JBL Authentics 200 90W Wireless Home Speaker, Black

2024-12-28T19:00:00

It's incredible at producing loud, high-quality sound, but the highs are a bit muddy, and its aesthetics are top-notch. However, there are a few areas for improvement. Firstly, the lack of expandability is a bit disappointing. For instance, there's no pre-out, so you can't connect additional speakers. While this might not matter to most people, having that option would be a nice touch. Secondly, I wish there were a manual standby mode button on the speaker itself. It would be much more convenient to press a button to put the speaker into standby mode and disconnect it from Bluetooth, rather than relying solely on the connected device. Lastly, while this doesn't impact the speaker's performance, I think the volume, bass, and treble knobs could use a slight design improvement. It would look more polished and premium if the lights on the knobs moved smoothly rather than in visible steps when adjusting them. Despite these minor issues, this is an outstanding speaker that delivers amazing sound and style. Highly recommended for the average person who doesn't want to expand it at all!

Carson_48

Originally posted at

2024-09-17T20:00:00

This is the best Bluetooth speaker I have ever had. For comparison, it sounds better than my Sonos which is a high-quality unit. The bass is awesome, and it extends pretty far from the unit itself. I can't say enough good about this unit. Easy on the eyes as well!

wrybear

Originally posted at

2024-08-07T20:00:00

Do not sync you will find a better sounding speaker for Bluetooth devices. Sound quality is absolutely terrific.

Crazy1

Originally posted at

2024-07-07T20:00:00

This is a great speaker. I love the adjustable treble and bass and the sound is incredible for it's size.

Jerrari66

Originally posted at

2024-02-11T19:00:00

The Authentic 200 is a very sleek design. It's throwback look is amazing. It fits the decor of my bedroom. The sound quality is good. With the use of the JBL One app. I'm able to set the eq to my liking. I really like the ability to use Google or Alexa voice commands. The setup was easy.

DreDay

Originally posted at

2024-01-18T19:00:00

When I first received the speaker and started listening to my usual tracks to test the sound, I noticed that the Authentics skipped quite a bit. Every few minutes it would skip for a few seconds, as if my phone was out of reach of the bluetooth signal. But this issue went away after a software/firmware update, which itself went quickly and easily using JBL One app. The visual design is great. It's cool looking, with either real or faux leather covering top and the sides. The front grill matches everything else in its style, but I wish it was removable, as the images outside the box suggest. Alas, the grill is not removable. Connection, connectivity, and usage were all good, sans the hiccup in the very beginning. The speaker wakes up reasonably quickly, and keeps the signal well. All buttons are satisfyingly tactile, and dials are a pleasure to use. Bass and treble dials briefly light up at their base to show the respective levels. Volume knob does the same, and it also incorporates the play/ff/rw button. The smart speaker functionality is good, as is expected. Sound quality is what you'd expect from JBL, given that this is an indoor classy speaker. It's not as heavy on bass as some of the portable JBL speakers (Charge, Partybox to name a few), and is a bit higher in fidelity. Jazz sounds amazing on this speaker, live and present. Overall, it is a well-done speaker that doesn't excel at anything except being a classy indoor speaker.

Happy_dad

Originally posted at

2024-01-14T19:00:00

This is such a great speaker, both in sound and looks! With the leather-like exterior and gold finishes, this is finally a speaker that I can display and it looks cool with my decor. It's easy to use, and I particularly like the rewind and fast forward function built in to the volume control button. The sound is clear and definitely big enough to fill the room. Would highly recommend this speaker!

Khuth

Originally posted at

2024-01-13T19:00:00

I've been looking for a home speaker like the Authentics 200 to use while I'm learning new songs on electric guitar. This thing is solid, compact and heavy duty. I was blown away by the sound clarity. The speakers can pack a punch when the volume is turned up. A couple great features of the Authentics 200 is the treble knob and bass knob with the LED indicating lights because I can adjust the EQ for the music I want to listen to. The subwoofer on the bottom has a really full sound and it moves a lot of air for the size. I'm actually really surprised how much I've enjoyed the Authentics 200. I would highly recommend.

Dan D.

Originally posted at

2024-01-13T19:00:00

This speaker sounds amazing! There are sounds in songs I've been listening to for years that I have never heard before I listened on the Authentics 200. The speaker has such clarity and definition. The bass is tremendous, Big, HUGE! You can hear it throughout our home. I am in love with the vintage style it brings to my space. I absolutely believe it guarantees it's value! Why not 5 stars, you ask? Well, I'm not sure if this is a kink or if something is wrong with mine, but it tends to skip. I know there's nothing wrong with my music because it plays just fine in the car. It also needs to stay plugged in at all times to work. There's no way to charge it. Overall, though, it is a tiny beast! Love it!

Rainbo11

Originally posted at

2024-01-11T19:00:00

Really loving this speaker and the retro look. Its very intuitive to use and set up. The volume and equalizer control knobs on top are easy to use and I prefer over push button adjustments. IMO the best part is having it connected to the WiFi and setting it up with Google assistant. When it is set up on the WiFi it is always ready for action and you don't have to initiate Bluetooth everytime you want to use it. Google assist allows you to control the speaker completely hands free. It has the perfect amount of bass and a very rich sound. Would highly recommend this speaker. There is not really any negative aspects, except maybe the volume knob feels a little cheap plasticky. Love it!!

DRAKSA

Originally posted at

2024-01-10T19:00:00

Awesome looks, awesome sound, it is a perfect device is very loud so I can use it at my parties in my loft. All my friends love it because it looks vintage without being vintage. I love to have it is my new baby.

Juanarba2312

Originally posted at

2024-01-10T19:00:00

I have both the Authentic 200 and the Authentic 300 The little 200 puts out huge sound and big bass!! HUGE SOUND! I find tho that there's a fine line on the bass adjustment ... just a hair over is too much and the bass becomes a mess. That's my only complaint. I'm in shock over the sound this lil thing puts out!! The bigger 300 is ......unstoppable!! The high highs and the low lows sound incredible!!! My daughter listens to EDM and house music - at very high volumes- and this speaker sounds perfect. I've yet to hear the bass lose itself in the high volume range, at all. This speaker can take whatever you hand it. I'm very very impressed For the 1 or 2 complaints I've seen on the price.. you get what you pay for! JBL makes nice/good looking, sturdy and long lasting products that sound good! If you love music like I do, it's more than worth it!! (EVERYTHING has gotten more expensive anyway?) I'm still listening to my Charge 2 (and Charge 2 plus ) that's prolly close to 10 years old and it sounds as good as it did the day I got it! Keep it up JBL!! These are some really nice speakers! (My neighbors hate them??)

amberdawn

Originally posted at

2024-01-09T19:00:00

This is a great speaker. I have a few Bluetooth speakers, and this is a good one. The bass is not very strong but u adequate. Treble is good, as is the overall sound. I would definitely recommend this one to anyone.

KAmin

Originally posted at

2024-01-09T19:00:00

From the moment I opened the box I was impressed by the stylish appearance of this JBL. It looks like nothing else I've ever owned, and I immediately cleared a display area for it in my kitchen, where another, smaller, smart speaker had previously resided. The real impression came, however, when I plugged it in and started playing some music. The dynamic range on this is truly impressive; the bass can be felt through the entire counter surface. There are separate knobs to adjust treble, bass, and volume, though the volume was easy to control using my phone as well. I first tested the bluetooth capabilities, which worked flawlessly and at a significant range, before installing the JBL+ app and following the setup instructions. Within about two minutes I had the Authentics 200 connected to my home's wifi network and authenticated for use as a smart speaker with the major smart-home 3rd parties...you know the ones. Now it's super easy to use the Authentics for everything from playlists to streaming radio, to setting timers or my kids getting quick answers to questions. All in all, a splendid addition to the home sound network.

Alex85

Originally posted at

2024-01-08T19:00:00

The JBL Authentics 200 is a speaker that screams class even before you hit play. Its vintage-inspired design, with a leather-like exterior and waffle pattern speaker cover is a throwback to the golden age of hi-fi, but its soul is undeniably modern. This speaker isn't just a pretty face, though. It packs a serious punch, boasting room-filling sound, seamless Wi-Fi connectivity, and effortless integration with Google and Apple Airplay, making it a versatile player in any home. First Impressions: A Feast for the Eyes Unboxing the Authentics 200 is an experience in itself. The speaker feels substantial, with a very reassuring weight. It feels like quality. The iconic Quadrex grille, a nod to JBL's heritage, isn't just aesthetically pleasing; it also protects the drivers while delivering clear, unmuffled sound. Sound that Impresses: But the true magic of the Authentics 200 lies in its sound. This speaker packs a punch that is larger than its size. The bass is deep and powerful, without being boomy, the mids are clear and present, and the highs sparkle. Whether you're blasting your favorite dance tracks or savoring the intricacies of jazz classics, the Authentics 200 delivers a sound that's both immersive and nuanced. Wi-Fi Smarts for a Seamless Listening Experience: The Authentics 200 isn't just about big sound; it's about smart sound. Wi-Fi connectivity opens up a world of possibilities. Stream your music effortlessly from Spotify, Apple Music, or any other compatible service. Control the speaker with your voice using Google Assistant, letting you adjust volume, skip tracks, or even ask for specific songs. And the best part? The Authentics 200 seamlessly integrates with any existing Google or Amazon speakers you own. In about 10 minutes I had it integrated with my existing Google Home setup and was controlling Google Assistant with it. One Minor Hiccup: While the Authentics 200 excels in most areas, there is one minor caveat. The sound tends to feel a bit "choked" under 20% volume levels. To truly experience the speaker's full potential, you need to crank it up a bit. This might not be ideal for late-night listening or intimate gatherings, but for those who like their music loud and proud, it's a small price to pay for such a powerful performance. The Verdict: A Must-Have for Audiophiles and Design Enthusiasts Alike The JBL Authentics 200 is a speaker that speaks to both the heart and the ears. Its stunning design, coupled with its powerful sound and smart capabilities, make it a true standout. The speaker looks great everywhere I placed it, from the bookshelf, to the kitchen counter, to my desk (where it will stay). Whether you're a seasoned audiophile or simply someone who appreciates quality and style, the JBL Authentics 200 is a speaker that deserves a place in your home. Highly recommended for: Lovers of vintage aesthetics Audiophiles seeking a smart speaker Tech enthusiasts who appreciate Wi-Fi connectivity and voice assistant integration Those looking to build a multi-room audio system Not ideal for: Those who prefer listening at very low volumes Those on a tight budget I hope this review helps you decide if the JBL Authentics 200 is the right speaker for you.

javarican

Originally posted at

2024-01-07T19:00:00

This speaker came just in time for the holidays and was a wonderful addition to our family gathering. When unboxing this speaker it was clear that we were in for a treat. The leather material around the speaker housing along with the gold accents makes this speaker the perfect addition to an office or living or dining room. JBL has also included a nice cloth bag to store the speaker when not in use, which is a nice touch. Given the looks of this speaker, I would not hesitate to make this a permanent fixture in our dining room. When you don't need the flashing lights of a party speaker this unit doesn't distract from the ambiance of a room. The pairing of this speaker to our phones was easy and done in seconds. The music that came from this speaker filled a large room with 10-12 guests. The volume was easy to control using the volume controls on our phones or using the large knob seated at the top of the speaker. I could go on and on about the looks and sound of this speaker.

AZmille

Originally posted at

2024-01-07T19:00:00

This is a great upgrade from our round ball speaker. Love the retro look, it seems to blend with our eclectic decorative style. Setup was pretty straight forward. Being an old audiophile the separate base and treble controls help dial it in. Music from this speaker fills our great room. Even with the music playing if we ask "Alexa " anything it picks it right up and gives us our response. Then goes right back to the music! Always amazed by technology these days and JBL is always in the mix!

late s.

Originally posted at

2024-01-07T19:00:00

Received the JBL Authentics 200 home speaker as a promotional item. Setup was very easy, plug it it, download the JBL One application, pair the speaker to your Bluetooth and your WiFi network and start enjoying your music. The speaker weighs just under 7 lbs. so it's important to pick a spot in your room that will provide a pleasant listening experience. The speaker has built in acces for voice assistants Google Play and Alexa to stream favorite music streaming services. Controls for Bass/Treble are easily accessible on the top of the unit. The sound for such a small unit is incredible and should please everyone for your favorite music genre. Have had the speaker up for about a week now and not had any issues. JBL has a great track record of reliability for their products, I would expect this speaker will provide many years of music pleasure.

JackFitz80

Originally posted at

2024-01-07T19:00:00

Top Notch audio experience that is well worth the price paid. Good levels of tremble and bass that can be adjusted with ease. The interface layout is seamless. I have used this product throughout my house in big rooms and smaller rooms. The sound quality has held up throughout my entire house. Definitely recommend this product to anyone.

The K.

Originally posted at

2024-01-06T19:00:00

JBL's new line of higher end home WiFi speakers are beautiful! From the moment you lift the box, you can tell JBL spent some extra time creating a thoughtful and premium product. I'm always a fan of quality packaging. JBL nailed this one with a glossy box, high quality photos, punches side handles, and visuals on all sides. I was surprised by the weight of the box for a speaker that I anticipated to be on the small side. Upon opening, I found the egg crate brown securings to keep the speaker safe. Inside the speaker was wrapping a pseudo cloth material to keep it free of scratches, which I greatly appreciate. Also included was the power cable under. I was happy that the power cable did not contain a chunky transformer on it, just a standard AC power cord with decent length (~2m). I mentioned the weight of the package, which translates to a fairly hefty speaker for its size. JBL claims just under 7 pounds for the Authentics 200. It feels all of that. I would not consider this a portable speaker based on its dimensions and weight. Also, it has to be powered at all times, there is no internal battery. The next thing you'll notice is the premium design JBL gave this speaker. I really like the retro look and find that to be one of the most appealing features of this series of JBL Authentics. There is a pseudo leather wrapping the majority of the speaker in a premium black finish. Providing a nice feel and also resisting fingerprints and dust. JBL also trimmed the edges in an aluminum material with a champagne/bronze hue that looks great on a bookshelf or table top. They have also chosen a 3D boxed front grill for a retro-inspired 1970's appearance that JBL refers to as the Quadrex grill. I really like the look of the grill as it sets it apart from almost every other speaker on the market. On top, you'll find 3 knobs. Volume, Bass, and treble knobs each with a backlit ring that glows when used and turns itself off a few seconds afterwards. There is a Bluetooth and heart button on top as well. On the back you'l find a switch to disable the voice assistant, port for Ethernet if you do not want to use WiFi, 3.5 mm aux port, USB-C, and the port for power plug. The smallish JBL Authentics 200 is quite feature packed! One of the biggest selling points is that this is one JBLs first WiFi enabled speakers to feature both simultaneous Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa for hands free operation. WiFi bands of both 2.4 and 5 gHz are supported a/b/g/n/ac/ax formats. Of course JBL included the old standby of Bluetooth v5.3 with A2DP support. The 200 also supports multi-room playback via Google Home or Amazon Alexa. The built-in microphones atop the 200 will automatically adjust the sound profile with automatic self-tuning to improve the audio no matter where you place the speaker in your room. For Apple fans, you will find support for Apple Airplay 2. Lastly, I want to point out the JBL One app for iOS or Android as it unlocks a few more features and firmware updates. Alright, so it's beautiful, it's feature-packed, it's eco-friendly, but how does it sound? Overall, I found the sound quite impressive for a speaker of its size. At just under 7 pounds and roughly the size of a 6-pack cooler, it packs impressive volume. Packing 90 watts of power, 2 x 25 mm tweeters, and a 5 inch woofer, it will shine in most home spaces. There is a sweet spot on the volume dial between 40-60% where I think it sounds the best. As you approach 70-100% volume, the power of the speaker starts to strain. The bass is unable to keep up at those higher volumes and the highs become shrill for my liking. JBL always has a very balanced and warmer sound profile, but this speaker leaned slightly towards the treble side. I was able to correct this using the treble and bass knobs on top. The lit ring around each knob will let you know where you're at for min/max levels. This is a terrific feature JBL added. Unfortunately I wish they had added a mid knob as well. Using the JBL One app, you're able to adjust bass, treble and mid. I wish the app supported a broader EQ than just 3 band, but its better than nothing at all. Sound is subjective and a lot of what you get from a speaker is what you put in. I'm an Apple Music subscriber and tested a variety of music via Bluetooth and Airplay. I found newer music to perform better, especially tracks mastered in Lossless. I listened to Becks Colors album. In particular, I found the title track, Colors, to sound amazing. The punch from the bass was strong, the speaker never seemed fatigued, there was no muddiness, the vocals were clear, and overall it was a fantastic listen. As a big 90's grunge fan, it was very dependent on the recording. Alice In Chains Dirt (remastered) sounded great at moderate volume, but beyond 70% I found the treble would overtake the balance. But at 50% volume it sounds perfect. Tracks like Rooster, Dam that River, and Would all shined on this speaker. I threw some classic rock tracks from Led Zeppelin at this speaker as well. I figured the retro look could use some retro tunes. Again, I found these older recordings sounded as good as I remembered them, where only the highest volume levels either washed some detail out, or became too shrill. I tossed some modern hits from Taylor Swift at this JBL 200 and found these new recordings were a lot more punchy with better response into the higher volume levels. Anti-Hero has that warm bass undertone throughout and doesn't disturbs Taylors vocals at all. And lastly tried some Hip-hop from Jack Harlow. Lovin On Me was plenty bassy and punchy up max volume. Again, I think so much of this has to do with the way it was recorded. I mentioned the volume earlier and I want to say that for a 90 watt small bookshelf speaker, this JBL 200 is very loud. My basement is 1200 sq feet finished and the speaker is more than loud enough to feel the space. Placing it in my open concept home in the kitchen, the speaker can be heard through the entire 1st floor of nearly 2000 sq ft. I think it would easily power music for a party, blow you out of your bedroom, or just provide nice ambience in a family room for casual listening. Circling back to features. The JBL One app is where you'll spend time setting up this speaker with WiFi music services. JBL has support for Amazon Music, Calm Radio, Napster, Qobuz, Tidal, TuneIn, and iHeartRadio. Via WiFi Streaming you gain Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, and Apple Airplay. This was the most disappointing part for me. No native support for Apple Music. I am unable to ask Alexa to play tracks via Apple Music on the JBL Authentics series of speakers at this time. I am hoping that via firmware update, they add support for Apple Music. I tested Amazon Music via Alexa and found the speaker has no trouble recognized my commands. It also supports many other basic Alexa features to control smart home lights or set timers. I did not test Google Assistant as I am not a user at this time. Overall, JBL has a home run with their Authentics line of speakers! I found the overall sound to be excellent for the size of the speaker. The value is comparable to other in the segment of WiFi home speakers, but for me the look of the speaker give JBL the edge over the others. It's feature packed, great looking, and excellent sounding. I would love to get my hands on the 500 as its great power and size would surely overcome the physics limitations of the 200. At double the cost though, the 200 is a real banger! Well done, JBL!

Bharding81

Originally posted at

2024-01-04T19:00:00

Hello, I'm reviewing the JBL Authentics 200. I was interested in a smaller speaker to connect to my other Wi-Fi speaker in my living room. After a little research I chose this one. Physically it's perfect for what I need. The retro look, especially the grille, matches my other speaker very well. It's smaller but attractive. With an aluminum frame, the build is solid. It's got some weight behind it. I like the easy to access volume, bass and treble controls right on top too. What's better than all of this is of course the sound. It sounds like a speaker 10 times this size. The 2 tweeters produce the bright crispy treble I love. They're angled out to the right and left for separation and it works. The midrange and bass come from a front facing woofer that sounds fantastic. The bass is enhanced even more by a passive radiator mounted on the bottom. All of the sounds can be changed by the JBL One app, the controls on top of the speaker or by the device the speaker is connected to. The choice of inputs are Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth USB-C, or a 3.5 mm jack. Built in Alexa or Google Assistant too. I can just say "Alexa, play jazz on Apple Music" and it happens. Very handy. These can be disabled also. I highly recommend this speaker. I love mine.

DonH

Originally posted at

2024-01-04T19:00:00

The JBL Authentics 200 is an awesome alternative to typical Bluetooth speakers and voice assistant smart speakers. The JBL Authentics 200 has a very premium look and feel. The retro appearance is also a welcome change to modern appearance of every other device on the market. The built in controls at the top of the speaker are simple with a main multifunction button, a Bluetooth, moment button, and rotary volume, bass, and treble knobs. The base of the knobs illuminate to indicate the current level while you turn them so you know exactly where they are set at. The built in Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant are extremely convenient since I use both Google and Alexa in my home which requires me to have a separate smart speaker for each. Switching to the JBL Authentics 200 allowed me to replace the 2 separate devices with a single great sounding speaker. The ability of the JBL Authentics 200 to directly stream the same music services that are available for both Google and Alexa is great so I no longer need to use my phone to stream to a Bluetooth speaker. This also eliminates the music cutting out if you take the phone out of Bluetooth range or receive a notification. Sound quality and output of the JBL Authentics 200 are beyond what a speaker of its size should be capable of. There is more than enough available bass for any type of music while the mid range and treble remain clear and accurate. The quick adjustment knobs at the top of the speaker allow for quick adjustment to find the perfect sound for each type of music. I do recommend placing the speaker on a sturdy surface though since the power of the bass does a good job of locating everything that rattles near it. I love the JBL sound and this speaker definitely lives up to the name. The JBL One app offered a simple setup and convenient controls to adjust the speaker's sound and settings without needing to be at the speaker. Overall the JBL Authentics 200 is a convenient and great sounding smart speaker that I would recommend to anyone looking to upgrade the look and sound of their existing voice assistants.

danngarsvt46

Originally posted at

2024-01-04T19:00:00

The sound is AWESOME! The Sub on the bottom of the unit completes the sound. The dials on top give it an awesome "throwback" feeling to help match the vibe of the speaker. I think the color looks awesome, and would look great in any home setting. This speaker must be plugged in to be used. For me, I have it setup with my record player so it can easily stay in one place and be ready for use whenever I need it. The setup was super easy, getting it connected to Wifi and a bluetooth device took no time at all. Having the ability to play off Wifi is awesome because you can walk all over with your phone and your music will never cut out. Having the built in Alexa is a great feature as well. In a perfect world, I'd have a couple of these speakers all connected to each other throughout my house or in a room where you host parties/gatherings.

jhalnbk

Originally posted at

2024-01-04T19:00:00

Please be advised, I received this product as a test unit however this is a fair and honest review A good speaker, good bass and sound quality with a sleek, retro, and simple design. The speaker has serious punch, the woofer is on the bottom hidden. Really like the retro inspired design they went with for the authentic series. The knobs on the top are for volume, treble, and bass. Simple and the most important. The button on the back for the microphone could be or should have been put where the usb type C, ethernet, auxiliary, and power ports are yo keep it all under one area in my opinion. The app is ok, I use Apple music and/or Spotify so really music integration through the JBL One app doesn't work with music apps that are not supported. So Wi-Fi use with streaming music is in my opinion still a work in progress. I do wish there is a built in battery because at first I was trying to figure out how to turn it on without connecting the power cable and after plugged in, it automatically turns on by the device itself. The sound quality is awesome, and using the music app itself is seamless. Because of the size, weight, and design this product can be moved around easily! Again, the retro inspired black and gold makes it blend in nicely with an entertainment center.

garveyals

Originally posted at

2024-01-03T19:00:00

Ok I started use in my bedroom and that sound the best good sound good base and I use when I was working on my home doing all the rewire and is perfect anything you want to use my wife loved she want to take from but this is the best. This is a good product

Alegua3

Originally posted at

2024-01-03T19:00:00

This Speaker is Amazing . I didn't expect it to be loud clear , and with a lot bass. It's one of the best speakers I've listened to in my life . I love the Airplay feature I can play music and if I get a call won't stop the music and stop the party!

Guerrero123

Originally posted at

2024-01-02T19:00:00

All I can say is WOW!! This thing looks great and the sound is Amazing. If you like BASS like I do this thing is for you even if you don't like a lot of Bass it still sounds great. The Bluetooth was very easy to connect. Be careful where you put it because it might move as you'll see in the video. Whether you like Old School or New School it's gonna make you SMILE!!! Thanks JBL you've done it AGAIN!!

HardyToyota

Originally posted at

2024-01-02T19:00:00

This is my first premium speaker and one of my favorites. First the design stands out and sets it apart from my portable bluetooth speakers. The sound is the best part i am able to set it to max volume and there is no change in sound quality. The volume, treble and bass are easily adjustable thatnks to the controllers being on top. Also its not bulky and able to move around freely sound is enough to fill up living room and kitchen. Jbl still my top choice for speakers.

Gonzalo G.

Originally posted at

2024-01-02T19:00:00

The JBL Authentics 200 is the smallest of JBL Authentics speaker line. It is a modern speaker with a hint of the companies retro look on the front grill. It is a high quality compact bluetooth/wifi speaker. It has all of the latest features like dual voice assistants, bluetooth 5.3, wifi, a wired LAN connection, a 3.5mm auxilary input. It has physical buttons and dials like play/pause, bluetooth, a favotites button and volume, treble and bass dials. The JBL One app helps make the best of the speakers technology as it provides controls as well as the ability to update the speakers firmware. The speaker packs a punch for its size. The output is rated at 90 watts and can get pretty loud. The sound is crisp, clear, well balanced with great bass. The speaker has two 1/4" front firing tweeters, one 5" front firing full range woofer and one 6" down firing bass radiator which helps give the speaker great bass response. This speaker is a definate keeper as it is packed with the latest features, sounds great, can get loud and looks great.

Lee G.

Originally posted at

2024-01-01T19:00:00

Ever since the old days of the Charge 2, I've been a long time speaker fan of JBL. In all the speakers I own, JBL always grabbed the limelight in loudness and rocking bass, which is a must for any speaker, especially mine. But this one was really different. Upon opening the box, I had a overwhelming sense of luxury and class just out of the look. I was thinking, this thing is going to look awesome just putting it in the house! Great design and look, as well as a great rectangular shape. The square boxes on the front definitely punch in those "vintage" vibes as they advertised! Taking it out if the box, it was notably heavy. But then again, we aren't dealing with a JBL charge/flip/extreme where those are made to be carried around. The JBL vintage is much more of a Living room/bedroom type of setting then to bring along to your beach party, in my opinion Knobs and buttons on the top have a pretty nice feel to them. It sounds funny, but being able to physically adjust the bass and treble gives much more of a "control" to your music then just using a app. There's nothing quite like turning a knob to perfect the song! And most important, the sound. I would be honest, I was getting a bit skeptical about the sound, since the speaker had such great looks, I was thinking maybe JBL missed it with the sound quality this time? Boy was I wrong! Sound is BEYOND phenomenal! The music has such a crisp, clean sound to it, it made me feel like I'm in the studio with the song being made! It rocked out with the bass on the heavy party songs, and at the other side of the spectrum, it has the richest sounding classical music I've heard from a JBL speaker! For once, I actually left my music playlist to go for hours on end nonstop all day in the house. It can definitely get very loud, easily fill up your average room, living room, or dining room setting. To sum it up, I got surprised at this one. Sound is simply beyond the regular with the treble, bass, and mids. Plays the highs great, notably the lows with such depth, it's incredible. Although it can be taken around, definitely wouldn't use it as my go to portable speaker. It's heavy, could get scratched up, and not practical for outdoor activity. However indoors, it really dominates. So if you're looking for epic sound for the house, office or any indoor space where the JBL authentics 200 can have a set place, it's your go to speaker, without a doubt. Highly recommend!

ANdru613

Originally posted at