The catch
Polk MagniFi Max AX SR
Its HDMI passthrough maxes out at 4K 60 Hz.
Side by side
Polk MagniFi Max AX SR vs JBL Bar 1300X compared: Polk keeps its rears permanently powered, JBL swaps sofa cables for recharging
Quick verdict
For a permanent surround setup with powered rears, take the Max AX SR. The JBL 1300X is for a room where rechargeable rear speakers keep the sofa area simple.
Before you buy
Why, and what it costs you
Measure the actual width beneath the TV
Across the central bar, MagniFi Max AX SR is 45 inches and Bar 1300X is 39.4 inches. The gap is 5.6 inches, before any docked rear speakers.
Where this comes from
Leave extra space for cables, TV legs and acoustic clearance. A measurement of the detached central bar leaves out removable rear speakers. Absolute cabinet width difference = |45 - 39.4|.
The catch
JBL Bar 1300X
The rear speakers need a recharge between cordless listening sessions.
Polk MagniFi Max AX SR
- Why pick it
- The rear speakers stay installed and powered
- A bar of fixed width suits you
- The catch
- Its HDMI passthrough maxes out at 4K 60 Hz.
JBL Bar 1300X
- Why pick it
- No rear power cables while you listen
- Rear speakers get moved or stored between films
- The catch
- The rear speakers need a recharge between cordless listening sessions.
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What this page compares
Max AX SR is the pick for a permanent surround setup with powered rears. In a room where rechargeable rear speakers make the sofa area simpler, the JBL 1300X fits.
Polk can stay ready more easily
Which one fits
Pick the situations that sound like you
The rear speakers stay installed and powered
Mains power runs the rear speakers. After you connect them near outlets, they can stay put, with none of the battery charging routine that the JBL rears require.
- Polk MagniFi Max AX SR
- Better fit
- JBL Bar 1300X
- Depends
Listen with the included rear speakers and no power cables running to the back
A battery gives the detachable rears a claimed maximum of 12 hours. They can sit behind a sofa for a film and go back to the bar afterward.
- Polk MagniFi Max AX SR
- Not suitable
- JBL Bar 1300X
- Better fit
Look at the whole setup
Docked rears take the JBL to 54.2 inches wide, against 45 inches for Polk. A narrow shelf that holds the detached JBL may be too small for its charging arrangement.
- Polk MagniFi Max AX SR
- Depends
- JBL Bar 1300X
- Depends
Whether JBL is smaller or larger depends on the rear speakers
The 54.2-inch docked assembly is 9.2 inches wider than Polk, although its 39.4-inch central bar is 5.6 inches narrower.
- Polk MagniFi Max AX SR
- Depends
- JBL Bar 1300X
- Depends
In practice
Differences you will notice
Measure the actual width beneath the TV
Across the central bar, MagniFi Max AX SR is 45 inches and Bar 1300X is 39.4 inches. The gap is 5.6 inches, before any docked rear speakers.
How we worked this out
Leave extra space for cables, TV legs and acoustic clearance. A measurement of the detached central bar leaves out removable rear speakers. Absolute cabinet width difference = |45 - 39.4|.
Count your source connections first, then think about a switch
Bar 1300X takes 3 direct HDMI sources and MagniFi Max AX SR takes 3. Any other players need suitable TV inputs or a switch you choose separately.
How we worked this out
Only HDMI source inputs are counted, and the HDMI output/eARC TV connection is left out. Recorded inputs: 3 and 3. You still need to check TV passthrough and supported video modes.
Whether JBL is smaller or larger depends on the rear speakers
The 54.2-inch docked assembly is 9.2 inches wider than Polk, although its 39.4-inch central bar is 5.6 inches narrower.
How we worked this out
Docked width is the dimension that matters for storage and charging. 45 - 39.4 = 5.6 inches. 54.2 - 45 = 9.2 inches.
Plug in your numbers
Is there room for the soundbar under your TV?
Measure the clear space under your TV. Count only the devices you will plug into the soundbar. Leave out the ones already connected to the TV. The numbers below are placeholders until you enter yours.
Polk MagniFi Max AX SR
Check this one yourselfA cabinet measurement or your chosen connection is not confirmed for this exact model.
JBL Bar 1300X
Fails these checksIt takes 54.2 inches of width once its detachable speakers are docked, more than your 48 inches.
Measure the top of an open shelf. This check does not cover enclosed cubbies. Detachable speakers count toward the docked width. Leave extra depth for cables and the TV stand. This checks size and port count only. Dolby Atmos, 4K/120Hz passthrough and the audio formats your TV supports are outside it.
Option A
Polk Audio, MagniFi Max AX SR
Polk MagniFi Max AX SR
For a movie setup with several HDMI sources and room for powered rear speakers, the Max AX SR fits. The 10-inch subwoofer and both rears are bundled in. High-refresh consoles will run into its limit of 4K 60 Hz passthrough.
- Best for
- A full surround package for a disc player, a streaming box and a console
Facts we checked
- Two SR2 rear speakers and a 10-inch subwoofer come in the 7.1.2-channel package.
- Passthrough at 4K 60 Hz is supported on the three HDMI source inputs.
- An optical input and one eARC TV connection.
- The bar is 45 inches wide. Because the manufacturer's height and depth labels conflict, check the manual for exact clearance.
- Support covers upward-firing drivers, VoiceAdjust, Night Mode and Wi-Fi music.
Option B
JBL, Bar 1300X
JBL Bar 1300X
In a living room where rear speakers cannot stay plugged in, the Bar 1300X makes sense. You detach them for a movie and then return them to the bar to charge. Measure carefully, because the subwoofer is large and the docked configuration is wide.
- Best for
- Rear surround now and then, with no power cables behind the sofa
Facts we checked
- A 12-inch subwoofer and two rechargeable rear speakers come in the 11.1.4-channel package.
- One eARC TV connection and three HDMI source inputs.
- On its own, the bar is 39.4 × 2.4 × 5.5 inches.
- With the rear speakers attached and docked, the width is 54.2 inches.
- Depending on use, JBL rates playback from the detachable speakers at up to 12 hours.
Spec by spec
Where they really differ
| Spec | Polk MagniFi Max AX SR | JBL Bar 1300X | In practice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Central bar width | 45 in | 39.4 in | Docked, detachable rear speakers can make the unit wider. |
| Bar height | Confirm exact drawing | 2.4 in | Measure both the space below the screen and the infrared receiver. |
| HDMI source inputs | 3 | 3 | These source inputs do not include the TV eARC connection. |
| Separate subwoofer included | Yes | Yes | An included separate subwoofer is something other than a built-in bass driver. |
| Rear speakers included | Yes | Yes | Find out whether the included rear speakers need mains power or charging. |
| Upward-firing drivers | Yes | Yes | A suitable ceiling and a clear path upward are required for these. |
| Wi-Fi music | Yes | Yes | Bluetooth playback and Wi-Fi streaming connect in different ways. |
Trade-offs
What each pick costs you
With Polk MagniFi Max AX SR
- The rears run only from their supplied power adapters.
With JBL Bar 1300X
- Attaching the rears widens the bar from 39.4 to 54.2 inches.
Decision guide
How to decide
Max AX SR is for a permanent surround setup with powered rears, while JBL 1300X is the one for a room where rechargeable rears simplify the sofa area.
Polk can stay ready more easily
Mains power runs the rear speakers. After you connect them near outlets, they can stay put, with none of the battery charging routine that the JBL rears require.
JBL gives you more flexibility at the back of the room
A battery gives the detachable rears a claimed maximum of 12 hours. They can sit behind a sofa for a film and go back to the bar afterward.
Your furniture has to fit the charging position
Docked rears take the JBL to 54.2 inches wide, against 45 inches for Polk. A narrow shelf that holds the detached JBL may be too small for its charging arrangement.
What this page can’t tell you
- The conclusions here come from published specifications and the stated calculations. No hands-on performance test was involved.
By the numbers
What the data shows
What we found across the soundbars we compare, plus the checked facts behind each finding.
How many fit
This guide keeps all 31 models in play. The pick rests on the facts and trade-offs on this page.
31 models fit, out of 31 checkedShow the facts and the math
How we countedNo needs are preselected here. Open the matcher and add the ones that apply to your home, room or setup.
| Product | Needs it meets | Facts we checked | Sources |
|---|---|---|---|
| Polk MagniFi Max AX SR | None of these needs is a documented match |
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| JBL Bar 1300X | None of these needs is a documented match |
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Ready to buy
See today’s price and what owners say
Open either model on Amazon for the current price, customer reviews and delivery options.
Polk MagniFi Max AX SR
The rear speakers stay installed and powered
See price & reviews on AmazonJBL Bar 1300X
No rear power cables while you listen
See price & reviews on AmazonEach link opens in a new tab.
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