JBL - Bar 1300XMK2

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. 

Get the 1300x if it's an option. People that are saying it isn't immersive are just lying to you. The Atmos can be better in some situations in my opinion, but watching movies like John Wick and horror movies or anything in that realm is very realistic, especially in a smaller room. My room is a 15x25, and I feel no loss in audio loudness and definitely not bass if you set it up the right way. Use proper speaker stands and set them up correctly. It’s almost perfect in my opinion. I wouldn't recommend it over a true home theater, but for a soundbar, it's one of the best in my opinion.

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.

The bass can’t be turned down enough. It’s excessive.

Ya I demoed The JBL 700 and 1300x and they were both excellent for music as well as movies. Bought the 700. I also listened to the Yamaha favorite, good for movies but fell down on music. My opinion.

I just returned the Q990D because it was good for movies but not music. I wanted the JBL 1300x , but apparently it’s good for music but not movies. What’s my best option for both? And I’d prefer it to come with rear speakers and a sub

What do you suggest? I’d prefer something with a sub and rears. I think the 1300x is what I’m leaning towards

Only concern is clarity on dialogue and too much bass

I recently bought this. Big pleasing sound for a big room. Really top notch!

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.

Got jbl 1300x for this reason. Wife didn’t want rear speakers. It is best of both worlds, when you want rear speakers just detach and place it behind you. The sound quality and immersive experience is amazing.