy as plugging it in, connecting it to your TV's HDMI port, powering up, and spending a minute or two calibrating.

With built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Chromecast, and compatibility with voice assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant, you can stream anything without lifting more than a finger. It's everyday convenience perfect for blasting playlists at weekend barbies, catching up on a podcast while cooking dinner, or sinking into a movie night without hunting for cables.

Even a sophisticated system like the JBL Bar 1300MK2 (which features wireless speakers and a separate subwoofer) is easy to set up and fine-tune to fit your space.

JBL Bar 1300MK2

11.1.4 channel soundbar system with detachable surround speakers, MultiBeam 3.0™, Dolby Atmos® and DTS:X®

$2,399.95

Learn More

Why Soundbars are the Real Kiwi Audio

From the first punch of bass to the clarity of every whispered line, soundbars deliver the kind of cinematic audio modern TVs simply can’t. Kiwis love them because they’re powerful and compact, the perfect match for everything from rugby nights to weekend movies. And with easy setup, smart streaming, and sleek designs that fit anywhere from Auckland apartments to cosy Wellington flats, JBL soundbars make world-class sound effortlessly accessible.

The Verdict is In, and It's “Buy a Soundbar”

Whether you're after thunderous bass or crystal-clear dialogue, your new soundbar is going to change the game for good. Discover JBL's full range of soundbars at the JBL New Zealand store — your next movie night is due for an upgrade.

All product details verified on JBL.co.nz as of November 2025