How Do JBL’s Top Headphones Stack Up? A Closer Look at Live 770NC, Live 670NC, and Tour One M2
JBL, a brand renowned for its speakers and headphones, has a rich history spanning nearly a century. Founded in 1946 by James Bullough Lansing, the company initially aimed to design and build audio products for home use. However, JBL quickly branched into various sectors, gaining popularity among musicians and audio professionals with its high-quality sound products. The brand is currently owned by Harman International, a subsidiary of Samsung.
JBL’s journey from its humble beginnings to becoming a household name in the audio world is marked by innovation and quality. The company’s first product, the D130, was a 15-inch speaker originally intended for movie theatres but soon became popular across different audio sectors due to its superior sound quality. Over the years, JBL has maintained its reputation by continually producing products that appeal to a wide range of users, from audio professionals to everyday consumers looking for high-quality sound.
Today, JBL’s product lineup is diverse, covering everything from gaming headsets to portable PA systems, professional audio equipment, car speakers, and marine audio solutions. The brand is especially known for its portable Bluetooth speakers, true wireless earbuds, party speakers, and soundbars, catering to the needs of modern consumers who prioritize quality and convenience.
In our comprehensive overview of JBL, a brand renowned for its commitment to delivering high-quality audio experiences, we delve into their most popular headphones that have captivated users worldwide. JBL’s lineup is celebrated for its versatility, catering to a wide range of preferences and needs. This review focuses on their best-selling headphones, which include the JBL Live 770NC, JBL Live 670NC, and JBL Tour One M2. Each model offers a unique set of features designed to enhance your listening experience, whether you’re an audiophile, a casual listener, or looking for the perfect pair for your child. Stay tuned as we explore the intricate details, performance metrics, and user experiences of these standout models to help you make an informed decision.
JBL Live 770NC Overview
Technical Specifications:
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Audio Output | 40W |
| Driver Size | 40mm |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 with LE audio support |
| Active Noise Cancelling | True Adaptive Noise Cancelling with Smart Ambient |
| Battery Life | Up to 65 hours (50 hours with BT+ANC on) |
| Charging Time | 5-minute speed charge for 4 hours of play |
| Multi-Point Connection | Yes |
| Voice Assistant Integration | Yes, with access via hotword or tap |
| Special Features | JBL Signature Sound, JBL Spatial Sound for virtual surround sound experience |
Description:
The JBL Live 770NC headphones deliver JBL’s renowned Signature Sound in an over-ear, comfortable design. Equipped with True Adaptive Noise Cancelling technology and Smart Ambient, these headphones adjust to your environment in real-time, ensuring minimal distractions and an optimized audio experience. Bluetooth 5.3 with LE audio support enhances your music listening experience, ensuring high-quality sound even at lower bit rates. A notable feature is the headphone’s ability to connect with two Bluetooth® devices simultaneously, ensuring you never miss a call, even while watching a movie on another device. With up to 65 hours of battery life (50 hours with BT+ANC on) and a quick 5-minute charge offering an additional four hours of playtime, the JBL Live 770NC is built for extended listening sessions.
Pros:
- Exceptional Sound Quality: Leveraging JBL Signature Sound and 40mm drivers, these headphones offer immersive audio with depth and clarity.
- Adaptive Noise Cancelling: Automatically adjusts to your surroundings, providing a personalized listening experience that blocks out distractions.
- Long Battery Life: With up to 65 hours of playback, these headphones are designed for extensive use between charges.
- Dual Connectivity: The ability to connect to two Bluetooth devices simultaneously enhances usability and convenience.
Cons:
- Delayed LE Audio Support: The promised LE audio support, enhancing Bluetooth capabilities, requires an OTA update, which may not be immediately available upon purchase.
- Potential Comfort Issues: While designed for comfort, long-term wear might still cause discomfort for some users, as is common with over-ear headphones.
In conclusion, the JBL Live 770NC headphones offer an excellent combination of sound quality, noise-cancelling performance, and user-friendly features, making them a compelling choice for those in search of premium audio experiences. Despite minor drawbacks such as the pending LE audio support update and potential comfort issues during extended use, these headphones stand out in the crowded market of noise-cancelling headphones.
JBL Live 670NC Overview
Technical Specifications:
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Driver Size | 40mm |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 with LE audio support |
| Active Noise Cancelling | True Adaptive Noise Cancelling with Smart Ambient |
| Battery Life | Up to 65 hours (50 hours with BT+ANC on) |
| Charging | 5-minute speed charge for 4 hours of play |
| Multi-Point Connection | Yes |
| Voice Assistant Integration | Yes, with tap on the ear cup |
| Color Options | Black, Blue, Sandstone, White |
| Price | £119.99 |
Description:
The JBL Live 670NC headphones are designed to deliver JBL’s signature powerful sound in a comfortable on-ear style. They feature True Adaptive Noise Cancelling technology complemented by Smart Ambient, allowing users to immerse themselves in music without distractions or stay aware of their surroundings without removing the headphones. With the latest Bluetooth 5.3 technology, these headphones ensure high-quality sound streaming even at lower bit rates and offer audio-video sync for movies and games. The JBL Live 670NC stands out with a generous battery life of up to 65 hours, with a quick-charge feature that provides an additional four hours of playtime with just a 5-minute charge. They also support connection to two Bluetooth devices simultaneously, ensuring users never miss a call.
Pros:
- JBL Signature Sound: Offers a rich and immersive audio experience with the help of 40mm drivers.
- Adaptive Noise Cancelling: Automatically adjusts to environmental sounds, providing a personalized listening experience.
- Extended Battery Life: Up to 65 hours of playback, ideal for extended use.
- Dual Connectivity: Enhances convenience by allowing connection to two devices at once.
Cons:
- On-Ear Design: May not be as comfortable for all users, especially during long listening sessions compared to over-ear designs.
- LE Audio Support Pending: Requires an OTA update to enable the latest Bluetooth LE audio features.
- Limited Color Options: While offering a variety of colors, some users may seek more vibrant or different color choices.
In conclusion, the JBL Live 670NC headphones blend JBL’s signature sound quality with advanced noise-cancelling technology and smart features, making them a strong contender in the mid-range headphone market. Despite minor drawbacks such as the on-ear design and pending LE audio support, these headphones offer great value for users looking for a balance between performance, comfort, and price.
JBL Tour One M2 Overview
Technical Specifications:
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | True Adaptive Noise Cancelling with Smart Ambient |
| Microphones | 4-mic technology for superior calls and voice control |
| Smart Ambient | Yes, with Personal Sound Amplification |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 |
| Color Options | Black, Champagne |
| Price | £180.99 |
| Audio Technology | JBL Spatial Sound |
| Battery Life | Up to 50 hours (30 hours with ANC enabled) |
| Charging Time | Speed charge for 10 minutes for 5 hours of battery life |
Description:
The JBL Tour One M2 headphones offer an immersive sound experience with True Adaptive Noise Cancelling technology, effectively tuning out distractions and allowing users to focus on their music or enjoy the sound of silence. These headphones are powered by Hi-Res certified JBL Pro Sound, ensuring a premium audio quality. The 4-mic technology provides crystal clear calls even in noisy environments, and with VoiceAware, users can control how much of their own voice they hear during calls. Smart Ambient technology lets users stay aware of their surroundings without needing to remove the headphones, and Personal Sound Amplification boosts ambient sounds when needed.
Pros:
- Superior Sound Quality: Hi-Res certified JBL Pro Sound delivers exceptional audio clarity and depth.
- Adaptive Noise Cancelling: Automatically adjusts to environmental noise for an optimized listening experience.
- Long Battery Life: Offers up to 50 hours of playback, making it suitable for extended use without frequent charging.
- Smart Features: Includes Smart Ambient, Personal Sound Amplification, and seamless voice assistant integration for convenience and enhanced user experience.
Cons:
- Price: Higher price point compared to other models, which might be a consideration for budget-conscious buyers.
- Color Options: Limited color options may not cater to all personal preferences.
The JBL Tour One M2 headphones are designed for those seeking premium sound quality, advanced noise-cancelling features, and smart technology integration. While the price may be on the higher side, the range of features and the quality of audio experience offered justify the investment for serious audiophiles and professionals alike.
To Wrap It Up
In reviewing the three JBL headphone models – the Live 770NC, Live 670NC, and Tour One M2 – it’s clear that JBL has meticulously designed each model to cater to different segments of the consumer audio market, prioritizing immersive sound quality, advanced noise-cancelling capabilities, and user comfort across the board.
Across all three models, JBL has demonstrated a commitment to providing users with a range of options that do not sacrifice sound quality or user experience for cost. Whether you’re looking for an immersive audio experience, a budget-friendly option, or the ultimate in headphone technology, JBL’s lineup offers something for every type of listener.
