Count the spaces where you are willing to put audio equipment. If the answer is one shelf directly below the TV, the Bar 300MK2 is the JBL to look at. It keeps the connections, bass ports and speakers in one enclosure and leaves the rest of the room alone.
In depth
JBL Bar 300MK2 review
Published
Best forViewers who want a substantial improvement over TV speakers from one cabinet.
At a glance
- Channel configuration
- 5.0
- Included system
- Single soundbar with integrated bass ports
- Immersive audio
- Dolby AtmosDTS Virtual:X processing
- TV connection
- HDMI eARC
Pros
- The single bar requires no separate subwoofer or rear speaker placement.
- HDMI eARC and a separate HDMI input suit both TV apps and an external source.
Cons
- There are no physical speakers behind the listener.
- A separate subwoofer system is a better fit for buyers who prioritize deep bass.
Sound & Dialogue
- 5.0 channels
- PureVoice 2.0
- integrated bass ports
PureVoice acts on speech within the mix, which can be useful when music and effects compete with a quiet conversation. Try the processing with your usual programs at normal volume. A 5.0 channel count describes this bar’s layout; it does not mean five cabinets go around the room.
Surround Sound
- Dolby Atmos
- MultiBeam 3.0
What Hi-Fi? found the Atmos effect convincing for a standalone bar in its listening room. 1 Treat that as evidence of what the design can do in a suitable room, rather than a promise that your ceiling or open-plan layout will yield the same effect. There are no speakers physically at the rear.
Connectivity
- HDMI eARC
- 1 HDMI input
- optical
A streaming box can feed HDMI into the bar, with video passing on to the screen. JBL lists Dolby Vision and HDR10+ passthrough. The TV’s eARC connection also brings sound back from built-in apps, so you can switch sources without adding another audio cable.
Setup & Controls
- JBL One app
- room calibration
Keep the front and sides of the bar clear, and run calibration with the unit in its final position. If dialogue is too low, try the voice adjustment first. The lower notes still come from the bar under the TV, a useful limitation to understand if the main goal is to feel action scenes in the sofa.
Alternatives
The Bar 500MK2 adds a separate 10-inch subwoofer with no rear speakers to place. It is the natural alternative when an outlet and a spare patch of floor are available. If dialogue alone is the issue, try the TV’s own speech mode before making room for new hardware.
Verdict
Choose the 300MK2 when one cable run and one cabinet are non-negotiable. There is little reason to buy and hide a bigger package for a room that cannot use its extra speakers.
About this review
This is a research-based review. The Fasit has not physically tested this product.
Sources & Research
1 reference
Independent sources cited in this article.
- What Hi-Fi?Bar 300MK2 review and test findings (opens in a new tab)https://www.whathifi.com/tv-home-cinema/soundbars/jbl-bar-300mk2
Listening impression of Atmos effects from the standalone Bar 300MK2; no transfer of measurements to other models.