JBL Authentics 200 praised as best affordable speaker

Rick (@lesnums_bonplan) has identified the JBL Authentics 200 wireless and connected speaker as the best affordable option in a recent comparison, based on testing 38 models in the laboratory. The speaker is currently available for 179.00 € at several online retailers, including Amazon, Boulanger.com, and Son-Video.com.

Features of the JBL Authentics 200

The JBL Authentics 200 is a connected residential speaker that combines stereo architecture, a variety of connectivity options and wireless protocols, as well as Alexa and Google Assistant, which are functioning simultaneously for the first time. This integration allows users to control the speaker using voice commands from either service.

Strengths of the speaker

The speaker's strengths include balanced, rich, and warm signature sound, the possibility of multiple connections, and the ability to integrate into multiroom networks from Apple, Google, Amazon, and JBL. It also features a careful design that is described as appealing, with a vintage-style casing.

Weaknesses and concerns

Weaknesses include vibrations on the surface on which it is placed, and the precision of bass to treble could be improved, along with light indicators that are not very precise. The placement of the bass enclosure causes real vibration issues, which remains a point of doubt despite the speaker's overall positive performance.