Other devices — JBL Bar 1300MK2

The Bar 1300MK2 is an 11.1.4-channel soundbar system from JBL, with detachable wireless surround speakers and a wireless subwoofer carrying two 8 inch drivers. It has the highest channel count in the MK2 soundbar range, above the 7.1.4-channel Bar 1000MK2, and in the United States it is sold as the Bar 1300XMK2. Dolby Atmos and DTS:X are decoded natively.

Key specs that matter

Maximum power at 1% THD is 2470 W, divided into 950 W for the bar, 2 x 160 W for the surrounds and 1200 W for the subwoofer, and the RMS rating is 1235 W. The bar contains eight 50 x 75 mm racetrack drivers, seven 25 mm tweeters and four 75 mm up-firing full-range drivers. Each surround carries two 50 x 90 mm racetracks, one 50 mm full-range driver and one 75 mm up-firing unit. Frequency response is 33 Hz to 20 kHz at -6 dB. Connections include HDMI eARC with 4K Dolby Vision passthrough, optical, USB and Bluetooth 5.3 on the bar, with Bluetooth 5.4 in the surrounds, plus dual-band Wi-Fi 6 and a networked standby draw below 2 W. The bar measures 1030 x 58 x 136 mm and weighs 5.93 kg, reaching 1404 mm wide with the surrounds docked. Each surround measures 202 x 58 x 136 mm and weighs 1.3 kg, and the subwoofer measures 315 x 277 x 275 mm and weighs 12 kg.

Engineering and use context

The surround speakers draw power from 7.2 V lithium-ion batteries of 4722 mAh, lasting up to 10 hours away from the bar, and recharge when docked on its ends. Each surround has its own up-firing driver, so height effects come from behind the listener as well as from the front. In the compact subwoofer cabinet, the AI Sound Boost function manages how hard the drivers are pushed to reach maximum output. The network side supports Roon Ready, AirPlay and Google Cast plus the Spotify and Tidal Connect services, which lets the system join existing multiroom setups. MultiBeam 3.0 spreads the front channels using side-wall reflections, PureVoice 2.0 lifts dialogue, SmartDetails brings out quieter effects in the mix, and night listening mode moves playback to the surrounds near the seating. EQ is handled through the JBL ONE app.

Pairing

Players and consoles plug into the television, which sends their audio to the bar over eARC. The package fits a lounge of more than 20 m2, where the surrounds can be placed well behind the seating.

Alternatives

The JBL Bar 1000MK2 offers a 7.1.4-channel detachable-surround system with a single 10 inch subwoofer.