You’ve obtained to hand it to JBL. On the subject of 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 contains 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 totally wi-fi surrounds—no shops required.
The upshot is a cleaner encompass setup than rivals from Samsung, Sonos, and just about anybody 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 except you’ve obtained a totally open flooring plan, I’m undecided the Bar 1300X actually solutions the query of whether or not going totally wi-fi confers a definite benefit over shopping for a low-profile extension wire.
One factor that’s not in query is simply how incredible this method 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 for those who’re searching for a special strategy to load up severe cinematic immersion, JBL’s Bar 1300X might be your ticket.
IKEA With an App
The Bar 1300X’s setup and controls are a bit tough at first, partly resulting from 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 a few of the extra difficult particulars.
When you’ve fished the large sub and bar from the Tetris-shaped field, it’s easy sufficient to connect 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 may 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, in contrast to any variety of rivals, the Bar 1300X gives zero sound modes or presets. There’s additionally no strategy to alter the middle channel, select between stereo or encompass virtualization, or alter the proper/left surrounds independently.
You do get a few EQ choices and the power to lift and decrease the amount of the peak channels. You too can alter 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 residence theater fare.
There are a couple of different methods to tinker, like including streaming providers within the app to associate with choices like Spotify Join, AirPlay 2, and Chromecast. You too can join the system to different JBL merchandise and entry a couple of good options by way of Google Assistant and Alexa with the assistance of a secondary good speaker.
Glorious Dolby Atmos
{Photograph}: JBL
Like most bars at this value, 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.