I tried JBL’s new Dolby Atmos and Xbox-friendly AV receivers and Stage 2 speakers, and it’s high-end sound without the high-end price

Components for the Modern Audio era

Features By Howard Kneller published 25 October 2024

Not surprisingly, the entrances to New York City’s music recording studios are almost always unmarked. That was the case on October 16, 2024 when I visited Republic Studios, in the city’s Chelsea district, for the launch of JBL’s Modern Audio AV receivers (AVRs) and Stage 2 speakers. Luckily for me, next to Republic’s front door on the day of my arrival was a large “JBL” sign decked out in the company’s trademark burnt orange color.

The Modern Audio AVRs and Stage 2 speakers are not aimed at deep-pocketed high-end audio enthusiasts. Rather, they target the latest generation of music and movie lovers, many of whom haven’t upgraded from the best wireless speakers, best headphones, and best soundbars due to the cost and complexity of getting better sound.

Suggested retail pricing for the Modern Audio AVRs, five models in all, ranges from $399 (around £310 / AU$600) to $1,599 (around £1,230 / AU$2,420). The eight different Stage 2 speaker models range in price from $299 (around £230 / AU$450) to $1,195 (around £920 / AU$1,800) per pair. This means that $1,700 can buy a complete 5.1-channel audio system. Both product lines are available in Espresso (black), which many will find appealing for a darkened TV room, and a modern, clean-looking Latte (white).

Entering through the studio’s reception, I found myself in a very large open room containing stylish lounge and bar areas. I later learned that the room is used by Republic’s staff and its guests for parties, music release events, live performances by artists like the Jonas Brothers, and creative meetings.

I was then escorted along with several other press members into a large theater where we were shown a video presentation and heard from JBL, Dolby Laboratories, and Republic Studios representatives about the Modern Audio AVRs and Stage 2 speakers. A generous selection of both product lines was set up in the theater and elsewhere in the studio for two-channel and multi-channel Dolby Atmos demos, which I will discuss momentarily.

Modern Audio AV receivers

The Modern Audio lineup are the first JBL-branded AVRs and they emphasize simplicity and style. Their faceplates have full-color displays and a clean, minimalist, Apple-esque industrial design that is said to provide only what the customer wants – controls for volume, input, and surround sound mode. They are not made to connect to other audio-only components, but rather devices such as one of the best TVs and gaming consoles via HDMI connections.

Each AVR features built-in “EZ-Set EQ” app-based calibration to optimize the sound to the user’s room and the top two models are also Dirac Live ready. Each AVR also integrates with IoT smart home products such as lighting and window shades. Further, the AVRs are said to be easy to operate and connect to a Wi-Fi network and Bluetooth devices quickly and with no fuss. Their remote controls are said to be simple and non-imposing. And in a feature that’s inspired by some gaming devices, the two upper-level AVRs sport color-changeable LED lighting under their chassis.

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