JBL goes Dirac Live ready and Class-D

[kyuu]

Damnit, I could not resist the urge to just buy the MA7100HP. A dealer offered me a good sum for my old 758v3 and that gave me the final push . Now I keep my thumbs pressed for some good measurements. Well, it certainly will not measure worse that my NAD .

Well, we certainly hope it won't measure worse than the NAD.

Let us know your impressions of it after you've had some time to play with it!

It’s shocking that in 2024, audio companies cannot figure out how to put a decent display on their products. My amplifi alien wifi router has a 4.7” 279ppi screen on it. Why can’t JBL engineer and spec something similar? The target market is accustomed to “retina” displays. Come on!

The display does what it needs to, and is going to spend 99.99% of its life being ignored and/or turned off. Kind of a silly thing to complain about, IMO, especially as if you want a nice screen the 7100 and 9100 models have that covered.

 

[SpoOokY]

Well, we certainly hope it won't measure worse than the NAD.

Let us know your impressions of it after you've had some time to play with it!

The display does what it needs to, and is going to spend 99.99% of its life being ignored and/or turned off. Kind of a silly thing to complain about, IMO, especially as if you want a nice screen the 7100 and 9100 models have that covered.

I'll surely do! Good thing is that I can keep the NAD for some 1-to-1 testing prior to sending it in. So I can even test if measurements make an audible difference (in case the JBL measures significantly better) .

 

[DrStranger]

It’s shocking that in 2024, audio companies cannot figure out how to put a decent display on their products. My amplifi alien wifi router has a 4.7” 279ppi screen on it. Why can’t JBL engineer and spec something similar? The target market is accustomed to “retina” displays. Come on!

I dont see this as beeing a issue for me (I hope it will not, with this MA-series at least), but I understand what you mean.

However, something that I need to know regarding JBL and what I find more important, before I jump in to the MA9100HP with my wallet, is their tech support and lifecycle in terms of software updates. Are JBL known for taking care of their customers and are they responsive in terms of software as well as their firmware on their product, even after the product has been on the market for years? Does anyone have any experience? I have learnd alot from buy Philips TV's, a brand that offer a lot of "bang for the buck", but their software updates and tech support - sweet mother of Joseph...

 

[kyuu]

However, something that I need to know regarding JBL and what I find more important, before I jump in to the MA9100HP with my wallet, is their tech support and lifecycle in terms of software updates. Are JBL known for taking care of their customers and are they responsive in terms of software as well as their firmware on their product, even after the product has been on the market for years? Does anyone have any experience?

That's a fair question. Unfortunately I have no experience one way or the other. I did look and there have been firmware updates released for the Synthesis line of AVRs. Whether they've addressed all outstanding issues with the software, or whether or not the Synthesis line's level of support can reasonably be expected to extend to this "lesser" tier of AVRs...

 

[DrStranger]

Some more first look, (didn't the MA stand for Modern Audio ):

I've listened to JBL's new Master Audio AVRs, and I'm thrilled that Denon has some competition

JBL's trendy new AVRs make a strong first impression

www.whathifi.com

 

[kyuu]

From that What Hi-Fi article:

Clarity and spaciousness alongside good rhythmic drive were a few positive attributes that we identified [...]

 

[SpoOokY]

Just received a message from the dealer that the device here in Germany will be available starting end of August. I expect to receive it beginning of September. THat is gonna be a tough time for me .

 

[fristil]

Just received a message from the dealer that the device here in Germany will be available starting end of August. I expect to receive it beginning of September. THat is gonna be a tough time for me .

Just got a message from my dealer in Sweden that said it was delayed until 19th of August

 

[fristil]

Hands on: JBL MA9100HP and Stage 2 5.1.4 home cinema system review

We take a hands-on tour of JBL's new Dolby Atmos speaker system, and it's looking like a promising start

www.whathifi.com

 

[kyuu]

I went ahead and ordered the MA7100HP (in white), it's currently on its way to Amir. The JBL website is out of stock, Crutchfield is out of stock on black and low stock on white. I was talking to a dealer about getting one with a bit of a discount, but he wasn't anticipating getting more stock until October. So these seem to be either pretty low production or are selling very well. Or both.

 

[SpoOokY]

Omg! Hopefully Amir has some free capacity to test it right away . I am so excited!!!

 

[kyuu]

Omg! Hopefully Amir has some free capacity to test it right away . I am so excited!!!

I know he's a bit behind, lots of gear to get through and only so much time. But yes, I'm hoping he's able to get to it sooner rather than later. And that the measurements don't disappoint, of course. Not expecting TOTL, SOTA, but something in the "good by AVR standards" range at least.

 

[NOAMattD]

@kyuu the hero we need.

AVRs take a lot of effort to test so hopefully Amir will decide to knock out the big one right away. Keep us posted.

 

[GXAlan]

I know he's a bit behind, lots of gear to get through and only so much time. But yes, I'm hoping he's able to get to it sooner rather than later. And that the measurements don't disappoint, of course. Not expecting TOTL, SOTA, but something in the "good by AVR standards" range at least.

Since you are drop shipping, Amir usually can set aside extra time in advance so you are within the retailers return window.

 

[kyuu]

Since you are drop shipping, Amir usually can set aside extra time in advance so you are within the retailers return window.

Unfortunately for us, Crutchfield has a generous return window.

 

[Doctors11]

Here's a customer review from Crutchfield...

I have had the JBL MA7100HP for about a week now, so I wanted to share my initial impressions. I've had a chance to watch movies (including Furiosa), tv shows (including The Acolyte), and listen to music (including metal, jazz, and hip hop). Good 1) The receiver looks amazing, especially in the white color I ordered. 2) The color front display looks great, especially when you can see the cover art of the music album you are casting. 3) Set-up is easy (but slow with 30 minutes of updates), and so is the EZ Set EQ setup (note it doesn't set distances or channel levels). 4) Sounds great listening to shows and music from various sources. Not so good 1) Seems to send a weak signal to my subwoofer. This is probably my biggest complaint. I have a Monoprice Monolith THX 16 Ultra with 2,000 watts RMS. With my Onkyo, at a channel level of -5, my sub destructively rocked my entire entertainment center and wet bar. To get even remotely close to the same output from the JBL, I have the channel level at +3. I spoke with a Crutchfield advisor and they didn't have any thoughts or suggestions, other than turning the channel level up more. 2) The app is worthless. After set up, you can use it to turn the AVR on and off. That's it. There is no ability to select an input, change volume, see or select a surround mode, or decrease any channel levels (like the center or sub, which can be helpful for certain sources). Huge disappointment coming from an Onkyo.

 

[EWL5]

Here's a customer review from Crutchfield...

I have had the JBL MA7100HP for about a week now, so I wanted to share my initial impressions. I've had a chance to watch movies (including Furiosa), tv shows (including The Acolyte), and listen to music (including metal, jazz, and hip hop). Good 1) The receiver looks amazing, especially in the white color I ordered. 2) The color front display looks great, especially when you can see the cover art of the music album you are casting. 3) Set-up is easy (but slow with 30 minutes of updates), and so is the EZ Set EQ setup (note it doesn't set distances or channel levels). 4) Sounds great listening to shows and music from various sources. Not so good 1) Seems to send a weak signal to my subwoofer. This is probably my biggest complaint. I have a Monoprice Monolith THX 16 Ultra with 2,000 watts RMS. With my Onkyo, at a channel level of -5, my sub destructively rocked my entire entertainment center and wet bar. To get even remotely close to the same output from the JBL, I have the channel level at +3. I spoke with a Crutchfield advisor and they didn't have any thoughts or suggestions, other than turning the channel level up more. 2) The app is worthless. After set up, you can use it to turn the AVR on and off. That's it. There is no ability to select an input, change volume, see or select a surround mode, or decrease any channel levels (like the center or sub, which can be helpful for certain sources). Huge disappointment coming from an Onkyo.

The last sentence is the key: "Huge disappointment coming from an Onkyo."
If you're coming from a mass market AVR expecting similar bells and whistles, you will be truly disappointed w/the JBL!

 

[GXAlan]

The last sentence is the key: "Huge disappointment coming from an Onkyo."
If you're coming from a mass market AVR expecting similar bells and whistles, you will be truly disappointed w/the JBL!

This is what will kill JBL with their Gen Z market. JBL is owned by Samsung for goodness sakes….

 

[Bentail]

I purchased the MA7100HP this week after auditioning the 9100HP at Audio Advice Live this past weekend. I was excited that a Harman company was again producing affordable AVRs. I purchased HK until their quality diminished, then to Marantz. I pulled my Marantz SR6012 out of the line and replaced it with the JbL. I power Martin Logan Motion 40i fronts with ML SLM speakers on surround and a ML x800 sub. I was impressed with the sound and the JBL had no problem powering the system. After putting it through its paces with music, and movies, I was left with a favorable opinion. Just for comparison, last night I decided to again listen to the Marantz. Both my wife and I were blown away by the sound comparison. The Marantz was more detailed and it seemed that the roll off was Smoother. The JBL sounded good but the Marantz sounded great. I added the sub into a 2.1 mix, but on the JBL, I really could not hear much difference. I am not the demographic that JBL is marketing this to, I am in my 60’s. Hopefully this will tilt the younger market to expanded home audio, rather than a sound bar. I do hope they succeed. It is just not for me. Just to be fair, I have tried out the Arcam AVR 10 and Denon X800. None measured up to my SR6012. My opinion.

 

[EWL5]

I purchased the MA7100HP this week after auditioning the 9100HP at Audio Advice Live this past weekend. I was excited that a Harman company was again producing affordable AVRs. I purchased HK until their quality diminished, then to Marantz. I pulled my Marantz SR6012 out of the line and replaced it with the JbL. I power Martin Logan Motion 40i fronts with ML SLM speakers on surround and a ML x800 sub. I was impressed with the sound and the JBL had no problem powering the system. After putting it through its paces with music, and movies, I was left with a favorable opinion. Just for comparison, last night I decided to again listen to the Marantz. Both my wife and I were blown away by the sound comparison. The Marantz was more detailed and it seemed that the roll off was Smoother. The JBL sounded good but the Marantz sounded great. I added the sub into a 2.1 mix, but on the JBL, I really could not hear much difference. I am not the demographic that JBL is marketing this to, I am in my 60’s. Hopefully this will tilt the younger market to expanded home audio, rather than a sound bar. I do hope they succeed. It is just not for me. Just to be fair, I have tried out the Arcam AVR 10 and Denon X800. None measured up to my SR6012. My opinion.

Any retail industry has always been a war of attrition. They wait for the older folks who "know better" to stay silent/not be interested so that the newer, cheaper tricks can be used on the next generation!