Tom’s Guide Verdict
The JBL Bar 1300X is a fantastic hi-fi setup for movie lovers.
The bang-for-buck payoff is phenomenal.
Expect immersive cinematic audio and intelligent smart home integration.
The JBL Bar 1300X is one of thebest soundbarsyou can get theres no doubt in my mind.
Its JBLs top-of-the-range home cinema setup, with an 11.1.4 channel sound.
The 1300X is by no means a cheap soundbar its $1,699.
However, its not as expensive as some of the dedicated hi-fi setups that can set you back thousands.
$1,699 is a lot of money to spend, though is the soundbar system worth it?
Let me walk you through everything in this JBL Bar 1300X review.
The 1300X is the priciest home cinema setup on JBLs roster.
If you want to get it with an 8K HDMI cable, itll cost $1,799.
I tested with a standard eARC-compatible HDMI 2.1 cable.
TheJBL Bar 1000 is $1,199, which has a 7.1.4 channel instead of the 1300Xs 11.1.4 channel.
The 1300Xs subwoofer is 12 inches versus the 1000s 10 inches, which results in deeper bass.
The surround speakers magnetically attach to the soundbar itself when youre not using them for 360 sound.
I tested via eARC connected to our Panasonic MZ1500 4K OLED testing TV.
However, then again, theres nothing wrong with the appearance, either.
When you are using them, they need to go behind wherever youre watching from.
JBL Bar 1300X review: App
The JBL Bar 1300X is compatible with the JBL One app.
I really liked this app due to its ease of use and functionality.
Itjust worked,unlike some other smart home soundbar apps, like Sonos.
I set up the soundbar, subwoofer, and speakers, then calibrated using the app.
I calibrated the speakers and then started watching.
The JBL One app has options for Night Listening, which mutes the soundbar and subwoofer for quieter listening.
With this app, you wouldnt need the remote control again.
I particularly liked the tinkling rain soundscape.
Thankfully, the soundbar lived up to my expectations.
From the very first scene, I was blown away by the 1300Xs sound quality.
The jet engines rumbled through the floor so I felt the bass in the sofa underneath me.
It wasnt justloud, though I could hear every clink of metal and thewhooshingof ropes.
There was balance between the booming bass notes and the softer, high-frequency sound effects.
Even with Danger Zone booming in the background, I could still hear the quiet tinkling metal sounds.
The soundscape was balanced but not flat, dramatic but not overpowering, and room-filling but not deafening.
I was thoroughly impressed with the sound.
After Top Gun: Maverick, I watched Alien: Romulus.
I was blown away by the spaceship sound effects in this movie.
Every time spacecraft airlocks released, I felt like the air was brushing against my skin.
The harp notes in the OST were sonorous, but didnt overshadow the actors spacesuit breathing noises.
However, this was literallyonesecond, and I found it easy to live with.
As briefly discussed in the previous section, the 1300Xs Dolby Atmos performance is stellar.
I was truly immersed in the movies I watched.
Thanks to the two channel surround speakers, I could hear the Xenomorphs breathing in my ears.
TV
I tested the 1300X while watching TV on Netflix.
I watched Apple Cider Vinegar and Toxic Town on Netflix.
Even the vintage clips of demolition sites sounded clear.
Apple Cider Vinegar was less immediately impressive than Toxic Town, but it still sounded fantastic.
The dialogue was not muffled or overpowered by the soundtrack.
Music
I linked the 1300X up with my Spotify app and played a range of songs.
I wasnt disappointed; the floor started shaking in the heavier parts.
I lowered the higher frequency in the JBL One app EQ prefs, which fixed the tinniness issue.
I also listened to Yosemite by KETTAMA and Interplanetary Criminal, which is a bass-forward electronic track.
If I was decking out my home cinema for the first time, this is where Id start.
For $1,699 you get an 11.1.4 channel sound system, which translates to phenomenal sound in real-terms.
The 1300X is a fantastic all-rounder, and a great place for a hi-fi enthusiast to start.
The JBL Bar 1300X is top-of-the-range for a reason.
Because it sounds awesome.
