The catch
Samsung HW-Q990D
Its subwoofer cabinet runs deeper than the one that comes with the Q990F.
Side by side
Samsung HW-Q990D vs JBL Bar 1300X compared: Samsung confirms 4K120, and JBL’s battery rears keep power cables away from the sofa area
Quick verdict
Take the Q990D for permanently powered rear speakers and documented 4K 120Hz passthrough. In a room where rear power cables are awkward, the JBL 1300X is the better fit.
Before you buy
Why, and what it costs you
Measure the actual width beneath the TV
Across the central bar, HW-Q990D/ZA is 48.5 inches and Bar 1300X is 39.4 inches. That is a 9.1-inch gap, before counting any docked rear speakers.
Where this comes from
Leave extra space for cables, TV legs and acoustic clearance. A measurement of the detached central bar leaves out removable rear speakers. Absolute cabinet width difference = |48.5 - 39.4|.
The catch
JBL Bar 1300X
The rear speakers need a recharge between cordless listening sessions.
Samsung HW-Q990D
- Why pick it
- Have the rear speakers ready for every film
- Route a 4K 120Hz source through the bar
- The catch
- Its subwoofer cabinet runs deeper than the one that comes with the Q990F.
JBL Bar 1300X
- Why pick it
- No power cables behind the sofa while you listen
- Plug three HDMI sources into the bar
- The catch
- The rear speakers need a recharge between cordless listening sessions.
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What this page compares
The Q990D is the pick for permanently powered rear speakers and documented 4K 120Hz passthrough. A room where rear power cables are awkward suits the JBL 1300X.
A permanent surround layout favors Samsung
Which one fits
Pick the situations that sound like you
Have the rear speakers ready for every film
The rear speakers run on mains power, so once you set them near suitable outlets, there is no battery routine for them between films.
- Samsung HW-Q990D
- Better fit
- JBL Bar 1300X
- Depends
Listen with the included rear speakers and no power cables running to the back
Batteries power the detachable rears for a claimed maximum of 12 hours. An awkward sofa location becomes simpler this way, as long as charging stays convenient.
- Samsung HW-Q990D
- Not suitable
- JBL Bar 1300X
- Better fit
Look at the whole setup
With the rears docked, the central bar grows from 39.4 inches to 54.2 inches wide. The Samsung stays at 48.5 inches wide. Check the configuration that will sit below the TV.
- Samsung HW-Q990D
- Depends
- JBL Bar 1300X
- Depends
Docked, the narrower central bar ends up wider
With the rears detached, JBL 1300X is 9.1 inches narrower than Q990D. Attached, it is 5.7 inches wider.
- Samsung HW-Q990D
- Depends
- JBL Bar 1300X
- Depends
In practice
Differences you will notice
Measure the actual width beneath the TV
Across the central bar, HW-Q990D/ZA is 48.5 inches and Bar 1300X is 39.4 inches. That is a 9.1-inch gap, before counting any docked rear speakers.
How we worked this out
Leave extra space for cables, TV legs and acoustic clearance. A measurement of the detached central bar leaves out removable rear speakers. Absolute cabinet width difference = |48.5 - 39.4|.
Count your source connections first, then think about a switch
Bar 1300X takes 3 direct HDMI sources and HW-Q990D/ZA takes 2. Any other players need suitable TV inputs or a switch you choose separately.
How we worked this out
Only HDMI source inputs are counted, and the HDMI output/eARC TV connection is left out. Recorded inputs: 2 and 3. You still need to check TV passthrough and supported video modes.
Docked, the narrower central bar ends up wider
With the rears detached, JBL 1300X is 9.1 inches narrower than Q990D. Attached, it is 5.7 inches wider.
How we worked this out
Cabinet widths, not required acoustic clearance, are used here. 48.5 - 39.4 = 9.1 inches. 54.2 - 48.5 = 5.7 inches.
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.
Samsung HW-Q990D
Fails these checksIt takes 48.5 inches of width, more than your 48 inches.
JBL Bar 1300X
Fails these checksIt takes 54.2 inches of width once its detachable speakers are docked, 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
Samsung, HW-Q990D/ZA
Samsung HW-Q990D
Put the Q990D on your shortlist if its complete-package price comes in below the Q990F. It already offers two 4K 120 Hz inputs and rear height speakers. The catch is a larger subwoofer that needs more floor depth.
- Best for
- A full surround package, bought while the older model is discounted enough to matter
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 1,232 × 69.5 × 138 mm.
- The subwoofer is 220 × 413 × 410 mm.
- Support covers HDMI eARC, an optical input, Wi-Fi and SpaceFit Sound Pro.
Option B
JBL, Bar 1300X
JBL Bar 1300X
In a living room where rear speakers cannot stay plugged in, the Bar 1300X makes sense. You detach them for a movie and then return them to the bar to charge. Measure carefully, because the subwoofer is large and the docked configuration is wide.
- Best for
- Rear surround now and then, with no power cables behind the sofa
Facts we checked
- A 12-inch subwoofer and two rechargeable rear speakers come in the 11.1.4-channel package.
- One eARC TV connection and three HDMI source inputs.
- On its own, the bar is 39.4 × 2.4 × 5.5 inches.
- With the rear speakers attached and docked, the width is 54.2 inches.
- Depending on use, JBL rates playback from the detachable speakers at up to 12 hours.
Spec by spec
Where they really differ
| Spec | Samsung HW-Q990D | JBL Bar 1300X | In practice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Central bar width | 48.5 in | 39.4 in | Docked, detachable rear speakers can make the unit wider. |
| Bar height | 2.74 in | 2.4 in | Measure both the space below the screen and the infrared receiver. |
| HDMI source inputs | 2 | 3 | These source inputs do not include the TV eARC connection. |
| Separate subwoofer included | Yes | Yes | An included separate subwoofer is something other than a built-in bass driver. |
| Rear speakers included | Yes | Yes | Find out whether the included rear speakers need mains power or charging. |
| Upward-firing drivers | Yes | Yes | A suitable ceiling and a clear path upward are required for these. |
| Wi-Fi music | Yes | Yes | Bluetooth playback and Wi-Fi streaming connect in different ways. |
Trade-offs
What each pick costs you
With Samsung HW-Q990D
- The rear speakers connect wirelessly for audio, yet they still need power outlets.
With JBL Bar 1300X
- Attaching the rears widens the bar from 39.4 to 54.2 inches.
Decision guide
How to decide
The Q990D is the one for rear speakers that stay permanently powered and documented 4K 120Hz passthrough. Pick the JBL 1300X when rear power cables are awkward in the room.
A permanent surround layout favors Samsung
The rear speakers run on mains power, so once you set them near suitable outlets, there is no battery routine for them between films.
With JBL, charging replaces rear cables
Batteries power the detachable rears for a claimed maximum of 12 hours. An awkward sofa location becomes simpler this way, as long as charging stays convenient.
Measure the JBL while the speakers are attached
With the rears docked, the central bar grows from 39.4 inches to 54.2 inches wide. The Samsung stays at 48.5 inches wide. Check the configuration that will sit below the TV.
What this page can’t tell you
- The conclusions here come from published specifications and the stated calculations. No hands-on performance test was involved.
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
This guide keeps all 31 models in play. The pick rests on the facts and trade-offs on this page.
31 models fit, out of 31 checkedShow the facts and the math
How we countedNo needs are preselected here. Open the matcher and add the ones that apply to your home, room or setup.
| Product | Needs it meets | Facts we checked | Sources |
|---|---|---|---|
| Samsung HW-Q990D | None of these needs is a documented match |
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| JBL Bar 1300X | None of these needs is a documented match |
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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.
Samsung HW-Q990D
Have the rear speakers ready for every film
See price & reviews on AmazonJBL Bar 1300X
No power cables behind the sofa while you listen
See price & reviews on AmazonEach link opens in a new tab.
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