JBL will therefore be renewing its range of soundbars next fall with models capable of meeting all needs and consumers. One thing in common is that they all incorporate the latest version of the in-house Multibeam 3.0 technology. Similarly, the 2025 vintage JBL Bar speakers incorporate Pure Voice 2.0, SmartDetails and AISoundBoost technologies. The first offers perfect clarity of dialogue, the second extracts the most subtle sounds from the sound signal and the third reinforces the impact of low frequencies (without distortion).
The floor to Carsten Olesen, President of the Consumer Audio Division at Harman££££
“At JBL, innovation is constantly pushing the boundaries of home audio. "The combination of our exclusive acoustic technologies with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X results in soundbars that are unrivaled in terms of immersion and sonic performance," said Carsten Olesen, President of Consumer Audio at Harman. "Innovation is present in every model, with the arrival of SmartDetail, AI SoundBoost, MultiBeam 3.0 and PureVoice 2.0, all proof of Harman's technological strength and remarkable performance."
JBL Bar 1300MK2, Dolby Atmos and DTS:X compatible££££ The JBL Bar 1300MK2 takes the principle of the detachable surround speakers of the Bar 1300, transforming the soundbar into a true 11.1.4 pack with a pair of autonomous surrounds. These have an integrated battery allowing around ten hours of use. Once the Home Cinema session is over, simply connect them to the sound bar to recharge them.
For the rest, we note a significant increase in total power delivered, at 2,470 W through a total of 29 speakers (double 20.32 cm HP subwoofer in Push-Pull configuration) and compatibility [abc]Dolby Atmos[/abc] and [abc]DTS:X[/abc]. Enough to recreate a cinema atmosphere in your living room with action films… JBL Bar 1300MK2, voice assistants and Bluetooth££££
Multibeam 3.0 technology offers automatic calibration of the JBL Bar 1300MK2 by integrated microphone with analysis of the reflection of waves on the walls and ceiling of the room. Compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, it is possible to control the soundbar through an Amazon Echo or Google Home speaker. And the Wi-Fi 6 Dual Band compatibility, combined with the [abc]AirPlay 2[/abc] functions (possible connection of the JBL Bar 1300MK2 to an Apple TV box), [abc]Chromecast (integrated)[/abc], Alexa Multi-Room-Music, Qobuz Connect, Spotify Connect and Tidal Connect integrated, allows a multi-room audio configuration (with other speakers of course) and access to the main music platforms. It is also worth mentioning the Roon Ready label (the Roon company is now owned by Harman).
Finally, the soundbar element of the JBL Bar 1300 Multibeam is also Bluetooth 5.3 compatible and the surround speakers can also be used as a standalone Bluetooth speaker to enjoy sound content stored on a suitable device.
Last detail, the connectivity has three inputs/one output [abc]HDMI[/abc] [abc]eARC[/abc] certified [abc]HDCP[/abc] 2.3 and equipped with [abc]HDR10[/abc]/[abc]HDR Dolby Vision[/abc] Pass-Through functions to connect a 4K Ultra HD Blu-Ray player for example. Not forgetting an [abc]optical[/abc] input for connecting an external audio source. We therefore do not yet know if the HDMI connectors are partially or fully compatible with 120 Hz…
More details later.
Availability announced for September. Recommended price: 1,499 euros.
Reminder of the key characteristics of the JBL Bar 1300MK2:
• Type: sound bar
• System: 11.1.4
• Amplification: Class D
• Total power: 2,470 W
• Speaker(s): 29
• Subwoofer: external wireless (dual 20.32 cm speakers in Push-Pull configuration
• Technology(s): multibeam 3.0, Pure Voice 2.0, AI SoundBoost
• Compatibility [abc]AirPlay 2[/abc]
• Compatibility [abc]HDR10[/abc]
• Compatibility [abc]HDR Dolby Vision[/abc]
• Compatibility [abc]CEC[/abc]
• Compatibility [abc]eARC[/abc]
• [abc]Bluetooth[/abc] 5.3 compatibility
• [abc]Wi-Fi[/abc] 6 compatibility
• 4K Pass-Throught function
• [abc]Chromecast (built-in)[/abc] function
• Spotify Connect function
• Tidal Connect function
• Roon Ready function
• Qobuz Connect function
• Inputs: 3 x [abc]HDMI[/abc] certified [abc]HDCP[/abc] 2.3 inputs, 1 x [abc]optical[/abc] input
• Output: 1 x [abc]HDMI[/abc] certified [abc]HDCP[/abc] 2.3 output
• App: JBL One
• [abc]Dolby decoders Atmos[/abc], [abc]DTS:X[/abc]
• Works with Alexa and Works with Hey Google
voice assistant(s)• [abc]HDCP[/abc] 2.3
certification