I predict that in the future, my grandchildren will wonder what separate speakers are? Left and right speakers and rear surround dipoles will be the vinyl albums of that generation—quaint in a vintage hipster kind of way, but not what most people actually use.

I say this because the avalanche of soundbar speakers from major speaker manufactures continues to wash over us. Here we have the first soundbar from Harman Kardon’s JBL brand.

The SB 300 consists of a soundbar and wirelessly-connected subwoofer. Built into the top of the soundbar are the unit’s controls. The system incorporates DTS Digital Surround and Dolby Digital decoding and also uses Dolby Virtual Speaker technology to create the illusion of a 5.1 channel system out of only two speakers. The soundbar includes two 2-inch midrange drivers and a 1-inch tweeter for each channel powered by dual 50-watt amplifiers. 

The system includes both digital optical and analog stereo inputs.

The separate down-firing subwoofer with a built-in 100 watt amplifier and an 8-inch driver can be placed anywhere in a room. In boasts a frequency response of 42Hz to 200Hz.

The SB 300 includes a remote, wall-mount bracket and audio cables for $599.

Grant Clauser - Technology and Web Editor, Electronic House

Grant Clauser has been covering home electronics for more than 10 years with editorial roles in several consumer and trade magazines. He's done ISF-level damage to hundreds of reviewed products and has had audio training from Home Acoustics Alliance and Sencore. He's also the author of the book The Trouble with Rivers. Follow him on Twitter @geclauser.