JBL Authentics 500 Review: Outstanding speaker with Wi-Fi that boasts 270W of power

JBL gives you a sufficient number of sound equipment options for when your budget is limited, but also allows you to extend to the top of the industry with some of its “Premium” products. Today it is our turn to talk about one of them with a quite retro style and its name is JBL Authentics 500 .

JBL Authentics 500 is a high-end speaker that will allow you to hold large meetings or parties in your home thanks to a total power of 270W through a 3.1 channel distribution . However, this is just the beginning, since its autonomy of operation thanks to the integrated Wi-Fi connectivity will prevent you from having to resort to phones or computers at hand to control your playback.

A design inspired by another era

JBL Authentics 500 seeks to resemble the brand’s first models

Although creations from other brands have focused on portraying the aesthetic style of sound equipment from the 60’s and 70’s, JBL also wanted to get closer to the retro with the creation of the Authentics series and the final result ends being one of its strongest points . In this case, it opts for a black color throughout its structure with a thin gold-tone border for its front face.

JBL Authentics 500 will not only look elegant in any corner of the room in which you decide to place it, but it promises good durability thanks to aluminum-based construction materials, as well as a custom leather case and the Quadrex grille on top. the front area and surrounding the downward-firing speaker.

It can be noted that the official dimensions of the speaker correspond to 447 x 240 x 255.7 mm and its total weight of 7.4 kilograms , so it is clear that it is not designed to be moved frequently as is the case with other portable options of the company. brand. Unlike models like JBL Authentics 300 that include a battery for wireless use, here it is always necessary to use its power cable.

Finally, it is worth mentioning the interesting ones in ecological care that are made with 100% recycled fabric, plastic materials and 85% recycled aluminum, and even its packaging is based on an FSC certified cardboard box printed with FSC ink. soy.

Outstanding sound quality

JBL Authentics 500 achieves surround sound

Within the Authentics family of equipment, it must be made clear that this is one of the best speakers on sale today , as its 3.1-channel sound system significantly increases its 270W power. Thus, you will not need other complementary audio equipment to fill more than one room or large spaces with large audiences with music.

One of the manufacturer’s distinctive elements is its automatic calibration system from which you do not have to make manual settings thanks to the fact that the speaker optimizes the audio performance on its own according to the location in which it has been placed every time you turn it on. .

Likewise, its internal construction is based on a total of three 2.5 mm tweeters and three 2.75-inch midrange bass speakers so that any type of musical genre is represented correctly, in addition to a 6.5-inch downward-firing subwoofer and patented SlipStream bass port aimed at optimizing effects on bass output.

As if that were not enough, JBL Authentics 500 has compatibility with Dolby Atmos Music technology , which is available through multiple streaming services and can be played directly from the JBL One application.

Completely autonomous playback

JBL Authentics 500 unfortunately does not include a battery

If everything indicated so far does not seem enough to be sure of your purchase, its built-in Wi-Fi connectivity allows it to autonomously play all types of musical content, podcasts and even internet radio in high quality. Its compatibility includes Apple AirPlay, Alexa Multi-Room Music (MRM), Chromecast built-in and Spotify Connect standards.

Likewise, you will have the possibility of synchronizing several JBL Authentics speakers (even if they are not exactly the same model) to expand the audio throughout your home and play exactly the same without delays for those really large meetings. There is also support for applications such as Google Home or Amazon Alexa to simplify remote control, and even be able to perform voice commands in the case of Google Assistant.

Finally, remember to install the JBL One application on your Android and iOS mobile to access a greater number of options to customize the equalizer and settings as well as find your content from different sources on the same screen thanks to the integrated music services. And logically you will not lack support for Bluetooth connections, a USB port for playing MP3 files stored on external drives and even a classic 3.5 mm audio input.

PROS:

• Elegant retro design
• Great sound power
• Dolby Atmos support and automatic calibration
• Standalone operation with Wi-Fi connectivity

CONS:

• No battery for portable use
• It is quite a heavy piece of equipment.

 

JBL Authentics 500 Specifications: