Specs
| Soundbar Dimensions (inches) | 39.4 x 2.4 x 5.5 |
| Detachable Speaker Dimensions (inches) | 8 x 2.4 x 5.5 |
| Subwoofer Dimensions (inches) | 14.4 x 18.9 x 14.4 |
| Soundbar Weight (kg) | 4.3 |
| Subwoofer Weight (kg) | 15.65 |
| Detachable Speaker Weight (kg) | 1.25 |
| Bluetooth transmitter frequency range | 2400MHz – 2483.5MHz |
| Bluetooth transmitter power | <15dBm (EIRP) |
| Frequency response | 33Hz – 20kHz (-6dB) |
| Total speaker power output | 1170W |
Review
The JBL Bar 1300X is an 11.1.4 channel soundbar with quite a hefty price tag. It costs $1699 and many wonder if its features justify the price. It comes with an external 12-inch subwoofer and two detachable surround speakers.
The soundbar has 6 racetrack drivers, five ¾ inch tweeters, and four 2 ¾ full-range drivers. It has upwards firing speakers that reflect sound from your ceiling and bounce it towards the listeners, this is the best way to enjoy Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, which the JBL Bar 1300X has support for. It also has Multibeam, which is JBL’s surround sound technology that uses digital algorithms to widen the soundstage and create a more immersive listening experience. The soundbar has 3 HDMI inputs, it supports HDMI ARC and eARC, an optical input, and an Ethernet port.
The front is covered with a metal grille, which adds to its sleek look, and the build quality is solid, with well-made detachable speakers that attach securely. It includes user-friendly features like input selection and volume buttons on the soundbar, with the rest controlled via a remote. The remote has various buttons, including JBL’s “My Moment” button for instant access to favorite songs, and controls for the rear speakers, bass, and Dolby Atmos settings.
Setting up the JBL Bar 1300X is easy, you can use the JBL One app to change the settings and manage connected speakers. To calibrate the speakers according to your room, Room EQ will measure your room and optimize the sound. This is a step you should not skip as calibration will improve the sound substantially. The JBL Bar 1300X also supports Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri. The included 12-inch subwoofer gives you a much more dynamic and balanced sound. It is wirelessly connected to the main soundbar, and you just need a power outlet for the subwoofer.
The surround speakers are wireless and rechargeable, with a battery life of 10 hours. They can charge via USB-C or when they connect to the soundbar. They have separate power buttons and can even be used separately via Bluetooth. Each surround speaker has one racetrack driver, one ¾ inch tweeter, 2 ¾ inch full-range drivers, and two passive radiators to help with the low-end. When you take the surround speakers off the soundbar, you can put the side caps on the soundbar to complete its look. While the soundbar itself has Bluetooth 5.0, these surround speakers have Bluetooth 5.2.
What’s in the box
- Main soundbar
- Detachable wireless surround speakers
- Wireless subwoofer
- Remote control with 2 batteries
- Power cords
- HDMI cable
- L-shape wall-mount brackets (main bar), U-shape wall-mount brackets (for surround speakers)
- Side caps
- Quick start guide
- Safety instruction and Warranty card
- Wall mount template
Verdict
The JBL Bar 1300X is ideal for those needing flexible rear speakers, which can be removed when not in use. The JBL One app helped with setup, calibration, and feature control, like audio delay adjustment. Its 12-inch subwoofer handles bass expertly, keeping dialogue crisp even amid loud action scenes. The height and surround sound effects are immersive and make the experience dynamic and powerful. The bass and Dolby Atmos effects were adjustable via remote, adding to the customizability. Overall, the JBL Bar 1300X is a solid soundbar for those looking to improve their home theatre systems. Another soundbar that is around the same price point and has similar features is the Sony BRAVIA Bar 9, which you should also take a look at.
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