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?

[@MDavis2112]

Happy Sunday, Kristi and Andrew 🤘

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

Same to you, thank you for watching!

[@KristiWright]

Hello!

[@mrobbins2406]

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.

[@mrobbins2406]

@ just did 😂😂

[@maxpower78-15]

Agreed.

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@txerapng]

Great Sunday everyone!!

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

Hey! Happy Sunday to you too!

[@txerapng]

@@andrewrobinsonreviews Hope you had a great week!

[@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.

[@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!

[@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!

[@halshaw8056]

I hate to say it, but it seems like a lot of the Harman brands keep falling farther into the abyss.

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

I'm starting to fear that Samsung just wanted the brands' IP and isn't really interested in supporting anything other than Samsung financially.

[@alexdenton6586]

Partybox’s are selling fine and sounds fine for what you pay Don’t know the rest of the line

[@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.

[@nu2this_stuff]

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

[@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]

@ 👍👍👍

[@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).

[@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. 🤭🫣

[@mrobbins2406]

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!

[@mrobbins2406]

@@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.

[@Genehow-ard]

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

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@user-nv7tw2rq1n]

Hi Andrewand 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!

[@CaptHotah]

What's the best soundbar under £500 to improve tv speakers?

[@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

[@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 !! 😊

[@ScottyR951]

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

[@charlesking678]

To me, what's most disappointing is that this isn't coming from a startup boutique brand with limited experience and resources. This came from an old well established player. Jbl is owned by harman, and they have an army of the top audio engineers and all the resources to put out a great product, and they didn't.

[@Tealc2323]

It's now owned by Samsung with a new directivity. Expect overpriced products from now on.

[@videobandit]

Another swing and a miss for me. Sigh 😔 After all is said and done I have gotten the system to sound really good to me. I have exactly the components you tested except my rears are the 240B’s and I have the front up firing speakers as well. JBL misses the mark in both ease to set up and for essentially a non existent app experience. But I don’t find the on screen (tv or amp) menu hard to navigate or clunky. I don’t use the Dolby surround setting at all. For most of my sources I use the Native setting. Room correction is hit or miss for me but I didn’t care for Sony’s eq either, opting to use it for ease of use to set distances etc. but turned it off when actually listening to content. Using the tools you suggest, a decibel meter and laser distance meter, gave me a very nice sounding set up. Center channel intelligibility is fine for me and never thought it to be a problem. Note that I have a small room at 12x17 with 8 foot ceiling. So I don’t have to crank the volume to fill it with sound and haven’t noticed the sound being harsh or causing me headaches. Oh well guess I am not the same listener as you hence why I always take reviews with a grain of salt and rely on my in home listening.

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

I appreciate you sharing your personal experience with those who may want a different opinion. I'm glad you found a solution that works for you and that you are enjoying it!

[@tharveytucker1]

Bought the ma510 and was supremely unimpressed. The soundstage was linear and the bass was booming rather than a thump. I returned it and went back to my song dh590.

[@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.

[@gavriushka]

You know what this reminds me of? HTC. Anyone remember them still, how they got bought out twice by companies, including google, then released some mediocre products under them and then disappeared. This seems to be the exact same formula, where the company was purchased for its patents and tech, rather than to continue that companies legacy and improve its chances of success in increasingly tough and competitive market. Kind of sad to see honestly. I feel similarly about Sennhieser as well, where they got bought, promised to continue and then kind of fell off the radar for a while and that’s about it. Definitely a product 99.999% of customers should skip. That 0.0001% left for those who love Dragon and should definitely purchase this set as a backup. 😂 Awesome review and very thoughtful criticism. Hope everyone is having a lovely Sunday!

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

Yeah, with each passing year, I feel strongly about Samsung buying Harman for its acoustic IP, not to support its family of brands into the future.

[@danielmordecaijr34]

Happy Sunday Andrew

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

Same to you! Thanks for joining us!

[@bblimediamostlyspeakers]

What you described is the JBL “professional” sound, maybe they tried to voice these like their big line arrays. Which don’t sound good either. You should see if you can get a Danley Sound Labs speaker to review.

[@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.

[@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).

[@BobbyDeniroX]

Yes I was waiting for this man👍🏾

[@blakkboxx4246]

Good morning Andrew and kristi?

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

Morning! Thanks for tuning in!

[@KristiWright]

Morning!

[@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.).

[@maxpower78-15]

I loved that JBL started sponsoring racecars in nascar and elsewhere. I really loved seeing an iconic audio company getting some mainstream exposure on network tv. Now im thinking that money would be better spent elsewhere.

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

JBL kills it in the personal audio and BT speaker market. I think that's the future for them, not traditional hifi or home theater outside of the CI market.

[@KrS247]

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

[@IvanAnastasovski]

Soundbar customers could be better off with a cheap atmos receiver, tower front speakers that have matching atmos speakers that clip on the top of them and a small sub, would be less cable mess and less visually intrusive than a 7.1 and probably easier to setup than having to wire rear speakers and risk them getting bumped by kids or pets and making room under a tv for a center channel.

[@Thresher]

So, if Harman/Samsung has brought back JBL, any chance of resurrecting Harman Kardon?

[@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.

[@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.

[@gregbartley2475]

I heard the speakers, but not the receiver at a local shop recently. They sounded terrible to be direct about it.

[@Excalabur50]

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

[@LiviuGeorge85]

❤happy sunday❤🎉🎉🎉

[@BruceMolinar]

Andrew, thanks for the review and clarity. Kind of surprised by this "swing and a miss" with JBL? So many companies are getting better over time. JBL is heading towards a huge fall. Hope their senior leadership team wakes up and some people loose their job over this poor execution. It happens in most companies (firings), hope someone is holding the team accountable over this average at best try.

[@airsickgrove]

Just by going with this review, is it me or is JBL just focusing on their bt speakers because most of them are decent especially considering marantz just put something out that costs $6k-$7k. Yes there is no comparison however four to five hundred bucks for a boombox 3 isn't so bad.

[@ben23a31]

Disappointing JBL 😞 With all their resources you'd wouldn't think this is their way of trying to flip sound bar users. Another great video Andrew and you probably saved seller's a whole lot of returns. ✊🏼

[@stefanegger]

What resources? Harman Luxury Audio Group has maybe 35 members (if I recall right, there is an interview somewhere) or so for 5+ brands to handle.

[@dodpr]

I have never been satisfied with those auto room corrections. They never sound good to me. The design still nice. I also heard about the noise. I was hoping for something better since it seems to have good power on paper.

[@25aceface]

Curious what the side-table in the background is? Looks nice!

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

The chrome piece is vintage, something we found at a local modern reseller. I don't know the provenance, unfortunately.

[@25aceface]

@@andrewrobinsonreviews Cool. Definitely looking forward to another interior design episode when you guys get around to it!

[@garagesale5948]

Looks very similar to the Klipsch floor standing speakers.

[@maxpower78-15]

Bottom line, if the manufacturer amp paired w the same brand of speakers cant sound decent, whats the point? May as well grab a denon or sony surround receiver and some trusted decent budget speakers and be happy. For most people used to a single blutooth speaker or soundbar, thats a big upgrade. Nothing worse than paying too much for a big disappointment

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

I fear folks who may buy a system such as this and be disappointed will be "lost" to HT, potentially forever. This is why soundbar systems will continue to evolve and get better while traditional separate component home theaters will be left wondering when it all went wrong.

[@maxpower78-15]

@ A prophecy of doom!!! Oh well, markets dont always go how i want.

[@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.

[@gregc7314]

Did you try a different receiver?

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

Keep watching.

[@SindreWinæs]

@@andrewrobinsonreviews Will you ever do a review of the JBL Stage 2 and MA710 :P

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

@@SindreWinæs HAHAHAHA

[@KristiWright]

@@SindreWinæs I'm on the floor.

[@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

[@joecaroselli9945]

Sounds like this system from JBL was rushed to market. On a somewhat related note, I'm looking to potentially expand my system. Currently, I have a Sony AN1000 configured in a 5.1 system. With the two open channels, is a traditional 7.1 or a 5.1.2 atmos more beneficial. Interested to hear anyone's thoughts.

[@markrowe8824]

depends on whether you can cut two holes (and run the necessary cables) in your ceiling for the Atmos down firing speakers, if not then I would go with two extra side/rear speakers instead.

[@ScottyR951]

For mainly watching movies we are very into movies and want to get into our first home theater with atmos

[@ignisulfr]

Im not sure why this was marketed to be a leap towards sounbar when in the first place one thing soundbars solve is ease of use or setup and less space will be used. If you live in a small apartment you should not be really looking at separates. The graph also looks like its bloated but i did not expect you guys to find it shouty now that actually reminds me of how most of their portable bluetooth speakers sound like most are shouty and bloated it does seem to be useful in an outside setting tho. Also do some 400-500 dollar soundbars still sound better than this system? i do probably think bass tactility and the stereo separation is what makes the system better than soundbars.

[@maxpower78-15]

Shame its difficult for beginners. But thats what manuals are for.. sometimes when you struggle and finally get it right, the feeling can be rewarding. But i agree not everyone wants to struggle lol

[@phonatic]

Very interesting indeed. Looks like they at least got a good match of built quality to go along with their sub-standard spinner turntable. :/

[@ealanosborne]

After years of consumer backlash, JBL/ARCAM MUST know by now that their user interfaces are notoriously clunky, outdated, and difficult to navigate. I was hoping they’d finally take this opportunity to start from scratch with a fresh, updated menu system, a la Marantz Cinema menus. *sigh…I guess not.

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

The OSD of the entire MA line reminds me of Lexicon from the early 2000s --yes, as in more than 20 years ago. This whole line-up of AVRs would've been called outdated if they came to market a five years ago, let alone today.

[@ealanosborne]

@ This is why Apple continues to dominate in the tech space - they pour so much money not only into their hardware, but also packaging and the end user experience. Something all electronics manufacturers need to do.

[@crispincrunch2453]

@@ealanosborne if any brand is going to ask for 10-30% up-charge beyond the market msrp average, then yeah, they better deliver on that premium across the board (build, materials, user experience, a sense of value, etc)

[@vitalizu1]

Not a question but, i Waiting for your review on the monitor audio gold 100 6g standing behind you 🤩

[@dodpr]

I’m glad, I waited. 😮

[@shemsureshot]

I saw the advert for these a few months ago and yeah they are definitely targeting a certain demographic of customer so I’m surprised the set up is so awkward because of that. Perhaps they plan to sell installation as an extra?

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

The ad campaign for these products is beyond cringe and confusing. I think JBL rushed every aspect of both series to market and threw together a campaign that did little more than earn them "react videos" from the AV press.

[@maxpower78-15]

Atmos is awesome, but hot take… i dont think beginners need it. A properly set up 5.1 or even LCR and Sub are huge upgrades for the new enthusiasts. Like Mr Miyagi said: First lean to stand.. Then learn to fly.

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

Believe it or not, many die-hard HT enthusiasts only have 3.1 or 5.1 setups (despite what they may claim in forums 😉)

[@maxpower78-15]

@@andrewrobinsonreviews doesnt surprise me. When i watch a Bluray or 4k without native atmos or dtsX, i dont use the immersive codec. I just go straight 5.1 or 7.1..(or even 2.0 if thats all the disc has.. criterion im looking at you)

[@thomasc1753]

I mean, it's not a motorcycle. "For beginners"?

[@maxpower78-15]

@ Well yeah kinda. Im not saying it should be a rule. Not trying to discourage anyone. But properly Wiring and placing / mounting 9-13 speakers and multiple subs and calibrating? Its a lot. Add in multiple components? Lots of people love to learn and tweak on gear. But how many people are so inclined nowadays? Ive always wanted a bad ass complicated system. Ive always been willing to learn how to use it and install it myself. But how many young people can change a tire, change the oil in a car, or fix a toilet? Its not that they are incapable, but everything in this era is so automated and plug and play. I think people will take convenience over quality if it means quality is more complicated… i prefer physical media to steaming, but very few consumers agree with me these days.

[@Harry-Giles]

You did JBL a favor with your honest review. They aren't going to make any inroads into their desired target demo with this melange of misfit apps and misdirected audio.

[@sergiymalich6575]

Andrew, please! We need review of Mark Levinson: № 5805, № 5101 and turntable! Believe its will be great review!

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

I would love to bring you that review, but I doubt it will happen.

[@rayjuarez5111]

I listened to this at a local best buy while looking at a 98 inch tv. I was really disappointed by it. Then again though, I'm used to my Polk R700s.

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

Oh, if you're a R700 customer, these aren't remotely competitive. I can only imagine how shouty these must sound at a BB kiosk.

[@jayzala]

Man I saw these JBL receivers and thought Harman would bring down some Arcam technology to these JBL receivers. Looks like they didn't even do that. Why did they build everything from scratch, including the software?

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

I don't know what parts bin the guts were pulled from, but this AVR would've been considered "dated" five years ago.

[@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.

[@mts982]

try diff speakers with that jbl reciever.

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

I did. Not good. The AVR is noisy, slow, and frankly, not enjoyable to use or listen to.

[@mts982]

@@andrewrobinsonreviews even jbl misses the mark i guess sometimes.

[@mts982]

@@andrewrobinsonreviews what was funny though you popped up in my suggestions and i was just thinking about your vids, YT mustve read my mind.

[@BoRerunn]

I ordered the JBL 710 model and while changing the settings while bi-amp mode, the beautiful looking amp kept violently shutting off. Got a GanFet power amp instead

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

Yikes! Appreciate you sharing.

[@the_tig]

Sounds like they just dusted off the old Harmon Kardon auto EQ, think it was called the same thing. It wasn't good back then, and sounds about as bad today.

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

It's bass-only, stopping at around (according to the App) around 1000Hz, though I think it only corrects about half of that. Before and after results also don't sound that different and the measurements are barely different before and after.

[@KristiWright]

Did you skip the beginning of the video? I'm just trying to understand how you got to the EQ so fast.

[@the_tig]

@@KristiWright Saw the EZ Set EQ chapter and had to watch it first, being a former Harman Kardon 5550 owner

[@KristiWright]

@@the_tig 👌

[@MikeRusso2000]

What a bummer. Reminds me of what one of my college friends dubbed JBL when their quality slipped in the late 80s: Junk, But Loud…

[@fonkenful]

When working in the retail trade in the mid ‘70s at a shop carrying a fair cross section of fear from around the globe, I quickly found myself generally attracted to the British and/or “East Coast” sound; we nicknamed the brand Juke Box Loudspeakers. Have yet to hear a pair I could live with.

[@Bob-hq5lj]

No worries Andrew everyone has a bad hair day occasionally. Haha love you guys ❤

[@YOKOOL66]

I looked on crutchfield at JBL receiver’s and for $800 & up? None of them offer pre outs! 😢

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

Yeah, spend more money and get the same number of limited features.

[@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)

[@Carl-bd1rf]

Dang! Glad to see Andrew calling out bad when it’s bad! Something must be total junk to fit into the no review category!😜 I own JBL, shame on them!!

[@SaunderSchroeder]

Get JBL to send you the 3800’s. They are soooo goood.

[@ivanfilatov7913]

How do they sound like? Seems like those don't have enough reviews.. and they kinda look like wannabe Focal Aria Evo line.

[@lonniefarmer7067]

Faint praise indeed. Being an advanced A/V nut the ease of set-up for my system is about 1hr. to get up and running. The tweaks take about a week with 6 full sized for the floor. This would never attract me.

[@Erelio]

What happened to the left top corner of the center channel? Bad quality cabinet ?

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

It is a show sample and had some minor damage from shipping. It did not impact performance and I did my best to shoot around it.

[@solar3mpire]

Here in the EU, in normal electronic shops you can not buy a normal home theater receiver anymore... I had to resort to an online store. Soundbar soundbar soundbar soundbar, only and they love the wireless stuff, but all those speakers need a power wire though, so were is the wireless? besides the things being overpriced (2.4Ghz band for sound transport to the "wireless" speakers is horrible, interference bound to happen, just wait for the neighbor 2 or 3 doors down the road to microwave his or her meals..or reset their wireless for internet issues...)

[@Tealc2323]

Even if they were amazing, they are still overpriced AF for their intent. Being so meh at this price and made by JBL, it's just an emberrassment.

[@royh2618]

I have the JBL Studio 590's. Very harsh to listen to. They have been sitting in my closet for 4 years now.

[@Carl-bd1rf]

Wow, that’s interesting. I own the studio 580’s. Not harsh at all. I’d look at your electronics for the possibility of harshness.

[@RoHo.3]

My first observation of these when seeing them in person at Best Buy was, “Home Goods quality fit and finish”. Such a shameful half assed attempt. This whole product line is disappointing from build quality to sound and features. The only thing I found to like was the six HDMI. I deeply wanted this to be good…my first self-purchased speakers were JBL, so I was biased towards forgiving minor flaws. But this just looks like crap compared to a Sonos display right next to it. I can’t help but wonder how moves like this end up impacting brand perception of their more musical (and pricier) options like the L100s.

[@Moonplant432]

Sounds like a hard pass. Crutchfield already has them on sale.

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

I would but to each their own. Thanks for watching!

[@Audiomainia2310]

Andrew, After listening to JBL's top line receiver, I'm not at all impressed. Construction is questionable. Distortion rated at 0.5 - unacceptable for a $1500.00 receiver. Menu graphics are a joke. No mic included for their eq either. And a separate app as well? And no streaming capabilities? At this price? Not going to go over well.

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

The AVRs up and down the MA line are questionable.

[@maxpower78-15]

Wow. Usually DTS sounds a little punchier on my systems going back to early 2000s… (although not as pleasing to my ears.. dolby or auro 3d for me thank you)

[@davids4610]

Tell us what you really think Robinson.... :)

[@Bob-hq5lj]

I wish my Onkyo RZ50 had the JBL's display

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

The display on the MA710 is pretty bad. Not that the RZ50 is great, but they're more or less the same IMHO.

[@danemoreno88]

Loved the original stage speakers these not so much the awesome thing about the original ones was the great prices sub 200 bucks and they sounded decent to good