JBL Authentics 500 Review

JBL Authentics 500 Review: Retro Powerhouse Meets Modern Intelligence

In a market saturated with minimalist smart speakers that blend into the background, JBL has decided to make a statement. The Authentics 500 is a bold declaration that audio equipment can be both a sonic powerhouse and a piece of furniture you actually want to look at. It’s a love letter to the brand’s iconic 1970s L100 speaker, complete with the signature Quadrex foam grille, but under its vintage-inspired hood lies a thoroughly modern machine. Packing Dolby Atmos, dual voice assistants, and a formidable array of drivers, the Authentics 500 aims to be the all-in-one audio centerpiece for the discerning listener. The question is, does its performance live up to its audacious design and premium price?

Design and Build Quality: A Modern Classic

From the moment you unbox the Authentics 500, its premium aspirations are clear. This is a substantial speaker, heavy and reassuringly solid. The design is dominated by the retro Quadrex grille, which is more than just a nostalgic nod; it’s a tactile and visually striking element that sets it apart from the sea of fabric-covered cylinders. This is framed by a sturdy anodized aluminum band, while the main body is wrapped in a black, leather-like material. On top, you’ll find a clean set of controls for volume, bass, and treble, alongside a multi-function button. It’s a beautiful object that feels meticulously crafted, successfully bridging the gap between vintage hi-fi and contemporary tech. Its considerable size, however, means it demands a dedicated space—this is not a speaker you tuck away on a crowded bookshelf.

Performance: Room-Shaking Power with a Caveat

Beneath that retro grille, the Authentics 500 houses a potent 3.1 channel system with 270 watts of power, three tweeters, three midrange drivers, and a 6.5-inch down-firing subwoofer. The result is an immediate, room-filling sound that is effortlessly powerful. The bass, in particular, is immense. That large subwoofer moves a serious amount of air, delivering a deep, visceral rumble that brings music and movies to life. Out of the box, however, this low-end enthusiasm can be overzealous, occasionally muddying the lower-mids. Thankfully, the JBL One app offers a simple three-band EQ to dial it back to a more balanced and articulate level.

The speaker’s other headline feature is its support for Dolby Atmos Music. While it lacks dedicated up-firing drivers, its digital signal processing does an admirable job of creating a wider, more immersive soundstage. Tracks mixed in Atmos feel more spacious and layered, with a tangible sense of height that you don’t get from a standard stereo speaker. It won’t fool you into thinking you have ceiling speakers, but for a single-box solution, the effect is impressive and genuinely adds to the listening experience. Clarity in the mids and highs is excellent, ensuring vocals and instruments cut through the powerful bass.

Features and Connectivity: The Smart Centerpiece

JBL didn’t just focus on sound and style; the Authentics 500 is one of the smartest speakers available. Its standout feature is the simultaneous integration of both Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. You can ask Alexa to control your smart lights and then immediately ask Google for a complex search query without ever changing a setting. This seamless dual-assistant access is a game-changer for mixed-ecosystem smart homes.

Connectivity is comprehensive. It supports Wi-Fi 6 for high-resolution streaming via AirPlay, Chromecast, Spotify Connect, and Tidal Connect, ensuring you get the best possible quality. For simpler pairing, Bluetooth 5.3 is on board, and there are also physical inputs for Ethernet and a 3.5mm aux cable. The speaker also features an automatic self-tuning function that calibrates the audio to the specific acoustics of your room every time it’s powered on, ensuring optimal performance regardless of placement.

The Verdict: A Statement Piece for the Modern Audiophile

The JBL Authentics 500 is an unapologetically premium product with a price to match. It’s a fantastic all-in-one solution that successfully marries high-end audio performance with a distinctive, conversation-starting design. The sound is big, bold, and highly engaging, while the dual-assistant functionality and robust connectivity options make it a truly versatile hub for any modern home. While the bass requires a bit of taming and the virtual Atmos won’t replace a true surround setup, these are minor critiques of an otherwise stellar package.

This speaker is best for the design-conscious user who craves a powerful, room-filling sound without the complexity of a multi-component hi-fi system. If you value aesthetic presence as much as audio performance and live in a home with competing smart assistants, the Authentics 500 is a compelling and authentic choice that justifies its price tag.

Where to Buy:

Check it out on Amazon