JBL on Thursday unveiled a new line of soundbars, amplifiers and other audio accessories that work with Apple or rival products.
Prior to the all-virtual CES 2021 conference, the audio company unveiled a bunch of new hardware at its “Harman Explore” virtual event, which celebrated 75 years since JBL’s founding. The new hardware includes some models that run on AirPlay 2 and other streaming platforms.
This includes the JBL Bar 5.0 MultiBeam. The $ 399.95 soundbar is equipped with four passive radiators and Harman MultiBeam technology for a surround sound experience. It will be available in the spring.
The JBL Bar 5.0 features Harman MultiBeam technology and support for AirPlay 2.
JBL also introduced a vintage-inspired integrated amplifier. Priced at $ 3,000, the SA750 supports AirPlay 2, Alexa and other modern technologies, while providing amplified sound for “incredible detail and accuracy.” The company says it will begin shipping in April.
With AirPlay 2 on both devices, users will be able to use them along with devices like HomePod or Apple TV. They will also be compatible with Siri to control voice playback.
The new JBL Live Pro headphones offer active noise cancellation and “ambient” mode.
In addition, JBL introduced a pair of wireless headphones called JBL Live Pro +. With adaptive noise cancellation and “ambient” noise, the headphones compete head-to-head with Apple’s own AirPods Pro. They will be priced at $ 179.95 and will be available to place the order on March 14, 2021.
“If the walls of JBL’s well-known Northridge, CA design center could speak, they would sing the 75-year-old recognitions of pioneering acoustic, transducer and electronic design,” JBL said of the new announcements.