Best of High End
No Result
View All Result
  • Login
  • Academy
  • Factory visits
  • First look
  • High End Munich 2025
  • Tech talk
  • News
  • Reports
  • Reviews
Contact us
  • Academy
  • Factory visits
  • First look
  • High End Munich 2025
  • Tech talk
  • News
  • Reports
  • Reviews
No Result
View All Result
Best of High End
No Result
View All Result
Home Reports

JBL Modern Audio event

Reimagining the home theater experience for Gen Z

John Bugailiskis by John Bugailiskis
October 24, 2024
Reading Time: 3 mins read
0
jbl-modern-audio-event

Photo credit: Isabelle Dachs

RELATED POSTS

Vandersteen Raises the Bar at AXPONA 2025 with Purist Preamp and Evolved Quatro

AXPONA 2025 Sets New Records For Attendance, Exhibitors, And Listening Rooms

JPorter Studios Unveils Waterloo Micro & Wellington Tower At AXPONA 2025

JBL is targeting Gen Zers with their first ever AV receivers and a new line of speakers. The JBL Modern Audio (MA) AV Receivers and Stage 2 loudspeakers promise a “far better sound experience than soundbars” but still at an affordable price point says Jim Garrett, Sr. Director, Product Strategy & Planning with HARMAN Luxury Audio Group, which owns JBL. Garrett joined representatives from Dolby Labs, Universal Music Group and other HARMAN staff to provide a demonstration of JBL’s new product line to media at Republic Records in New York City.

“In designing these new speakers and receivers we took a fresh approach by asking ‘why is Gen Z not getting into component audio’. The answer we found is that they often feel intimidated with the overly complex sea of options on the market. Our response was to develop a new line of audio components that offer great sound, but would be as simple to operate as a soundbar,” explained Garrett.

As a result, JBL took a decidedly simplistic approach to the design of their first ever AV receivers. Budding audiophiles can now put together a JBL component audio system for well under $1,000 U.S. In addition, JBL says there new MA AV receivers and Stage 2 loudspeakers are crafted to blend “seamlessly into modern home interiors, and refreshingly simple to install, connect, and upgrade.”

A Turnkey Home Theater Solution

JBL says they have worked to create a single branded solution engineered to operate in unity that effectively removes the need to figure out which components to combine, providing users the peace of mind that comes of knowing that everything they need is provided.

Utilizing the EZ Set EQ mobile app, users can calibrate the system to match their space in minutes, while the Wi-Fi-enabled AVRs feature “Works with SmartThings” integration, allowing users to create automated routines that control their other IoT devices with just one simple button press.

jbl-modern-audio-event-2

The system is compatible with a wide variety of audio platforms. Whether they want to connect their music from their mobile phone via Apple AirPlay or Chromecast, Bluetooth pairing, or streaming from Spotify, users can count on a smooth and seamless audio experience says JBL.

In addition to performance, Garrett added that both the MA AV receivers and Stage 2 loudspeakers were designed to appeal to the Gen Z lifestyle, both in the way they function and the way they look. Slim and sleek, with a “contemporary, playful design,” the entire range is designed to blend with modern interiors with two-color options of latte and espresso.

jbl-modern-audio-event-3

Another feature of the AV receiver line is that it is scalable, from users who just need a basic two-channel system to those looking to build a high-end home theater setup featuring 8K HDMI video, Dolby Atmos immersive sound and DTS:X.

How do they sound?

During the demonstration JBL staff began by playing a variety of audio tracks via Bluetooth on their entry level system consisting of the MA510 AV receiver and 250B bookshelf speakers (priced together at $999 U.S.). I was impressed with the overall sound quality, especially given the price. The speakers themselves had a neutral sound signature, but with just a touch of warmth. These are speakers that I expect could easily be played for hours without fatiguing the listener. The MA510 AV receiver, although rated at just 75W, provided impressive dynamics and impressive bass to the speakers during all the tracks played.

jbl-modern-audio-event-4
Photo credit: Isabelle Dachs

JBL also showed off the top of the line MA9100HP receiver, which includes LED underglow options and their 280F floor-standing speakers (priced together at $2,800 U.S.) This system provided a true high-end audio experience with a deep engaging soundstage and thunderous, but controlled bass, which is guaranteed to get the Gen X crowd of their couches and onto their feet.

JBL Home Theater Line-Up and Pricing (all pricing in U.S. dollars)

The JBL MA AV Receivers:

  • 60W JBL MA310 5.2-channel 4K AV Receiver ($399)
  • 75W JBL MA510 5.2-channel 8K AV Receiver ($599)
  • 110W MA710 ($799)
  • 125W MA7100HP 7.2-channel 8K AV Receiver ($1199)
  • 140W JBL MA9100HP, with either 5.1, 7.1, or 9.1 channels, Dolby Audio and DTS or Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support, low noise Class D amplification, and broad compatibility ($1,599)
jbl-modern-audio-event-5
Photo credit: Isabelle Dachs

JBL Stage 2 Loudspeakers:

  • 260F ($999 per pair) and 280F ($1,199 per pair), floor-standing models
  • 250B ($399.99 per pair) and 250B ($399.99 per pair), bookshelf models with separate floor stands
  • 245C Center Channel speaker ($449 each)
  • 240H Dolby Atmos enabled height module ($499.99 per pair)
  • 200P and 220P Subwoofers ($499 and $599)
Tags: AV receiversJBLLoudspeakers
ShareTweet
John Bugailiskis

John Bugailiskis

John Bugailiskis is a Canadian-based consumer electronics reporter/editor and has been reviewing consumer electronics for more than 20 years. John has a passion for all things digital and in particular loves to test the latest video, audio and computer products. He has also reported extensively on the telecom and broadcasting industry.

Related Posts

vandersteen-raises-the-bar-at-axpona-2025
Reports

Vandersteen Raises the Bar at AXPONA 2025 with Purist Preamp and Evolved Quatro

April 21, 2025
AXPONA-2025-Sets-New-Records-For-Attendance,-Exhibitors,-And-Listening-Rooms
Reports

AXPONA 2025 Sets New Records For Attendance, Exhibitors, And Listening Rooms

April 17, 2025
JPorter-Studios-Unveils-Waterloo-Micro-&-Wellington-Tower-At-AXPONA-2025
Reports

JPorter Studios Unveils Waterloo Micro & Wellington Tower At AXPONA 2025

April 17, 2025
Accuphase-Unveils-E-3000-Integrated-Amplifier-At-AXPONA-2025
News

Accuphase Unveils E-3000 Integrated Amplifier At AXPONA 2025

April 16, 2025
Can-You-Hear-The-Difference?-IsoAcoustics-Proves-It-Again-At-AXPONA-2025
News

Can You Hear The Difference? IsoAcoustics Proves It Again At AXPONA 2025

April 16, 2025
Morel-Debuts-SOPRAN-634-At-AXPONA-2025
News

Morel Debuts SOPRAN 634 At AXPONA 2025

April 16, 2025
Next Post
PC8SXwFUSX10-scaled

Synergistic Research PowerCell 8 SX power conditioner review

arendal-sound-1528-flagship-speaker-series

Arendal Sound 1528 flagship speaker series

Tag cloud

4K Acoustics Audio-Technica Audio Research AV processors AXPONA 2025 Bang & Olufsen Bowers & Wilkins Cables CD player CES 2018 CES 2025 DACs Dan D'Agostino Digital amplifiers Estelon Focal Genelec Gold Note HDR Headphone amplifiers Headphones HIGH END Munich 2025 High End® Integrated amplifiers LG Loudspeakers Lyngdorf Lyngdorf Audio McIntosh OLED Panasonic Power amplifiers Preamplifiers Projectors Samsung Sony Steinway Lyngdorf StormAudio Streaming audio Studio monitors Subwoofers Turntables Vitus Audio Wireless speakers

Saint Laurent Rive Droite has achieved a remarkable milestone in collaboration with Bang & Olufsen by celebrating their long-standing partnership with an exclusive release. Led by designer Anthony Vaccarello, they present the Beogram 4000C, a reinterpretation of an iconic design from the seventies.

#SaintLaurentRiveDroite #bangandolufsen #turntable

0 0
Open
Saint Laurent Rive Droite has achieved a remarkable milestone in collaboration with Bang & Olufsen by celebrating their long-standing partnership with an exclusive release. Led by designer Anthony Vaccarello, they present the Beogram 4000C, a reinterpretation of an iconic design from the seventies.
#SaintLaurentRiveDroite #bangandolufsen #turntable

The DCS LINA DAC X is a state-of-the-art network music player designed to deliver exceptional audio performance while providing effortless access to a vast library of high-resolution music. Built with a focus on revealing the full depth and impact of your music collection, the Lina DAC X captures every detail from individual sounds to subtle timing and spatial cues creating an immersive and exhilarating listening experience.

#dCS #linadac #digitaltoanalog

0 0
Open
The DCS LINA DAC X is a state-of-the-art network music player designed to deliver exceptional audio performance while providing effortless access to a vast library of high-resolution music. Built with a focus on revealing the full depth and impact of your music collection, the Lina DAC X captures every detail from individual sounds to subtle timing and spatial cues creating an immersive and exhilarating listening experience.
#dCS #linadac #digitaltoanalog

The Solidsteel S2 Series represents the company’s fundamental range of Hi-Fi racks, designed for passionate audiophiles seeking to enhance their audio systems. Renowned for their traditional design and reliable performance, these racks are among the most appreciated products in Solidsteel’s catalog, offering a perfect balance of craftsmanship and functionality.

#solidsteel #racks #hifi

0 0
Open
The Solidsteel S2 Series represents the company’s fundamental range of Hi-Fi racks, designed for passionate audiophiles seeking to enhance their audio systems. Renowned for their traditional design and reliable performance, these racks are among the most appreciated products in Solidsteel’s catalog, offering a perfect balance of craftsmanship and functionality.
#solidsteel #racks #hifi

After more than three decades of relentless innovation and research in the audio industry, a groundbreaking advancement has emerged: the RMD® (Ring Mode Drive). This technology marks a significant milestone, redefining how sound is produced, propagated, and integrated across various applications.

#RMD #technology #highendmunich2025

0 0
Open
After more than three decades of relentless innovation and research in the audio industry, a groundbreaking advancement has emerged: the RMD® (Ring Mode Drive). This technology marks a significant milestone, redefining how sound is produced, propagated, and integrated across various applications.
#RMD #technology #highendmunich2025

Dutch high-end audio innovator Aequo Audio is set to make waves at High End Munich 2025with the debut of two groundbreaking loudspeakers, the Adamantis and Ensium.

#aequoaudio #adamantis #ensium #loudspeakers #highendmunich2025

0 0
Open
Dutch high-end audio innovator Aequo Audio is set to make waves at High End Munich 2025with the debut of two groundbreaking loudspeakers, the Adamantis and Ensium. 
#aequoaudio #adamantis #ensium #loudspeakers #highendmunich2025

Xavian, the renowned Czech loudspeaker manufacturer, has announced the release of the Integrale, a strictly limited edition of just 25 pairs of floorstanding loudspeakers.

#xavian #integrale #loudspeakers

2 0
Open
Xavian, the renowned Czech loudspeaker manufacturer, has announced the release of the Integrale, a strictly limited edition of just 25 pairs of floorstanding loudspeakers. 
#xavian #integrale #loudspeakers

Samsung has officially announced the pricing and availability of its highly anticipated 2025 AV line-up. This cutting-edge range of TVs and soundbars, powered by Vision AI, promises to redefine home entertainment with smarter, more immersive viewing and audio experiences.

#Samsung #SamsungAI #avlineup #Televisions #soundbars

0 0
Open
Samsung has officially announced the pricing and availability of its highly anticipated 2025 AV line-up. This cutting-edge range of TVs and soundbars, powered by Vision AI, promises to redefine home entertainment with smarter, more immersive viewing and audio experiences.
#Samsung #SamsungAI #avlineup #Televisions #soundbars

Beyerdynamic has announced that the DT 770 PRO X, originally launched as a limited edition to celebrate the company’s 100th anniversary, is now a permanent addition to its esteemed PRO portfolio.

#Beyerdynamic #DT770ProX #closedbackheadphones

0 0
Open
Beyerdynamic has announced that the DT 770 PRO X, originally launched as a limited edition to celebrate the company’s 100th anniversary, is now a permanent addition to its esteemed PRO portfolio.
#Beyerdynamic #DT770ProX #closedbackheadphones

Go watch the Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3 Headphone news video! https://youtu.be/d3xAKNZ6Ano #Bestofhighend #headphones #technology #bluetoothheadphone #activenoisecancellation

0 0
Open
Go watch the Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3 Headphone news video! https://youtu.be/d3xAKNZ6Ano #Bestofhighend #headphones #technology #bluetoothheadphone #activenoisecancellation
  • About us
  • Advertising
  • Contact
  • Terms and Conditions

© 2025 Best Of High End - by NOKYTECH

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In
No Result
View All Result
  • Academy
  • Factory visits
  • First look
  • High End Munich 2025
  • Tech talk
  • News
  • Reports
  • Reviews

© 2025 Best Of High End - by NOKYTECH

This website uses cookies. If you continue to use this website you give permission to use cookies as described in our Terms and Conditions.ACCEPTTERMS AND CONDITIONS