Review: JBL Bar 1300MK2

The JBL Bar 1300 MK2 is a soundbar that many have been waiting for since its launch this summer: its predecessor delivered very powerful cinema sound at a reasonable price.

Unboxing the new model, it’s clear that JBL has retained many of the design features. The soundbar is still huge: with the detachable rear speakers ‘docked’ on the front, it measures just over 130 centimetres in width. Without these, the soundbar shrinks to just over a metre. This is a soundbar that will thrive under a large TV screen!

Setup and functionality

Apart from its physical size, setup is a breeze. The app connection is fast and with Wi-Fi we get access to services like AirPlay and Spotify Connect. There are also additional HDMI inputs for connecting external sources.

The new subwoofer is perhaps the biggest surprise in the package. Physically it’s slightly smaller than the old 10-inch model, but the construction is new: a closed box with two powerful 8-inch speakers in a push-push configuration, which should provide tighter and more controlled bass response.

Sound quality

JBL has a solid reputation to live up to, and the Bar 1300 MK2 shows from the very first test track that this is a soundbar with massive power. With the Netflix series Drive to Survive in Dolby Atmos, we got an adrenaline-pumping first impression. The series has a challenging soundtrack with music, voices, sound effects and F1 footage whizzing by, but the JBL soundbar follows every note. The sound character is unadorned, direct and with juicy dynamics. And what a soundstage!

The Bar 1300 MK2 actually manages to create an impressively large soundstage, even without physical rear channels in use. Of course, with the rear speakers connected and placed behind the sofa, the surround effect is even better. The soundstage is big, airy and full of movement.

The dialogue reproduction is clear and crisp. In the church scene from The Harder They Fall, the voices are easy to follow, while the sense of space is reproduced very authentically.

The new subwoofer is also a real powerhouse: it delivers deep, hard-hitting bass that is also very precise. When the cowboys start shooting at each other, we can feel it physically on our bodies.

The JBL bar never seems to run out of power, even when we play very loud. It has an explosive dynamic that really comes into its own in action-packed film scenes.

Musically, the Bar 1300 MK2 is also quite the little party machine. The powerful and rich bass adds extra weight, while the mids and treble are clear and catchy. The sound character is particularly suited to rock and heavy metal, and you can turn up the volume without sounding strained.

What about the competition?

Compared to the Marshall Heston 120, JBL simply sounds “bigger”, largely due to the powerful and very well-integrated subwoofer. Marshall has to hold back a bit on the woofers to avoid distortion, while JBL has power to spare. This also applies when Marshall utilises its separate subwoofer (Heston 200), which in our opinion is a bit small in this context.

The big question, of course, is whether the Bar 1300 MK2 can beat Samsung’s flagship HW-Q995F. The answer is: almost, but not in all areas.

JBL is more powerful in terms of dynamics and punch, but Samsung still has an advantage in how it manages to close the “sound bubble” around us with holographic sound from all sides. The reproduction of Dolby Atmos soundtracks simply sounds more impressive on the Samsung system. This is probably because Samsung’s dedicated rear speakers are slightly larger and designed for fixed placement. So if your room can benefit from this, Samsung has an advantage – if not, JBL will definitely be a good (and powerful!) alternative.

 

Conclusion

The JBL Bar 1300 MK2 is one of the most complete high-end soundbars of the year. It combines a large and powerful soundstage with smart functionality and flexibility. The fact that the rear speakers can be connected and disconnected can be a flexible advantage for many. Nevertheless, we think JBL’s top model would have benefited from a set of larger rear speakers: they don’t quite reach Samsung’s level when it comes to Atmos surround sound, but in terms of sheer energy, bass control and entertainment value, this is a soundbar that’s a real firework.