JBL launched a new line of sound bars, amps and other audio accessories that work with – or rival – Apple products on Thursday.
Ahead of the fully virtual CES 2021 conference, the audio company introduced a host of new hardware at the “Harman Explore” virtual event, which celebrated 75 years after JBL’s founding. The new hardware includes some models that work with AirPlay 2 and other streaming platforms.
This also applies to the JBL Bar 5.0 MultiBeam. The $ 399.95 soundbar features four passive radiators and Harman’s MultiBeam technology for a surround sound experience. It will be available in the spring.
The JBL Bar 5.0 features Harman’s MultiBeam technology and AirPlay 2 support.
JBL also introduced a vintage-inspired integrated amplifier. Priced at $ 3,000, the SA750 supports AirPlay 2, Alexa and other modern technologies and delivers amplified sound for “incredible detail and accuracy”. The company says it will ship in April.
With AirPlay 2 on both devices, users can use them with devices such as HomePod or Apple TV. They are also compatible with Siri for voice playback control.
The new JBL Live Pro earbuds have active noise cancellation and an “ambient” mode.
In addition, JBL has unveiled a pair of wireless earbuds, the JBL Live Pro +. With adaptive noise cancellation and an “ambient noise”, the headphones compete against each other with Apple’s own AirPods Pro. They are priced at $ 179.95 and will be available to order on March 14, 2021.
“If the walls of JBL’s legendary Northridge, CA design center could speak, they would sing the hymns of 75 years of pioneering acoustic, transducer and electronic design,” JBL said of the new announcements.