Roon think it is ( from https://roon.app/en/partners/160/jbl):
JBL UK seem to think it is (from https://uk.jbl.com/on/demandware.static/-/Sites-masterCatalog_Harman/default/dw72e35b4c/pdfs/HA_JBL_Authentics%20300_OM_V7_EN.pdf):
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thanks. weird that the US product page doesnât list roon.
To be fair, the UK product page does not mention Roon either. Itâs just in the product pdf document.
I think itâs probably because it was launched without Roon Ready and the product pages have not been updated to reflect the new feature.
It wouldnât be the first time I have seen this happen.
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Dutch and Dutch 8c all day long!
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Same here.
Dutch & Dutch 8c da nutts!
They are about to release the smaller and cheaper 6c with a bass module to follow.
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Just bought a second JBL Authentics 300 to create a stereo pair in the bedroom.
Roon Ready, Bluetooth or wifi, ac or battery operation. And it sounds pretty good for the purpose. I chose the middle model of the Authentics line (goldilocks) for the added flexibility that the battery offers.
What really spurred this purchase is that itâs currently $150 less than what my wife paid for the first one that she got me as a birthday present three weeks ago.
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The JBL Authentics 300 is probably the device I use most in my home. It sits on top of my refrigerator and easy fills my open concept home. Sound quality is pleasant as is and really good with a bit of EQ.
I also have itâs bigger brother, the Authentics 500. Itâs a real beast of a speaker: incredible power, balanced sound, and when you want it, thunderous bass response. For someone who only does music streaming and doesnât worry about Hi-Res, it could easily do the job in a small home/apartment.
For comparison, I had a Devialet Phantom Mini on review for a bit. And while itâs certainly an eye-catching speaker and said to have deep bass, I felt that it was rather flabby. Reggae tracks I use to assess musical, dynamic, sub-bass were alarmingly farty. The 500 on the other hand, absolutely sails thru them. And with 270 watts of perfectly matched internal power onboard, the transient response, control, and accuracy is quite impressive.
Theyâre not audiophile powered speakers by anyoneâs definition. But they pack in a lot more finesse musically than folks would expectâespecially if you take the time to EQ them a bit
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I donât know if I can choose a favourite pair of streaming speakers, but I have a few pairs in my house. I mainly use the KEF LSX II for the TV, but they are decent for streaming too. I originally bought them to replace my Sonos PLAY:3 speakers after a software update caused problems. I also have two Sonos Roam speakers that act as a stereo pair and can be used as travel speakers. What really surprised me were the Apple Homepod Minis used as a stereo pair. They are rather cheap and work well in small rooms like the kitchen. When considering the price, the Homepod Minis are my choice.
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How about the two KEF setups? How do they sound? How reliable are the connections? ThanksâŚ
I have two KEF rooms, both using LSX IIâs, one with a KC62 and one without. They are rock solid in terms of their connection to the ROCK server and only need fettling when KEF push out an update. Sound wise their small size belies a big sound, on my desk they donât need a sub, but in the bedroom it adds an extra dimension especially at low volumes.
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Kef LS50 Wireless
Dutch & Dutch 8c
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Kefs are really reliable, no problems connections. What I have noticed about sound, is that I have to drive them rather loud to get decent sound out of them.
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KEF LS50 + KC62 Sub in master bedroom. Devialet Phantom Ultimate pair in my home office. Both exceptionally good would hate to choose one over the other. Main system in lounge is HugoTT2/BerTTi on to B&W 703. Certainly the streaming speakers give a lot more bang for the buck in terms of SQ. Does my main system sound better? Yes but only marginally, the difference is extremely subtleâŚand the streaming speakers one quarter of the price of my main system.
KEF LSX II on the desk in the guest room and WiiM Sound in the bathroom. Both work perfect for their purpose.
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WiiM Sound in Library and Kitchen
Iâm a bit of an outlier. I donât like the KEF LSX II. Even paired with a sub. I find the sound small, localized, and a bit muffled. They are tremendously better than low-end computer speakers as well as a number of other options, but there are better choices out there, though not necessarily all in one.
I have a pair of Genelec 8030Câs. These are active but not streamers. Until recently, I used a FiiO K17 to drive them and that has the benefit of also having headphone jacks on the front. The K17 is a fantastic device - itâs Roon Ready and pairs exceptionally well with the Genelecs.
In my opinion, this setup is far better than the LSX IIs and doesnât need a sub. I donât love the aesthetics of the Genelecs but they sound fantastic.
One caveat (the only caveat!) about the FiiO K17 is that itâs streaming support is Roon and only Roon. So if you want Spotify/Qobuz/Tidal Connect or any of the UPnP/DLNA options, you need to put something in front of it or look elsewhere. Itâs a shame because other than that, itâs superb.
I also have a pair of KEF LS50 WII and a pair of LS 60. The LS 50 WII are paired with a sub. Iâm more positive about these than the LSX II.
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Exactly what I have experienced. Would even go so for to say they sound dull in my (bed)room and particularly disappointing at lower SPL, midrange-heavy, lacking any sparkle and air as well as lower bass. If you drive them harder, treble becomes a bit better, but bass is just mud. Returned them after several attempts.
How do you like it ? Pretty pleased with mine so far and wondering about going for a stereo pair.
I have to agree with this. I use mine for TV sound only these days.
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