JBL presents open earphones and its loudest speaker
On the eve of the IFA, JBL is showing its first open-ear earbuds, new wireless speakers with a retro design and a series of affordable noise-cancelling headphones in Berlin. The Harman subsidiary also introduces its loudest party speaker.
The wireless Soundgear Sense earphones, which are available for sale from today for 150 euros, have an open design with a hook around the ear cup and with speakers that fit on the ear, but do not close the ear canal. JBL does not use bone conduction, unlike most of this type of earphones. According to the manufacturer, this design improves sound quality, and the shape of the earphones should prevent sound from leaking out. The IP54 waterproof earphones come with a loose neckband that clicks onto both earphones. The earbuds are said to offer a battery life of six hours and can be charged three times with the included case. Operation is via touch and you can connect the earphones to two devices simultaneously.
JBL Authentics 200, 300 and 500
Under the name Authentics, JBL is launching a series of wireless speakers with a retro design, inspired by the JBL L100 speaker from the 1970s. The Authentics 200 is the smallest in the series, equipped with two tweeters, a speaker for the midrange and a passive radiator for the bass. The Authentics 300 also has a handle and a battery for eight hours of listening pleasure on the go. The Authentics 500 does not have that, but it does have more speakers for a more powerful sound, plus Dolby Atmos support.
All three speakers have WiFi and Bluetooth, can be controlled via both Amazon Alexa and the Google Assistant, have support for AirPlay, Spotify Connect and a built-in Chromecast, and are suitable for the JBL One app. The speakers can also be linked together. The Authentics 200, 300 and 500 will be available in stores from September 15 for 330, 430 and 630 euros respectively.
JBL LIVE 770NC and 670NC
The JBL LIVE 770NC and 670NC, not to be confused with the TUNE 770NC and 670NC from earlier this year, are JBL’s new midrange wireless headphones with active noise canceling. The LIVE 770NC is an over-ear model; the LIVE 670NC is worn on the ear. Both headphones have 40mm drivers and two microphones for calls and can be connected to two devices simultaneously.
The manufacturer promises a battery life of fifty hours with Bluetooth and noise cancellation enabled. The duo will be available for purchase from Thursday. The LIVE 770NC costs 180 euros and the LIVE 670NC sells for 130 euros.
JBL PartyBox Ultimate
At the location in Berlin where JBL showed its new products, a PartyBox Ultimate regularly drowned out the noise in the room for a moment, until an employee hurriedly turned down the volume knob. According to JBL, it is the loudest party speaker the brand has released to date. Two tweeters, two midrange drivers and two subwoofers with a 9″ diameter produce the sound. If the volume is still insufficient, more speakers can be connected wirelessly via Bluetooth and WiFi.
When playing music, RGB LEDs behind the front grille produce a light show, just like JBL’s previous party speakers. Via the buttons on the top you can add a range of built-in sound effects to the music. Guitar and microphone inputs for karaoke are also provided. The PartyBox Ultimate is available from today for 1500 euros.