JBL has launched its biggest PartyBox speaker yet, plus a new range of powerful wireless home speakers, at a huge VIP party in Berlin.
The JBL PartyBox Ultimate is a formidable all-in-one wireless sound system, with LED lighting and Dolby Atmos virtual audio, while the new Authentics range is inspired by the brand’s iconic 1970s Hi-Fi speaker, the L100, best known for its Quadrex grille.
Both the PartyBox Ultimate and Authentics range were launched by JBL in Berlin last week, at an event corresponding with the 2023 IFA technology show.
The Luxe Review was invited along for an early first look. JBL took over a former Berlin car park turned event space, to hold a Club JBL pop-up party. The impressive event attracted hundreds of Berlin influencers.
The party was powered by several JBL PartyBox Ultimate speakers – and the joint was throbbing!
The JBL PartyBox Ultimate is a formidable all-in-one wireless sound system, with LED lighting and Dolby Atmos virtual audio…
JBL PartyBox Ultimate hands-on
Massive by any measure, the PartyBox Ultimate features two high-sensitivity mid-range drivers and dual tweeters plus a pair of 9-inch subwoofers. Delivering some 1100W, as we found out, it plays very loud indeed.
You would have no problem using it in a club space, bar or beach club.
The Ultimate’s multi-dimensional light show includes a new starry night effect, light trails, and dynamic strobes, all moving in sync with the music.
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.3 enabled, the JBL PartyBox Ultimate can be controlled by an interactive PartyPad on the top panel. Three fingertip actions, tap, hold and slide, deliver DJ-style sound effects. The speaker also sports guitar and dual mic inputs, with karaoke EQ tuning.
Having a pool party? No problem, the PartyBox Ultimate is even IPX4 splash proof; it comes with an easy-to-grip handle with sturdy wheels to move it around.
Out now, the JBL PartyBox Ultimate sells for £1,299 (€1,500).
JBL Authentics wireless speaker first impressions
Meanwhile, JBL is clearly going all out for a big slice of the home wireless speaker pie with its new Authentics range of Bluetooth Wi-Fi speakers, and it’s not just good looks which set them apart from the competition.
There are three models in the range. The flagship is the Authentics 500, with Dolby Atmos virtualisation built in.
Until now, Dolby Atmos Music and Spatial Audio has largely been enjoyed by headphone users. Only Amazon has sold a Dolby Atmos smart speaker, in the shape of its desktop Studio model. The Authentics 500 is on a different scale altogether.
It’s partnered by the Authentics 300, and the Authentics 200. The portable Authentics 300 has a carry handle, and an eight-hour battery life.
We love the retro aesthetic of the new models. They’re all built around an aluminium frame, with synthetic leather-wrapped enclosure, and that classic grille.
But we were unprepared for just how exciting they sound. All three have enormous sonic presence, with the Authentics 500, and its Dolby Atmos presentation, particularly impressive.
They’re smarter than rivals too, with both Alexa and Google Assistant onboard. Both voice assistants can be used at the same time. The models also support AirPlay, Alexa Multi-Room Music, Spotify Connect, and Chromecast built-in.
Available this month, the Authentics 500, Authentics 300 and Authentics 200 sell for £579 (€629), £379 (€429) and £299 (€329) respectively.
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The Luxe Review 
JBL has launched its biggest PartyBox speaker yet, plus a new range of powerful wireless home speakers, at a huge VIP party in Berlin.
The JBL PartyBox Ultimate is a formidable all-in-one wireless sound system, with LED lighting and Dolby Atmos virtual audio, while the new Authentics range is inspired by the brand’s iconic 1970s Hi-Fi speaker, the L100, best known for its Quadrex grille.
Both the PartyBox Ultimate and Authentics range were launched by JBL in Berlin last week, at an event corresponding with the 2023 IFA technology show.
The Luxe Review was invited along for an early first look. JBL took over a former Berlin car park turned event space, to hold a Club JBL pop-up party. The impressive event attracted hundreds of Berlin influencers.
The party was powered by several JBL PartyBox Ultimate speakers – and the joint was throbbing!
JBL PartyBox Ultimate hands-on
Massive by any measure, the PartyBox Ultimate features two high-sensitivity mid-range drivers and dual tweeters plus a pair of 9-inch subwoofers. Delivering some 1100W, as we found out, it plays very loud indeed.
You would have no problem using it in a club space, bar or beach club.
The Ultimate’s multi-dimensional light show includes a new starry night effect, light trails, and dynamic strobes, all moving in sync with the music.
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.3 enabled, the JBL PartyBox Ultimate can be controlled by an interactive PartyPad on the top panel. Three fingertip actions, tap, hold and slide, deliver DJ-style sound effects. The speaker also sports guitar and dual mic inputs, with karaoke EQ tuning.
Having a pool party? No problem, the PartyBox Ultimate is even IPX4 splash proof; it comes with an easy-to-grip handle with sturdy wheels to move it around.
Out now, the JBL PartyBox Ultimate sells for £1,299 (€1,500).
JBL Authentics wireless speaker first impressions
Meanwhile, JBL is clearly going all out for a big slice of the home wireless speaker pie with its new Authentics range of Bluetooth Wi-Fi speakers, and it’s not just good looks which set them apart from the competition.
There are three models in the range. The flagship is the Authentics 500, with Dolby Atmos virtualisation built in.
Until now, Dolby Atmos Music and Spatial Audio has largely been enjoyed by headphone users. Only Amazon has sold a Dolby Atmos smart speaker, in the shape of its desktop Studio model. The Authentics 500 is on a different scale altogether.
It’s partnered by the Authentics 300, and the Authentics 200. The portable Authentics 300 has a carry handle, and an eight-hour battery life.
We love the retro aesthetic of the new models. They’re all built around an aluminium frame, with synthetic leather-wrapped enclosure, and that classic grille.
But we were unprepared for just how exciting they sound. All three have enormous sonic presence, with the Authentics 500, and its Dolby Atmos presentation, particularly impressive.
They’re smarter than rivals too, with both Alexa and Google Assistant onboard. Both voice assistants can be used at the same time. The models also support AirPlay, Alexa Multi-Room Music, Spotify Connect, and Chromecast built-in.
Available this month, the Authentics 500, Authentics 300 and Authentics 200 sell for £579 (€629), £379 (€429) and £299 (€329) respectively.
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