JBL Soundbar 1300MK2 Brings 2470W and AI Audio

While soundbar makers continue to flirt with the idea of “cinema at home” in a single box (or almost), JBL’s new lineup walks the tightrope between clever design and sheer firepower. And while the brand, owned by Harman, suggests these new models will deliver “immersive” sound, we’d humbly suggest that the laws of physics, room acoustics, and driver size remain stubbornly unchanged. That said, JBL does bring a few genuinely smart ideas to the table—or under the TV, as the case may be.

The Bar 1300 MK2 builds on its 2023 predecessor with a redesigned subwoofer, six up-firing drivers, and new multi-room capabilities. JBL claims the system’s total output has jumped to a (claimed) whopping 2,470 watts, delivered across 11.1.4 channels. Detachable battery-powered speakers at either end of the main bar can be placed behind the listener for authentic surround sound or used as standalone wireless speakers in other rooms. This time, they can even be assigned individually as multi-room units at the press of a button.

Also new is AI Sound Boost—an always-on processor that analyses incoming audio in real time, dynamically adjusting how energy is distributed across the system. It’s pitched as a way to preserve clarity and bass impact without introducing distortion, although there’s currently no option to disable it, which may divide opinion among audio purists. On a more subtle note, JBL’s new SmartDetails feature promises to enhance ambient audio cues like rainfall or rustling leaves if such details are being masked by room acoustics or hearing limitations. Thankfully, this one is optional.

Connectivity includes dual HDMI inputs, an eARC-enabled output, and support for all the major wireless streaming platforms, including AirPlay 2, Chromecast, Roon, Tidal Connect, and Spotify Connect. Like the rest of the range, the 1300MK2 also features JBL’s updated PureVoice 2.0 dialogue enhancement and access to the JBL One app.

The rest of the range takes a more streamlined approach, with varying combinations of detachable speakers, driver layouts, and surround support. The Bar 1000 MK2 drops to 7.1.4 channels and a claimed 960W output, but still includes detachable rears—albeit without Bluetooth or multi-room functionality. The AI Sound Boost and the newer subwoofer design are also reserved for the flagship.

Step down again to the Bar 700 MK2, and the up-firing drivers are gone, replaced by virtual Dolby Atmos and DTS:  X support. The detachable rears remain, and while the system still features a 10-inch sub and PureVoice 2.0, virtual DTS:  X support won’t be available until a firmware update lands later this year.

The Bar 500 MK2 drops the detachable rears entirely, settling for a more traditional 5.1-channel setup and virtual surround processing. It retains a 10-inch subwoofer and maintains the full suite of wireless audio integrations, although the AI and SmartDetails features are also absent here.

Finally, the entry-level Bar 300 MK2 delivers a 5.0-channel configuration in a single unit, meaning no external subwoofer. JBL claims 450 watts of power from the bar alone, and includes both PureVoice 2.0 and SmartDetails, as well as support for virtualised surround. One quirk: Amazon Music wasn’t listed in the streaming support for this model, although it’s unclear if this was an oversight.

The full range is available now, with the exception of the flagship Bar 1300MK2, which will arrive slightly later in September (Europe) and October (U.S.). Additional regional availability and pricing are expected to follow shortly. 

Bar 1300 MK2 – US $1,699.95 / £1,299.99 / €1,499.99
Bar 1000 MK2 – US $1,199 / £899.99 / €999.99
Bar 700 MK2 – US $899 / £699.99 / €799.99
Bar 500 MK2 – US $649 / £499.99 / €599.99
Bar 300 MK2 – US $449 / £349.99 / €399.99

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