So that’s what I did. I told Bridget to have fun, let her friends jam-out on ‘em, take some pics, and don’t break ‘em because I had to send the pair back when she was done.

A few days later, I got the headphones and she didn’t have a negative thing to say about either one. She really digged the classic cans. They were super comfortable on her tiny head and had bass “that shook her toes.” She also thought that the in-earphones sounded good too, and she found that they blocked out sound (her mom) well.

There you have it: A 15-year girl’s take on the new JBL Roxy headphones. She and her friends liked ‘em a lot. Oh, and they are super cute too.

My take:

Even though they aren’t exactly my color, I spent an afternoon of listening with both of these headphones and one impressed while one disappointed.

The reference 430 over-the-ear set is a solid performer. It has great bass response with a clear note. The quality of the sound honestly impressed me out of the $59 model. Just like Bridget found out, they do fit anyone’s head including mine and my 2-year old son, so small girls shouldn’t have any issue rock’n these.

Now, the reference 250 in-earphones. I don’t have anything good to say about ‘em. They lack any bass and have a flat sound overall. In fact, standard Apple iPod earbuds from a few years back sound better to me than this set. The bottom line is that they are totally not worth the $39.99 price even if they are kind-of comfortable.

However to some it doesn’t really matter how the headphones sound as long as the style is right. And according to every girl that saw these, both got that right. (and the on-ear cans sound great too)

Long version: The JBL Duet II speakers are good speakers. Really, they are. I hooked ‘em up and turned on Burnout Paradise for some “testing” and they were impressive considering there isn’t a subwoofer in the set. The exhaust note of the Carson GT Flame was full and crisp, while the game’s soundtrack pumped out of the two speakers just fine.

Don’t expect the speakers to blow away a 2.1 setup, but these two speakers are easily the best 2.0 sub-$100 set I have ever heard. The highs are crisp, while the lows are full. Amazon sells the set for $75.38 down from the MSRP of $99.99.

Recommendation: The JBL Duet II are great speakers and highly recommended if there isn’t room for a satellite/subwoofer setup.

Style Leader Roxy and Sound Innovator JBL Form Strategic Partnership to Co-Create Portable Music Products

JBL and Roxy will produce products that resonate with the youth market through authenticity in style and sound

Northridge, CA (Apr. 15, 2009) – JBL, Inc. and Roxy, a brand of Quiksilver, Inc. announced today a strategic agreement in which both companies will work to create a new market category of branded headphones and portable audio products for fashion-conscious consumers.

The new series of multimedia products will combine Roxy’s leading fashion sense for adventuresome young women, with JBL’s award-winning, pro-sound technology. The first products will include a line of co-branded headphones in fashion colors slated for launch in the second quarter of 2009.

The special edition line will represent the first time a key fashion has partnered with a premium audio brand to create portable multimedia products that look as great as they sound. Consistent with each brands’ reputation for pro-level performance, the Roxy / JBL suite of products will be marketed with an emphasis on combining a premium, personal music experience with high intensity sports action.

The JBL/Roxy partnership will deliver substance in sound and style, with a headphone line that will turn heads and embody the reputation of a sound pioneer. The products are lightweight, compact and easy to carry – a perfect match for Roxy’s casual and on-the-move brand characteristics. The products will feature a unique blend of modern style, superior sound technology and affordable price points allowing girls to express themselves stylistically while enjoying the best sound technology.

“From concert halls to our homes, JBL’s award-winning sound technology has truly impacted the way we have experienced music for over 50 years,” said Kenna Florie, Roxy’s Vice President of Marketing. “We’re creating a market for branded multimedia accessories, and from the beginning we needed to have the best audio equipment underlying our designs. We wanted to bring that legendary JBL sound technology to our designs and felt that by partnering with them we could bring that vision to light.”

“With this partnership, JBL is expanding the demographic reach of the brand by delivering superior lifestyle products to a new audience of young women whose lives are a confluence of fashion, music and adventure,” said Susan Paley, director of business development for JBL. “Designed by women, for women, the first run of the JBL/Roxy co-branded products are just the beginning. Both companies are committed to providing young women products that inspire them, enabling them to express themselves through the personal and shared experience of music.”

JBL announced these quarter-toroid speakers a while ago, but seeing them in person really shows how versatile the speakers are. The Control NOW loudspeaker can sit alone, be hung on the wall, wrap around a corner, but when their powers combine, they form a round speaker thingie. I could totally see these speaker donuts hanging at an outdoor bistro or inside an upscale bar. They are kind of pricey at $279 so that hangout spot is not going to have cheap drinks though – oh, and they sound great in the large venue that is CEDIA.

Photos after the link. 

Once again, friends, into the breach. JBL has just released some speakers, a wireless subwoofer kit, and a wireless speaker kit that will have you singing in the aisles of your local Best Buy when they’re finally launched.

The WEM-1 is a wireless speaker kit for $359 and is available in September. The subwoofers, ES250PW and ES150PW cost $729 and $599 respectively include a little transmitter for sending your subwoofing to other rooms. Finally, the LS series speakers range from $999 to $1,999 each and include bookshelf, floorstanding, and center channel models.

JBL, Inc., Introduces LS Series Loudspeakers, Featuring Extraordinary Performance and Elegant Design
CEDIA EXPO 2008

WOODBURY, N.Y.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–At CEDIA Expo 2008, JBL, Inc., is introducing its LS Series high-end loudspeakers, utilizing state-of-the-art engineering and materials to deliver extraordinary sound quality. JBL® LS Series models have an elegant appearance, and are exceptionally crafted in a stunning high-gloss finish.

The LS Series includes a bookshelf loudspeaker (LS40); two floorstanding speakers (LS60, LS80); and a center channel speaker (LS CENTER). Suggested retail prices range from $999 to $1,999 each.

LS Series loudspeakers combine advanced-technology compression drivers with dynamic drivers to achieve the best sonic qualities of both – the exceptional dynamic range, transient response and transparency of compression drivers, and the articulation and presence of the finest dynamic drivers.

The speakers’ 176ND high-frequency compression driver operates in conjunction with a Bi-Radial® horn that provides optimum dispersion and a smooth frequency response both on- and off-axis. The 015M ring-radiator ultrahigh-frequency driver delivers frequency extension to beyond 40kHz. It is mounted in an exclusive Elliptical Oblate Spheroidal™ (EOS) waveguide to deliver accurate imaging in an immersive sound field. LS Series woofers utilize proprietary PolyPlas™ polymer-coated-cellulose-fiber cone material for articulate, powerful bass.

LS Series loudspeakers are constructed from only the finest materials. They are distinctively elegant in design, with curved contours, tapered sides and a high-gloss stained-wood finish.

JBL, Inc., Debuts Its ES250PW and ES150PW High-Performance Wireless Subwoofers
CEDIA EXPO 2008

WOODBURY, N.Y.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–JBL, Inc., today announced the introduction of its ES Series ES250PW and ES150PW wireless powered subwoofers. Both high-performance models can be used without running any connecting wires through walls or under floors, making installation simple.

Both subwoofers include a transmitter module that connects to an audio/video receiver or other source, and operates in the 2.4GHz frequency range for clear signal transmission to the subwoofers’ built-in wireless receiver unit. Both models feature a full complement of controls and connection options.

The subwoofers are designed to deliver exceptional sound. The ES250PW incorporates a built-in 400-watt amplifier and 12-inch woofer, and the ES150PW features a 300-watt amplifier and 10-inch woofer. The woofer cones are made from proprietary PolyPlas™ polymer-coated-cellulose-fiber cone material, which provides superior articulation and higher playback levels. Both models incorporate a specially shaped JBL® FreeFlow™ bass port that is tuned to the woofer and enclosure for extended low-frequency response and higher efficiency.

The ES250PW and ES150PW feature distinctive styling, with tapered enclosures and a front baffle that curves into the top surface. The ES250PW and ES150PW are available in black with a charcoal center section, and cherry with a charcoal center.

The JBL ES250PW and ES150PW are currently available at suggested retail prices of $729 and $599 respectively.

JBL® On Air WEM-1 Wireless Expansion Module Makes Any Loudspeaker Wireless
CEDIA EXPO 2008

WOODBURY, N.Y.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–JBL, Inc., today announced the introduction of its JBL® On Air WEM-1 Wireless Expansion Module; which adds wireless capability to any loudspeaker. It eliminates the need to run speaker wires across a room or through walls, floors or ceilings.

The WEM-1 includes a transmitter module that connects to an audio source; a receiver/amplifier unit that connects to a pair of speakers; a remote control; and accessories. It is ideal for adding multiroom capability to an existing audio system; adding surround speakers to a home theater system without running speaker wires; distributing music to anywhere in the home from a computer; and for many other applications.

The WEM-1 has an operating range of up to 70 feet. It provides a variety of connection options, including line- and speaker-level outputs, to accommodate a wide range of audio source components and A/V receivers.

The receiver/amplifier unit features a 50-watt-per-channel amplifier and includes a subwoofer output. It provides five equalization curves that are tailored for use with select JBL loudspeakers; it also provides an unequalized bypass setting.

The receiver/amplifier also has a local input, allowing the user to directly connect a portable device or other audio source to it at a remote location.

The JBL On Air WEM-1 Wireless Expansion Module will be available in September 2008 at a suggested retail price of $359.

For years, speakers have been tied down by awful speaker wire. The cabling restricts placement and can even manage to form nasty webs, but not any more. JBL is freeing any speaker, regardless of brand or make, from their bonds with the new AIR WEM-1 wireless speaker module. The 2.1 channel transmitter receives the signal via RCA audio jacks, or the 3.5mm input, and sends it info over 2.4GHz, up to 70-feet, to your speakers and/or subwoofer. JBL even threw in a switch to allow user control over the wireless, or auxiliary, local input for even more freedom. So for only $359, you too can free your tied down speaker when the AIR WEM-1 launches this month.

JBL® On Air WEM-1 Wireless Expansion Module Makes Any Loudspeaker Wireless     

WOODBURY, NY – At CEDIA Expo 2008, JBL, Inc., today announced the introduction of its JBL® On Air WEM-1 

Wireless Expansion Module, an innovative home entertainment solution that adds wireless capability to  

any loudspeaker. 

The WEM-1 eliminates the need to run speaker wires across a room or through walls, floors or ceilings. It includes 

a transmitter unit that connects to an audio source, a receiver/amplifier module that connects to a pair of speakers, 

a remote control and accessories. 

The JBL WEM-1 enables a consumer to add surround speakers to a home theater system without running speaker 

wires from the audio/video receiver to the speakers. It can connect to a laptop or desktop computer to easily 

distribute a listener’s music library to anywhere in the home. The WEM-1 is also ideal for use with an iPod or other 

portable music player, or in many other applications where high-quality sound is desired but installing speaker wires 

is impractical. 

The WEM-1 utilizes the 2.4GHz frequency range and four selectable channels to ensure interference-free 

transmission, and has an operating range of up to 70 feet. The WEM-1’s compact transmitter unit connects to an 

audio source via its RCA audio jacks, and includes a 3.5mm mini-jack adapter for connection to the audio output of 

a computer or portable audio device. The transmitter also features speaker-level inputs for connection to an A/V or 

stereo receiver’s speaker outputs. 

In addition to its speaker terminals, the receiver/amplifier module has a subwoofer output that enables connected 

speakers to be used as part of a 2.1-channel satellite/subwoofer audio system. The module includes a built-in high- 

performance 50-watt-per-channel amplifier to deliver clear, full-range sound even in larger rooms. The 

receiver/amplifier module offers five equalization curves that are tailored for use with selected JBL loudspeakers, 

including the JBL Control NOW™ speaker and other models; it also provides an unequalized bypass setting. 

In addition, the receiver/amplifier module features a local input, allowing the user to directly connect a portable 

device, gaming system or other audio source to it. Using the remote control, the WEM-1 can switch between main 

and local audio sources. For example, a user may choose between listening to music from an A/V receiver in the 

main home theater room or listening to a portable music player connected to the receiver/amplifier module at the 

remote location. 

Adding to its installation versatility, the WEM-1 is supplied with wall-mount brackets for the transmitter unit and the 

receiver/amplifier module, and a stand for mounting the receiver/amplifier module in a vertical position.  

The JBL On Air WEM-1 Wireless Expansion Module will be available in September 2008 at a suggested retail  

price of $359.

There are a lot of specifications in the release, including the names of many alloys and such designed to create “outstanding resolution and transient response” and really I have to take their word for it; I’m neither a materials engineer or an audiophile of any expertise. I’m sure they sound great. Trouble is, they’re a bit expensive. At $250 for the indoor version (black) and $270 for the outdoor version (white) you’re going to be spending at least a grand if you want to wire your house up with the things. Well, if you do go in for them, they’ll make for good conversation at your fondue parties. They’ll be available later in the month.

Price: $169.95
In-store date: February 2008
Site: www.jbl.com
Why it’s cool: It’s tiny and can run on batteries, just like previous On Stage models. The difference is that this one is iPhone compatible. As an iPhone owner, that’s pretty important, though hopefully this will show up for quite a bit less money online. Maybe not the most exciting thing out there, but it’s a solid utility infielder.

The bass is supposedly helped out by JBL’s Slipstream port design, though I’m always skeptical until I listen carefully to a speaker alone in my evil lair. They’re pretty cute lookin’ with all its Apple-esque silvery stylings.

Price: Duet 200, $119.95; On Stage 200ID, $149.95; On Stage 400ID, $249.95
In-store date: March 2008
Site: www.jbl.com
Why it’s cool: Hmm… this field is too crowded for me not to be incredibly jaded. Let’s just say I’d ask any of them to dance, but I probably wouldn’t try to get any to come home with me.

See, like all other “wireless” speaker systems currently available, the On Airs still need power and to be connected to each other and to have some sort of transmitter connected to the audio source.

JBL On Air Control 2.4G [cnet]

The system includes a transmitter and two speakers that each feature 30-watt built-in amplification. The active speaker includes a mini-jack input for connection to a second local audio source, and a subwoofer output that enables the speakers to be used as part of a 2.1-channel satellite/ subwoofer audio system.

One transmitter can serve up to four speakers, so you can have a surround system with entirely wireless satellites. The On Air Control loudspeaker system will be available in Feb. for an MSRP of $349.

JBL

JBL makes some of the best sounding iPod docks out there today. Its docks continue to impress me and it never ceases to create exciting new designs for its products. Recently, JBL released its Spyro series of speakers, which come in white or black. After spending some time with the black pair, it’s safe to say I’m impressed yet again. A bit costly at $130, these speakers may not appear to be worth the cash, but when you hear the quality of the sound they produce, you’ll be in heaven.

Let’s talk about design for a minute. JBL has been making products with Apple-esque designs for a while now. The designs compliment Apple computers and the iPod nicely and with the ability to choose quite a few JBL products in black, your PC can match too. The Spyro set is a round, half-sphere subwoofer with two satellite speakers that are shaped like four-leaf clovers. JBL played it smart and built touch-sensitive volume controls into the right hand speaker. JBL’s touch-sensitive volume controls are featured on its OnStage II iPod dock. They work extremely well, are responsive, and add a unique feature to an otherwise normal set of speakers.

If you’re looking for extremely clean and ripe bass, then JBL has you covered. The unique looking subwoofer looks like someone took a big plastic sphere and cut the top off like a slice of fresh mozzarella cheese. The hookups are on the backside of the unit and everything except for the right-hand speaker plugs in seamlessly. Since the right speaker controls the volume, it uses a proprietary cable that fits oddly into the subwoofer. It takes a bit to get it to fit right. Not a huge issue, but one worth mentioning.

Moving along to the two speakers included, you can tell JBL decided its tiny speakers really snazzy. You can check out the comparison of the Spyro speaker next to a JBL Duet speaker in the following picture. Also, instead of the usual wire that connects the speaker to the subwoofer, JBL has utilized a tight set of ropes. Aside from looking cool and being different, the rope actually provides more strength than the average set of wires. Feel free to give these a tug—nothing is going to snap or tear.

So by now we know that the JBL Spyro speakers look great, but the real question is, how do they sound for such a small and obscure package? The answer is simple: mind-blowing. Though $130 isn’t an absurd amount to spend on a three-piece speaker set, the price is higher than normal and may turn-off some customers. When you go and listen to these though, you’ll be impressed and will feel much better about your purchase.

I tried throwing every style of audio and music at these speakers. I’ve become a bit of an audiophile lately and make sure all my music in iTunes is encoded in either a high bitrate or FLAC. Cranking the bass up on the subwoofer, I tried out some trance, house, IDM, and various other electronic genres. The bass always sounded full and responsive. Acid sounds and highs come out super clear and nothing distorts no matter how high you crank this baby up.

Next, I gave all my hip-hop, rap, chopped & screwed, and similar music a go. Again, bass sounded great and vocals came out crystal clear. While listening to a Lil’ Jon song, I noticed it had a Slayer-riff sampled in the background. I realized that I had never noticed that on my $50 JBL Duet speakers. I switched back and forth between the two multiple times and sure enough, the difference was quite noticeable.

The hard part was done, so I moved on to rock, metal, hardcore, jazz, and other styles of music. Guitar sounds great and you’ll be able to keep a party going with a set of these speakers. On some songs, guitars have that “punch” to it that only musicians know of. Not all speakers give you that “punch” properly and as a result, the song you’re listening to sounds half-assed. Listening to bands from Brand New to Slayer to The Who all yielded that distinct sound in rock music that I was searching for. Now I’m tempted to never switch to another set of speakers when I listen to rock music.

All that’s really left to discuss is how these speakers compare to similar sets. The design and sound are both some of the best that JBL has yet to produce. As I mentioned earlier, these blow away my JBL Duet speakers, which don’t have a subwoofer but still sound decent. I also have a Sony Receiver with some Pioneer speakers hooked up which I used to use for computer use. Surprisingly, the JBL Spyro held its own and sounded better for both rock and rap.

So is there anything that can beat the Spyro in terms of design, sound, and price? Maybe. There are a few Bose models out there that sound just as good, if not better, than these speakers. Altec Lansing also makes some decent sets that can compete well with JBL. Your best bet is to go to a place like Best Buy with an iPod and ask if you can try out multiple sets with the music you’ll be listening to the most.

If your current set of computer/iPod/music player speakers are out of date or don’t have a subwoofer, then I recommend grabbing the new JBL Spyro. Incredible sound clarity and a beautiful, unique design are what make these worth the while. Plus, with JBL you know you’re getting some serious gear that will last a few years and won’t let you down. I have to say though, these are quite possibly the best JBL speakers that my ears have heard. For $130, you’ll be spending a little more than you may be used to, but the quality you get makes up for it.

Alright so technically, they just made some speakers named Mt. Everest, but they do weigh 313 pounds, which might as well be as heavy as a mountain for some people (me). The Mt. Everest speakers blast at 500-watts and measure mountainously at 9″ x 18.5″ x 44″. So if you have $30,000 to buy them, I hope you have a lot of spare room.

Our pals in Nippon will be able to purchase the Mt. Everest on September 21. I’m going to import seven of them and make a surround system using these monstrosities solely. Yea. Someone want to recommend a good receiver?

Mt. Everest JBL speakers [UberGizmo]