Not so many years ago we were steering readers away from soundbars wherever possible. But our views have been changed by developments at the premium end of the market, where a soundbar system like JBL’s range-topper here can be priced up at $2k. That brings the budget not only for some clever technologies, but for higher-quality drivers and a wireless subwoofer with useful rather than compromised performance.
The Bar 1300 is JBL’s largest soundbar and subwoofer combo to date, and also its most ambitious. Its very particular trick is that each end of the soundbar can be removed and resituated at the back of the room, where they instantly become a pair of battery-powered wireless rear speakers, so delivering genuine (rather than virtualised) surround sound.
Plus each detached rear also has an upward-firing driver, fulfilling duties as Atmos-enabled height channels. In this way, the Bar 1300 is able to claim a huge 11.1.4-channel Dolby Atmos delivery. Its success in this, and our opinion of the results, can be judged by its win as Sound+Image’s 2023 Soundbar System of the Year. So, what’s so special?
Build & facilities
JBL’s latest soundbars look pretty plainareas between the grilled areas covering drivers. But you know what? Who cares. Soundbars should play to the ears, not the eyes, and plain black is just the thing to disappear below your TV, especially as the bar stands just 65mm high off a bench (a wall-mounting kit is also included) and is usefully matte on top, so won’t reflect much of the picture above.
