SNACK: 3-line summary
SNACK in 3 lines
- JBL’s four-model Cinema SBMK2 soundbar series was reported on September 28.
- Wireless rear surrounds currently require a pair of Flip 7 speakers; no other portable model is listed as compatible.
- Three bars fold for packing, not playback, and Atmos support differs by model.
Already have one Flip 7? According to What Hi-Fi?’s September 28 report, JBL’s Cinema SBMK2 soundbars need two of them for a wireless rear-surround pair. The report lists Flip 7 as the only compatible portable speaker model for now.
Snackgirls react
Red If I already had a Flip 7, I’d want to put it behind the couch. Would one actually be enough?
AIKO Rear-pair arithmetic calls for two Flip 7s. The folded bar is for the journey, not the soundtrack.
The U-shaped fold is for carrying
The SB595MK2, SB580MK2 and SB550MK2 fold into a U shape for packaging and transport. JBL says they cannot be used while folded. The fourth model, SB510MK2, does not fold and instead houses its subwoofer in the main bar.
Atmos isn’t the same across the range
The SB595MK2 has a 3.1.2 setup with upward-firing speakers for Dolby Atmos. The SB580MK2 is a 3.1 model that virtualises Atmos without upward-firing speakers, while the 3.1 SB550MK2 supports Dolby Audio but not Atmos. Those differences are worth checking before treating the four bars as interchangeable.
Sources and checked date: September 29, 2026 (KST)