JBL Challenges Sonos with Multi-Room Authentics Home Speakers
JBL has unveiled its new Authentics series, a collection of three connected speakers that offer similar features to Sonos. These speakers support multi-room audio, automatic self-tuning, and have Bluetooth, WiFi, and Ethernet connectivity. While only the priciest model has Dolby Atmos immersive sound, all three can simultaneously run Google Assistant and Alexa, making JBL the first company to achieve this.
In designing the Authentics series, JBL was inspired by its L100 speaker, which debuted in the 70s. The bookshelf had a grid-patterned Quadrex grille as a visible aesthetic element, which the company has carried through some of its more expensive products over the years. This square layout also adorns the speaker hood of the Authetics range, while the leather-wrapped aluminum body and black and gold color scheme complete the look.
JBL is touting its new line of speakers as the first units capable of using both Google Assistant and Alexa simultaneously on the same device. Many speakers and headphones support multiple voice assistants, but you have to choose one at a time. Here you can set up the two in the JBL app and use either (without diving into the settings menu) for hands-free control of connected devices, music and more. Just say “Hey Google” or “Alexa” and Authentics speakers will summon the assistant you need. The company explains that it designed the integration in collaboration with Google and Amazon so that “customers have the choice and flexibility to seamlessly communicate with both voice assistants and take advantage of their different capabilities.”
At the top of the range is the Authentics 500. This model features three 1-inch tweeters, three 2.75-inch midrange woofers, and one 6.5-inch down-firing subwoofer. The company explains that this driver arrangement produces “crystal clear sound” with “tight, precise bass.” The 500 is the only unit in the series that supports Dolby Atmos sound and produces 270 watts of 3.1-channel sound for a virtualized 3D effect. As you might expect, this is the largest and most expensive option at $700.
The Authentics 300 is the only portable speaker in JBL’s new series. This $430 model can reproduce 360-degree sound with a user-replaceable battery that provides eight hours of listening time. The 300 also has a built-in handle for added portability, though the company is clear that the device’s audio output, including “distinctive highs and deep bass,” works well indoors.
The Authentics 200 features two one-inch tweeters with a five-inch woofer and a six-inch passive radiator. JBL claims this more compact option can “fill any space – big or small – with stereo sound”, including “deep bass” and “perfect balance” across all genres. It seems clear that JBL is aiming to take on the Sonos One and Era 100 here, even though the 200 is more expensive at $330.
All three Authentics speakers will be available in black on September 17th. The entire range is compatible with the JBL One app, which allows you to sync music services, fully customize the equalizer and adjust other settings as you see fit.
