JBL redefines home cinema with Modern Audio AVRs and Stage 2 loudspeakers

JBL has unveiled a range of next generation AV receivers, and a full complement of partnering loudspeakers, which it says reimagines the home cinema experience for a new generation of buyers.

Launched appropriately enough, in the heart of Hollywood, on the rooftop of the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, the JBL Modern Audio (MA) AV Receivers and Stage 2 loudspeakers can be configured for stereo duties, 5.1 and full Dolby Atmos immersion, depending on the hardware combo chosen.

Designed to be ‘refreshingly simple to install, connect, and upgrade’, they’re intended as an out-of-the-box media solution, as well as an upgrade for existing home theatre setups.

All the Wi-Fi AVRs feature Works with SmartThings integration, and are compatible with a wide variety of audio platforms, including Apple AirPlay and Chromecast. System calibration has been simplified using the EZ Set EQ mobile app.

The loudspeakers have been given a lifestyle makeover, and are available in two colour options, Latte and Espresso.

Design and tuning has been carried out at the JBL Center of Acoustics Excellence in Northridge, California, so you can be sure there’s some JBL Synthesis DNA in there somewhere. Innovations include patented HDI waveguides for room-filling sound, and anodized tweeters for superior highs.

The JBL MA AV Receiver line up includes the MA310 5.2-channel, 60W, 4K AV receiver (£499); the MA510 5.2-channel, 75W, 8K AV receiver (£699); the MA710 7.2-channels, 110W, 8K AV receiver (£999); the MA7100HP 7.2-channel, 125W, 8K (High Performance) AV receiver (£1399); and the flagship the MA9100HP, 9.2 channel, 140W, AV receiver (£1899) with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support, and low noise Class D amplification.

The matching JBL Stage 2 Loudspeakers comprise the 260F and 280F floorstanders (£1,050.00/£1,198.00/pr) ; 240B and 250B bookshelf models (£329 /399 /pr) ; 245C centre channel speaker (£449); 240H Dolby Atmos-enabled height module (£489.00/pr) and 200P and 220P subwoofers (£499 / £599).

JBL has also developed a range of timbre matched Stage 2 in-wall architectural speakers, for custom install.

Inside CI was invited to the launch, which included listening sessions of the entry-level MA310 amplifier and partnering Stage 2 bookshelf speakers, and the larger MA7100HP 7.2-channel amplifier in full Dolby Atmos guise with immersive Atmos up-firing speakers. Both configurations sounded hugely impressive, both in terms of ease of use and musicality, and visceral home cinema.

“JBL is recognized as the leader in high-performance cinematic experiences, so it should come as no surprise that our new line of home cinema products punches above its weight class,” said Dave Tovissi, Vice President & General Manager, Luxury Audio at HARMAN International. “Solving for modern consumer behaviours and concerns was front and centre when we developed these products. We designed the systems to blend perfectly into today’s lifestyle, giving users the sound quality and simplicity of use they always wanted from a home theatre system but never found – until now.”

CI distribution is via CUK.