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JBL Authentics, new range of Wi-Fi/Bluetooth, multiroom and connected speakers with a deliciously retro design

A few hours before the opening of the IFA show in Berlin, JBL organized in the German capital a presentation of Authentics 500, Authentics 300 and Authentics 200, a new series of Wi-Fi speakers called - you guessed it - Authentics .

Taking inspiration from the JB L100 speaker released in the 70s, the aesthetic of the magnificent speakers in the new Authentics range leans towards the retro side, with aluminum frames, synthetic leather-wrapped enclosures and redesigned Quadrex grilles. So much for the form. On the other hand, the bottom is resolutely modern with all the technologies of the moment to offer rare versatility. Multiroom, network and connected, the JBL Authentics are there. One of them is even portable for maximum ergonomics. Presentation.

JBL Authentics 200/300/500, AirPlay 2, Wi-Fi 6, Chromecast built-in, MRM…

All three models, JBL Authentics 500, JBL Authentics 300 and JBL Authentics 200, have in common the possibility of using the Google Assistant or Alexa voice assistants simultaneously. Thanks to the integrated Wi-Fi 6 protocol and AirPlay 2, Amazon Multi-Room Service or Chromecast (integrated) compatibility, it is also possible to connect several JBL Authentics speakers to configure a multiroom system. Namely, Spotify Connect is also there. And to enjoy other available music services (Apple Music, Tidal, Deezer……) via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth 5.3, simply use the JBL One application.

Another advantage of the JBL Authentics is automatic pre-tuning which calibrates and adapts the audio performance according to the particularities of the listening room, each time the speaker is turned on. So, if you change the location of the speaker in a room or if you move it from room to room, the sound reproduction will always be optimized.

JBL Authentics 200/300/500, connectivity

Like connectivity, the connectivity of the JBL Authentics 500, JBL Authentics 300 (pictured below) and JBL Authentics 200 speakers is each identical, a 3.5 mm mini-Jack input and an Ethernet port . The USB port present is dedicated to maintenance.

JBL Authentics 500, JBL Authentics 300 and JBL Authentics 200, acoustic package

The 3.1 JBL Authentics 500 speaker, the most powerful of all with 270 W, features Dolby Atmos compatibility, useful for enjoying Spatial Audio files from Tidal, Apple Music or Amazon Music. In terms of speakers, there are three 1'' (2.54 cm) dome tweeters, three 2.75'' (7 cm) midranges and a 16.5 centimeter woofer. The JBL Authentics 300, 2.0 speaker, is the only portable model (a handle is required) with an integrated battery allowing 8 hours of autonomy. It has two 1'' tweeters, a 13.3 cm woofer and a 16.5 cm passive membrane to reinforce the bass, all powered by digital amplification capable of delivering a maximum power of 100 watts. Finally, the JBL Authentics 200 speaker, also 2.0, has two 1'' tweeters, a 12.7 cm wide band speaker and a 15.4 cm passive membrane to reinforce the bass, all powered by amplification delivering 90 watts.

JBL Authentics, the floor to Carsten Olesen, President Consumer Audio at Harman

“Leveraging our brands’ heritage is essential to us, and that’s why the JBL Authentics line offers unmatched audio quality, unique design and features,” said Carsten Olesen, president of Consumer Audio at Harman. Currently, the “newstalgia” trend is very popular with consumers. The JBL Authentics range draws inspiration from our iconic history with its retro design, while delivering the premium sound and technology the customer expects. The future of audio is being redefined with innovations such as Dolby Atmos, simultaneous voice assistants and also the retro and reimagined design of the Quadrex grille in a single range of speakers.

Availability announced in black finish during September. Respective indicative prices: €599.99 for the JBL Authentics 500, €399.99 for the JBL Authentics 300 and €299.9 for the JBL Authentics 200.

Reminder of the key characteristics of the JBL Authentics 200:

• Type: 2.0

• Tweeters: 2 x 25 mm

• Wideband speaker: 1 x 127 mm

• Passive radiator: 1 x 152 mm

• Power: 90 W

• Connections: 1 3.5 mm mini-Jack input and 1 Ethernet port

• THD (Total Harmonic Distortion): 1 %

• Frequency response: 50-20,000 Hz

• AirPlay 2 compatibility

• Spotify Connect compatibility

• Wi-Fi 6 compatibility

• Bluetooth 5.3 compatibility

• Chromecast compatibility (integrated)

• Alexa Multiroom Music compatibility

• Multiroom: yes

• Dimensions (L x D x H): 266.3 x 171.7 x 167, 4 mm

• Weight: 3.12 kg

Reminder of the key characteristics of the JBL Authentics 500:

• Type: 3.1

• Tweeter(s): 2 x 25 mm

• Midrange(s): 3 x 7 mm

• Passive radiator(s): 1 x 16.5 mm

• Power: 270 W

• Connections: 1 3.5 mm mini-Jack input and 1 Ethernet port

• THD (Total Harmonic Distortion): 1%

• Dolby Atmos compatibility

• Frequency response: 40-20,000 Hz

• AirPlay 2 compatibility

• Spotify compatibility Connect

• Wi-Fi 6 compatibility

• Bluetooth 5.3 compatibility

• Chromecast compatibility (built-in)

• Alexa Multiroom Music compatibility

• Multiroom: yes

• Dimensions (L x D x H): 447 x 240 x 255.7 mm

• Weight: 7.8 kg

Reminder of the key characteristics of the JBL Authentics 300:

• Type: 2.0

• Tweeter(s): 2 x 25 mm

• Wideband speaker: 1 x 13. mm

• Passive radiator(s): 1 x 16.5 mm

• Power: 100 W

• Connections: 1 3.5 mm mini-Jack input and 1 Ethernet port

• THD (Total Harmonic Distortion): 1%

• Frequency response: 50-20,000 Hz

• AirPlay 2 compatibility

• Spotify Connect compatibility

• Wi-Fi compatibility -Fi 6

• Bluetooth 5.3 compatibility

• Chromecast compatibility (integrated)

• Alexa Multiroom Music compatibility

• Battery: yes, 4,800 mAh

• Multiroom: yes

• Dimensions (L x D x H): 342 x 195.6 x 180.3 mm

• Weight: 4.9 kg