DITCH Your Soundbar for THIS? JBL Stage 2 and MA710 Review

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

📌 Considering the JBL Stage 2 or the MA710 Receiver? Find them here bit.ly/3YUmfeq and here bit.ly/3Z3yTJ3 🔌 Leave a QUESTION/COMMENT! It may be featured on the next Unplugged! Watch every UNPLUGGED here bit.ly/43NnDkT 😀If you enjoyed this video, please hit the 👍 Like button! 🙏 Please stay on topic & be respectful. ⬆Channel Policies and FTC Disclosures are available in the description box above.

[@jonathanvanegas722]

Any thoughts on the stage 2 in-ceiling speakers?

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

@@jonathanvanegas722 Sorry, no.

[@MDavis2112]

Happy Sunday, Kristi and Andrew 🤘

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

Same to you, thank you for watching!

[@KristiWright]

Hello!

[@oldsnwbrdr]

Andrew, your honesty is so refreshing. If you have to wire the system you’re not going to draw the soundbar people. Somebody has got to be working on a higher end floor standing wireless system that operates like the HTA9.

[@ClemFandango72]

We need more white components. I think they are handsome, they give me Proceed/Levinson vibes.

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

I agree, though these may not be the stylish components you're looking for. Tell me what you think by the end.

[@ClemFandango72]

@ just did 😂😂

[@maxpower78-15]

Agreed.

[@prestoncline9391]

Always appreciate your honest and detailed reviews

[@tylerflores4761]

Already watching! Thanks guys and have a wonderful weekend!

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

You too and thank you for watching!

[@shinjukutrain]

This is the most negative review I can remember Andrew doing. Good for you, I think it’s healthy for a channel to be honest about a sub-par product, especially from such a big brand. Sweeping it under the carpet does the consumer a disservice. Bravo sir!

[@jsackett42160]

Total of the JBL system is $2010.(both towers, center, sub, and receiver) Total for the Elac bookshelves, matching center, Klipsch SPL100 sub, and the RZ30 receiver is $2300. Save up the extra $290.

[@NeapolitanApe]

Or just don't get the subwoofer and buy it later

[@jsackett42160]

@@NeapolitanApe Yeah, you could. I was comparing like for like.(Not really though because the Onkyo receiver is 9.2, not 7.2)

[@TrevorAllenTech]

I used a MA710 for around a month right after it was released. It constantly had issues with network streaming despite having Ethernet plugged directly into a high end router. I’d be able to AirPlay songs for 20 - 40 mins and then it’d glitch out and completely disconnect from the network - even the JBL premium app couldn’t discover it. Power cycling didn’t help, nor did the network reset function in the unit. I had to keep factory resetting the unit and the same thing would happen after 20 - 40 mins of network playback. Exchanged it for a Marantz and have no issues.

[@CButti-x1s]

Good Sunday morning A&K. Sounds like JBL completely swung and missed with this on every level. Looking forward to Live this Friday. Enjoy the rest of your Sunday.

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

See you Friday, C. Appreciate you stopping by and watching!

[@dragonstone6594]

I was just going to comment that I'm dying for you to review the new Monitor Audio Gold 100 6G until I saw it in the background. hehe Nice! Finally 😃

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

It's coming soon.

[@dragonstone6594]

​@@andrewrobinsonreviews Don't forget to compare it to the Wharfedale ELYSIAN. Because the MA Gold 100 6G is the same price as the ELYSIAN 2, here in Europe. And later on if you review the Arendal Bookshelf 8 I would like to know how these two stack up, since they're all 8" 3-way bookshelf speakers.

[@davidjudd951]

Andrew, your honesty on reviews, is refreshing. Thank you.

[@cunawarit]

This sort of setup in a box can be a cool, alternative to a premium soundbar setup if implemented properly. A soundbar centered 5.1 setup using satellite speakers can be incredibly good today for both cinema and music. But for a bigger room something like this could be good if you want a perfectly matched set of components from the get go. Sadly from what the review says there seems to be several issues with this particular product, but the idea of a soundbar+ in a box option is good. I'm super happy with soundbar setups for me in my small room, but I'm in the UK where homes are amongst the smallest in the world and soundbars do us well. For a larger room bigger speakers will be better of course.

[@AlsoKnownAsAndrew]

This is really unfortunate for a company of JBL’s reputation. These speakers and the receivers really looked good in photos and on paper. Thank you for publishing it, so many reviewers will refuse to tell us if a product is lousy under the guise of “not wanting to be a negative channel” whatever that means.

[@phillukk]

Great review as usual but these JBLs make us enjoy our system that much more! 😂 oh and I’ve noticed the new monitor audio golds in the background … patiently waiting for a review 😁

[@maxpower78-15]

Happy sunday! Coffee at the ready!

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

Coffee is very much at the ready. Let's see what people think following this one.

[@KristiWright]

Morning Max.

[@maxpower78-15]

@@KristiWrighthey there!

[@txerapng]

Damn, I actually quite like the look of the towers (can't say the same about the center & bookshelf's). It's a shame that they were rushed. You know it is BAD when Kristi has to chime in to confirm that the intelligibility is not good. And that RoomEQ implementation? What a mess. I actually wanted this to be a great product to give soundbars some competition in a easy to use system. Oh well.

[@justinschultz4325]

I agree with not writing off a brand because of one bad offering. I currently enjoy the JBL Bar 5.1. I've also enjoyed JBL car audio in the past.

[@charlesosborne2128]

I currently have a 7.2.4 Q Acoustics Concept 50/90/30 setup. I know your reference is the Sony Es Str-az7000es, but would you still recommend it over similarly priced processors?

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

To do a true 7.2.4 you need 11 channels of amplification. So you're looking at the amzn.to/3XEtVln (bit.ly/3BPi48v if you don't want to shop Amazon). Since it's under such a big discount right now, that's where I'd direct you. That said, 7000Es is still a fantastic AVR.

[@dragonstone6594]

I think JBL should spend less money on garbage ad campaigns and more money on developing a actual decent system.

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

The ad campaign for this line was beyond cringe and only successfully garnered reaction videos out of the press.

[@Evolved_ue7]

Cannot be as bad, as wharfedale audiofile glue in their super Linton speakers..

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

@@Evolved_ue7 audiophile glue?

[@Evolved_ue7]

@andrewrobinsonreviews It's true 😂 check out their advertising..

[@fonkenful]

@@andrewrobinsonreviewsIt’s got what plants want….😂 All kidding aside, the disconnect between earnest design attempts and marketing is something that might almost deserve its own video; I mean, as we know there’s a lack of fuel for the rage farmers that needs to be fulfilled. 🤭🫣

[@nu2this_stuff]

Good morning folks! Just another great vid, of course. Listening on my newly acquired Kef Q 950's ( one word: luxurious!)

[@StillPissed]

I'm a day late to the discussion, but good powered speakers are the bridge. For example, Klipsch "The Fives" or "The Sevens" have everything you need to ditch your soundbar, and still keep things uncluttered or confusing. There is a reason Edifier has completely captured the low-cost speaker market online. As ridiculous as it may sound, people want plug and play. Especially if they don't want a hobby out of it.

[@RichardNielsen-kb6gt]

It's refreshing with these honest reviews, it gives perspective and credibility to your channel. Autch JBL...

[@dhowting]

Soooooooooo glad I have a Denon 😂😂😂 All the white components are SUPER BEAUTIFUL though!! Don't be afraid of manually setting up your system!! It's intimidating at first but just take your time, measure your distances and set your crossovers using your speakers' lowest frequency response +/- 3db values(I set mine 10-20 Hz ABOVE my speakers lowest value so my AVR doesn't send a signal lower than they can reproduce). Then set your levels by sitting in the middle of your room and entering values that make your speakers sound at the same level. It's not easy but not hard either....then listen to a bunch of content and make small adjustments while watching different styles of movies and music.

[@srobak]

Can't wait to hear what you have to say about Bose scooping up McIntosh and what it means for the future.

[@iamnatis]

I just saw this system at our local Best Buy yesterday and I thought the receiver looked really good, but the speakers were already severely damaged and just looked so cheap. I'm a fan of IKEA furniture because I like to change styles every so often and that can get expensive. The speakers, from what I saw at the store, make IKEA items look like well built luxury items.

[@Excalabur50]

Wow, nice looking set, shame it's not worth it, Thanks for the review.

[@ScottyR951]

Thanks for the video. I’ve been wondering about this system for quite a while. I really appreciate your videos. Keep it up.

[@chifilm]

Dear Andrew! And dear anyone else reading and commenting on this. I’m about to buy myself a stereo setup. I will be streaming from Apple Music and play vinyl, and I think I have settled on the Monitor Audio Silver 100 speakers. So now I have to decide on the amp and this is where I would love some advice. Powernode N330 with the Bluesound Hub or Yamaha rn1000a? I’ve seen dozens of reviews and they both seem like good systems. Please guide me, wise people of the internet ❤

[@BrendanMacWade]

You're on the right track in looking at a premium amplifier and a Bluesound streamer. I would consider a refurbished Bluesound Node X and an Arcam A25 amplifier. In my opinion, the Arcam beats McIntosh integrated amplifiers. It's just incredible, and it has made me admit that it's a better choice than NAD amplifiers (and I am a NAD and Bluesound fan). Also, don't forget stands for those beautiful speakers. A lot of us here like Solidsteel stands (available at Cruchfield).

[@chifilm]

Thank you for responding. The Acram a25 isn’t an option for me though. Will a Powernode be strong enough to power the Monitor Audio Silver 100’s? And is the Bluesound a better system than Yamaha?

[@dawaynecleckley8673]

Great review. Appreciate the candidness. I agree, I really, really love the look of the product and was hoping that sound matched aesthetics. Sadly, it doesn't. And Kristi's worst for intelligibility - that speaks volumes (no pun intended).

[@charlesnelms2477]

I always love your reviews, I may disagree at times but I genuinely got back into audio because of your videos and even purchased a Samsung Q990C soundbar because of your review (my first soundbar.) Keep up the great work!

[@srobak]

oh - you guys NEED to do an unplugged this week. McIntosh & Bose.

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

Tune in Friday for a special Live episode of Unplugged.

[@txerapng]

Great Sunday everyone!!

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

Hey! Happy Sunday to you too!

[@txerapng]

@@andrewrobinsonreviews Hope you had a great week!

[@Him_othy]

I would love to see a budget home theater setup around a 3-5k budget. I feel like that is a good starting point and for some a system for life. Would love yo see your thoughts! Love the channel!

[@AndyHanson-tf6kj]

Credit for giving an honest review. Here is the UK there is a fear of doing that in both magazines and online reviewers which continually, veer towards @kind', probably due to fear of fall out and the supply of future product. We all like hearing about the new toys, but knowing what to avoid and why is of equal value.

[@Richard1977]

@AndyHanson-tf6kj I also appreciate Andrew's honest review as I have seen other KZbinrs rave about this system and even including a giveaway. Thing to remember is that add revenue is important and why (some) magazines and/or online reviewers rather flatten their review (highlighting the goods, flattening the bad) so that a product appears to be a good product while in fact its not. Understanding what is said in a review is also an artform. And let's not forget that some (new) startups use their long term connection with magazines/reviewers (which they have carried over from a former employer) to gather attention for their own new brand, be it with an interview or a favorable review.

[@dracorosso7129]

I came here to watch you trash on this system, I was not disappointed!

[@piedpiper1172]

So what is a good system for ditching a sound bar? I game on a HTPC and was thinking of making the switch

[@juhizi]

I was interested of this amp but decided to buy used nr1711. Marantz never disappoint you with its sound from my experiences.

[@3184Patrick]

Should have left the speaker sizes set to small. I’m wondering if it was “boomy” because you set the mains to large? Setting them to small would send the base to your subs and help with clarity and boominess. Or maybe the speakers just suck lol

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

I did both; it honestly doesn't magically fix what's wrong with them.

[@BobbyDeniroX]

Yes I was waiting for this man👍🏾

[@ClemFandango72]

This is a great review and helpful. I saw these after buying the RZ50 and SVS Ultra Bookshelves and Elevations for my basement theater, and actually wondered if I should have bought this receiver (I liked the white!). Any FOMO is gone. Cheers ☕️

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

The SVS products are way better, and if you got the RZ50 recently, you may have paid the same for it as you would for the MA710 reviewed here. Thanks for watching!

[@ClemFandango72]

@@andrewrobinsonreviews yeah caught it on sale for $899 about 60 days ago. Thanks Andrew

[@bkempin]

Thank you, Andrew and Kristi, for educating this 68-year-old hobbyist about audio and video in such an interesting and entertaining fashion. Based on your reviews, I am considering the KEF R11 Meta speakers paired with the Marantz Model M1 amplifier. Is that a good combination, or should I seek a more powerful and higher-quality amp? Keep up the incredible work.

[@mikeinmontana8875]

We actually took the advice from Andrew and Kristi some years ago now on a vacuum tube amp. It has winded up being among the very best purchases we have ever made for audio. PERIOD.. We still listen to it almost every day! It was a vid on the Decware Zen amplifier. We have it hooked up top to our 1998 (1996 model year) Klipsch Chorus II speakers. 101db sensitivity and way loud enough as well as gorgeous sounding! LOVE IT!!!! Yup... a great couple to turn to for sure. Take care sir~ Mike & Kathy in the sticks....

[@stefanegger]

KEF R11 are sure a good choice, not sure about the amp. R11 should be a bit power hungry, also check OHM rating of speaker and amps, I think the META line have lower Ohm rating to the standard R11 without Meta (8 vs 4 Ohm), so make sure the amp can handle a 4 Ohm speaker load.

[@bkempin]

@@mikeinmontana8875 I hope I have the same joy with my purchase as you experienced. Thanks and take care.

[@bkempin]

@@stefanegger Thanks for the info. The KEF R11 Meta is indeed a 4-ohm speaker, which is an important consideration in choosing a suitable amplifier or receiver. That's why I have asked about the Marantz Model M1. I'm intrigued by its virtual mode and wonder if that could make a 2.1 system satisfying for movies as well as music. But is it powerful enough? And will it bring out the best in the R11 Meta? That's what I need to find out. Take care.

[@kjbunnyboiler]

Afternoon Andrew, Kristi & Kadie👍👍🦴

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

Good morning, KJ. Hope you had a good week. Appreciate you watching as always!

[@KristiWright]

Always good to see you!

[@kjbunnyboiler]

@ 👍👍👍

[@rodgermbishop]

What do you think of Bose buying up McIntosh group?

[@Genehow-ard]

Man, I really loved JBL Studio monitors back all those years ago. Hope this is just a bad day at bat.

[@JimboJason]

Thanks JBL, I think I'll stick with my Q990D. It's too bad because I think in the finish you guys were reviewing, it is a good looking set up.

[@cafeapaka7501]

Andrew, love the channel and your coverage - would love for you to do a segment on Bluetooth speakers, I realize it is a snake pit of dozens of off brands but maybe major brands with a single speaker used for portability and general home use either as a speaker for an extra TV/computer or music listening around the house or as a portable unit for business presentations (small groups of no more than 25) or for a classroom setting. Such a unit is the sweet spot for those looking for good enough sound but needing the portability for multiple use cases - I realize this is a niche case but would love your pinpoint analysis in this space

[@greenman1282]

Appreciate the Honesty! It gets old when every product that comes reviewers seem to love. Makes the fomo worse and goats consumers like myself into buying things we don't need. Great review.

[@robwr737]

Manufacturers need to be REQUIRED to tell the customer how many watts per channel with 5,7, 9 channels driven!

[@petedetraglia4776]

They are still rating power at 1khz only 2 channels driven ...They lie all the time. Take their rated power at 1khz only 2 channel driven and use 2/3 rule for all channels driven...100 watts rated at 1khz frequency in real world full range frequencies to all speakers in the system will probably give you about 65 watts per channel driven to all speakers at 8ohms...

[@robwr737]

@petedetraglia4776 right ✅ but I have found on slightly older units like mine, that power seems to be unbalanced distribution, like get more on front L/R (say 60-65-70 watts) and falls off on rear L/R (say 40-45-50 watts) but I've never been able to test it but seemed that way to me on most older AVRs certainly ones not flagship or "audiophile" level. It could all be my imagination but since 5.1 to 9.1 and even more extensive channels are now standard, we the consumer should have the right to know if we are getting 75, 80, 100 whatever watts on fronts, center, and rear, and/or surrounds and that we are getting equal power or at least how many watts on non front speakers if there is a difference between them. 🤷‍♂️

[@oiygfdxssfgg]

Good video, I sure would like to hear what you say about the WiiM ultra streamer.

[@BobFrostV]

There is nothing wrong with negative reviews. Thanks for your honesty. I still think my sister should get this system :)

[@PixelViking]

The Room EQ used here looks exactly like what I have in my (WiSA based) Platin Audio Surround Hub. With that setup, you can add the so-called ‘Zen mic’ for iPhone and Android phones.

[@WhisMui]

Hi, I have a question about PS5 and Bravia Quad. What is the best audio options in console settings for this set? There is a lot of options and I'm lost. I use Bravia Quad connected with eARC to my TV (x95k Sony mini led). There is tv connection, av amplifier, soundbar + Linear PCM, Dolby Atmos, Dolby Audio and DTS. If you use TV connection you can also turn on 3D audio. Please help.

[@JayJay-jx3zg]

I'm glad I went with the JBL Studio 6 line. The 698's and 665c are beasts. They have 2 bigger 8" woofers, 6" mid, and a clean 1" horn tweeter for a true 3-way design with good dispersion. I paired those with 4 630's for the sides and rears. Great home theater sound that keeps me out of the theaters lol.

[@LiviuGeorge85]

❤happy sunday❤🎉🎉🎉

[@bkempin]

Here's an offbeat question: When you bring in 60-pound, 70-pound or 80-pound tower speakers to listen to and analyze for a review, do you two (Andrew and Kristi) carry the speakers and put them into place yourself or do you have someone do it for you? I'm a 68-year-old man who lives by himself and is contemplating buying tower speakers for the first time, but it takes all the ingenuity I can muster to transport a 50-pound receiver downstairs to my movie and music room. I shudder to think how 80-pound tower speakers are going to make the journey.

[@NeapolitanApe]

There's an app where you can hire random people to help you move furniture 💀

[@khurram88]

@@NeapolitanApeHere’s a tip, the same amount of words and effort could have gone into naming the app and sounding genuinely helpful instead of condescending. The popular app for hiring help is call Task Rabbit.

[@KristiWright]

Andrew unboxes and moves everything himself. Depending on the product, I help him when I can.

[@bkempin]

@@KristiWright Thank you for the reply.

[@Muskyfishn84]

JBL should implement the infamous HK warmth of years past like the AVR7000. I searched high and low for that sound when my receiver died and ended up with Marantz SR8015, and while close, it is not the same as the HK I had before I got the equivalent of the red ring of death. I love the Marantz and don’t wish to upgrade, but my 2 ch setup is still HK driven and is bliss. The modern bright sound is just not for me. Polk/HK speakers of yesteryear are my match made in heaven. I have yet to hear the R700’s but imagine those are in line with my preference as well based on several reviews I have seen.

[@christiankogler6547]

I can add that the JBL MA9100HP, at least, is a very decent AVR. I replaced the NAD T778 with it and am very happy with the choice. Sound quality (with Dirac) is great for both Stereo music and movies, dialogue can be understood well, and, in contrary to the NAD, HDMI is stable and has all modern features. Hence, maybe the "upper" models in their range are that much better, or Dirac makes the difference, or it's because my Magnat speakers match better that the JBL speakers.

[@Kratos41277]

I was so sad to hear your review because I really like the look of the system.

[@alexdenton6586]

Is the Beosound A9 really good as an all-in-one solution? How are the basses? I’m looking for something more “audiophile,” but still extremely simple to set up-nothing complicated or having to choose separate amplifiers, etc. The Beosound A9 seems like the right solution, even though it’s expensive, but I’m worried the bass might not be as good as my small JBL Partybox Club 120 (don’t throw stones at me, lol, I couldn’t afford something better at the time).

[@gbw1972]

For Unplugged: How do I choose a center speaker? I've got a decent HT setup w/ an Arcam avr (w/Dirac), using a Klipsch rc-64iii center. Every time I watch a movie, I end up being distracted by constantly wondering when the next bit of dialogue is going to come through unintelligibly. Higher volumes and boosting DB on the center doesn't help and I feel like this is something that doesn't frequently happen when I'm in an actual movie theater. I'm thinking about going all-in on a Wilson Audio WASAE but I'm not sure if I'd be spending unnecessary money on a "music" speaker brand for home theater purposes, or if the extra detail and composure of the Wilson is exactly what would work to rid the unintelligibility nuisance. (It's also occurred to me that maybe I ought to have worn ear plugs at that last Chili Peppers concert...)

[@danielmordecaijr34]

Happy Sunday Andrew

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

Same to you! Thanks for joining us!

[@michaelr1624]

Is there a full cohesive package like this that is good?

[@michaelrossmaessler200]

Andrew thanks for the video and your honesty. 🙂

[@tristramdavies2301]

Thanks to these Stage 2 been released, managed to grab Stage 1 A170s for £250!

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

I would imagine first gen Stage speakers are on deep discount now.

[@tristramdavies2301]

@ Huge, well in the UK anyway. Did look at these Stage 2s but initial reviews weren’t great. I took a punt with the Stage 1s after your review of the A190s I think, couldn’t find them only A170s, for £250 worth a shot and if no good send them back. Ended up keeping them, sold my old Trusty B&Ws CM7s series 1, and Acoustic Energy EVO 3s at the back and did a full Stage gen 1 5.1 setup which only cost me £200 by time I sold the original speakers lol

[@AtlantaJonny]

I suspect the pricing on this suite of products will drop a LOT in relatively short order.

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

In my opinion, the AVRs are overvalued. The speakers may be more competitive, but they likely would move a few more units if they were $100 cheaper across the board.

[@petedetraglia4776]

I just bought the JBL Stage 245c center channel from Best Buy a few hours ago. Hooked it up to my Onkyo 7.2 receiver combined with Axiom Front Speaks, Fluance rear surround speakers, and an SVS SB12 sub and it sounds incredible in my small home theater...I didn't even run the room correction program and John Wick 2 Blu-ray sounded amazing!!! The center is so spatial and even impactful compared to the Paradigm (3 way center) it replaced...In no way did this center sound like it was shouting at me...Maybe its all the treatment I have in my home theater. I have 8 pound pad under commercial carpet, Bass traps ceiling to floor in every corner, acoustic ceiling with drop panels, heavy sound proof drapes over the one window in the room, and acoustic panel in the center of my back wall...Room treatments matter on overall sound of any speaker system you buy...It looks like your room has NO treatment at all and you must get a ton of reflection of sound off your floor, walls, and ceiling...

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

Our entire front wall is treated. Glad you're happy with your purchase.

[@erhman2004]

I will agree with you on the JBL brand. I had a classic pair of the L-112 back in the mid 1980's and they were great, I just wonder if being owned by Samsung was the best thing to happen to the brand. Time will tell.

[@cvvv6166]

After a decade or more ,I was finally at a Bang & Olufsen dealer today ( was not planned ), went in to test the 8 ,A9 &18 . I actually liked the sound of the A9 and the 18 of course 😊, not much convinced on 8s. I Might get the A9 sometime soon, but I still prefer to pick up a Cabasse Rialto pair for my main listening room than the 8 or even the 18 !! 😊

[@haroldbrooks4235]

Thanks for sharing this video. I’m not surprised at all. I truly believe that JBL gets so much praise is the Lemmings over the cliff syndrome 😢

[@nvanroon]

Hi! Love your videos. In many videos I see some great furniture as well. Can you share more details on that as well?

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

If you click the "more" button in the description or the "View Products" bug that pops up at the beginning of the video, you'll see links to some of our furniture. Thanks for watching!

[@nvanroon]

@@andrewrobinsonreviewsthanks!! I am too lazy to read I think guess 😅

[@300bo8]

When you change it from 7.1 to 5.1.2 , does the front panel still say "7.1" or does it say "5.1.2"?

[@jb-jbjb]

I picked up the avr for $380 open box and it seems fine to me. I was actually refreshed the menu was simple, and wasn't overblown. I did notice the sluggish menu but a factory reset seemed to take care of that. I would not pay the suggested $800 for it it, but at around $400 it good for that price range. I will add that I normally do not rely on the built in eq and room correction, and use a tape measure and spl meter and have for years.

[@mauricioarze5465]

Keep in mind that just like you picked up this JBL for less than half price, it is super easy to pickup a better performing AVR for less than half price. So to Andrew's point, you can still get better sound for the same price. It seems like this product will please folks that have not had the opportunity to do in home comparison testing or people like Dragon owners that think really powerful loud sound is what makes sound good. Clarity, realism, and sound stage are not the same thing as high decibel in your face sound. A large party speaker can sound loud, but is it good because it is loud?

[@peterhebbinckuys9184]

Thank you Andrew for your honesty. But I’m afraid that the customers will be watching the cool JBL commercial instead of your review. But thanks to you, we can now crusade AV receiver-land to prevent newcomers from buying this crap…

[@JR-ho5qm]

Andrew and Christie! This was a good honest review, we appreciate it! You guys should consider doing a CerwinVega! Review. There is a stigma on the brand and nobody seems to be wanting to review them. They are very unique in that they literally offer a 15” woofer pair of high efficiency 3 ways for $1000. They are called the SL15 and do great for both movies and music. Easy to drive, crystal clear, very loud and dynamic, with lots of base. Did I mention affordable! They really do tick allot of boxes and are under appreciated. Thanks for your consistent and honest detailed content! The CV! SL12 is also good and a bit cheaper

[@bastian9591]

Hi Andrew, when you mention in your Videos that you stream music via Apple TV 4K: Do you use Airplay or do you connect the TV with the Amp via an optical cable? Thanks! :)

[@roco9504]

Thanks for the info. Looks like my hunt for a class D AVR continues.. disappointing. Perhaps the NAD T799 releases this year & is a hit

[@jjchmiel78]

Ouch! I am a JBL fan. Of course I have 24 year old S (Studio series) JBL S312, S-Center, S38 and S36 being ran by Sony AZ7000ES with external amps and PSA (Power Sound Audio) subs (also old in 7+ years)

[@patbeesley6616]

I just spent about 2 hrs. at Best Buy, and was excited they had KEF R11 and R3 Metas (+ other high end brands/models) on display. On my way out I happened to notice the JBL Stage 2 display in another part of the store. ANDREW and KRISTI…OMG ya’ll were actually relatively kind in this review. The Stage 2 front cabinets appeared to literally resemble cheaply made particle board laminate furniture. The white front laminate was peeling, almost like when the shelving inside a kitchen cabinet has been wet a few too many times and starts to bubble. The cabinet sounded like it echoed/had an extended decay from lightly knocking on the side wall. I’ve never heard a speaker cabinet sound so fragile. I like many JBL products, but I can’t believe this went out at this price point. It feels like the equivalent of entry level walmart furniture but at Ashley furniture prices. I might be able to understand the product line if it were priced accordingly, but as it stands I feel they WAY overpriced for what you get.

[@basbass429]

In Korea they decided to look at Klipsch and try to make a white, cheap version remake of a typical midrange Klipsch 5.1 speakers setup?

[@anthonystephenson7659]

Hi guys... Leaving aside the amp's usability issues, did it sound ok when played with other (non JBL) speakers? Apologies if I missed mention of it in the review. Enjoy your Sunday ❤

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

The MA line of AVRs, in my professional opinion, should be avoided. They are not good, nor competitive at their price. You can even do better, for less.

[@anthonystephenson7659]

@andrewrobinsonreviews Thank you. Good to know 👍 Looking forward to your year-end lists. Predicting the Marantz M1 to pick up an award. A shame about the JBL MA, as I like the bold modern styling and something different from a black box.

[@vincentseidle954]

​@andrewrobinsonreviews I second this opinion. I have a good friend who tried these speakers and disliked the sound. Especially for what they are selling for, you can get better sound with the fluance XL8 floor standing speakers which can be bought at $600 for a pair.

[@macmanmpls]

That's a shame. I LOVE the way they look but if they suck then they suck. Thanks for the review.

[@azzaisme]

Do you still rate the jamo s 803 5.0 system with the jamo 810 sub? Or has this been dethroned

[@sage11x]

I wonder, is this a fault of the speakers or the Class D amps in the AVR? It’s really hard to get Class D right. Pretty much the only folks that have are some really high end boutique shops and a few much more modest chi-fi companies (WiiM and Fosi). Amir over at ASR tested this receiver and failed the unit due to the audible noise and low sampling rate of inputs. You’ve probably moved on but setting up the speakers with a different amp might have been an easy test to see if it’s just this combo. I sold an Onkyo (ironically that you recommended) that really didn’t pair well with the Pioneer speakers I have in my basement in favor of a Denon (ironically that you very much didn’t recommend) and the difference in sound quality was staggering. The Onkyo sounded like you described the JBL here- it would get loud but in an uncomfortable and fatiguing way. Just very forward treble, shrill, take your head off highs and no channel separation or imaging whatsoever. The Denon brought back the sound I was used to with these speakers. Still a bit bright but much warmer sound with fantastic attack/punch and great dynamics.

[@MichaelKaufman257]

Would the Polk xt60 towers be a better option to pick up? What recommendations would you have for slightly less money than these stage 2 towers? Thank you for your review I thought I should have liked them more than I did listening to them in Best Buy but Im glad I had my initial impressions solidified

[@nesq4104]

I tested both xt60 and the JBL. In summary both are horrible. Do not waste your money on either. Xt70 is the minimum for the XT series. I suggest going with the Polk signature series like the es55 like I did. Difference in sound is huge. Clean, beautiful sound in Polk signature series vs dirty irritating sound in xt line or those JBL towers,

[@KrS247]

Hey guys. Love the channel! When's the Sonus Faber Sonetto vs the Monitor Audio Gold review coming

[@randolphblack2554]

Not too surprising that JBL "shot themselves in the foot" to bring an upgrade to a targeted audience. I am sorry that you had to suffer through this audio review, Andrew. It does help that I have a better understanding of why you are The Recovering Audiophile. I hope that JBL checks for "windage and elevation" on their next effort. Vaya con Dios, Andrew and Kristi!

[@jasonverdisco2870]

Hi Andrew! Would love to hear your thoughts on comparing the Elysian 4’s versus the SVS Titans since it seemed as if yours and Kristi’s experience with the Elysians was almost as good as it gets when you reviewed them. Thanks!

[@Edcarvalho1]

It's a shame that the new Stage series are this bad... I was thinking in buying them in the future, but i'll buy the polk's Signature Elite. Fun fact: Erin did a review of these speakers, and had the same results as you!

[@ScottyR951]

My question is and I would really like an answer. Would you take this over the new Sonos?

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

Please watch the video, this is addressed.

[@dodpr]

I’m glad, I waited. 😮

[@user-nv7tw2rq1n]

Hi Andrew and Kristi! Could you compare the following speakers: - Bowers & Wilkins 801 D4; - Yamaha NS-5000; - Monitor Audio Platinum 300 G3; - Dali Epikor 9; - Focal Scala Utopia Evo; - Martin Logan Renaissance ESL 15A❓ Thanks!

[@BagheeraRaceGamer]

I'm wondering if you can compare it to the jbl 1300x bar. From reviews I understand that a very good soundbar, and I'm curious of how does it compares, being this receiver a supposedly more advanced product. Thanks.

[@cordcuttercam]

I have the 1300X and love it but I am curious to check it out

[@stevef6392]

You weren't kidding about that on screen display. What's that running on, MS-DOS? Funnily enough, the horn loaded tweets on those speakers immediately brought to mind some terrible, ear-bleeding memories of the Klipsch RF82s before you even mentioned them! I know that horn-loaded doesn't always equal bright, but my gosh...those first gen RF82s. My ears still aren't the same! Those speakers, paired with a Polk sub that'd distort if you looked at it sideways pretty much describes the horrible system I had to put up with in the mid-aughts.

[@PA30Crewchief]

Thanks. I was considering this amp as a replacement of my aging Onkyo. Will stick with Onkyo!

[@coloniellizardt4191]

Better yet, go snag a Denon S970H or Sony AN1000 right now while on sale, if you have the money of course and also what kind of setup you’re running.

[@MohsinWadee]

Did you test the MA710 with other speakers? Did it sound better then?

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

I tested the MA710 with multiple speakers. None sounded "better," just different, as one would expect from changing to a different speaker. Even the Elac Debut 3 bookshelf couldn't save this AVR. The same forceful, noisy sound was present, even on a less efficient loudspeaker like the ELAC.

[@calvincurry8496]

Why do this🫤How about a $ 2000. To $3000 floorstanding speaker vs- SVS ultra evolution tower,vs Triangle Borea 10s, vs Kef q 11s vs Dali oberon 9s vs PSB t65s etc. It seems this is such a competitive price point?

[@mbrulz]

I've heard many praise the JBL synthesis line, curious if they used any inspiration from its engineering or they completely started from scratch to its detriment. Great review!

[@wfifa199]

I believe that the Synthesis line uses Arcam (also owned by Samsung) amplification that Arcam have been refining for years. I wouldn’t imagine these entry level products have anything in common with them.

[@mbrulz]

@ Hardware-wise sure, but software? There’s no way they have as bad a UX as Andrew claims if it’s similar to that of the one in the synthesis line

[@stefanegger]

@@wfifa199 I think both are made by the same company, "Harman Luxury Audio", a small group that is only allowed to use the JBL brand (not harman/kardon brand), thus, most of the "hifi" things (speakers, amps, TT350, Spinner BT) come from this group, that is the low low end of what they do, while they have other brands to manage (like JBL Professional, Arcam, Mark Levinson etc.).

[@timturkkan]

Like your eyeglass frames Andrew! Any chance of learning what they are?

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

The pair worn in this video are from Warby Parker. Don't recall the name, sorry.

[@mocomike01]

It's a shame because the receivers, of this line, look so much nicer than any receivers in their price range.

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

Oh, they're gorgeous. JBL would've been able to put the AVR market on notice if they fitted all of them with a nice color OLED screen and guts from, say, an old Arcam or Lexicon, priced them between $1000 and $2000, and forgot the sub $500 market (you're going to lose to WiiM).

[@mocomike01]

@andrewrobinsonreviews I have an Arcam SA20 and couldn't agree more with your sentiment. This body with Arcam guts and I'm all in!