JBL unveils new AV receivers & speakers in New Zealand

JBL has announced the launch of its new Modern Audio (MA) AV Receivers and Stage 2 Loudspeakers in New Zealand, aiming to enhance home theatre experiences.

The newly introduced products are designed to meet the needs of music and movie enthusiasts, delivering an immersive audio experience drawing from JBL's expertise in cinema sound.

Michael Sherman, Senior Strategy Manager at JBL New Zealand, expressed excitement about the new range. "JBL's heritage was built from a legacy of providing sound for cinema, and today we're able to recreate that detailed surround sound experience from the comfort of any living room," Sherman said.

He continued, "What is most compelling about the new range is their simplicity and ease of use. Thanks to an easy set-up and smart features, the Modern Audio and Stage 2 range form an accessible surround system for anyone looking to level up their home entertainment into a high-performance immersive audio experience."

The JBL MA series comprises five models of AV receivers, incorporating the latest connectivity and technological advancements to enhance content enjoyment. These models are noted for their sleek design, featuring a retro-modern aesthetic with ambient lighting, thereby allowing seamless integration into contemporary home interiors.

The AV receivers have flexible input sources and listening modes, accommodating various content types from gaming to films with minimal setup complexity. The series includes standard-performance models with 5.1-channel and 7.1-channel options, alongside high-performance versions featuring 7.1-channel and 9.1-channel capabilities.

The models come equipped with support for cinema and home entertainment technologies including 4K and 8K HDMI video, Dolby Atmos, and DTS:X audio. Wireless streaming is enabled via platforms like Apple Airplay 2 and Google Chromecast. The EZ Set EQ app aids users in room equalisation for all AVR models, optimising sound quality.

On the design front, the AVRs boast a glass front panel with minimal controls complemented by a modern on-screen display for straightforward setup and operation. The product range, available in white or warm "espresso" brown, stands out with its distinctive styling.

Explaining the top-tier offering, Sherman said, "The top of the range JBL MA9100HP offers stunning realism with the latest 8k video, and nine channels of powerful low noise Class D amplification to all channels for the ultimate home cinema experience. All that power is packaged into a minimalist modern design that is unmistakably JBL."

The Stage 2 Loudspeakers are designed to partner with the new AV receivers, expanding upon the prior Stage 1 series' performance. The lineup includes floor-standing and bookshelf speakers, a centre channel speaker, and more, all developed at the JBL Center of Acoustics Excellence in California.

The loudspeakers feature advanced acoustics with patented waveguides and anodised tweeters for high clarity, plus ribbed cone woofers providing deep bass, essential for bringing depth to movies and games. Their aesthetic design aligns with the AVR range, offered in complementary finishes.

For consumers seeking a straightforward home theatre setup, JBL's offerings provide a turnkey solution. The brand's new products ensure ease in both configuration and upgrade paths, making home cinema accessible to a broader audience.

The JBL MA and Stage 2 product lines are scalable from basic systems to advanced theatre setups, tailored to user preferences while maintaining sound quality.

With a recommended retail price range from NZD $849.95 to NZD $2,949.95 for the AV Receivers and NZD $549.95 to NZD $1,049.95 for the Stage 2 Loudspeakers, JBL's new products are now available to consumers in New Zealand.