JBL mixes classic hi-fi with modern tech at CES 2023 and pumps up its Dolby Atmos soundbar power

Date:
Thu, 05 Jan 2023 23:15:28 +0000

Description:
And there's new Bluetooth speakers and wireless earbuds too.

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One of the busiest brands at CES 2023 has been JBL, with the audio
specialists taking the wraps off of a boatload of new hi-fi gear in Las
Vegas, alongside new soundbars, headphones and portable speakers.

Replete with retro stylings, the new-for-2023Classic SeriesHi-Fi range features an all-new integrated amp, CD player, turntable as well as a
high-end music streamer.

With walnut veneersand brushed metal finishes, the range maintains the nostalgia-tinged design of JBLslimited editionSA750 integrated amplifierfrom
a couple of years back which was released to mark the brands75th anniversary alongside its well-receivedL100 Classicspeakers.

Like theSA750, thenew SA350 integrated amplifier boasts a hefty Class G amplifier,alongside support for the latestaptX AdaptiveBluetooth codec for hi-res, low latency wireless audio streaming up to 24-bit/192kHz.Set to be priced at1599 / $2000, theres 90W of power per channel with the unit offering a decent spread of inputs including 3x stereo RCA, an MM/MCphono stage, plus three digital inputs (1x optical, 2x coaxial). (Image credit: JBL)

The CD350 Classic CD player meanwhile features an internal high-resolution
DAC for "bit-perfect sound", with up to 24-bit/96kHz file resolution
supported via a USB-A port, while theMP350 high-end digital audio streaming system also features AptX Adaptive Bluetooth for hi-res, low-latency wireless audio from your mobile devices. Priced at799 / $700, its built-in Wi-Fi lets you stream from a host of services with Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect,
Google Chromecast and Apple AirPlay all supported. (Image credit: JBL)

Elsewhere in the line-up, the classy-looking JBL TT350 Classic is a direct drive turntable with a heavy die-cast aluminum platter and curved aluminum tonearm, which comes witha "high-quality" Audio-Technicamoving magnet cartridge in a removable headshell and a925 / $1000price tag.

All four products are due for release in the middle of the year.

Outside of the Classic range, JBL also unveiled a new, Bluetooth-ready turntable called theSpinner BT (pictured at the top of the page). While
theres no walnut in sight here, theres still something of a late 70s retro vibe going on, with a black and orange plastic finish thats complimented by a speckled slip mat.

TheSpinner BT boasts the decidedly more modern feature of aptX HD streaming on-board, with the deck also featuring a switchable phono stage analogue output for hooking up to a classic component Hi-Fi or directly to a pair of active speakers.

Theres something of a longer wait for the Spinner BT, with the deck not due for release until the second half of the year, with a 375/$399asking price.It could be the perfect affordable Bluetooth model in our guide to the best turntables , if JBL's usual focus on sound quality holds up. (Image credit: JBL)

Home theater enthusiasts will meanwhile be most interested in JBLs new top-of-the range Dolby Atmos soundbar.

TheJBL Bar 1300 boasts a massive 15 audio channels, and build upon the versatile design of its much-heralded predecessor the Bar 9.1 and the more recent Bar 1000.

As with those systems, the Bar 1300s key feature is a pair of handy, wire-freerear speakers with rechargeable batteries, plus a wireless
subwoofer, with the new system increasing the number of up-firing drivers to
a room-filling six.

The Bar 1300 also features JBL's MultiBeam algorithm to help create a wider soundstage by bouncing audio off your walls, PureVoice tech for optimizing movie dialogue, plus support for rival 3D audio format DTS:X as well as
Atmos.

The JBL Bar 1300 is set to go on sale in mid-February 2023 for$1555/1299 we expect it to be a strong contender for our list of the best Dolby Atmos soundbars . (Image credit: JBL)

On the headphone front, the newJBL Tune Beam earbuds look like direct rivals to Apple's AirPods Pro 2 thanks totheirnoise-isolating design.The new in-ears pack feature 6mm drivers, Bluetooth 5.3, 12 hours of playback that comes down to ten hours when noise cancelling is engaged, plus IP54 water and dust-resistance. Set to be priced at $100, the Tune Beams are set to be released in June. (Image credit: JBL)

For sporty, types, theres the Endurance Peak 3, an update of last years workout-friendly in-ears which earned a 4-star review from Tech Radar.

The updated buds now have all-new 10mm drivers that JBL say are tuned for sport-friendly bass, and last for 50 hours of total playback. A refreshed PowerHook design with TwistLock technology meanwhile aims to offer an even more secure fit for those vigorous running sessions.Also priced at $100/ 83.99, the Endurance Peak 3 go on sale next month. (Image credit: JBL)

Finally, JBLs hugely popular portable audio line-up is set to be given an environmentally-friendly boost with two newEco-Edition Bluetooth speakers.

TheJBL Go 3 EcoandJBL Clip 4 Ecoare Bluetooth 5.1 compatible and come with enclosures made from 90 percent recycled plastic, while the speaker grill and rope handles are made from 100 per cent recycled fabric. The larger Clip 4 offers 10 hours of playback, while the Go 3 maxes out at five hours of
playing your tunes.

Both speakers are set to launch on the suitably green date of Earth Day on April 22 and will be available in Forest Green, Ocean Blue, and Cloud White colorways, with theJBL Clip 4 Ecopriced at $79.95 and theGo 3 Ecocoming in at $49.95.



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Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/news/jbl-mixes-classic-hi-fi-with-modern-tech-at-ces -2023-and-pumps-up-its-dolby-atmos-soundbar-power


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