JBL - Bar 1300MK2

If you care more about fuller bass and that “room-filling” feel, the JBL Bar 1300/MK2 is going to lean into that strength, especially with the detachable rears giving you true surround. If you want something more polished, consistent, and with cleaner dialogue clarity out of the box, the Samsung Q990F is the safer pick. From what you described—liking the bassier sound when you demoed them—the JBL seems more in line with your preference, while the Samsung is more about balance and refinement.

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.

I got the 1300X Mk2 last week and I love it! Loud as hell. It shakes my family room, my couch vibrates. I replaced an old Bose solo, so the comparison isnt fair, lol. I would recommend this beast to anyone.

Please not JBL. While it's having punchy bass it's faking everything. If you're not into sound it will be fine to you, however if you do know how things should sound, then it's definitely not the right option. Wish some quality, Klipsch Flexus Core 300 is a good option, however it costs as full system of samsung or jbl :). Dirac makes difference.

Its not the biggest room by any means. I know the JBL will be wonderful, but I wasnt sure if the Nakamichi was the way to go over the JBL

I have one, im not sure if the nakamichi is worth the upgrade over this or the Q990D

I had the Mk1, so I upgraded. But I wasnt sure if the Nakamichi was really worth it for the money

The Mk2 is NUTS compared to the 990D....

Its definitely louder and clearer for sure

5 minutes with it was more enjoyable than a whole day with the Mk1 in my opinion. Everything about it is far more refined.

I setup the Mk2 today and it was extremely impressive. Definitely think ill stick with this and the Q990D! Appreciate all your input!!!!

The jbl is better... period. The only way the Sony can compete is if u get the rear speakers and sub, and then the price will just be racking up... so is it even worth it.

i have experienced with it. man. the subwoofer hit harder than anything I have ever seen meanwhile deliver much more percise . Eventhough it look smaller and kinda weird in shape, it like twice heavier and triple more powerful than the first 1300 gen

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!

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

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