JBL Authentics 500 Smart Home Speaker

To give a bit of background I am an audiophile (a lover of music) and take my music quite seriously. I run some serious hardware from meze elite epoque headphones to legacy signature speakers. I say all this to give a bit of credit to my background on sound and knowing where a good set of transducers can take you.

I recently changed my bedroom audio setup to move my floor standing speakers (old wharfedale diamond 9.5’s) to acomidate my tv. This had the drawback of removing them from my echo and I needed a solution to provide the room with “good enough” audio that the little echo just could not muster. So I started my search for a new all in one voice assistant but did not want a second set of tower speakers in the room so I looked at the usual suspects. The echo studio, sonos, etc but none of them had what I was looking for when it came to sound quality. Enter the jbl 500 it was not on my radar at all but I stumbled across it in my searching. It had mixed reviews with an emphasis on the size of the speaker. Now for me coming from a set of tower speakers size was not the limiting factor. So I ordered one and had it at my door in no time at all. This guy was well packed and had a good presentation my only complaint is that the bass driver is exposed and you have to be cognizant not to put a finger through it as you lift it out of the box. This speaker has a good amount of weight for its size and feels well built. Physical setup is a breeze with one power cable and you are done. After that you need the app which is not the best but definitely not the worst I have used. In the app you will connect it to your wifi and then setup your voice assistants. This guy supports both google and alexa with the former being very easy to setup and the latter being a oddity. The google setup punched right in like any other google home device and setup was a breeze. The alexa app on the other hand just opened to a spinning circle with no errors. After contacting tech support I tried everything under the sun to get it to take and somewhere along the line fixed it. I am not sure if it was a wifi bug or just needed to run in for some time but after I tried the next day everything popped right in no problem.

Now on to the sound… good golly this was not what I was expecting! This guy goes to show what modern tech has brought to the table vs my older diamond speakers. I started it on some tash music because I was not expecting much from this guy but what came belting out from this box was clean powerful sound. My first stop was “the used – in love and death” and there it was a musical tonality that I would described as playful or V shaped. The bass was plentiful but not overwhelming, solidly in the fun category but not drifting into bloated or slow territory. In short it sounded good, darn good… better than it had rights to sound given its size. So intrigued I switched from background music to my analytical music section to see if this was some kind of fluke. I popped on one of my favorites the live copy of “Fink – troubles what you are in” and gave this speaker my full attention. This speaker did not shirk from my critical ear as the acoustic guitar was crisp and you could distinctly pick out the difference between the sounds of his palm on the wood vs the cajon. I was gobsmacked, baffled, dare I say impressed. I tossed the kitchen sink of all the greats (steely dan, daftpunk, pinkfloyd, etc) at this box and it continued to impress. I was left wondering if I toss the diamonds in favor of picking up another one of these it is THAT GOOD. The fact that a single six inch driver could come even close to the range that four drivers of the same size is witchcraft.

I love the sound profile that this uses with the heavy V shape. To me this is one of my favorites as it sets the toes a tapping and head a bobbing more than that holy grale flat profile. I would compare this to the fiio FH9 as something that I turn on and go “that sounds right” no tweaking or changes it just sounds like my ideal of what I want from music.

If you made it this far into the review I commend you! If you just scrolled to the end for the TLDR buy it you wont be dissapointed.

For starters, you’ll need to download the JBL One app to set up a wifi connection. I experienced some difficulty of my own doing at first. If you use a VPN on your phone, make sure it’s disconnected both during setup and whenever the speaker is in use. Once that is taken care of, everything should go smoothly. The Alexa and Google capability it nice. If you already have an Alexa or Google device in the same room, you may want to move the device to enjoy in another room. You’ll no longer need it since the speaker is on standby whenever it’s plugged in. Otherwise, your voice command may be interpreted by the wrong device as if it’s up for grabs for whichever device hears it best.

Now for the sound. I have an old school higher end component system that I’ve enjoyed for years. Does the JBL Authentics 500 rival the component system? Not quite. Is the sound any less enjoyable? Definitely not. I love the fidelity from a different perspective. It has tight booming bass. No muddiness there at all. The midrange is out front, and the highs are crystal clear while still maintaining linearity and balance across the spectrum. I can’t say enough about the highs. Cymbals crash with an ambience and spatiality that would make it hard pressed to tell the exact location of the speaker if blindfolded. They appear to radiate from walls and reflective surfaces. I listened for a good two hours after unboxing. I just couldn’t stop. When wirelessly connecting my speaker to the TV, it caused me question if I any longer had a need for my soundbar. It’s that impressive. Something would be amiss if I didn’t mention the dynamic range. It’s difficult to describe the sonic differences between the softest and loudest passages. It goes from “I can barely hear that” to “Boom!” with the introduction of a drum. My video doesn’t do it justice.

The speaker has a simple control panel that’s easy to use and likewise for the the app. Not too much junk you don’t need in the app. I love the built in equalizer that lets you drag your finger to shape the sound curve. No individual frequency slide controls needed. If you have an Alexa music plan, you’ll also have access to virtually any album or CD you’ve ever owned without the hassle of queing it up. The JBL Authentics 500 is a big winner in my book! The times, they sure are a changin’.

Exactly as described and frankly, their pictures are better than mine so I didn’t post any.

JBL has been making superior audio products since 1946 and this is no exception.
This makes most other Bluetooth/Wi-Fi enabled portable speakers look and sound like toys.
It’s not light and it’s not small.

The JBL Authentics 500 does not run off of batteries. There is a power supply built into the unit and it comes with a power cord.
Setup? Well, if you are a complete novice you may hit some snags but have some patients and all will be OK.
There is a manual (of sorts) but I found the one on line (PDF) to be more inclusive with the facts.
Pairing this with your phone is easy. The Wi-Fi is slightly more difficult but I still found it to be easy.
Once connected to the Wi-Fi the unit almost immediately found a software/firmware update so I let it do it’s thing – which took about 12 minutes. I noticed no changes in it’s operation but it’s always best to keep that stuff up to date.
The app is simple and you can do things like adjust the volume or EQ. You can also connect to other networks/phones or even another JBL 500.
There is a 1/8″ audio jack for direct input and a USB port for the same but I believe the USB port in other countries is only for updates. That may change in the future.

How does it sound? Great! I was expecting something good and that is what I got. The bass was suprisingly good for something this size.

While Alexa and Google Assistant are handy, It’s unlikely that I will be using those features. I don’t like being eavesdropped on. Many people do use those features and find them to be very useful. It’s just not for me.

Tonight, weather depending, will be this unit’s first workout. The 500 will be placed on the back deck and faced towards my firepit. Should be fun.

Worth it? Absolutely. I can 100% recommend this.

Decided to get rid of Alexa studio and all the stupid problems it had . Paid up for this JBL system HIGHLY recommend this. Honest it actually works perfectly Very very good

The JBL Authentics 500 is a beautifully designed high-end smart home speaker that delivers impressive sound quality, modern features, and a retro finish. The smart speaker features 270 watts of 3.1 channel sound with virtual Dolby Atmos, which creates a lifelike musical experience that makes you feel like you’re hearing your music live. The speaker also has three 2.5mm tweeters, three 2.75″ midrange woofers, and a 6.5″ down-firing subwoofer, which provide clear and balanced sound with bass that you can feel.

The JBL Authentics 500 is a fairly large sized speaker. It measures about 17.6 x 9.5 x 10.1 and weighs about 17.2 lbs. and in terms of features, the JBL Authentics 500 is packed with goodies. It has built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, so you can stream music from your favorite devices. It also supports voice assistants like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant simultaneously, so you can control your music, get information, and more with your voice. The speaker also has a built-in Chromecast, so you can cast music, videos, and other content from your smartphone or tablet with room filling audio. You can even answer phone calls to the speaker if you like. Paired with the JBL One app, you can also access supported music services such as Amazon Music, Tidal, Calm Radio, iHeart Music, Napster, Qobuz, and TuneIn. The app also allows you adjust the equalizer if you like, access WIFI settings, connect WIFI streaming, and set up your Google assistant and Amazon Alexa. The speaker also features automatic self-tunning, meaning it automatically calibrates and optimizes the audio every time you power it up and let me tell you the quality of the sound, the music, and the bass will amaze you every time.

The JBL Authentics 500 is also a stylish speaker that will look great in any room. It has a premium aluminum frame, custom leather-like enclosure, and Quadrex grille. The design was inspired by classic JBL heritage designs. This speaker will look amazing in any room of your home.

Pros:
• Powerful sound with virtual Dolby Atmos
• Powerful Bass
• Wide range of features, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, voice assistants, and Chromecast, WIFI Streaming
• Ability to connect multiple speakers throughout your home
• Stylish retro design

Cons:
• Not as portable. The 500 series is a fairly large device and not as easily moved from place to another.

I have been using this speaker for about a week now and every time I put some music on, it leaves me in awe. I love some bass in my music, so I enjoy the deep heart pounding bass that this speaker has to offer, also while being able to control my smart home features all from one place.
Overall, the JBL Authentics 500 is an excellent smart home speaker that delivers impressive sound quality, modern features, and looks. It’s a great choice for anyone looking for a high-end speaker that can fill any room with amazing life-like sound that also make your life a bit more convenient.

This speaker has the potential to sound THIIIIICK. And I like thick! It is definitely the best sounding speaker in my house. And, probably furthest from the cheapest as well.

I’ve never owned a JBL before. But, I can see why they’re so popular. And, definitely why they’re on the pricier side. It is a little bulky. But don’t let that sway you! Just think…BASS. It has lots of bass!

The only buttons are a play button/volume knob, a bluetooth button, a heart button, and a knob for both bass and treble. The knobs are SUPER smooth when you turn them.

I was and am kind of bothered by the lack of frequency control here, though. But, I did feel slightly better when I downloaded the suggested app, as it also has a mid option. But, I was still a little baffled. You’re spending what on this speaker? And, you only have 3 options for frequency? Highs, mids and lows?? It’s not the worst thing, but if the ability to adjust more specific frequencies is super important to you, this speaker may not be the one you’re searching for! So far, that has really been my only qualm with this device.

It has Alexa and Google built in, which is probably awesome, but I have never used either of those in my life. So, I can’t really review those features. I have however left it plugged in for convenience and have never ever had that was so accessible! It’s always ready…. Probably always listening, too. Ready for your command!

I have used airplay on my iphone as well as bluetooth. Have also connected my ASUS laptop to the speaker as well. Seamless!! You can switch with the utmost ease!

The speaker also has a usb port, ethernet port, aux port, and power input. (power does not require a ground with the provided cable).

My use of the provided app has really only been to mess with the frequencies. You can access most of your music players from within the JBL app, though. It almost becomes your ONE app to use. You don’t really need any others.

Overall, I really enjoy this speaker and I’m very happy with it. I always find myself popping on something new..just to see how it sounds on THIS speaker!

The speakers themselves sound great with lots of connectivity options. The JBL One App gives a 3 band equalizer while the speaker box has a bass and treble wheel. The default settings were a bit bassy for me, but these speakers are loud and clear. The 500 seems best for a home media center, while the 300 is best as a portable speaker. The 500 was loud enough for my entire house, with a decibel meter 3 ft away reading up to 106dBA.
The JBL One app is used to set up the wifi connection and stream music services. This speaker works with Hey Google/Chromecast, Alexa, and Apple Airplay. The music services currently supported in app are: Amazon Music, Calm Radio, iHeartRadio, Napster, Qobuz, TIDAL, and TuneIn. To play from other sources like Pandora, I have to go through the Google Chromecast (or other) app.
I really appreciate JBL is trying to tie all of these services together. I like that Alexa and Google can both be connected simultaneously. (I don’t use Apple AirPlay). Likewise basic functions (volume, bass, play, pause, etc..) works well between the hardware of the speaker and the software App. Changing the settings on the speaker showed up in the App without lag (and vice versa).
It’s still a little clunky switching between services. It works well, but I feel the app interface flow could be improved to make this easier. For example, Amazon Music is played through “In-app Music” section. If I want to switch to Pandora, I open the Pandora app and then use the Cast button to connect to the speaker. In fact, the Cast button is the way I use most because it works with YT Music, Audible, Pandora and Spotify. Mostly I just use the JBL app to setup the device and EQ. Perhaps JBL could create a passthrough function in their app by adding a “Cast” button instead of doing this from a separate app.
Most of the time I cast through another app or plug in with the 3.5mm AUX.
The next connection method I tested was via Bluetooth. I use this method if I am watching something on my phone/laptop (YouTube, Netflix, etc..) and want audio played on the 500 speaker. Note, YT Music streams to this speaker, but YouTube videos only Cast to a video device. This worked great on my phone, for my laptop my connection dropped.. but I think this is due to the laptop audio drivers, not the 500 speaker.
The final way I connected was via the AUX line-in 3.5mm port. This is the old fashioned way to connect a phone or other analog input source. I still like this method! If I just want to play from a phone or mp3 player, this wired method doesn’t require any apps or streaming. I also tried the USB-C port, it did not allow me to play audio, it just charged my phone. According to the manual, the US Version should support playback via USB-C. This feature isn’t a must have for me, but hopefully a future software update will fix it.
The only concern I have is the 6.5″ woofer located in the bottom of the speaker box. JBL WHY did you not include a speaker grille! The Authentics 500 isn’t a portable speaker, it is made to sit in one spot, plug into the wall and connect mostly through wireless. However, I would hate to think someone out there will rest this on the corner of a table for a moment, or accidently set this down on something that punctures the speaker. For me, I’ll just plug it in and try to never move it.

When I tell you that the sound quality of the speaker is absolutely top tier especially when the base hits. This speaker is truly unlike any speaker I’ve ever owned before. It is a little bit on the thicker and chunkier side but it has a beautiful appearance, and can blend in with any living room or bedroom setting. it isn’t that portable because it is a little bit on the bigger side and needs to be plugged in to work. But I am in love with the speaker. I wanted to truly give it an honest review. I’ve had it for a few weeks now I wanted to see how well it could hold up. I also love that this gives you an option of either airplay or connecting it via Bluetooth. It does also give you the option to hook up through Alexa as well. Which is pretty cool if you don’t already have an echo show or an echo Dot. JBL never disappoints. This is a really high-quality top-notch speaker!

The JBL has rolled out a new lineup that pays homage to their premium 1970s speakers. The Authentics 500 is their top-of-the-line speaker for this series of speakers. JBL made sure to pay proper homage cause not only does it look nice but it sounds nice too.

JBL has spare no expense to detail from the feel and look of the leather-wrapped cabin to the front grille that can be removed if you prefer. It’s a very nice-looking premium speaker. In my opinion, this is one of the best-looking speakers that JBL has designed so far.

For set-up, there’s not much to it besides plugging in the power cord and downloading the JBL One app. You don’t have to download the app, but I do recommend you do. The app allows you to join a Wi-Fi connection, firmware updates, and adjust the equalizer settings. I prefer using the app to adjust the equalizer since it’s hard to tell what level you have the bass/treble set to with the rotating knobs located at the top of the speaker. With built-in mics at top the Autentics 500 also supports Alex and Google voice assistants. If you like both assistants no worries you can run both at the simultaneously.

I’ve always been a fan of the JLB sound of the box and this one does not disappoint either. Pushing 270w of sound from 6-speakers in the front and a 6.5 down-firing woofer, you will hear and feel the beats of your favorite songs. For most of my listening experience, I left it at the default sound profile. The sound has a full spectrum sound to it that sounds sharp with a satisfying bass punch. It even supports Dolby Atmos for surround sound reproduction without the need fors 8+ speakers. Overall it’s a great-sounding speaker that can get plenty loud without distortion. Especially if you stream high quality songs from Tidal, Spotify and Apple Music. With that 6.5 down-firing woofer it also does well acting as a soundbar for your Tv.

For audio inputs you do get 1 audio in jack for analog, and for wireless it’s supports Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connection. For the best sounding experience Wi-Fi is the way to go to take advantage of those Dolby Atmos certified tracks.

In my opinion the JBL Authentics 500 is probably the best sounding premium smart speaker at this time for this price range. It also doesn’t hurt that it’s probably the best looking speaker currently in the market too. It’s a pricey speaker that it’s a no brainer if you can get it on sale.

I’ve spent a week with the JBL Authentics 500, and I have been extremely impressed by the detailed sound, deep bass, and loud volume.

The Authentics 500 has an ‘old school’ look. JBL calls it ‘retro’ because it mirrors its own designs of the 1970s. I like it, my wife not so much. The speaker is what I would call big for a wireless speaker, taking up a decent amount of real estate. But that great sound has to come from somewhere, so I don’t mind having a slightly bigger speaker. Three large knobs adorn the top of the Authentics 500, one for volume, and one each for bass and treble. In a nice touch, all three knobs also have a cool light display that scrolls around with the knob to show you how much volume, bass, or treble has been set.

JBL also notes that the Authentics 500 is made in large part using recycled materials. I really like when manufacturers build their components using recycled materials, it signals a concern for the sustainability of our environment and keeps stuff out of landfills.

JBL also states the the Authentics 500 has an automatic calibration procedure that sets itself up anywhere it is moved to. They don’t say how this happens, just that it is automatic. I tried the speaker in half a dozen places or so, and it always sounded good to me, so I suppose it is working…

Connection-wise, there is a standard aux port (a nice touch), a USB-C connection, Bluetooth (I’m assuming SBC and AAC, JBL does not specify) and WiFi (as well as an Ethernet port). All of my listening was done either via Bluetooth or WiFi using AirPlay. I attempted to use Roon with the JBL Authentics 500 as an endpoint with AirPlay, but for whatever reason it wouldn’t work. Not a showstopper, but I was bummed that I couldn’t stream my extensive personal collection to the Authentics 500.

The Authentics 500 also supports Dolby Atmos, such as what you can stream from Apple Music. I did test this ability extensively and found it to add an additional dimension to the music. The soundstage got wider and taller. It’s a cool feature included in a wireless speaker, and I can’t think of other wireless speakers on the market that implement Dolby Atmos.

For Bluetooth, I connected my AT wireless turntable to the Authentics 500 and spun a few albums using Bluetooth. As I mentioned before, JBL doesn’t specify (or at least I couldn’t find it) what types of Bluetooth are supported (the AT turntable transmits as high as AptX), so I’m assuming that the connection was just lossy SBC. Pretty sure JBL would advertise if it could receive and decode AptX. The sound was still pretty good, considering.

Any music streamed via Apple Music sounded great. Since it was played via Airplay, I’m going to assume that it was not ‘Hi-Res’ and was just limited to an AAC stream of 16/48. JBL calls the Authentics 500 a ‘High Fidelity’ speaker, not Hi-Res, nor did I see any Hi-Res badging on it or the box. Again, I’m just assuming, because I couldn’t find any literature from JBL or on the internet that stated what sample rates the Authentics 500 could handle (other than MP3 supported sample rates via USB, and nothing was over 16 bits).

For me, I had three things that I was disappointed in with the Authentics 500. One, I couldn’t stream .flac files to it (that’s my entire library); two, it wouldn’t play files from Roon (my library manager); and three, it didn’t seem capable of playing Hi-Res files.

I took one star off for those shortcomings, because manufacturers such as Denon and SONOS which are in the same price range support .flac, Roon streaming, and Hi-Res (at least 24/44.1). The Authentics 500, in my opinion, is the best sounding wireless speaker I have had, it’s just missing a couple of the specifications that I really would like to have in a wireless speaker.