Saturday, April 11, 2015

JBL Synchos Reflect BT Wireless In Ear Monitors Review by Jeff Roy

JBL makes some excellent headphones.  For review today is the more entry level IEM’s by JBL, the Synchos Reflect BT that have a low MSRP of only $99. Every year I am amazed at just how much bang for the buck we can get. They are designed for the active user, being both wireless and water resistant. And they are a perfect example of bang for the buck.

Features and specs:
Audio Specifications
Frequency Response: 10Hz – 22kHz

Speaker Specifications
Driver: Premium 8.5mm
Control and Connection Specifications
Connector: Bluetooth®
Bluetooth®-enabled wireless connectivity
Built-in 4.0 Bluetooth connectivity gives you freedom from wires and up to 5 hours of your favorite soundtracks. It allows you to monitor volume and easily control tracks even while your smartphone remains safe in your gym bag – up to 40 feet away!
Reflective cord design and retractable tether
Make the play for safety - the Reflect BT's sweatproof cable provides high visibility in low light, perfect for night time runners. A retractable tether allows you to customize cord length.
Ergonomic ear-tips and angled ear pieces
Designed to stay in your ear no matter what you put them through.
Cable management system with serious attraction
Built-in magnets keep your buds on stand-by; when not in use, wrap the buds around your neck and watch them click together. No more loose cables!
iOS or universal remote control/mic
Connectivity. Convenience. Peace-of-mind. Take calls, control tracks and adjust volume with rugged inline controls.
Groundbreaking JBL-quality sound
Dual 8.5mm drivers give you thumping bass and clear vocals for the ultimate pump-you-up track.
  
They arrived in an attractive box, which had photos and specs of the product. They are mostly made of plastic, with some metal. Quality of materials used were good, as was the fit and finish. They felt well made in hand. Also included was the owner’s manual.  How do they perform?  Let's find out.

Fresh Aire:  Going To Another Place, had crisp string and percussion that was clean and just a tad tinnie. Piano sounded pretty natural. Flute was smooth with air. Drums had nice dynamics.  Steve Miller Band: Swingtown showed nice impact and depth from the drums. Guitar sounded natural. Percussion sounded clean with some resolution. Vocals were natural, smooth, with good texture.  No Doubt: Hella Good, drums had good dynamics and depth. Percussion was crisp and clean. Vocals were natural and sounded only a tad shallow. There’s a lot of energy in this track, and it came through very well.  Eric Bibb: Don't Ever Let Nobody Drag Your Spirit Down, guitar sounded crisp with good resolution. Piano sounded natural. Vocals were very natural with good texture and resolution.

The JBL Synchos Reflect BT are a great product.  You get a lot of bang for the buck, given the fact that they are also wireless and sweat resistant.  Given this functionality is built-in at the low price, you get a lot.  This functionality takes cost, meaning part of what you are paying for is more than just audio performance.  However, they still managed to perform better than expected at their price point.  I found the Bluetooth functionality to be good for around 10 feet.  It's not very far, but it worked well and was easy to connect, and is far enough to have your phone in your pocket while exercising.  Based on their design, features, quality, and performance, the JBL Synchos Reflect BT have earned or Value Award.  For more info, check out their website at www.jbl.com.



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