JBL is mounting a full assault on the headphone industry, announcing today the release of five new headphone models that comprise its new Synchros lineup. The all-new line takes a cue from JBL’s professional stage monitors in an attempt to deliver the live sound experience directly into your cranium. The new cans run the gamut from elite over-ears, to travel-friendly in-ears. Let’s take a quick look at each pair to see what JBL has in store.
JBL Synchros S700 premium powered headphones ($350)
The flagship of the new lineup, the Synchros S700 (pictured above), are constructed of die-cast aluminum, brushed steel, and leather. The headphones are equipped with an on-board amplifier and laden with JBL’s proprietary “LiveStage” DSP for an “unparalleled lifelike listening experience.” The ear cups incorporate 50mm drivers which run on a lithium-ion rechargeable battery for an estimated 28 hours of listening. When the juice runs out, the headphones also work in passive mode.
Other features include JBL’s “Pure Bass” performance, a detachable cable with a three-button in-line iOS microphone, a cable with a universal three-button mic, and a carrying case. The Synchros premium powered headphones are available in “Onyx” and “Glacier.”
JBL Synchros S500 powered headphones ($300)
The S500 powered headphones incorporate many of their big brother’s features, including 50mm drivers running JBL’s “LiveStage” DSP and “Pure Bass,” detachable cables with both iOS and universal three-button mic-pieces, and a carrying case.
The “un-premium” version forgoes the rechargeable battery for a pair of AAA’s which provide an estimated 20 hours runtime before stepping into passive mode. The headphones are built around a steel chassis with leather accents, and also come in both “Onyx” and “Glacier.”
JBL Synchros S300 over-ear ($200)
Dropping the power amp, the S300 over-ears tout quality sound in a portable package. The headphones are constructed from lightweight steel with leather accents, and fold down for easy storage when traveling. The ear cups incorporate 40mm drivers, and JBL again emphasises “deep, powerful bass” in the description of the sound design, giving us a the notion that the Synchros lineup may be pitching to the basshead crowd.
The S300 are available in an array of six colors, and come with an included carrying case, and your choice of detachable cable with either an iOS or universal mic-piece included.
JBL Synchros S200 premium in-ears ($130)
The S200 in-ears are a funky little set of earbuds, carved from die-cast aluminum, with angled 10mm drivers. Highlights for the premium buds (yes, we just said premium buds) include a tangle-resistant cable with your choice of straight, iOS ready, or universal three-button mic piece, a set of Comply foam ear tips, three sizes of silicone ear tips, and JBL’s ‘Pure Bass” performance. They are available in “Onyx” and “Glacier”
JBL Synchros S100 advanced in-ears ($100)
The final piece to the collection, the S100 come with starkly similar ingredients as their S200 brethren above, with the same choice of three tangle-resistant cables, a set of Comply foam tips, and three sizes of silicone ear tips. Along with the earbuds’ claimed “amazing clarity”, JBL again promises to “deep, and powerful bass.” The angled earpieces are constructed from die-cast aluminum and metal, and sport 9mm drivers. They are available in…wait for it… “Onyx and “Glacier.”
JBL’s ambitious new lineup seems to offer something for just about everyone. You can bet we’ll be keeping our ears out for the new cans to find out how JBL’s latest designs fare in one of the most saturated markets in audio. All of the Synchros headphones are available today.
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