Loudspeakers of the Year $5000-$10,000

JBL’s ‘HDI’ models herald a new direction in speaker design for the company’s high-end domestic Synthesis range, especially externally, with the HDI models offering new finishes and cabinets where the only flat surfaces are their tops and bottoms. They also include many of JBL’s tried-and-tested technologies, including high-frequency compression drivers, HDI waveguides (as JBL prefers to call the horn construction at the top) and Advanced Aluminium Matrix cone drivers.

The patented HDI (High Definition Imaging) waveguide technology works with its associated high-frequency compression driver, and is designed to deliver neutral frequency responses both on-and off-axis, as well as a seamless transition between it and the driver below that delivers the midrange frequencies, one of three 165mm ‘advanced aluminium matrix’ drivers, the other two being dedicated to the lowest frequencies.

The cabinets are just a shade under a metre high, our review pair arriving in a new ‘furnituregrade’ wood-veneer finish for JBL called Grey Oak (pictured). A furniture-grade Walnut veneer is also available. We liked the Grey Oak veneer more than the Walnut, but both are great-looking, durable, ‘easy-care’ finishes. Black gloss is also available. The black-cloth grilles attach magnetically, so there are no visible fittings if you choose to use the speakers without — and we think that many people will, because they look so good.

Don’t, however, stand up while auditioning these speakers — sit down to get everything on axis. The stereo imaging then proved magnificent across the full sweep of our (seated) listening positions, while tonally everything was beautifully integrated with a smooth fluid midrange, extended highs, and great bass.

JBL didn’t get to be one of the world’s greatest and most famous loudspeaker manufacturers by building ordinary loudspeakers. It got there by building extraordinary loudspeakers. And the $7999 Synthesis HDI-3600 is the latest of them. More info: www.convoy.com.au

JBL became one of the world’s most famous loudspeaker manufacturers by building extraordinary speakers. The HDI-3600 is the latest of them.