JBL MA9100HP Review

JBL has rethought the topic of AV amplifiers from the ground up, and the result is truly impressive. The top model MA9100HP supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X and can drive up to nine channels.

by Klaus Laumann

Not only for us is it interesting when a manufacturer decides to enter a new market segment—especially when it is a somewhat weakening niche. As a potential customer, one can usually be pleased about the expanded selection. After all, competition stimulates business. But the fact that JBL is launching an entire lineup of multichannel AV amplifiers this year did surprise us.

Hardly any other manufacturer understands so well how to recognize trends or even set and steer them. So if the Americans are entering such a crisis-stricken segment with five models, they must have recognized some potential. Perhaps this potential lies in the living room, where television, music system, and possibly a game console are supposed to merge into a major entertainment center for the whole family.

The new JBL MA AV receivers were deliberately designed as a simple, turnkey system.

However, JBL has thoroughly scrutinized the concept of the universal AV control center with an elaborate user study in several key markets. It was found that users without great home theater ambitions are often overwhelmed by the complexity of the devices. Therefore, the range of functions was radically streamlined, and the operating concept was optimized. And JBL has really succeeded in this. Even the top model tested here, the MA9100HP, which can control up to nine speakers and two subwoofers and is equipped with a total of six HDMI inputs and two HDMI outputs, is astonishingly easy to install and configure.

The menu is clearly structured and is displayed as an on-screen display on the TV and simultaneously on the large front color display. Operation is essentially via the navigation cross on the simple remote control or the large multifunction knob on the device. Professionals do not have to forego anything. The typical functions, such as fine-tuning the speaker configuration or the ability to make specific settings for individual sources, are all available.

JBL has also solved the calibration well. It can be carried out via smartphone and Harman’s EZ Set EQ app. However, only the low-frequency response of the main channels is corrected to compensate for room modes. Levels and delays must be manually adjusted. The two top models MA9100HP and MA7100HP also support the much-praised, unfortunately fee-based room correction system Dirac Live.

Last but not least, the devices have also become visually beautiful and are available not only in black but also in white. In addition, a light strip on the underside provides subtle effect lighting, which can even be varied in color.

JBL MA9100HP Report