When JBL launched its newest line of JBL Authentics speakers, it went back to the 1970s and its legendary JBL L100 speaker for design cues. While the way we ‘consume’ music might have changed over the decades, the need to unwind after a long day in the office with your favourite music hasn’t changed. The JBL Authentics line includes three variants including the smallest in the line-up — the JBL Authentics 200, that has our attention. It’s part of a growing trend — Bluetooth speakers are getting better and smarter and size doesn’t always matter. We’re seeing more compact speakers belt out terrific sound and punch above their weight. Quite a few speakers have got ‘smarter’ with support for digital assistants like Alexa and Google baked in. So, as World Music Day rolls in, we round up some cool premium Bluetooth speakers under Rs 40,000…
JBL Authentics 200
We dig the retro design of this speaker — it certainly stands out in a crowd and complements your living spaces. The refined design elements, including a premium aluminium frame, custom leather-like enclosure and a reimagined grille, add to its presence. We approve of the old school knobs for volume, bass and treble control. JBL has crafted this speaker with partially recycled materials. But more than the retro appeal, it’s the soundstage. The Authentics 200 comes with a pair of 25mm tweeters, a full-range 5-inch woofer and a 6-inch passive radiator. Don’t judge this speaker by its compact form (just 3.1kg); it can fill any room with a powerful performance. It’s not portable though. The companion App – JBL One, is intuitive and offers multiple connectivity options including Apple AirPlay or Google Chromecast. The speaker also offers smart assistant connectivity and allows you to connect to Alexa and Google at once.
Price: Rs 39,999
Sony ULT Field 1
Sony has recently unleashed a whole set of audio products under its all-new ULT (for Ultimate) line. This is one of our favourite new portable speakers under Rs 15K and ticks some key boxes — including Sony’s legendary bass. One of the headline features of this compact speaker (just 650gm) is the ULT button — you can turn up the bass with a quick press. We also like the funky design (that plays out particularly well in the orange colour) with a multi-way strap that makes it easy to lug around. It’s not just IP67 certified for dust and water resistance, but also salt-water resistant, making it the perfect accessory for a beach party. The Field 1 combines a 16mm tweeter unit with a woofer unit (83 x 42mm) to produce an impressive sound stage. The other highlight is Sony’s Sound Diffusion Processor that expands sound in any space with its DSP technology. Battery life of 12 hours is also a plus.
Price: Rs 10,990
Sonos Era 100
One of our favourites in the sub-Rs 30K range, this elegantly designed speaker can fit into any space thanks to its compact form factor. It weighs just over 2kg and is easy to move around (it’s not portable – it needs to be connected to a power source). The Sonos App features a Trueplay option that analyses the unique acoustics of your space and optimises the speaker’s equaliser. The app also ensures set up is a breeze and offers multiple connectivity options. But most of all, it’s the terrific soundstage. The Era 100 is powered by a 47% faster processor and new co-neural processor for improved performance whole dual-angled tweeters send crisp high frequencies left and right for a rich stereo experience. We also like the line-in option that allows you to connect any audio source including an old-school turntable.
Price: Rs 26,999
Apple HomePod
Streaming from an iPhone? Apple’s formidable HomePod brings out the best in Apple Music, making it a seamless experience for iPhone users. It intelligently adapts to wherever its playing and whatever it’s playing for an immersive audio experience. At its heart is Apple silicon that leverages computational audio innovations. It uses feedback from the system sensor to run complex tuning models that ensure the best acoustics. The soundstage is elevated with a high-excursion woofer and an array of five beam foaming tweeters around its base.
Price: Rs 32,900
Marshall Acton III
If you’re looking for a speaker with a timeless design, this one ought to be on your radar. Marshall takes its signature rock ‘n’ roll home speaker line and has tweaked it with a stripped back look. We dig the Marshall script on the speakers and the brass control knobs that add to its timeless appeal. The Acton III has been around for a while, but makes our list for its design and impressive acoustics. It features a wider acoustic footprint with the brand’s characteristic surround sound. These speakers carry outward-angled treble and updated waveguides for sound that fills your room.
