The JBL Authentics 200 is a retro-styled smart speaker that blends a classic design with modern features. It delivers “full bass, rich mids and detailed treble” for bold, room-filling sound. The Authentics 200 has Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, and it supports both Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant for hands-free voice control. Users praise its “exceptional sound quality” and “stylish design”.
Overall, this JBL speaker brings vintage charm, powerful audio, and smart features to your home.
JBL Vintage Speaker Review
Retro-inspired Design
The Authentics 200 looks like a classic JBL stereo. It has a curved fabric grille and walnut-style sides, giving it a true vintage vibe. TechRadar says it’s “a stunning homage to amps of old”. Unlike many modern speakers, its frame is made of metal and feels solid and premium.
This unique retro look makes the speaker stand out in any room, so it looks as great as it sounds.
Rich, Room-filling Sound
JBL packed the Authentics 200 with serious audio hardware. It uses two 25 mm tweeters, a 5-inch woofer and a 6-inch passive radiator, so it easily fills a room. TechRadar calls its sound “rich mids and powerful bass” and says it has “real punch” with plenty of low-end energy.
In practice, the speaker delivers deep thumping bass and clear vocals. No matter what you play, music sounds full and dynamic. Simply put, this speaker can play music loudly and clearly, with depth across all genres.
Dual Voice Assistants
You get both Alexa and Google Assistant built in. TechRadar notes you get the “best of two smart home systems, with support for Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa at the same time”.
That means you can say “Hey Google” or “Alexa” to play music, control smart devices, check the weather and more. Because both assistants are onboard, you don’t need a separate device for each. In short, it’s like having two smart speakers in one.
Versatile Connectivity
The Authentics 200 supports every way to stream audio. It works over Wi-Fi (with AirPlay and Chromecast streaming support) and also has Bluetooth. You can even link it into multi-room systems using AirPlay, Google Home or Alexa’s multi-room feature.
There’s also a 3.5 mm aux input for wired connections. In practice, this means you can stream from your phone, laptop or network easily – it plays nicely with Apple Music, Spotify, Amazon Music and more.
Easy Setup and Controls
Setting up this speaker is straightforward. The free JBL One app guides you through the Wi-Fi and voice-assistant setup. Each time it powers on, the speaker automatically tunes its sound to the room, so it’s always balanced.
On the unit there are two knobs on top for adjusting bass and treble on the fly. If you like, the app also offers a graphic EQ for fine-tuning. Overall, the controls are simple and the speaker is ready to use right away.
Pros:
- Loud, detailed sound.
- Deep, clear bass.
- Unique vintage style.
- Solid, premium build.
- Built-in Alexa and Google.
- Easy app setup.
Cons:
- No built-in battery (requires power).
- Relatively high price.
- Large size needs space.
- Plastic knobs feel less premium.
FAQ for JBL Vintage Speaker Review
Q: Does this speaker support both Alexa and Google Assistant?
A: Yes. It has both Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant built in, so you can ask either one for music, info or smart home control.
Q: Can I connect my phone via Bluetooth?
A: Absolutely. You can pair any Bluetooth device – like a phone or tablet – to stream music wirelessly. The speaker also has Wi-Fi for direct streaming.
Q: How is the sound quality?
A: The sound is excellent. Reviewers note its “rich mids and powerful bass” and users call the audio “exceptional”. It delivers deep bass and clear highs, so music feels full and immersive.
Q: Is this speaker portable with a battery?
A: No, the Authentics 200 needs to be plugged into power. It has no built-in battery, so it’s meant for home use.
Q: How can I adjust the audio settings?
A: You have easy controls. The speaker auto-calibrates sound for your room on startup. You can also use the bass and treble knobs on top for quick tweaks. For more fine-tuning, the JBL One app lets you adjust the EQ to your liking.
Q: What streaming methods does it support?
A: It supports almost everything. You can stream over Wi-Fi with AirPlay, Chromecast or Spotify Connect, and link multiple speakers in a multi-room setup. You can also plug in via Bluetooth or an aux cable. It’s designed to work with all major streaming services.
Final Verdict
The JBL Authentics 200 is for anyone who wants standout style and great sound. It pairs a unique vintage look with very powerful, dynamic audio. It’s loaded with features – Wi-Fi streaming, multi-room support and dual voice assistants – which makes it versatile for home use.
It is wired (no battery) and a bit pricey, but reviewers agree it’s worth it if you love its retro design and build.
In short, if you value eye-catching style and rich, room-filling sound, the Authentics 200 is an excellent choice.