JBL Launches Headphones, iPod Dock at IFA

The audio company's new line includes two new pairs of reference headphones and a revamped version of the On Stage iPod dock.

Continuing to add to the parade of products streaming out of IFA 2007, JBL marched out three new products on Tuesday. The company’s newest offerings include an iPod speaker dock and two new pairs of headphones.

The iPod dock is an update on a previous JBL product, the On Stage II. Like its older sibling, the On Stage 3 is a ring-shaped dock that uses four Odyssey drivers, powered by six watts per channel to pump out tunes from your iPod. The only real change will be compatibility: JBL says the On Stage 3 mates with all iPod models, while the On Stage II couldn’t handle the iPod Shuffle. The On Stage 3 also has a 3.5mm mini jack to hook it up to external sources like CD players, computers and game consoles.

JBL’s Reference line of headphones gets two new models, the 420 and 610. Weighing only 170 grams, the Reference 420 headphones are advertised as perfect headphones for travelling. JBL also claims they’re durable and have crisp sound with plenty of bass.

The Reference 610 headphones are Bluetooth-enabled, with a twist. They offer the same wireless audio connection as other Bluetooth headphones, but they also have built-in audio controls for volume, track selection, play and pause right on them. That means your iPod can be tucked away when you begin listening to music, and remain there safely until you’re done.

JBL’s Reference 420 and 610 headphones are currently available, while the On Stage 3 system will be released in October. Consumers will be able to buy it in either black or white.