The catch
JBL Bar 1300X MK2
The rear batteries must be recharged and are not guaranteed to last all day.
Side by side
JBL Bar 1300X MK2 vs Samsung Q990F: Samsung confirms two 4K120 source paths, JBL gets by without rear power outlets
Quick verdict
With no power outlets beside the sofa and a willingness to recharge the detachable rears, the JBL 1300X MK2 is the one to pick. The Q990F is for a permanent surround setup, with a smaller subwoofer cabinet and two confirmed 4K 120 Hz inputs. JBL has a third HDMI input, but that by itself is no bandwidth guarantee.
Before you buy
Why, and what it costs you
The JBL subwoofer base is over twice the size
Samsung’s base is 96.04 square inches, and JBL’s 225-square-inch cabinet base is about 2.34 times that.
Where this comes from
Compute (15 × 15) ÷ (9.8 × 9.8) for the ratio. It compares floor space only and says nothing about bass output.
The catch
Samsung HW-Q990F
Both rear speakers have to be plugged into power as well.
JBL Bar 1300X MK2
- Why pick it
- The rear speakers have to work without power cords at the sofa.
- Three direct HDMI source inputs are what you want.
- The catch
- The rear batteries must be recharged and are not guaranteed to last all day.
Samsung HW-Q990F
- Why pick it
- The rear speakers can remain plugged in for good.
- Two confirmed 4K 120 Hz source inputs are a requirement.
- The catch
- Both rear speakers have to be plugged into power as well.
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What this page compares
Rear power, subwoofer footprint and HDMI routing separate the JBL 1300X MK2 from the Samsung Q990F. Which fits best depends on the room behind your sofa.
Decide first whether you want rechargeable rear speakers or permanently powered ones, and only then look at channel counts.
Which one fits
Pick the situations that sound like you
No outlets for rears
The JBL rears can run off charged batteries.
- JBL Bar 1300X MK2
- Better fit
- Samsung HW-Q990F
- Caution
Two source paths verified at 4K 120 Hz
No equivalent claim about JBL bandwidth appears here.
- JBL Bar 1300X MK2
- Depends
- Samsung HW-Q990F
- Better fit
A small spot for the subwoofer
Check individual width and depth as well as total area.
- JBL Bar 1300X MK2
- Caution
- Samsung HW-Q990F
- Better fit
Surround that stays on with no charging
The Samsung rear speakers stay powered.
- JBL Bar 1300X MK2
- Caution
- Samsung HW-Q990F
- Better fit
In practice
Differences you will notice
The JBL subwoofer base is over twice the size
Samsung’s base is 96.04 square inches, and JBL’s 225-square-inch cabinet base is about 2.34 times that.
How we worked this out
Compute (15 × 15) ÷ (9.8 × 9.8) for the ratio. It compares floor space only and says nothing about bass output.
On a narrow stand, JBL may fit only with the rears detached
On a 50-inch usable stand, both the 40.6-inch JBL bar and the 48.5-inch Samsung bar fit. JBL’s 55.3-inch docked configuration does not.
How we worked this out
Settle where the charging will happen first. The detached width is not the only size that matters.
Having three inputs is not the same as high-refresh passthrough
JBL counts more sources. In the researched specifications, Samsung has two manufacturer-confirmed 4K 120 Hz inputs.
How we worked this out
The third connector helps if you have another player or streaming box. On its own, though, it does not establish support for a specific console video mode.
Plug in your numbers
Is there room for the soundbar under your TV?
Measure the clear space under your TV. Count only the devices you will plug into the soundbar. Leave out the ones already connected to the TV. The numbers below are placeholders until you enter yours.
JBL Bar 1300X MK2
Fails these checksIt takes 55.3 inches of width once its detachable speakers are docked, more than your 48 inches.
Samsung HW-Q990F
Fails these checksIt takes 48.5 inches of width, more than your 48 inches.
Measure the top of an open shelf. This check does not cover enclosed cubbies. Detachable speakers count toward the docked width. Leave extra depth for cables and the TV stand. This checks size and port count only. Dolby Atmos, 4K/120Hz passthrough and the audio formats your TV supports are outside it.
Option A
JBL, Bar 1300XMK2
JBL Bar 1300X MK2
When a lack of outlets for rear speakers stands between you and a full surround setup, the 1300X MK2 is the one to pick. Three direct HDMI inputs take pressure off a crowded TV. In return you get a charging routine for the detachable speakers, and the subwoofer is sizable.
- Best for
- Three HDMI devices, plus rear speakers that skip permanent outlets
Facts we checked
- 11.1.4-channel setup that includes a 12-inch subwoofer and two rechargeable rears.
- One eARC TV connection and three HDMI source inputs.
- On its own, the bar is 40.6 × 2.3 × 5.4 inches.
- The subwoofer cabinet is 15 inches wide and deep, and the docked width is 55.3 inches.
- Depending on content and volume, JBL rates battery playback from the rear speakers at up to 10 hours.
Option B
Samsung, HW-Q990F/ZA
Samsung HW-Q990F
With the Q990F, the subwoofer and two rear speakers come in the same box, and two 4K 120 Hz sources can plug straight in. It is the one to pick if you have room under the TV and also have spots ready for the rear speakers.
- Best for
- Movies and two gaming consoles on a full surround package
Facts we checked
- A subwoofer and two rear speakers come in the 11.1.4-channel package.
- Passthrough at 4K 120 Hz is supported on the two HDMI source inputs.
- The bar is 48.5 × 2.79 × 5.43 inches.
- The subwoofer is 9.8 × 9.91 × 9.8 inches.
- Support covers HDMI eARC, an optical input, Wi-Fi, voice enhancement and Night Mode.
Spec by spec
Where they really differ
| Spec | JBL Bar 1300X MK2 | Samsung HW-Q990F | In practice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rear-speaker power | Rechargeable detachable units | Powered rear speakers | In place of power cords at the sofa, JBL gives you a charging routine. |
| Source inputs | 3 | 2 | One more source can be connected directly to the JBL. |
| Confirmed 4K 120 Hz passthrough | Not established in this comparison | Supported on both inputs | If verified high-refresh passthrough is non-negotiable, go with Samsung. |
| Subwoofer width × depth | 15 × 15 inches | 9.8 × 9.8 inches | JBL’s subwoofer takes up a much larger cabinet footprint. |
| Bar width | 40.6 inches detached, 55.3 docked | 48.5 inches | In the playback configuration JBL is narrower, but docked it is wider. |
Trade-offs
What each pick costs you
With JBL Bar 1300X MK2
- With the rears docked, the full bar spans 55.3 inches.
With Samsung HW-Q990F
- The bar measures 48.5 inches across.
Decision guide
How to decide
The JBL subwoofer base is over twice the size
Compared with Samsung’s 96.04-square-inch base, JBL’s 225-square-inch cabinet base is about 2.34 times as big. The ratio is (15 × 15) ÷ (9.8 × 9.8). It measures floor space and tells you nothing about bass output.
On a narrow stand, JBL may fit only with the rears detached
Take a 50-inch usable stand. The 40.6-inch JBL bar and the 48.5-inch Samsung bar both fit on it, and JBL’s 55.3-inch docked configuration does not. Work out where charging will happen before you treat the detached width as the only size that counts.
Having three inputs is not the same as high-refresh passthrough
The higher source count belongs to JBL. In the researched specifications, Samsung has two manufacturer-confirmed 4K 120 Hz inputs. A third connector helps with another player or streaming box, yet it does not on its own establish support for a particular console video mode.
What this page can’t tell you
- This comparison rests on manufacturer specifications and package contents rather than a controlled listening test. How a bar sounds also depends on room shape, placement and source content.
By the numbers
What the data shows
What we found across the soundbars we compare, plus the checked facts behind each finding.
How many fit
Only 3 of the 31 models checked meet every need here: “I’d like speakers behind my sofa” and “I game on two consoles at 4K 120 Hz”.
3 models fit, out of 31 checkedShow the facts and the math
How we countedThe count uses each product's current fit ratings for “I’d like speakers behind my sofa” and “I game on two consoles at 4K 120 Hz”. A need with no documented match is not counted.
| Product | Needs it meets | Facts we checked | Sources |
|---|---|---|---|
| JBL Bar 1300X MK2 |
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| Samsung HW-Q990F |
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Ready to buy
See today’s price and what owners say
Open either model on Amazon for the current price, customer reviews and delivery options.
JBL Bar 1300X MK2
The rear speakers have to work without power cords at the sofa.
See price & reviews on AmazonSamsung HW-Q990F
The rear speakers can remain plugged in for good.
See price & reviews on AmazonEach link opens in a new tab.
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