JBL Bar 1300X Review: A Rechargeable Home Theater Leave a comment

You’ve acquired to hand it to JBL. In relation to design innovation, the storied audio model actually goes for it. Nowhere is that extra apparent than in its expensive new flagship soundbar, the shapeshifting Bar 1300X. The system consists of 11.1.4 channels of burly Dolby Atmos sound, in addition to discrete encompass audio system that magnetically join and detach from the principle bar like Star Trek shuttlecraft. Distinctive to JBL soundbars, the intriguing design permits for a number of sound configurations, in addition to absolutely wi-fi surrounds—no shops required.

The upshot is a cleaner encompass setup than rivals from Samsung, Sonos, and pretty much anyone else, all of which require energy cables for his or her “wi-fi” encompass audio system. However you’re nonetheless buying and selling wires for batteries; the audio system should return to the mom ship each 12 hours to juice up. So until you’ve acquired a completely open flooring plan, I’m unsure the Bar 1300X actually solutions the query of whether or not going absolutely wi-fi confers a definite benefit over shopping for a low-profile extension wire.

One factor that’s not in query is simply how implausible this technique is at bombarding your room with thrilling Dolby Atmos sound. Within the dozens of soundbars I’ve auditioned, solely a small few can compete with the Bar 1300X on this division. The system is dear and gained’t be for everybody, however when you’re on the lookout for a unique method to load up critical cinematic immersion, JBL’s Bar 1300X might be your ticket.

IKEA With an App

The Bar 1300X’s setup and controls are a little bit tough at first, partly attributable to its whacky design and partly as a result of it doesn’t include a full proprietor’s handbook. After we reached out to JBL, the corporate added the latter to the web site for obtain, which ought to assist with among the extra sophisticated particulars.

When you’ve fished the large sub and bar from the Tetris-shaped field, it’s easy sufficient to hook up with your TV over HDMI ARC/eARC with the included cable, and there’s an ample suite of inputs, together with three spare HDMI ports. However the near-wordless quickstart information does its finest impression of directions for a Kullen or Hemnes or different Ikea dresser, which might result in some confusion. It took me a while to comprehend that it’s good to take away the inconspicuous finish caps (which aren’t all the time pictured) earlier than attaching the breakaway audio system.

The JBL One app walks you thru fundamentals like Wi-Fi connection and the two-step calibration course of that locks in sound. That is key as a result of, not like any variety of opponents, the Bar 1300X provides zero sound modes or presets. There’s additionally no method to modify the middle channel, select between stereo or encompass virtualization, or modify the correct/left surrounds independently.

You do get a few EQ choices and the power to lift and decrease the quantity of the peak channels. You can even modify the surrounds, however there are solely three ranges of management there. Given all that, the Bar 1300X does a exceptional job of adjusting to your room for immersive, comparatively well-balanced sound. After braving the setup, less-experienced customers could discover the largely plug-and-play controls simpler than these of extra conventional house theater fare.

There are a number of different methods to tinker, like including streaming providers within the app to go together with choices like Spotify Join, AirPlay 2, and Chromecast. You can even join the system to different JBL merchandise and entry a number of good options by way of Google Assistant and Alexa with the assistance of a secondary smart speaker.

Glorious Dolby Atmos

Like most bars at this worth, the Bar 1300X is positively loaded with audio system—together with six racetrack drivers and 5 tweeters within the bar alone—to bounce sound ahead and to the edges. However JBL additionally provides two secret weapons that assist the system submerge your listening room in a sound twister.