For the sake of simplicity, the Bar 2.0 All-in-one (MK2) is content with a simple stereo configuration with two speakers coupled by a bass-reflex vent at the rear supposed to support the rendering of bass. The bar is therefore not really ready for the big show, but it does the job properly. It also has a virtual spatialization mode activated by default. Unlike the old Bar 2.0, we did not notice any real difference with or without this listening spatialization. When in doubt, we still disabled this feature to perform our measurements.
The Bar 2.0 All-in-one (MK2) offers a rather balanced and homogeneous sound reproduction over the entire sound spectrum. We are first of all surprised by the relatively generous extension offered by the bar in the low frequencies. Given its size, it surprises with the seat it provides and the depth of the bass. If we are far from shaking the walls, the rumblings and other explosions are well felt.
The slight prominence of the low-mids — especially highlighted by the withdrawal of the high-mids and therefore of the area of sound presence — and the average precision throughout this region give the sound rendering a warm and round aspect, a tad boomy, and causes some masking effects. This behavior is also easily perceived on the voices: these can indeed seem a little muffled, especially since no loudspeaker dedicated to the reproduction of the central channel is integrated on this bar to optimize the highlighting dialogues. Moreover, it can sometimes be difficult to detect all the details of the bass sources (bass, large percussion, thunderclap, etc.).
The treble also benefits from a nice extension, but is a little too prominent and would have benefited from being more detailed, which also causes an unpleasant flicker on metallic sounds in particular. This highlighting has at least the merit of flattering certain room effects which can at times give the impression of going beyond the physical limits of the bar. Surround effects remain greatly limited, if not absent. Don’t expect to be locked in an immersive sound bubble.