JBL Authentics 500

The JBL 500 has very good overall sound quality - although it has some noticeable sonic quirks, this model reproduces music and dialog very well. With the EQ settings set for the most even tonal balance, the bass has good impact and goes deep, but is somewhat prominent and boomy. Midrange is fairly even, but is a bit grainy and a touch nasal, plasticky, and echoey. Treble is fairly extended, but the overall sound is a bit sizzly and smeared. Does a decent job of recovering the actual room ambience from the recording but the echoey quality of the midrange adds an artificial sense of room ambience, and the overall sound is a bit congested. Provides a decent volume level in a large sized room. There was no significant difference between WiFi, Bluetooth, Aux, and USB sound quality. When combined with a second unit to form a stereo pair they can be placed to provide better stereo separation.

Versatility is very good. It's a stereo speaker, with multi-room support with other JBL speakers. Supports stereo pairing with another JBL Authentics 500. Wireless: WiFi supports dual-band and it has Bluetooth. Communications: Lacks support for calling, texting and messaging features. Digital Assistant Muting: Has a dedicated switch to disable the digital assistant by muting its microphones. Audio Connections: Has analog audio inputs but lacks outputs. Audio Tailoring: Has auto calibration, treble and bass controls and an EQ. OS Support: iOS, Android. Display: Lacks a display. Streaming by voice command: Supports voice command of common streaming services such as Amazon Music, Apple Music, Google-Play Music, Pandora, Spotify, Tune-In, iHeart Radio. Voice ID: Supports voice identity - a feature which allows the account holder with their voice print to access personal information.

Overall ease of use of the JBL Authentics 300 is very good. Wireless setup: Setup requires an app downloaded to a device or device connection, easy and intuitive - need instructions (may be included in app), may or may not involve inputting WiFi network password, account setups. Console controls: Volume control is a prominent and well labeled multifunction knob; it lacks index markings for volume levels, but it does have a non persistent visual indication when max volume is reached. Audio mute: Consists of multifunction play/pause control located on the top of the console; there is a no indication on unit when muting is engaged. Microphone mute: Not well placed (behind unit) with clear indication when it is engaged. Source selections: Requires app to be installed, app can switch between wireless sources but can't switch to Line input source in App (which requires physically plugging in the 3.5mm jack to activate line in port) and digital assistant remains functional when line-in is plugged. App remote: Volume control symbol, then volume slider, lacks index markings so not easily repeatable, but easy to actuate. Mute: (Remote) Well marked, well placed, clear indication when it is engaged and mutes the line input. Voice transport controls: Natural language control of transport (Play/Pause/Skip/Mute), volume controls and source selection was easy and intuitive.