JBL on your head

JBL’s 2021 ranges include a veritable flood of new headphone models — 11 in all, including six true wireless in-ear models, three on-ear ’phones, and two over-ear wireless noise-cancelling models. Since we have a focus on the larger headwear this issue, let’s look at those: the top model is the JBL Tour

One, though not due here until October 2021, with 40mm drivers, adaptive noise-cancelling, ambient modes and four microphones for call quality. Battery life is quoted at 25 hours with Bluetooth and noise-cancelling, or 50 hours using just Bluetooth, while 10 minutes of speed charging via USB-C should be enough for two hours of playback. There’s a new Smart Audio Mode, which switches between a setting to optimise the Bluetooth connection in “music mode” or to a low latency ‘video mode’ to get your picture and sound in better sync; this most likely switches to the base level SBC Bluetooth codec to minimise processing. The Australian pricing is not yet confirmed, but judging from comparisons with US pricing, expect between $450 and $500.

The second noise-canceller is the replacement for a model which has won both EISA and Sound+Image Awards (see p38). The new JBL Live 660 NC wireless over-ear noise-cancellers (below) claim up to 40 hours play time, auto play and pause, and adaptive noise-cancelling with smart ambient mode. The price announced is the same as the current model, at $279.95.

More info from: www.jbl.com.au