JBL Launches Modern Audio AV Receivers and Stage 2 Loudspeakers

JBL Launches Modern Audio AV Receivers and Stage 2 Loudspeakers High performance audio designed to create a superior home theatre experience: stylish, intuitive, smart and scalable.

JBL has launched a new range of high performing audio models in New Zealand, expanding its home theatre offering with a series of AV Receivers and matching loudspeakers. The JBL Modern Audio (MA) AV Receivers and Stage 2 Loudspeakers were designed with music and movie enthusiasts in mind, bringing immersive audio to life through JBL’s rich expertise in cinema sound.

Michael Sherman, Senior Strategy Manager at JBL New Zealand, says the company is excited to bring the new range to market.

“JBL’s heritage was built from a legacy of providing sound for cinema, and today we’re able to recreate that detailed surround sound experience from the comfort of any living room,” Sherman says.

“What is most compelling about the new range is their simplicity and ease of use. Thanks to an easy set-up and smart features, the Modern Audio and Stage 2 range form an accessible surround system for anyone looking to level up their home entertainment into a high-performance immersive audio experience.”

Harnessing JBL’s rich expertise in cinema sound, including digital amplification and patented loudspeaker technology, the JBL MA AVRs and Stage 2 speakers are crafted to integrate with any content, from vinyl collections to streaming services, so users can listen to their favourite music, movies, and gaming content with clarity and realism.

Both AVRs and speakers feature a slim and sleek design, with a retro-modern feel and ambient lighting to blend seamlessly into modern home interiors.

Introducing the JBL Modern AVR Line up

The JBL MA series of AV receivers consist of five models, designed with the latest connectivity and technology features to bring entertainment content to life. With a focus on ease-of-use, the new AVRs bring the flexibility of a wide range of input sources and listening modes to help users switch between different content, from games to movies, with minimal effort and steps. Drawing on JBL’s audio engineering expertise, each model delivers high-performance immersive surround sound including powerful low noise Class D amplification and high-resolution DACs.

The JBL MA series AVRs includes three standard-performance models – two 5.1-channel models and a 7.1-channel model – in a more compact, shorter height chassis. Two additional high-performance models – a 7.1-channel model and a 9.1-channel model – offer additional performance improvements including more powerful amplifiers, higher-performance DACs and a second HDMI output.

JBL has engineered the MA series to be compatible with the latest and greatest in cinema and home entertainment technologies, such as 4K and 8K HDMI video, Dolby Atmos and DTS:X immersive audio. Music can also be streamed wirelessly via Bluetooth and network streaming services such as Apple Airplay 2 and Google Chromecast.

The free EZ Set EQ app provides easy-to-use room equalization for optimised sound quality for all AVR models across the lineup. The calibration collects room acoustics data for each speaker group in under 2 minutes and can be done by anyone using an iOS or Android mobile device. Taking performance to the next level, the higher spec MA7100HP and MA9100HP models come “Dirac Live Ready” for automatic room correction, allowing integrators and power users to use advanced tools to optimise the system to their room acoustics.

Adhering to the design of simplicity, the appearance of the AVRs includes a unique glass front panel with minimal controls. The colour, on-screen display assists with easy system setup and operation, and the remote has been simplified for easy use. Designed to stand out on a shelf, while not competing for attention unless called upon, the next generation JBL AVRs feature a unique, retro inspired design with a modern touch. The range is available in two timeless colour options – a clean and classic white or warm “espresso” brown – differentiating them from a sea of black boxes.

“The top of the range JBL MA9100HP offers stunning realism with the latest 8k video, and nine channels of powerful low noise Class D amplification to all channels for the ultimate home cinema experience. All that power is packaged into a minimalist modern design that is unmistakably JBL,” says Sherman.

Stage 2 Loudspeakers

The new Stage 2 loudspeaker family was specially conceived to partner with the new JBL MA AVRs, building on the much-lauded performance of the previous generation Stage 1 series.

The line consists of eight models including two floor-standing speakers, two bookshelf speakers, one centre channel, one ATMOSheight speaker, and two powered subwoofers.

With more than 75 years of experience, JBL is the go-to audio provider for movie theatres, recording studios and luxury home theatres around the globe. Developed at the JBL Center of Acoustics Excellence in Northridge, California, the Stage 2 speakers draw on this rich heritage to produce the systems’ advanced acoustics.

Next-generation patented HDI waveguides and anodized tweeters produce room-filling sound and crystal-clear highs, while the polycellulose ribbed cone woofers generate deep, accurate, room filling base – essential for bringing movie action scenes and games to life.

Featuring a modern design with wood finishes, the Stage 2 speakers complement the sleek aesthetics of the new AVR range, with a choice of two colours – white and maple, or anthracite and espresso. Premium details, including magnetically attached grilles, give the Stage 2 series an elevated look.

Scalable System, Without Complexity

Many consumers find the home theatre component purchasing experience intimidating and overly complex. Not so with JBL MA AV Receivers and Stage 2 Loudspeakers as they were purposefully designed as a simple, turnkey system, both easy to understand and simple to install. Buying a single branded solution engineered to operate in unity effectively removes the need to figure out which components to combine, giving users the peace of mind that comes of knowing that everything they need is provided. Setup and upgrades are equally simple, so users can spend less time installing their system and more time enjoying it.

Whether users are just starting out with a basic two-channel system, upgrading from a soundbar or simple home audio system, or looking to build a high-end home theatre setup, this product range can be scaled accordingly. Moreover, the performance of each model has been optimised both individually and as a system, giving users the freedom to create the setup they want without ever having to sacrifice sound quality.

Meet the JBL MA and Stage 2 Line-Up

The JBL MA AV Receivers are available in a variety of models, including: • The 60W JBL MA310 5.2-channel 4K AV Receiver • The 75W JBL MA510 5.2-channel 8K AV Receiver • The 110W / 125W MA710 / MA710HP 7.2-channel 8K (High Performance) AV Receiver • The 140W JBL MA9100HP, with either 5.1, 7.1, or 9.1 channels, Dolby Audio® and DTS® or Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support, low noise Class D amplification, and broad compatibility

JBL Stage 2 Loudspeakers also offer a wide array of models and options, including: • The 260F and 280F Floor-standing models • The 240B and 250B Bookshelf models with separate floor stands • The 245C Center Channel speaker • The 240H Dolby Atmos enabled Height Module • The 200P and 220P Subwoofers

The JBL MA Series AV Receivers and JBL Stage 2 Series Loudspeakers are available now with recommended retail prices from $849.95 to $2949.95 for the JBL MA AV Receivers and $549.95 to $1049.95 for the JBL Stage 2 Loudspeakers.