The JBL Authentics 500 is considered one of JBL’s most expensive speakers (alongside the PartyBox series for parties). The new speaker provides powerful 270W output together with Dolby Atmos technology which enables users to enjoy a complete 3D sound experience.
JBL Authentics 500 Speaker Specifications
Sound System: 3.1 and Dolby Atmos
Construction: 3 x 2.5cm tweeters + 3 x 2.75″ (7 cm) midrange drivers + 1 x 6.5″ (16.5 cm) bass driver and patented SlipStream™ bass port
Power Supply: 100 – 240V, ~ 50/60Hz
Total Speaker Output Power (Max@ THD 1%): 270W
Operating Temperature: 0°C – 45°C
Frequency Response: 40Hz – 20kHz (-6dB)
Audio Inputs: 1 Audio in, Bluetooth/WIFI, Ethernet and USB (USB playback available in the US version).
USB Port: Type C (5V DC, 0.5A)
Supported File Formats: mp3, WAV
Decoder MP3: MPEG 1 Layer 2/3, MPEG 2 Layer 3, MPEG 2.5 Layer 3
MP3 Sampling Rate: 16 – 48 kHz
MP3 Bit Rate: 80 – 320 kbps
Bluetooth Version: 5.3
Bluetooth Support: A2DP 1.3.2, AVRCP 1.5
Bluetooth Transmit Frequency: 2402 MHz – 2480 MHz
Bluetooth Transmit Power: <14.5 dBm (EIRP)
Wi-Fi Network: IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax (2.4GHz/5GHz)
2.4G Wi-Fi Transmit Frequency: 2412 – 2484 MHz (2.4 GHz)
2.4G Wi-Fi Transmit Power:
5G Wi-Fi Transmit Frequency: 5.15 – 5.35GHz, 5.470 – 5.725GHz, 5.725 – 5.825GHz
5G Wi-Fi Transmit Power: 5.15-5.25GHz <23dBm, 5.25-5.35GHz & 5.470-5.725GHz <20dBm, 5.725-5.825GHz
The system supports Dolby Atmos together with virtual voice assistant and multi-room playback and auto-tuning features. The system supports Bluetooth and Wi-Fi and Internet connectivity. The system requires the JBL One App for functionality.
The product dimensions measure 447 x 240 x 255.7 mm while its weight reaches 7.8 kg.
The JBL Authentics 500 presents its design and specifications through aesthetic elements which derive from JBL’s historical product designs. The Authentics 500 creates a design which enables users to decorate their entire space with its authentic JBL sound. The Bluetooth speaker system has dimensions of 447 x 240 x 255.7 mm and a weight of 7.8 kg which enables users to transport it to any location.
The Authentics 500 presents design elements which resemble the JBL Authentics 300 but it introduces an upgraded leather-wrapped exterior and a new Quadrex grille which enhance its overall visual appeal.
JBL Authentics 500 – Retro Style Home Speaker with Bluetooth, Voice Control, and Dolby Atmos, Multi Room Playback, Built in Alexa and Google Assistant, Automatic self tuning:
JBL Authentics 500 – Wireless Home Speaker with Bluetooth, Voice Control, and Dolby Atmos & Authentics 200 – Wireless Home Speaker, Built in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and Voice Assistants:
The JBL Authentics 300 Bluetooth speaker model includes a carrying handle which distinguishes it from the JBL Authentics 300 Bluetooth speaker model which lacks this feature.
The speaker front features a design that displays tiny squares together with a gold-plated JBL logo which presents an embossed design for brand recognition. This design element makes the speaker appear more luxurious when positioned in a living room.
The Authentics 500 top control panel includes three buttons which include a multi-function button and a Bluetooth button and a Favorite (icon) button. The speaker includes a heart-shaped control knob together with treble and bass control knobs.
The circular multi-function button handles Play/Pause (single press) and song navigation (double press to go forward or triple press to go backward). The knob operates as a volume control device which enables users to adjust volume by turning its outer ring while the surrounding white LED shows current volume status.
Hands-free control through Alexa and Google Assistant works as a main advantage for users who need to operate their devices without using buttons.
The speaker rear panel creates interior space through its design. The back of the device contains two large resonant vents together with a microphone switch and a 220V power outlet and an Ethernet port and a 3.5mm input and a USB-C port for audio playback.
The JBL Authentics 500 speaker uses the latest Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity which enables users to easily connect their Bluetooth devices. The connection enables you to share your playlists with other people. Bluetooth 5.3 enables device connections to reach a distance of 10 meters while providing high-quality music streaming from the speaker.
The JBL Authentics 500 speaker enables users to stream music through its integrated WiFi system. This feature enables users to listen to podcasts and internet radio while streaming music at high quality. The speaker supports various streaming protocols which include AirPlay and Alexa Multi-Room Music and Chromecast built-in and Spotify Connect.
The current moment brings Biareview its most valued aspect of JBL because the Authentics 500 product uses recycled materials which include 100 percent recycled fabric and 85 percent recycled plastic and 50 percent aluminum content. The speaker achieves sustainable product design through its use of soy-based ink and its packaging which comes from an FSC-certified box.
Multi-room music playback functionality
The JBL Authentics 500 speaker offers users flexible installation options throughout their homes which enables them to create multi-room music listening spaces. Users can easily connect their speakers to play the same playlist throughout their home by using either the Google Home app or the Amazon Alexa app.
You can establish a superior multi-room music space which serves both your meetings and indoor events while enabling all participants to hear the same music track.
The application provides users with volume control options which enable them to tailor sound settings for each individual room. The use of multiple JBL Authentics 500 speakers enables you to achieve continuous high-quality sound distribution throughout your entire home space.
Experience the JBL Authentics 500 control app. The JBL Authentics 500 speakers automatically adjust and optimize sound performance for each location, so you can enjoy great sound anywhere with controls located on the top of the speaker. The speaker will start automatic calibration for optimal sound performance after its power switch is turned on.
Using the JBL One app which you can download for free from Android and iOS devices makes the speaker function better. The app enables users to control volume levels and bass and treble settings of the JBL Authentics through the app interface.
You can use voice assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant to give voice commands for operating the speaker. Biareview currently finds Google Assistant to perform extremely well based on their testing results. The JBL One app enables users to change EQ settings while they search their preferred tracks through linked music platforms.
The Settings menu provides options to name the speaker and mute audio and display Wi-Fi network information and set up voice assistant and manage multiple Wi-Fi streaming connections. The Product Information section allows you to download software updates while accessing the basic user manual for the product.
Big Sound, Excellent Bass
It must be stated right away that the bass on the Authentics 500 is truly high-quality and powerful. Testing with rock songs by Scorpions, Pink Floyd, or Linkin Park, the sound of each instrument is quite clear and detailed. The drums are reproduced clearly, the electric guitar blends with the vocals impressively without mixing or losing quality even at volume levels above 80%.
With The Knife’s “Silent Shout,” the Authentics 500 delivers a booming bass sound at the beginning of the song, playing at low frequencies like thunder pounding against the walls and echoing in your ears.
The speaker can reproduce most sub-bass in songs by Son Tung M-TP, as well as songs by Kendrick Lamar or Rihanna, quite well. This is commendable for a versatile speaker like the Authentics 500. Different vocal performances in the music sound sharp and maintain separation and clarity in the mix.
High-quality sound with Dolby Atmos Music
The JBL Authentics 500 supports immersive sound quality with Dolby Atmos Music technology. You can experience Dolby Atmos Music from compatible streaming services via the JBL One app.
The JBL Authentics 500 speaker uses its 3.1 channel sound system and 270 watts of power to produce exceptional audio which accurately shows musical content at high quality. The JBL Authentics 500 system includes three 2.5cm tweeters and three 2.75″ (7cm) midrange drivers which produce all your favorite tracks with complete musical details between 40Hz and 20kHz.
The JBL Authentics 500 uses a 6.5-inch (16.5 cm) bass driver to produce deep bass sounds which deliver a more intense and emotionally impactful audio experience.
The SlipStream bass port system produces deep bass sounds which create an extremely immersive audio experience.
The JBL Authentics 500 provides high-quality audio which uses modern technology to create an ideal listening experience for home music enjoyment.
portable speakers for outdoor use
Advantages:
The product features an attractive design which combines traditional elements with modern style.
The system produces strong bass sounds which create an excellent audio experience.
The installation process for the device requires minimal effort.
The product offers users multiple options to control their devices through Google Assistant.
Disadvantages:
The product weight limits its portability because users need more assistance to move it.
Tech Reviewer & Product Analyst
Định Bia has spent over 10 years testing consumer electronics with a focus on smart technology. He work as a product advisor at Biareview where he helped customers find the right devices for their needs. He personally tests every product featured on this site using a consistent evaluation framework covering quality, durability, and value. All reviews are based on experience, not influenced by the manufacturer.
