With the Authentics 300 multiroom speaker ($449.99), JBL combines old-school design parts with trendy connectivity options, corresponding to Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. The speaker additionally will get intensely loud and produces wealthy, full-bodied lows that bass lovers ought to take pleasure in. We’re followers of the hands-free Alexa and Google Assistant integrations and the good speaker-centric companion app too, although the onboard controls don’t really feel premium or work as reliably as we anticipated. For a similar worth, the Editors’ Selection-winning Sonos Period 300 ($449.99) comes out barely forward in pure efficiency due to its Dolby Atmos help and equally spectacular sound, however this JBL mannequin remains to be price contemplating for its simple fashion and battery-powered portability.
An Elegant Design With Middling Controls
Measuring 7.7 by 13.5 by 7.1 inches (HWD), the ten.8-pound Authentics 300 speaker has a decidedly classic look, beginning with its grid-patterned foam grille, an homage to the beloved JBL audio system from the Seventies. The deal with, together with the facet and prime panels, contains a black, faux-leather grain lining, whereas the body has gold-tinted metallic accents. This shade and materials combo is considerably paying homage to latest Marshall audio system just like the Stanmore III. The deal with, which additionally has stylish stitched edges, swivels backward out of view when not in use.
Behind the entrance grille, twin 25mm tweeters and a 5.25-inch woofer ship a frequency vary of 45Hz to 20kHz, combining for 100 watts. A downward-firing 6.5-inch passive radiator provides some rumble and depth to the audio.
When it comes to connectivity, the speaker is absolutely trendy and presents dual-band Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.3, although with help for simply the SBC codec. Streaming audio over Wi-Fi is the primary use case right here, so the lackluster codec choice is not too large a deal. AirPlay, Alexa Multi-Room Music (MRM), Chromecast, and Spotify Join are all additionally obtainable, although Google Quick Pair shouldn’t be.
The Authentics 300 speaker doesn’t help Dolby Atmos. For comparability, each the $299 Apple HomePod (2nd Era) and Sonos Period 300 audio system supply multi-channel Dolby Atmos playback. The advantage of this spatial audio expertise is questionable for a single speaker, after all, however if you’re planning on a multi-speaker setup, a number of Apple or Sonos models can produce extra immersive audio than a number of Authentics 300 models.
Rubber toes on the bottom of the JBL speaker hold it regular on flat surfaces, which is essential as a result of the downward-firing radiator vibrates intensely. If you happen to set the speaker on a cushioned floor with some give, like a settee, the radiator vibrates sufficient to create a buzzing sound akin to distortion, so flat surfaces are the way in which to go. After all, that is actually simply a difficulty if you’re taking part in intense bass at excessive volumes.
The highest panel homes energy, Bluetooth pairing, and Coronary heart buttons (mentioned under); a grasp quantity dial that doubles because the playback button (press it twice to skip ahead a observe or 3 times to return a observe); and treble and bass dials. Though these controls cowl all the things, the knobs look a bit of plasticky and out of step with all of the speaker’s premium design touches. Past that, quite than displaying a easy meter or LED readout, a round LED traces the circumference of every knob and lights up as you alter it. The nonadjustable fade-out setting for the lighting is gradual, so it is troublesome to see their actual degree. Audio changes additionally appeared to have a noticeable delay in testing.
On the again, the speaker has a grasp mic swap for toggling the voice options, in addition to a recess for the Ethernet connector, 3.5mm aux enter, and USB-C port (for MP3 and WAV file playback). The package deal doesn’t embody accompanying cables for any of the ports. The Ethernet connector is uncommon for a speaker like this and permits you to faucet into the very best efficiency of internet-based audio providers. In any other case, the again presents a connector for the included energy cable.
In contrast to many different Wi-Fi good audio system, the JBL features a battery and is transportable to a level. JBL estimates that the Genuine 300 speaker can final roughly 8 hours per cost, however your outcomes will differ relying in your typical listening quantity. It takes roughly 3.5 hours to completely cost the speaker from empty.
As is typical of most transportable audio system in its measurement class, this mannequin doesn’t embody a speakerphone perform. If you happen to want that function, take into account the Sony SRS-XG300 ($349.99) as an alternative. Notably, the Sony additionally has a rugged IP67 score, whereas this JBL has none. Given its deal with Wi-Fi audio, JBL clearly would not count on the speaker to journey farther than your yard.
JBL Authentics 300 App Expertise
The JBL One app (obtainable for Android and iOS) shows a picture of the speaker on the prime of the display together with a readout of the remaining battery life. Beneath that, a music part presents quantity and playback controls for the present observe. You may as well add tiles for supported music streaming providers (Amazon Music, Calm radio, Napster, Qobuz, Tidal, TuneIn, and iHeartRadio).
An EQ part with three easy adjustable bands for bass, mids, and treble follows. This implementation is considerably fundamental in contrast with that of the JBL headphones app (10 adjustable bands), however it’s higher than nothing and customarily works successfully.
Additional under, the app presents tiles for creating Moments (single-button shortcuts for accessing a selected playlist on a supported streaming service). After you arrange this integration, urgent the Coronary heart button on the speaker’s management panel performs that playlist.
In any other case, you’ll be able to entry product settings and knowledge, setup directions for Wi-Fi streaming, and voice-control preferences. The speaker notably helps simultaneous hands-free Alexa and Google Assistant. Establishing Alexa was a breeze, and voice instructions labored seamlessly in testing.
Resounding Low-Finish Energy
On tracks with intense sub-bass content material, like The Knife’s “Silent Shout,” the Authentics 300 speaker delivers a robust bass response. At prime volumes, the rumble is each audible and palpable—there’s numerous low-end depth for a speaker this measurement.
The drivers reproduce a lot of the sub-bass on the 34-second mark of Kendrick Lamar’s “Loyalty.” Nevertheless, the very deepest observe on this development falls simply exterior of the speaker’s vary. That’s not a serious shock since most comparable audio system I take a look at wrestle with subwoofer notes. Nonetheless, the drivers nonetheless elevate the bass response. The vocals come throughout with crisp readability.
Invoice Callahan’s “Drover,” a observe with far much less deep bass, higher reveals the sound signature. The drums on this observe obtain some critical bass heft. They sound thunderous at default ranges, and you may really ship the combination into absurd realms with extra sculpting. Callahan’s baritone vocals get loads of low-mid richness and crisp high-mid element, whereas the acoustic strums are vivid and full. It is a boldly bass-forward signature with a vivid edge that sounds significantly thrilling for pop and digital mixes. You may get near an correct response with some EQ changes, however that is not the aim of this speaker.
On orchestral tracks, just like the opening scene from John Adams’ The Gospel In response to the Different Mary, the drivers ship a pleasing mix of low-frequency boosting and vivid, crisp highs. The lower-register instrumentation often overextends, however by no means to a fault. The main focus stays on the higher-register brass, strings, and vocals.
Standout Bass and Model
The JBL Authentics 300 speaker produces highly effective bass from its cool, retro enclosure and presents all of the connectivity options you possibly can need, together with Bluetooth, Ethernet, and Wi-Fi, in addition to hands-free Alexa and Google Assistant. The management panel may use extra refinements, however that downside should not stop bass followers and anybody else who enjoys the basic JBL aesthetic from contemplating it. And, the battery means you’ll be able to simply transfer it round your home and even take it out into your yard so long as you keep in Wi-Fi vary. For a similar worth, nevertheless, the Sonos Period 300 retains our Editors’ Selection award due to its Dolby Atmos help and equally partaking audio, regardless of not being transportable.
