JBL Bar 1300 MK2 vs. the original JBL Bar 1300

1300 MK2 vs. the original 1300.

Quick Verdict

• Buy the Bar 1300MK2 if: You want tighter, faster bass (better for music), clearer dialogue (PureVoice 2.0), and the ability to use the detachable speakers as standalone Bluetooth speakers for your phone.

• Stick with the original Bar 1300 if: You can find it significantly cheaper. The original is still a beast, and the “power upgrade” on the MK2 is mostly marketing phrasing.

1. The Main Difference: The Subwoofer

This is the biggest physical change.

• JBL Bar 1300 (Original): Came with a single 10-inch (or 12-inch if you got the ‘X’ US import) subwoofer.¹ It produces a deep, rumbly, “cinema” boom.

• JBL Bar 1300MK2: Comes with a Dual 8-inch Subwoofer.² Instead of one big cone, it has two smaller ones.

  • The Result: The dual 8-inch setup is “punchier” and “tighter.” It is less likely to sound muddy or boomy when playing fast-paced music, but it might feel slightly less “earth-shaking” on deep movie explosions compared to the old 12-inch US model. However, it is generally considered an upgrade in audio fidelity.

2. Power Output (Don’t be fooled)

• Original: Rated at ~1170W.³

• MK2: Rated at ~1470W (or sometimes advertised as “2470W Peak”).

  • Reality: Do not base your decision on this. The MK2 is louder, but the “2000+ watts” figure is often a “Peak Power” marketing number rather than a sustainable RMS rating. Both bars are incredibly loud and will shake a typical Kenyan living room easily.

3. Feature Upgrades (The Real Improvements)

The MK2 brings software and usability updates that the original lacks:

• PureVoice 2.0: The MK2 has a much better algorithm for lifting dialogue out of noisy action scenes.⁴ If you hate constantly adjusting the volume to hear what people are saying, the MK2 is superior.

• Auracast: The detachable rear speakers on the MK2 support “Auracast.” This means you can detach them, take them to a balcony or kitchen, and connect your phone directly to them via Bluetooth to use them as independent portable speakers. On the original, they only worked as part of the system or simple Bluetooth pairing; Auracast allows for broader connectivity with future JBL speakers.

• AI Sound Boost: This is a new processing feature in the MK2 specifically designed to push the dual 8-inch sub to its limit without distortion.⁵

4. Gaming & HDMI

• Both Models: Support HDMI eARC and Dolby Vision passthrough.

• The Catch: Neither model truly supports 4K at 120Hz (HDMI 2.1 full bandwidth) for gaming.⁶ If you are a hardcore gamer with a PS5 or Xbox Series X, you will still be limited to 60Hz if you plug the console directly into the soundbar. You should plug your console into your TV first, then use eARC to the soundbar.

Comparison Table