Do JBL Still Make Quality Audio Products?

poisongodmachine on 21/09/2023 - 20:30
Last edited 21/09/2023 - 20:32

For Aldi's special buys this Saturday, they're selling a JBL soundbar for $249:
https://www.aldi.com.au/en/special-buys/special-buys-sat-23-…

Since Aldi usually sells cheap Chinese tech (Bauhn, Laser, etc), it got me wondering if JBL are still the high-quality audio company they used to be, or if they're just selling rebadged cheap stuff.

PS: when I say high-quality, I don't mean top-tier high-end designer tech like Bang & Olufsen, I mean good quality, reliable, and a bit expensive (but not TOO expensive).

Electrical & Electronics JBL

Comments

  • rumblytangara on 21/09/2023 - 20:48

    PS: when I say high-quality, I don't mean top-tier high-end designer tech like Bang & Olufsen, I mean good quality, reliable, and a bit expensive (but not TOO expensive).

    B&O is not respected, high end audio.

    JBL LSR305s have a semi-cultlike following for bookshelf speakers. Not heard them myself.

    The JBL soundbar in the OP is probably crap, because all soundbars are inherently compromised no matter how expensive they are. Edit- the "subwoofer" is 6". It's crap.

  • sumyungguy on 21/09/2023 - 21:17
    +1

    Audiophiles who are into hi-fi are shuffling off. JBL has shifted to the high-volume consumer space. Probably not the best soundbar/sub for $249. My low-end recommendation is Yamaha @$379.

  • Brian McGee on 22/09/2023 - 07:06
    +1

    JBL, Just Big Logo

    Unless you're a wrestling fan.

    • poisongodmachine on 22/09/2023 - 14:42

      I guess paying big money on a sub-par product is kinda like getting clothesline from hell'd

  • Sal in SA on 22/09/2023 - 07:56
    +1

    If talking early JBL's like the 42xx,43xx restored - then yeah we talking into some nice speakers.
    Nowadays no way JBL is quality -and B&O does not really fit into top quality either really, top quality is something very very different - think B&W, Focal, Revel,Magico,Devore etc.

    Saying that a soundbar is a soundbar for the most part - only so much quality that can be contained in a small cheap enclosure & have decoding and processing functionality, so for sub $300, expect it to sound like a sub $300 tiny speaker package - that is to say - it will be better than inbuilt TV sound - well good chance it will be better.

  • Drpepper666 on 22/09/2023 - 08:50

    samsung bought jbl and the good audio engineers left

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