The JBL Authentics 500 connected speaker crowns the American manufacturer’s new Authentics range. It combines a vintage design with contemporary wireless connectivity thanks to its WiFi, Bluetooth and multi-room (AirPlay 2 and Chromecast) compatibility. Equipped with seven drivers, the JBL Authentics 500 can reproduce Dolby Atmos tracks from streaming platforms such as Apple Music, TIDAL and Amazon Music. Sold for €599, does this residential speaker herald a new generation of connected speakers?
JBL Authentics 500: packaging and accessories
The JBL Authentics 500 connected speaker comes perfectly packaged in a large cardboard box. Because the device is intended for wireless use, it is only accompanied by a power cable. It would have been nice to have a remote control as well. Also included are a quick start guide, a safety data leaflet and a warranty card.
JBL Authentics 500: presentation
Design
The JBL Authentics 500 speaker follows the vintage trend, with a design reminiscent of equipments from the 1970s. In particular, it is equipped with a Quadrex foam grille. The latter was popularized by the JBL Classic Series and the JBL L75MS connected speaker.
Committed to a more environmentally-friendly approach to production, the manufacturer uses 100% recycled fabric to cover the grille. The JBL Authentics 500 smart speaker is also made of 85% recycled plastic and aluminum. Covered with an elegant black leatherette finish, the speaker is a truly decorative object that you’ll want to proudly display in your living room. Its appealing design and rounded edges turn heads.
Audio design
The JBL Authentics 500 connected speaker is equipped with seven drivers in a 3.1 channel configuration. The first three drivers, which have a diameter of 1”, reproduce the highs. The three 2.75” drivers are used for the mids, and the down-firing 6.5” model reproduces low frequencies. They are all powered by an amplification system capable of delivering up to 270 watts.
On the back of the speaker, two Slipstream ports ensure a better air flow. This proprietary technology eliminates air vibrations inside the speaker and reduces distortion. Continuing the tradition of the American manufacturer, the JBL Authentics 500 connected speaker promises to deliver powerful bass.
This acoustic design also allows the JBL Authentics 500 speaker to stream tracks mixed in Dolby Atmos and available on online music platforms such as Apple Music, TIDAL and Amazon Music. This is a real advantage and confirms JBL’s intention to compete with Sonos in the residential speaker market.
WiFi and Bluetooth
The JBL Authentics 500 focuses first and foremost on wireless connectivity, featuring WiFi and Bluetooth controllers. It can therefore connect to the local network via WiFi or a wired connection thanks to its Ethernet port. Moreover, this new JBL connected speaker supports the AirPlay 2 and Chromecast protocols, allowing it to be added to a multi-room system combining devices from different brands.
The speaker’s Bluetooth 5.3 receiver ensures playback of files saved on a compatible smartphone, tablet or computer. This allows the JBL Authentics 500 to wirelessly stream playlists from music services such as Qobuz, Spotify and Deezer.
In addition to the previously mentioned Ethernet port, a powered USB-C port can be found on the back of the speaker. The latter lets you charge your smartphone or any other connected device to play MP3 and WAV files. A 3.5mm mini-jack input is also present for the connection of a non-Bluetooth-enabled device or a preamplified turntable (or phono preamp), for example, to complete an existing audio system.
Voice controls and app
The JBL Authentics 500 connected speaker is natively compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. Very convenient, these two assistant can work simultaneously. In a multi-room system with devices from several brands, it can be handy to be able to use both.
In addition to the two voice assistants, the JBL Authentics 500 features a control interface that lets you control the volume, start and pause playback, control Bluetooth pairing and adjust the two-band equalizer (bass and treble). The heart “Moment” button lets you play a pre-saved playlist with linked volume and an auto-off setting. This control is particularly helpful on a daily basis, to enjoy music at breakfast time, for example.
Along with the physical controls, the JBL Authentics 500 smart speaker is compatible with the JBL One control app. The latter provides extended access to the equalizer, with the ability to adjust the midrange. Available free of charge for iOS and Android, the app also lets you configure the “moment” button, select the playlist and adjust the volume.
JBL Authentics 500: key specifications
- Total power: 270 watts
- 1 x 6.5” woofer
- 3 x 2.75” midrange drivers
- 3 x 1” tweeters
- Bluetooth 5.3 and WiFi
- Virtual Dolby Atmos
- AirPlay 2 and Chromecast compatibility
- Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant
- Frequency response: 40Hz to 20kHz
- Dimensions (WxHxD): 447 x 240 x 255.7mm
- Weight: 7.8kg
JBL Authentics 500: configuration
Unlike its smaller sibling, the JBL Authentics 300, the Authentics 500 model is only designed to be used at home. As a result, it must be connected to the mains. To configure the JBL Authentics 500 residential speaker, you must use the control app. We used our Android smartphone to do this. The app lets you connect the device to the local network and adjust the basic settings, such as the standby mode, and add additional services like the multi-room protocol and voice controls.
After just a few minutes of configuration, all you have to do is play a track on a streaming platform or from the internal memory of an associated device, and you’re ready to enjoy your music. Set-up is quick and perfectly intuitive, thanks to the app’s tutorial. During our test, we also used a Mac, which was easy to pair via AirPlay 2.
JBL Authentics 500: listening impressions
For this review, we streamed Hi-Res music from the Qobuz platform. From the get-go, the JBL Authentics 500 smart speaker confirmed our initial impressions. In keeping with the brand’s previous models, the bass was intense with a perfectly controlled depth. The soundstage was extensive and well-balanced. Music was diffused throughout the space with fullness and balance. The sound reproduction was clear and precise.
However, at very high volume, vibrations sometimes interfered with the listening experience, with low frequencies that were too pronounced. When this happened, we used the control app, or the interface on the top panel, to adjust the equalizer. Moving the speaker away from the wall also allowed the double port to ensure better air flow. We were then able to turn the volume up high enough to provide music during a party with a dozen guests.
Rock, urban music, jazz and classical music, the JBL Authentics 500 connected speaker proves to be highly versatile with all genres. What’s more, the three-band equalizer accessible from the app enables every detail to be fine-tuned according to the tastes of the listener. During a party, switching to the Spotify platform immediately revealed the difference in quality between a Hi-Res track streamed on Qobuz and the MP3 format on the Swedish music service.
In order to test the 3.1-channel audio configuration, we also used TIDAL to benefit from Dolby Atmos tracks. The vertical effects of three-dimensional sound undeniably enhanced the immersive experience. However, this virtual reproduction was still less captivating than a true Atmos system.
JBL Authentics 500: compared to…
Sonos Era 300: available for €499, Sonos’ latest connected speaker has several similarities with the JBL model, starting with WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity. The Era 300 provides a better Dolby Atmos reproduction thanks to its vertical effects drivers and direct access to the TIDAL platform. As for multi-room features, the JBL speaker is more versatile, with the integration of the Chromecast protocol. Finally, the Authentics 500 features a dedicated woofer, while its rival only has two midbass drivers.
Marshall Stanmore 2 BT: this is the model that most closely resembles the JBL Authentics 500 connected speaker in terms of aesthetics. With its new residential model, JBL joins Marshall in the vintage design segment. In terms of functionality, on the other hand, JBL integrates WiFi connectivity where the Marshall speaker is limited to Bluetooth. However, the British firm integrates the aptX codec to optimize signal transmission. Priced at €369, the Stanmore 2 BT is also less generous (80 watts), but ultimately provides better power handling.
JBL Authentics 500: who is it for?
The JBL Authentics 500 connected speaker is designed for those who love vintage design and deep bass. Its 70s styling makes it very appealing. This speaker makes an impression! Its clear, precise sound reproduction means it can only be used with Hi-Res music, to benefit from its full potential.
JBL Authentics 500: conclusion
To describe the JBL Authentics 500 residential speaker, one first has to evoke the power of its bass. Like the brand’s signature sound, this new connected model inherits JBL’s expertise. The app, which offers quick and easy access to a three-band equalizer, lets you adjust the sound to suit your individual tastes. Its vintage design and meticulous finish are also real assets. This new JBL speaker is made to be seen, not just heard! The 3.1-channel acoustic design offers an immersive sound experience, and compatibility with AirPlay 2 and Chromecast multi-room protocols as well as Alexa and Google Assistant voice commands make it easy to use on a daily basis.
We liked
- Its retro design
- The powerful bass
- The three-band equalizer
- The simple and intuitive app
We would have liked
- Fewer vibrations at high volume
- The Bluetooth aptX codec
- More powerful Atmos effects
- A remote control
