Compare Ultimea Nova S50 Soundbar vs JBL Bar 1300X Soundbar

Reviews describe the two-step calibration as effective and room-aware, with one reviewer calling it essential and another saying it works well even in awkward rooms.

AirPlay 2 support is repeatedly listed and treated as a core wireless streaming option.

The JBL One app is generally described as easy and intuitive, though one review hit a brief calibration glitch that cleared after reopening.

Reviews agree the Nova S50 handles Dolby Atmos and Dolby Digital signals properly for a budget bar, but several reviewers stress that it delivers virtual rather than true Atmos because the 2.1 layout lacks real height drivers.

Reviews consistently cite Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support, and one video review also calls out LPCM support.

An optical input is highlighted as a way to connect older TVs or older gear when eARC is not available.

The detachable rears are typically quoted at about 10 to 12 hours per charge, but several reviewers note the need to remember recharging them.

Evidence is mixed; one review says iPhone Bluetooth streaming worked great, while another could not get phone pairing to cooperate.

One review specifically criticizes the subwoofer’s plastic cabinet because it can rattle under extreme bass load.

One setup review says the rear speakers were ready after a couple of hours of charging.

Chromecast is repeatedly listed as a supported casting option.

At its best, the Nova S50 stays surprisingly composed for such a tiny soundbar, but the overall presentation can fall apart on more demanding material when bass blooms or treble turns sharp.

Several reviews praise the system for knitting front, rear, and overhead effects into a seamless or cohesive soundfield.

The ultra-slim, very compact footprint is one of the product's biggest advantages and makes it easy to place under smaller TVs. Some reviewers still felt the plastics and finish looked cheap up close.

Reviewers generally describe the styling as simple and understated rather than flashy.

Multiple reviews say the system feels solid and well made, with strong magnets and premium-feeling construction.

Fine ambient cues and basic definition are acceptable for casual TV use, but treble nuance and low-level texture are limited, especially with music and complex movie mixes.

Reviews repeatedly mention hearing small ambient or incidental sounds that cheaper systems miss.

Dialogue is generally clearer than TV speakers and can sound nicely centered, but clarity is inconsistent. Some reviews heard haziness, clipping, or dialogue getting masked by effects and bassier passages.

Dialogue is usually described as clear and easy to follow, though a few reviewers heard occasional muffling or difficulty in some content.

This is mixed across sources. Some reviewers reported clipping, crackle, and pinched treble even around medium levels, while others found the bar unexpectedly clean and controlled near maximum volume.

One review says dialogue loses some clarity when volume is pushed high, but this is framed as a mild limitation rather than constant distortion.

Height effects are a major strength, with multiple reviews describing convincing overhead movement, though not every reviewer thought it led the class.

Nearly every reviewer was surprised by how much output the Nova S50 can produce for its size. It has enough headroom for small and medium rooms, though hard-hitting content exposes its limits.

The system is repeatedly praised for moving cleanly from quiet detail to explosive peaks without losing control.

The three sound presets and bass adjustment add useful flexibility, but the tuning is uneven. Most reviewers preferred Movie mode, while Music and sometimes Game mode were described as much less convincing.

Reviews consistently call the EQ and sound controls limited, usually citing a simple three-band EQ and few presets.

Frequency balance is the core weakness. Bass can sound bloated or crackly, treble can turn thin or pinched, and the bar usually sounds most tolerable only after conservative bass settings and the right preset.

Movie playback is often described as balanced and lively, but several music-focused reviews complain about tonal unevenness or lack of neutrality.

One review confirms 4K60 passthrough works for gaming, but it is not presented as a cutting-edge gaming solution.

Reviews cite Google Cast and or Google Assistant ecosystem support as part of the streaming and smart-home feature set.

Multiple reviews explicitly note the lack of 4K/120 passthrough and other next-gen gaming features.

eARC and ARC are consistently praised. They make setup easy, allow TV-linked power and volume control, and are one of the strongest convenience features on this model.

ARC and especially eARC support are consistent selling points and the preferred path for full Atmos playback.

The Nova S50 fits neatly into cramped living rooms, bedrooms, and apartment setups, and it clearly upgrades TV sound. Buyers building a more serious cinema system will still outgrow it quickly.

Reviews portray the system as a strong all-in-one home theater hub, helped by its switching ability, multiple HDMI inputs, and full surround package.

The passive wired subwoofer is simple to connect and avoids wireless syncing headaches, but the cable limits placement freedom and can make the setup feel less tidy.

The detachable surrounds are described as securely attaching and staying linked reliably to the main bar in testing.

One review notes roughly a one-second delay after unpausing, but the app also provides lip-sync correction.

Loudness is a standout strength. Reviewers repeatedly said the Nova S50 plays much louder than its tiny size suggests and can fill a small or medium room more easily than expected.

Reviewers consistently describe the system as very loud, room-filling, and capable of major output.

Low-volume listening is not flawless. One full review specifically noted pinched treble even at low levels, suggesting the bar can sound edgy before volume is pushed.

One review specifically praises the ability to preserve quiet detail without constant volume adjustment.

The detachable modules are described as reliably staying connected, and reviews also mention stereo-pair style use cases.

The bar includes usable side-mounted controls, which help for quick adjustments. Still, most reviewers interacted with it primarily through the remote rather than the buttons on the unit.

The top-panel buttons are described as simple, easy to read, and straightforward for basic input and volume changes.

Optical input is included and meaningfully broadens compatibility with older TVs and sources. Reviews did not report a clear sound-quality advantage over HDMI, but the connection itself is a useful fallback.

Reviews consistently mention an optical input as part of the connection set.

Remote usability is better than expected for the price, with tactile or ergonomic buttons and straightforward source switching. The only notable complaint was that one reviewer found the play and pause behavior confusing or nonfunctional.

Opinions are mixed; some reviewers like the remote and find it complete, while others complain about hidden functions or missing dedicated buttons.

Setup simplicity is a clear strength. Multiple reviewers said the system took only a minute or two to connect and start using, especially over HDMI eARC or ARC.

Setup is usually described as easy and guided, especially through the app and calibration flow. Some reviewers still note a learning curve from the unusual detachable design or sparse printed instructions, even though the process is mostly manageable.

Reviews report Alexa support, but typically via external smart speakers rather than a built-in assistant.

Smart functionality is minimal. Beyond Bluetooth, basic EQ modes, and simple status controls, the reviews describe no app ecosystem, no Wi-Fi platform, and no advanced voice or streaming features.

App control, calibration, multiroom casting, detachable speaker modes, and other convenience features are repeatedly emphasized.

Virtual height effects exceed expectations for the price, and some content produces a convincing sense of sound lifting and moving around the room. Even so, reviewers repeatedly note that this is not true height-channel Atmos.

Height and spatial envelopment are often praised, but a few reviewers think the vertical projection falls short of the very best rivals.

Spotify Connect or native Spotify control is repeatedly mentioned as available and functional, despite mixed treatment inside JBL’s own app.

The front LEDs clearly show source, volume, and mute status and can be useful in everyday use. They are not perfect, though, because brightness and the auto-mute behavior can be mildly annoying.

The front LED or alphanumeric display is repeatedly praised for showing source, codec, volume, or battery-related information clearly.

Stereo placement is better than expected for a tiny 2.1 system, with some convincing left-right motion and centered vocals or dialogue. It still cannot match the precision of larger multi-speaker soundbars.

Directional placement and imaging accuracy are frequently praised, especially in spatial movie content.

The included passive subwoofer adds real punch and helps the Nova S50 sound bigger than it looks. Its tuning is not especially tight, however, and several reviewers said bass can become too heavy, boomy, or crackly.

The large subwoofer is widely praised for deep, forceful bass, but several reviewers also note that it can be imprecise, overbearing, or a little flappy at extremes.

Virtual surround is one of the Nova S50's most impressive traits for the money. Several reviewers found the effect surprisingly immersive, though it remains a simulation rather than genuine multi-channel surround.

Even with stereo or non-Atmos material, reviews say the bar can create a convincing room-filling surround effect through DSP or upmixing.

Reviews strongly approve of USB-C charging for the detachable speakers because it offers a more practical backup than redocking alone.

Value is the strongest consensus positive. Across reviews, the Nova S50 is repeatedly framed as an unusually cheap, worthwhile upgrade over TV speakers, especially for buyers who prioritize size and price first.

Reviewers generally think the package delivers strong value for a flagship setup, though some still see it as pricey.

Reviews confirm broad video passthrough support including 4K, Dolby Vision, and HDR10, but not full HDMI 2.1 gaming features.

Voices and vocals are serviceable for casual use, but not refined. Higher voices and sibilants can sound thin, harsh, or slightly muffled depending on the content and EQ mode.

Voices and vocals are usually described as clear and natural, especially with better-quality content.

Its very small, lightweight build makes it easy to place on tight stands, fit into bedrooms, and move around compact setups. Convenience of size is one of the product's biggest advantages.

One review says the bar connected to the home network without much fuss, supporting a generally positive view of Wi-Fi setup and streaming stability.

Wired connectivity is generous for such a cheap soundbar. Reviewers repeatedly highlighted HDMI eARC or ARC, optical, AUX, USB, and the subwoofer connection as practical strengths.

Multiple reviews highlight the generous wired input set, especially the extra HDMI ports. eARC is repeatedly presented as the best-sounding wired path for full Atmos playback, with optical treated as more limited.