At CES 2024, consumer audio giant JBL announced a new lineup of headphones, speakers and earphones in the mid-range, with plenty of options for people who want all the features modern audio, without spending a lot.
I myself was looking for a mid-range over-ear headphone to keep in my work bag as a second device when I don’t want my favorite, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra to leave the house. So when JBL sent me this Live 770NC, I was excited to see if they could become my new favorite headphones at an affordable price.
The three takeaways from the JBL Live 770NC headphones
- This headset is a great mid-range option for anyone who needs a reliable headset for a price of $160.
- A set of software functions allows this headset to be upgradeable.
- Despite the long list of features, none of them are truly game-changing.
The JBL Live 770NC headphones have new features compared to its predecessor, the JBL Live 660NC, such as spatial audio and better battery life. Plus, it comes with a long list of premium features for a mid-range price. So I was curious if these headphones were worth more than their $160 price tag.
Good audio rendering for the JBL Live 770NC headphones
On my first listen, I didn’t notice anything extraordinary about the sound of the Live 770NC. Right out of the box, the sound is neutral and well balanced, but it lacks bass punch. Luckily, the companion app’s multi-band EQ lets you adjust the sound to your liking.
There are many preset EQ modes, and I suggest you start by using them to find your favorite sound. Manual multiband EQ settings can be confusing if you don’t know exactly what you should be listening for.
When I first listened Feel No Ways by Drake, it lacked the rhythm and groove that I usually hear in the bass line of the song. It sounded hollow, like something was missing. I turned on the adaptive ANC to test it and finally heard what the 40mm dynamic drivers could sound like. Immediately, my music came to life, giving the song a deeper, fuller beat, as well as a more emphasized bass line.
Sound quality changes dramatically depending on whether the headset is in transparency or noise reduction mode
So here’s an observation that should be useful to you: the sound quality of the JBL Live 770NC changes radically depending on whether the headphones are in transparency or noise reduction mode. It is not uncommon for noise reduction technology to affect sound quality. However, this qualitative drop is minimal in higher quality ANC headphones.
When it comes to noise cancellation, the Live 770NC has satisfactory noise blocking capabilities. At my local coffee shop, the headset struggled to absorb louder conversations, but it was able to reduce the music playing through the store’s speakers.
The ANC lost the battle with the noise of blenders and the whistling of espresso machines. And during my teleworking, my neighbor’s lawn mower crossed the ANC barrier, which was quite disappointing.
The headset adapted the noise reduction level to my environment
I noticed that the headphones adapted the level of noise reduction to my environment. This ANC works quite well, but I wouldn’t say it blows my mind. Adaptive ANC uses mics inside and outside the cases to hear the noise levels in your surroundings and adjust the reduction accordingly.
If you experience anything similar to the effects of flying or diving (the urge to cover your ears if there is a change in air or water pressure) while wearing a headphones with noise reduction, be aware that adaptive ANC reduces the likelihood of experiencing it.
Headphones with strong and constant active noise reduction, such as the Sony WH-1000XM5 or the Bose Quiet Comfort Ultra, can cause this type of unpleasant perception to the ear.
Jada Jones/ZDNET
Spatial audio is disappointing
This JBL Live 770NC headset can be assisted with a multitude of software functions, and the range of settings allows them to be customized to suit your preferences. You can perform hearing tests to personalize your listening experience, switch between audio modes, set a volume limit, and more. The Live 770NC also features JBL Spatial Sound, the company’s spatial audio system.
The JBL Spatial Sound feature was a failure for me, as it didn’t deliver the spacious, multi-dimensional quality I was looking for. It’s worth noting that the spatial audio technology in this headset is almost identical to the premium over-ear headset, the JBL Tour One M2.
The Live 770NC features multipoint Bluetooth technology, which proved reliable and valuable when switching between my laptop and iPhone. The headset is primarily constructed from plastic, making it lightweight and comfortable to wear for hours, while the fabric-covered headband adds a premium design element.
The battery life can reach up to 65 hours, so I can leave the headset in my bag knowing that it won’t run out of power the next time I wear it.
Purchasing advice for the JBL Live 770NC headphones
If you want a headset that has all the software features you need (and some you don’t even know you need), the JBL Live 770NC won’t disappoint. This headset is very comfortable and has marathon battery life, which allows it to accompany you all week without fail.
However, if you are looking for over-ear headphones with superior noise-canceling technology, this model may not be the best fit. Ambient noise will certainly be reduced, but you will still hear what is happening around you, which can also ultimately be a good thing depending on your needs.
If you’re on a budget but want more powerful noise reduction, consider the Monoprice BT-600ANC or Sony WH-CH720N. If you want a more immersive music experience for a similar price, then try the Sennheiser Accentum or Edifier WH950NB.
Source: “ZDNet.com”