JBL Authentics 200 Review
JBL is surfing on the retro wave. With the Authentics series, there are now three new Wi-Fi speakers in iconic vintage design but with the most modern technology under the hood. Even the small Authentics 200 already packs a punch.
by Klaus Laumann
Provocatively, one could say that JBL has come a long way with a rather plain design. In 2019, the Americans proudly announced that they had already delivered 100 million portable Bluetooth boxes. At the end of 2022, 200 million sold headphones marked the next impressive milestone. The entire range that falls into these two categories targets the mass market and is not exactly characterized by high-quality materials or appealing shapes. In this league, the price-performance ratio rules above all, and JBL has always been at the forefront.
With the new Wi-Fi speakers of the Authentics series, JBL is now opening up a field that was previously reserved internally for the Citation series from Harman Kardon. While the Citation speakers impress with timeless, simple elegance, JBL fully embraces the retro trend with the Authentics series.
The front cover has the characteristic waffle structure already known from the hi-fi speakers of the Classic series. In addition, there is a housing covered with faux leather and golden applications. The three speakers are definitely real eye-catchers. In terms of sound, even the small Authentics 200, which is equipped with a 5-inch woofer-midrange driver and two 2.5 cm tweeters, shows itself as a true rocker. It is quite impressive what the audio experts at Harman can get out of such boxes. In the test, even a noticeable stereo stage was perceptible, which is, however, enhanced by corresponding DSP effects. Tonally, the chic box presented itself surprisingly neutral and scored with deep and voluminous but by no means overemphasized bass. It reproduced voices distinctly and still pleasantly—overall, it delivered a very pleasing performance.
Despite homage to the past—in the box itself is the most modern technology. It offers an AUX input and Bluetooth and supports practically all variants of music streaming. In terms of multiroom, JBL relies on ready-made solutions from the internet giants Apple, Google, and Amazon; in the JBL One app, internet radio and all important music portals are available. As a real special feature, both voice assistant systems from Google and Amazon can be used simultaneously.
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THE APP CHECK
JBL One is the official app (Android and iOS) for JBL systems with home network connection. This includes, for example, the various soundbars. In addition to sound settings, the app enables the connection to the network including access to internet radio and music portals as well as the configuration of the voice assistants. An additional registration with JBL is not necessary.
APP RATING
JBL Authentics 200 Report
Streaming/Bluetooth box with front-radiating stereo tweeters and passive radiator to enhance bass reproduction. Frequency response with neutral setting of bass and treble: on-axis minor ripples between 1 and 5 kHz as well as quieter high frequencies (from 10 kHz), otherwise astonishingly balanced. In addition, deep-reaching bass reproduction down to 40 Hz (-6 dB), which remains at least up to 85 dBSPL. Interference-caused ripples 30 degrees sideways (blue) remain within limits. The maximum volume limit for frequencies up to 300 Hz is reached at 89 dBSPL; in mid/high frequencies, volumes over 90 dBSPL are possible. Low signal delay of 65 ms over the cable input. Power consumption: 0/4 W.
Specs
Warranty Period: 2 years
Dimensions (W × H × D): 26.6 × 17.2 × 16.7 cm
Weight: 3.1 kg
Remote Control / App: – / •
Colors: Black/Gold
Connections
- Line In / USB / LAN: • (3.5 mm) / – / •
Speakers
- Channels / Ways: 2/2
Features
- Wireless Transmission: Wi-Fi (2.4/5 GHz), Bluetooth
- Supported Encoding: up to 24/96
- DLNA / Hi-Res: – / •
- Music Streaming Services: various (via app)
- Multi‐Room Operation: •
- Battery Operation / Battery Life: – / n.a.
- Speakerphone Function: –
- Special Features: Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa can be used simultaneously
CONCLUSION:
Those who can get along with the retro design will get with the JBL Authentics 200 a successful home speaker that is technically and sonically up to date.
Pros & Cons
- extremely powerful sound
- attractive retro design
- Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa can be used in parallel
- automatic room calibration
– somewhat rudimentary app
– counterintuitive bass/treble controls
Test Results
- Sound: 9.1 / 10
- Features: very good (≈ 9 / 10)
- Operation: very good (≈ 9 / 10)
- Workmanship: very good (≈ 9 / 10)
Overall Rating: 9.1 / 10
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JBL Authentics 200 Full Review - This might be the best buy
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