After getting into the world of wifi speakers with the Charge 5 Wi-Fi and Boombox 3 Wi-Fi, JBL is taking a step further in the world of connected speakers with its new Authentics range. Here are the Authentics 200, 300 and 500.
The promise of enveloping sound thanks to Dolby Atmos
JBL Authentics 500
Introductory price 600 €
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The Authentics 500, spearhead of the range, is the most imposing of the three. It is distinguished by a particular acoustic architecture in 3.1 channels composed of three 2.5 cm tweeters affixed to the bottom of a “horn” type waveguide, three 7 cm midrange speakers and a subwoofer. 16.5 cm bass directed towards the bottom of the speaker.
This set is able to virtualize Dolby Atmos signals in order to immerse the listener in an immersive listening bubble. Like Sonos and its Era 300, however, it is necessary to go through the JBL One app to enjoy Dolby Atmos content through the Apple Music, Amazon Music and Tidal apps.
JBL Authentics 300
Introductory price 400 €
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The Autenthics 300, much more modest, is “satisfied” with a simple stereo reproduction. It features two 2.5 cm tweeters, and a 13.3 cm broadband speaker supported by a 16.5 cm subwoofer. Like all Authentics speakers, it has an automatic calibration system to adapt the sound reproduction to the position of the speaker in the room.
JBL Authentics 200
Introductory price 300 €
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Last in order of size is the Authentics 200. It too is based on a stereo architecture composed of two 2.5 cm tweeters, a 12.7 cm full-range speaker and a subwoofer of 6 inches.
A vintage and elegant design
The three Authentics are largely inspired by the iconic design of the L100 speaker with its embossed foam front. The front grille, slightly domed, takes up this grid design. With an aluminum frame and a synthetic leather envelope (hello Marshall), the Authentics are resolutely vintage and will find a place of choice in an interior.
The intermediate model Authentics 300 stands out from its counterparts by the presence of a carrying handle. It also has a battery promising 8 hours of autonomy, where the Authentics 200 and 500 only work on the mains.
Choice of Alexa or Google Assistant
The Authentics are the first speakers on the market to integrate both Alexa and Google Assistant. Indeed, until now, each manufacturer had to swear allegiance to Amazon or Google and do without a second assistant. With the Authentics, there is no longer any need to choose your parish: it is possible to juggle between the two assistants in complete transparency.
On the connectivity side, Bluetooth and wifi are in the game. The three speakers are also compatible with AirPlay, Chromecast, Alexa MRM and Spotify Connect protocols. An Ethernet port and a minijack socket are also present on the back of each speaker.
No proprietary multiroom solution has been developed on occasion by JBL. The brand prefers to leave it up to the consumer to integrate the Authentics into the multiroom networks of Amazon, Google or Apple. However, many features remain accessible through the JBL One app.
Price & availability
The Authentics will be released during the upcoming September. The 200, 300 and 500 models will go on sale respectively at indicative prices of 300, 400 and 600 €.