JBL Authentics 300 Review: Going Retro

The JBL Authentics 300 is a remarkable fusion of retro design and modern technology, offering superior sound quality in a stylish, portable package. It has rich audio performance and an eye-catching ’70s-inspired look, and is one of the best portable speakers in the market right now.

Specs

Dimensions (W x H x D)Dimensions (W x H x D)
Weight4.9 Kg / 10.8 lbs
Bluetooth version5.3
Bluetooth ProleA2DP 1.3.2, AVRCP 1.5
Charging time (hrs)3.5
Maximum music playing time (hrs)8
Frequency response45Hz – 20kHz (-6dB)

Review

JBL’s speakers have always been top-of-the-line, giving some pretty good sound performance. However, they have always had a more “party” look to them. The Authentics Series has more of a retro vibe and the speakers are better than they’ve ever been. The JBL Authentics 300 is a mid-sized speaker that has the full functionality of bigger JBL speakers but it is more portable.

The JBL Authentic 300 is crafted with an all-aluminum frame, and complementing the sturdy frame is the leather-like paneling. The iconic Quadrex grille, reminiscent of classic JBL speakers, adds a nostalgic charm, making it instantly recognizable. It is also made from recycled materials.

The speaker features built-in Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, along with Ethernet connection ports for more stable and reliable connections. Additionally, it includes a 3.5mm audio jack and a USB port, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of devices.

One of the standout features is the automatic self-tuning capability. This advanced calibration system allows the speaker to optimize its sound based on the surrounding environment, ensuring the best audio experience without needing to manually adjust equalizer settings. This is complemented by bass and treble controls on the top of the speaker, providing further customization for audiophiles who like to tweak their audio settings.

For even more control, users can access additional settings through the JBL One app. The app also facilitates the setup of Amazon Alexa and Google Voice Assistant, allowing users to integrate the speaker into their smart home ecosystem. Spotify Connect, Apple AirPlay, and Google Chromecast are built in.

The JBL Authentic 300 delivers impressive audio performance with its 100-watt digital amplifier, two 1-inch silk dome tweeters, a 5.25-inch mid-woofer, and a bottom-firing 6.5-inch passive radiator. This configuration provides a broad frequency response from 45Hz to 20kHz, delivering clear highs, rich mids, and deep bass.

The speaker also supports multi-room audio, allowing multiple Authentic 300 speakers to be paired for synchronized audio throughout the home. This feature, combined with the ability to run both Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant simultaneously, offers unparalleled flexibility and convenience for managing smart home functions.

On the battery front, the JBL Authentic 300 offers up to 8 hours of playback time on a full charge, and it takes approximately 3.5 hours to recharge completely. This makes it suitable for both stationary use and on-the-go listening.

What’s in the box

  • JBL Authentics 300
  • Power Cable
  • Quick Start Guide
  • Safety Sheet
  • Warranty Card

Verdict

The speaker is well suited for all environments, its design is great and it has good functionality. It is the most versatile of the Authentics series, the automatic self-tuning does all the work for you and makes the speaker sound great everywhere. The bass is very impressive for a speaker of this size, although it doesn’t have a large driver the bass drops are produced beautifully. 

Buy the JBL Authentics 300 here.

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