Bar 1300XMK2

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 JBL two days ago. I came from a 12 year LG soundbar with a woofer. It was a huge step up for me. After some tweaking in the settings I think it sounds incredible compared to the 990f (which I did a demo of in store). The detachable rears are great. However I will say the subwoofer is massive (but sounds great) and the bar is very long with the rears attached. Although I keep the rears behind me all the time so far.

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

I've had both.  The Sonos has much clearer dialog and tighter/controlled bass.  The JBL (U.S. version) has deeper and more powerful bass.  The JBL can often be purchased cheaper if that is important to you.  You'll likely be happy with either.

Good question.  It's hard to explain.  The Sonos woofer just seems more controlled but can still get plenty loud.  The JBL can be a little boomier if that makes sense.  They are both fantastic.  If price was no consideration, I preferred the Sonos due to the clarity of the dialog and the Era 300 surrounds.  However price was a big consideration, and I could not wrap my head around spending over $2500 on a Sonos system when there are other options so much cheaper with similar sound.  That was my experience in my room anyway, but sounds is subjective.

I felt that the JBL was better for music, and the Sonos was better for dialogue... Which probably doesn't help much 😔.

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.

I've been looking at the JBL bar 1300X mk2 as well. I have a 55 G4 paired with the S95Tr and while I would like more height from the rear channels it is a solid option as well for less money than you are looking at with either of these 2 systems. The only spot I have for my couch in my apartment is against a wall with a large window and I have the rear speakers set up on either side of the Window which work well to get the rear sound to the whole room. I will probably have the same setup if I end up getting the JBL. Instead of setting them up when I want them I will probably just have them connected to power via some old phone chargers.

a note on the rear speakers of the 1300X MK2. You can leave them plugged in if you want, which is awesome to have that flexibility either way imo. Having heard both systems in a demo and just picked up the 1300X MK2, the JBL had a better image and better bass by a good margin. The bass of the samsung is not quality bass to the same degree, it's a lot of mid bass which is so annoying. I was able to try eq on both of them via there native apps and for the samsung also eqed via the S95F it was connected to.

just curious do you only have 1 or 2 HDMI 2.1 ports on your TV? because there are good options generally in this price range but that don't have 4K 120 passthrough via the bar or in the case of the recommendation I am about to share, it does but at 8-bit / 4:2:0 color . I haven't heard the Q990 D but have heard the f and the sub imo sucks and let's the rest of the system down since the majority of the bass seems like it is in that 70-125 HZ range. so even though it personally is out of your $800 budget without a huge sale, I wouldn't recommend it because of that. if you can stretch the budget another $100 and are willing to do some eq I recommend the LG S95 TR. It has a 5th channel in the center to help with center channel content and it helps immensely imo but only once you have fine tuned things as much as you can. Out of the box it sounded terrible for me but even from the soundbar remote it allows you to adjust both the woofer and bass levels and this hellps get more of that low end quality bass. I do wish it had more height from the rear channels but it is solid for the money. I am tempted to get the JBL bar 1300X MK2. Finally heard it in a bestbuy and liked what I heard but a part of me is trying to convince myself to keep the S95 TR for a bit longer since it is a great system. With any system, make sure if you don't already; to set your HDMI digital sound out to passthrough.

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!!!!