JBL - Bar 1300MK2

If you're looking at the Sonos arc ultra I imagine you're going to want the sub as well. At that point the JBL bar 1300 mk2 comes out cheaper. I got the 1300x mk2 here in the US for $1200. The sound and bass fill my open concept house with 10 ft ceilings just at 33% max volume. The dialogue is the clearest I've ever heard from a soundbar and I love that the rear speakers are detachable for movie night and can be put anywhere I want. I cannot recommend this system enough. Rtings doesn't have a review of the mk2 refresh yet but neverenoughtech has a great comparison to the Samsung q990f and puts the JBL on top.

The 1300x mk2 is a beast. I got mine 2 weeks ago and am confident I got the best sound bar on the market right now. It's very clear, loud, and the bass shakes.

JBL 1300x MK2 is better than Samsung Q990F.

https://youtu.be/lPXz9X-5LIc?si=ShJr1dw1G3Dpd90i I got the JBL 1300x mk2 2 weeks ago. The dialogue is crystal clear and the bass is amazing. I highly recommend you get it.

I got mine last week. I was a little surprised at the size of the subwoofer, it fits fine in my living room though and the system is awesome. I have an open concept living room that connects to the kitchen and adjacent sitting room (dining room for you boomers) with 10 ft ceilings. The dialogue is very clear and the bass can be felt. I haven't even tried to max out the volume yet!

JBL 1300x MK2 100%

I own it, and paid $1300 for it black Friday. Totally worth it. This is the best soundbar system on the market right now.

Yes the JBL 1300 first Gen is a no go. The MK2 was a massive evolution for the bar.

Get the JBL 1300x MK2 . Everyone is sleeping on this awesome sound bar probably because the Rtings review isn't up yet for the MK2. Watch the neverenoughtech review. I got the the 1300x MK2 last week and it's amazing. https://youtu.be/lPXz9X-5LIc?si=08sQIdVs7j8fK30H

I have the JBL 1300X MK2 in an open concept house with 10 ft ceilings. I got it black Friday and it is absolutely amazing. This system is ridiculous, the base shakes my house and I haven't gotten close to max volume. Movie nights are so much fun. The dialogue is crystal clear and I love the detachable rears. You can also put the detachable rears in broadcast mode to further spread the music across the house or outside. Get the JBL and don't look back, you'll be happy for a long time.

They haven't reviewed the JBL 1300x MK2 yet

Seconding that the JBL 1300x MK2 is a beast of a system. I have no doubt I will be happy with it for 10 years to come until the next generation technology arrives.

If you want the most powerful setup in a sleek package with no wires, JBL 1300x MK2 all day.

I have the JBL 1300x MK2. It is a major upgrade from the JBL 1300x. Dialogue is crystal clear. I imagine once RTINGs comes out with their review, the 1300x MK2 will be finally considered the new king and we'll see less Samsung q990 fanboy posts.

The detachable speakers are a big positive for me. They sound great attached, and I like to detach for movie nights and not worry about wires and speaker stands. They are also great when I want to play music around the house or in the backyard or garage. The bass is incredible and the overall system power is more than I'll ever need. I think the volume goes to around 35 and I haven't needed or wanted to go above 22.

I demoed both jbl and sony. I choose jbl over sony. Sony made my head ache and felt very claustrophobic in sound idk how else to explain, it wasn't the most pleasent sound i have heard in a while even my old DAV hme theatre was more pleasing to me. As for jbl it might lack vocal clarity and surround volume, i am optimistic for the Mark 2 to fix all that and provide an even more movie theatre experience

But With 1200w power? It might be a huge upgrade if you love bass. I will get a home demo done before i make any decisions if i were you. As for clarity i found 1300 enough in my home demo, samsung on the other hands lacks punch and was very shrill

Wasn't the mk2 with dual 8 inch subs.

I have texted both jbl 12 and samsung dual 8. I prefer jbl over anything

I didn't like quads at all. I would pick jbl upcoming release over them if you like bass or Samsung if you like clarity and voice seperation. LG is the middle child. Sony has dropped the ball imo

Jbl 1300 mark 2

I demoed three soundbars today, attaching indian prices: JBL 1300 - 1200 usd Samsung Q990F - 1000 usd LG S90TR (closest demo available, but I’d be buying the S95TR or AR) - 700 usd My impressions: JBL 1300 → Amazing bass, punchy and cinematic, literally vibrates the space. Feels like a movie theatre. Vocals are a bit muddy at higher bass levels, but lowering the bass to 2–3 makes it more balanced and listenable. Max is just too much for dialogue. Samsung Q990F → Clearest, most vocal-driven sound with great separation and detail. Fantastic for music. But… bass was underwhelming, even when maxed out. Felt like it lacked low-end impact compared to the others. LG (S90TR) → Feels right in the middle — Cinema mode sounded excellent with good layering, more punch than Samsung, less overwhelming than JBL. Immersive, but vocals weren’t as clear as Samsung and it cracked a bit at times. For music, Samsung was the best. For bass-heavy content, LG and JBL win. Worth noting — this was in a huge, loud store, so not a real-world home listening scenario. Only JBL is offering me a free home demo, so I’ll try that first to see if it’s clear enough for news/vocals for my family. If not, I might end up with the Samsung for clarity’s sake. My question to you: If you own any of these — are you happy with the bass on the Q990F? Do you feel LG or JBL strikes the best balance for movies and clear dialogue in a living room?

Yeah the sub on JBL is amazing. Samsungs only advantage is better treble, clarity. But its also bigger con is getting too shrill and shouty. I would say the best package is JBL not samsung

Weather it's worth the $400 to you, only you can be the judge of that. Everything else you say is correct, and seems like you have made up your mind that the 1300 is the bar for you, but would rather be convinced otherwise. The sub/ bass on the 990F comes nowhere close to that of the 1300, night and day difference, however the rears of the 1300 aren't as good as the 990F, but you did say surround effects aren't as important to you. For average to midilling bass, go for the 990F (could look into the sony system 6), else just get the jbl 1300

To answer your question, I had similar thoughts as you tbh after I had the chance to listen to all of them but for LG, and sadly there isn't a perfect fits all balanced bar out there that ticks all the boxes. JBL surround isn't that great, but is decent over all for movies music, and if price isn't an issue, I'd probably go for it, but doesn't feel quite right even so considering the price difference 87k to 105000. The 990F would have been my instant pick, but for the bass, which is really underwhelming, but everything else is really great. it's good for movies and shows, but for music you'd be better off putting it on on different speakers. Maybe try the 990D and buy that instead? the 990F tried to fix an issue which I hadn't even heard of before the F came around, that of the 990D's sub distorting or being boomy. The 990D's bass felt quite a bit better to me, but it's been a while and I could be just making it up, after my disappointment with the 990F Believe it or not, LG used to make the greatest sounding soundbars, but their recent stuff has taken quite a big hit, had a chance to listen to the s65QR? or whatever it is called, and it was an instant yuck. Compare that to the lg SC9S which sounds decent, and if you can get at the rears is a decent system over all. Can you actually put the prices down in INR? and where did you get to demo the LG if you don't mind me asking?

the mk2 no question. [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lPXz9X-5LIc](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lPXz9X-5LIc)

honestly the lg's 95TR is the worse shit ever, just avoid it, it's as close to money down the drain as you can get. anything at all that fits within your budget would be decent. Nothing is perfect though, everything has pros and cons (their good and bad qualities) in order in which I would go. jbl 1300X mk2 or 1300 mk2, 990D, 930F, jbl 1300, sony system 6 (has only 1 hdmi port but great sound), jbl 1000, 990F. all the best.

If it's available in your country. The JBL bar 1300 mk2

I got one of my own. It's loud man! I turn mine up to just 12-15 in my bedroom and that's plenty. It's blasting. It sounds great and the surround speakers are detachable and chargeable. It's very versatile as a soundbar system. The one I have is for North America and it's subwoofer is a 12' single driver that's down firing.

The rear speakers on the 1300x MK2 is very good. Thats also on sale right now.

You can still get the 1300 mk2 because the rear speakers can be charged on the main bar itself. And you can change the volume on the subwoofer. You can mute it as well with the remote it comes with.

Jbl 1300x mk2 (jbl 1300 mk2 if you live internationally). That has terrific voice clarity! I just turn it up to 10-15 and it fills my bedroom with ease!

The 1300x mk2 is more powerful the than 1000mk2. It's definitely louder and clearer. I would know this cause I got the 1300x mk2 myself. If anything I would go and grab the 1300x mk2 right now. Especially if it's on sale.

Keep the JBL bar 1300x mk2. I got one myself and it is fantastic man!

He chose the JBL 1300X MK2 over the Q990F. All the points he made about the jbl was on point. Cause I got the same thing and it is fantastic!

I was actually thinking about getting the Samsung when upgrading. But I wanted to try the versatility of the JBL. Very happy I chose this instead! You have a great about this reddit sub being very pro-Samsung. Nothing bad liking it but... it's real popular on here lol 😂 Thanks man! I hope you have a good day! If you ever upgrade. I recommend this to you! 😉

Go with the JBL 1300 MK2 (1300X MK2 here in North America. It's great with both movies and music.

I second that as well! I got the same soundbar as you (1300X MK2 ) and it's fantastic!

Q990f is latest model but in September jbl 1300 mk2 new model coming in the market and same money .if u are a bass lover.simple.

Q990f sub is also smaller my friend..jbl mk2 1300 total watts they are saying almost 2,470.

I will buy jbl mk2 1300 according to my living area. I also have q990f in my home.whenever any new soundbar comes in the market for me 50 to 45% discount.

I bought jbl mk2 1300. Good thing for rear speakers u dont need to buy rear speaker stand put without around you.then no need to call sparky

Too late topic. I already bought jbl mk2 1300.

Don't have too much time .just curious only one saw about jbl mk2 1300 something

If u dont care about dtx then LG,jbl mk2 1300 etc

I said LG doesnt support dtx .jbl mk2 1300 supoort all the audio formats supported codecs.

Thanks .will check my jbl soundbar mk2 1300 and Disney plus top tier subscription what audio formats codec show

I was going to buy this one but I ended up jbl mk2 1300. Very super happy paid $1371 on black Friday sale originally price was $2200 plus.

Time to upgrade jbl mk2 1300 or q990f then next 5 to 7 years no need to again upgrad .these are premium soundbars with pack of lots of features. Welcome to the tech world.

Samsung q990f and jbl mk2 1300 beast. Sono lack of dtx.

Then q990f, jbl mk2 1300,or sony quad

Yes i have jbl mk2 1300 and q990f

Both are punchy bass.f doesnt like bez no mesh around and jbl sub heavy to carry and its got thin mesh around the sub.jbl total watts 2470.,which one is insane.i am bloody not allowed to put max volume in the house more than 10,otherwise children's will call to police.

Mk2 1300 will fillfull u r desire

Sono arc ultra top notch for music but lack of dtx if u know about it. Jbl mk2 1300 new model and q990f Samsung both are top premium soundbars. They will not make u disappointed otherwise u can look around also samsung soundbar q990d if still avaible in the store.if u are bass lover then no doubt about jbl mk2 1300 if u want well balance then samsung Model D and F.

Because I think u r mind already set up with klipsch that why u sent it back.i have at home q990f 2 models and 2 models of jbl mk2 1300 and jbl old one 5.1.2. 5.1.2 doesnt support dtx.thanks.

Mk2 is also mid range soundbar. What we can except .some time audio formats,internet bandwidth, mean wifi connection or wired connection,within that time how many people using home internet connection, wireless interference etc.i have setup for jbl mk2 1300 with firetv cube generation 3 along with TCL C8K 85inch tv. Using all the time dolby iq for picture quality and couple of kodi addons with RD to see 4k gb flawless with 2 gigabit internet connection .

Better go with jbl soundbar mk2 1300 if u really love heavy bass.i have both model F and jbl mk2 1300. Both are equal for me.f can support 2.1 and jbl mk2 1300 not.sound calibration is must via atmos sound objects on amazon music unlimited or tidal or apple music play the pink noise,white noise if u can find .

I got jbl mk2 1300.english is my 3rd language but still i can hear dialogue clarity. U need to do some on eq setting.have u done room calibration as well? Have u done sound tunning via audio listening dolby atmos dolby dtx and pink noise sound via tidal,apple music or amazon unlimited music top tier subscription. Don't only watch movies on hbo max try to watch movies on other platfrom like Disney, netflix or via kodi addons. When I watch movie I dont put volume more than 10,I watch TV 8 to 10 step away.are u also using hdmi cable certified as well.are u using soundbar with any external device like nvidia shield pro, google streamer 4k,amazon fire tv cube? Does u r tv also support to play audio formats codecs like dts dtx? All these things matter

https://preview.redd.it/wlap4n5aj2bg1.jpeg?width=1440&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=d2b12f108d5e8bf8c8760d4b1a9aea761e9f0180 Try my this eq setting may be u will see any difference. Its jbl mk2 1300 soundbar .

I have the 500 MK2 & 1300 MK2, I returned the Q990F. The new JBL bars sound amazing, make sure you use the HDMI to connect to your eArc import on your TV and select Pass Through. You can also adjust the EQ settings to fine tune your sound.

I went from the Sony HTA-7000 to the JBL 1300mk2. Everything is louder on the JBL, but the dialogue is low and hard to hear compared to the Sony. That's the only downside of the JBL. 

I have the JBL and it has way too many issues with the HDMI handshake and passthrough. I stay away from them now. If you don't believe me look at how many different versions of the damn JBL soundbar app they have because of how frustrating it is.

Yes when it's all working it's amazing. Separating the speakers is kinda pointless tho because the effect diminishes to a point it's not audible. I rarely take it apart for this reason because it sounds awesome by itself. Granted I also have it in the middle of the living room because I project onto a wall. So that probably helps a lot.

Yes I do have that exact model and no the Atmos is not better with them off, only the surround sound benefits in my opinion. I have to place my ear directly over the atmos speakers when detached in order to hear it at a reasonable volume. If I turn the volume up enough to get the Atmos effect the rest of the soundbar is obnoxiously loud. Where I have it in the middle of the living room with the surround speakers constantly attached it sounds great.

Happy with the JBL 1300x mk2 that I got over the holidays. Add it to your list.

This is the one I just bought and it is amazing!

That's hilarious. I own the Shockwave and the JBL 1300 mk2, and they aren't even playing the same game.