JBL’s new trio of Bluetooth speakers pays homage to the brand’s JBL L100. This classic speaker from the 1970s was one of JBL’s bestsellers at the time. The 2024 JBL Authentics Line includes three speakers; it’s the most diminutive of this–the JBL Authentics 200 that might well be the one to watch out for. It punches above its size and scores with its retro design. Does it deserve to be in your living room or den? The short answer is yes.

Throwback chic  

The JBL Authentics 200 looks elegant and can spark conversations thanks to its elegant, retro design. That’s not something we can say about a lot of Bluetooth Speakers in 2024. It seeks design inspiration from the brand’s classic speakers and includes quite a few design elements that make the connection. We dig the premium aluminium frame and the custom leather-like enclosure. JBL adds quite a few design elements that add to the acoustic appeal. The raised rubber pads are a case in point. This ensures the bass from the down-firing woofer doesn’t cause distortion. We dig the old school knobs that allow you to tweak the volume, bass and treble settings.   

Easy set-up

The JBL One App is easily one of the most intuitive companion apps we’ve used for any Bluetooth Speaker. Set up is mighty smooth with multiple connectivity options. We set it up Apple AirPlay for the best sound reproduction. You can also use Google Chromecast or Bluetooth to hook up your smartphone or tablet with this speaker. The other handy touch is easy smart assistant connectivity that allows you to connect to Alexa and Google at once.  

Terrific soundstage

The JBL Authentics 200 can fill even the largest rooms with its acoustics. The impressive set up includes a pair of 25mm tweeters, a full-range 5-inch woofer and a 6-inch passive radiator. It truly shines at 50-60% volume levels that are the true test of any premium speaker. The soundstage will surprise you given its compact presence (it weighs just above 3 kg). It’s also easy to lug around the house thanks to its lightweight form. It has to be connected to a power source at all times though. If there’s one crib, it’s this lack of portability. Only the pricier JBL Authentics 300, the middle child in this trio of speakers offers a built-in battery with a battery life of about 8 hours.  

The Authentics 200 won’t disappoint serious audiophiles with its deep bass and terrific audio balance. We put this speaker through multiple music genres and it didn’t let us down.  

Wrap up

The JBL Authentics 200 is one of the best looking speakers in the sub Rs 40K price band. We like the timeless design that ensures this speaker won’t go out of style anytime soon. The companion app is both intuitive and offers a user interface that’s easy on the eye. But most of all it’s the soundstage; this one is house party proof. It’s this perfect blend of retro appeal with modern smarts that makes it the perfect accessory for your living room.

The JBL Authentics 200 costs Rs 39,999.