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Like many historic audio brands today, JBL is drawing on its past, and banking on 'newstalgia' to excite and entice a new generation of audiophiles and music lovers.
Following the success of its Classic Series loudspeakers, JBL recently unveiled its new JBL Authentics range of smart speakers and a new JBL Spinner BT Turntable with support for Bluetooth.
Here are the newest JBL turntable and new JBL speakers in Singapore:
- JBL Spinner BT Turntable, $799
- JBL Authentics 500, $999
- JBL Authentics 300, $599
- JBL Authentics 200, $499
JBL Showroom Singapore (at Commune Millenia Walk)
The launch event at Commune's Millenia Walk showroom showcased the speakers and turntable from JBL, as well as Commune's newest furniture lines 'Copenhang Collection' and the 'Note Collection'.
In the 4 different themed rooms, you will be fully immersed in the various ambiance and sounds including KPOP, Funk/Soul, Queen of POP, and HipHop.
This pop-up showroom is available until 22 November 2023 only.
Image: JBL
JBL Spinner BT Turntable, $799
With Bluetooth and aptX HD support
The most interesting feature of the new JBL Spinner BT is perhaps not its sleek design.
Sure, it looks excellent, with an aluminium platter and tonearm, a black MDF plinth with JBL orange or gold accents, a contemporary front panel, and a hinged dust cover.
Wireless bluetooth turntable
But audiophiles may appreciate its support for aptX HD more than its design. This means it can send high-quality audio to a Bluetooth speaker, headphones, amp, or system instantly, no cord connection needed. It also has an analogue output with a switchable moving magnet phono stage, allowing it to connect with older audio HiFi systems as well.
The belt-driven turntable is capable of spinning records at 33⅓ and 45 rpm so it should be able to play the majority of 7 and 12-inch records with no issue.
JBL Spinner BT Turntable retails for $799 from JBL.
Image: JBL
JBL Authentics Smart Speakers
The JBL Authentics speaker range draws on JBL’s history with a modern update. Its design pays homage to the legendary JBL L100 speaker from the 1970s.
For instance, JBL fans will recognise the striking Quadrex grille pattern reimagined for the year 2023, complete with a premium aluminium frame and a faux leather-wrapped enclosure.
Even if you’re not familiar with the whole history of it, there’s no denying that the Authentics is a sweet-looking range.
The range has three models:
- JBL Authentics 200
- JBL Authentics 300
- JBL Authentics 500
All JBL Authentics speakers are fitted with standout features like Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, support for multi-room playback, as well as seamless dual smart voice assistant integration with both Google and Alexa.
Image: JBL
JBL Authentics 500, $999
Supports Dolby Atmos
The JBL Authentics 500 is the most feature-packed in the series. It has 270 watts of 3.1 channel sound.
This is made possible by three 2.5mm tweeters and three 2.75-inch midrange woofers that claim to squeeze top-end clarity and detail out of your favourite song, while a 6.5” down-firing subwoofer and JBL’s patented SlipStream bass port promises bass that you can feel. The JBL Authentics 500 also supports Dolby Atmos.
JBL Authentics 500 retails for $999 from JBL, Shopee, and Zalora.
Image: JBL
JBL Authentics 300, $599
8-hour rechargeable battery
The JBL Authentics 300 is, as you would’ve correctly guessed, the middle-of-the-road option that is more compact with one of its own special features: an 8-hour battery and a built-in handle that lets you pick up the speakers for on-the-go jams.
JBL Authentics 300 retails for $599 from JBL, Shopee, and Zalora.
Image: JBL
JBL Authentics 200, $499
Entry-level smart speaker
The JBL Authentics 200 model is your entry-level sibling with basic features like a passive radiator, full range woofers and 90W of output.
JBL Authentics 200 retails for $499 from JBL, Shopee, and Zalora.
Part of this article was first published in Hardware Zone.