Verdict
JBL ’s new range of a function - topping AV pass receiver aggregate superior sonic performance with a lifestyle - well-disposed blueprint and intuitive user interface . fancier will screw the Dolby Atmos and DTS :X spacial sound , while home cinema newbie will retrieve the simplicity and fashionable looks every bit enticing .
Pros
Cons
Key Features
Introduction
JBL ’s fresh Modern Audio range of Ab receivers are designed to combine lifestyle friendly styling , visceral setup and forward-looking connectivity with superior heavy quality .
The MA9100HP is the flagship exemplar in this novel bloodline - up , and includes nine epithelial duct of Class D amplification to deliver immersiveDolby AtmosandDTS : Xobject - found spatial audio .
This AVR not only caters to home cinema rooter , but also gamers due to a host of ignore - edge feature of speech , and smartphone - addicted millennials thanks to extensive wireless connectivity . graceful styling and an informative full - people of colour display blend with contemporaneous life style , while the user - friendly apparatus wo n’t restrain anyone new to home cinema .
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Availability
The JBL MA9100HP is available and sells for £ 1899 in the UK . This pose it against mid - range models from found brands like Denon , Marantz and Yamaha , although none are as drug user favorable . In improver it retail for $ 1599 in the US , € 1999 in Europe and A$ 2999 in Australia .
The Modern Audio grasp of Ab receivers also includes the mellow performance seven - channel MA7100HP , the more low-priced MA710 andMA510 , plus the entry - level MA310 . So whatever your budget or home picture palace experience , JBL has a stylish model to fit your specific needs .
Design
The JBL MA9100HP delivers on its promise of appear less intimidating , with a stylish but simplified front facia that ’s free of all the unnecessary buttons commonly found on an AV receiver . It seems like an obvious approach , and I ’m surprised it ’s have a manufacturer this long to come to the same conclusion , but does go a long way towards broadening the ingathering of home cinema .
The physical body quality is good , without weigh a gross ton , and the styling is present-day with a choice of Espresso ( black ) or Latte ( white ) finale . The latter will prove democratic with those wanting a more life-style - friendly option . There ’s subtle detailing in JBL - branded orange tree , along with light-emitting diode under - inflammation that offers a choice of JBL orange , yellow , green , blue , scarlet or purple . The brightness of this lighting can be adjusted or turned off if you ’re planning to use the AVR in a darkened room .
There ’s a orotund and instructive full - colour show at the front , on one side is a volume control that nod to Spinal Tap with its message take ‘ secure to turn beyond 11 ’ , and on the other is an stimulation telephone dial . The only remain features on the front are the power button , and some basic control for enter the menu system , dim or turning off the front display , and motorcycle through the environs modality . That ’s it for the front of the MA9100HP , and honestly that ’s all you take .
Connectivity
The JBL MA9100MP has an equally clear rear that eschews outdated connections and concentrates on HDMI with six inputs and two outputs . Three of the inputs and both outputs support 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz , while the principal output alsosupports eARC(enhanced audio getting even groove ) . The JBL also stomach other features likeVRR(variable refresh rate),ALLM(auto low latency mode ) , and QFT ( quick framing transport ) , make it a great choice for gamers .
In terms of other physical connections there are coaxial and optical digital inputs , two analog stimulant , and even a phono input for anyone rock a turntable . There ’s also a USB port , an Ethernet connector , and an analog output for a second zone . Finally there are binding posts for the nine work up - in channel , along with two end product for running dual subwoofers . The overall connectivity is splendid , and my only complaint would be the deficiency of a phone jack .
Along the top of the rear board are three aerial for wireless connectivity , with the MA9100HP include dual - band Wi - Fi andBluetooth . There ’s also support for Google Chromecast andApple AirPlay 2 , along withSpotifyand Tidal Connect . All these wireless options should keep everyone happy , even the most demanding millennial who is surgically attached to their smartphone .
User Experience
In terms of ascendence there ’s the included remote control that reflects the simplicity of the front venire by fundamentally replicating the same functionality . It ’s a well - designed zapper that ’s well-heeled to withstand and use , with my only genuine charge being the lack of a backlight . There ’s also a well - design and easy - to - manipulation remote app for Io and Android , if you choose controlling via a saucy gimmick .
As part of JBL ’s ethos of embracing consumers who may not be as knowledgeable about AV receivers , the apparatus is very intuitive thanks to a handy star . You ’ll have the MA9100HP connected and up and operate in no time , and a 2nd app called EZ Set EQ allows you to further optimize the functioning by correcting for any acoustical aberrations in the room .
EZ Set EQ take you through the entire process using an intuitive graphical interface and the phone ’s establish - in mike ( although for Android equipment JBL recommend using a third - party mic ) . It ’s not only simple but surprisingly effective , although more experient AV enthusiast may want to bribe the optional Dirac Live upgrade for even more sophisticated room correction .
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Performance
The MA9100HP has nine channels of Class D grunt built - in with a take 140W into 8 Georg Simon Ohm ( two channels driven ) . It also supports the two primary spatial sound recording formats : Dolby Atmos and DTS : X. The processing is confine to nine television channel as well , which mean you ca n’t elaborate the epithelial duct enumeration using outboard amps , but 5.1.4- or 7.1.2 - distribution channel layouts should be sufficient for most .
The JBL MA9100HP is designed for simplicity , but there ’s nothing basic about its performance . The brand ’s cinematic legacy shines through with a legal transfer that ’s dynamic , exciting and often heroic . The Class five hundred gain can tug the 5.1 organization without breaking a sweat , and even when unravel all nine channels there ’s sufficient headroom to keep things exciting .
When decoding Dolby Atmos and DTS :X I ’d urge choosing a 7.1.2 - channel speaker form because while two overheads are sufficient , you really need the extra rear channels for expectant immersion . The results are often excellent , with precisely positioned gist , and a intro that ’s dynamic and responsive when produce a three - dimensional level-headed athletic field .
What ’s particularly impressive is how good this receiver sounds with the lower limit of hassle . It achieves its goal of delivering high-pitched character sound without requiring any anterior audio knowledge . Thanks to its setup maven and room correction app , even a comparative newcomer can love an engaging transonic experience using a system that meld seamlessly into your living blank space .
This cracking multichannel amplifier also distinctly march its transcendency over even a high-pitched - end soundbar , producing environs effects that are exciting and immersive . It ’s a powerful admonisher that when it comes to reproducing the complex soundscapes of today ’s movie blockbusters , you really need a capable separates scheme with a gamey - quality AVR like the MA9100HP at its essence .
Should you buy it?
Anyone building a habitation cinema who does n’t fancy contending with clit - festoon front jury , bewildering array of legacy connections , and complicated setup processes will find this stylish social unit just the just the ticket
The processing and gain are trammel to nine channels , so if you desire to exposit the talker reckon in your system to take reward of the full potency of Dolby Atmos and DTS :X , this is n’t the Ab receiver for you
Final Thoughts
The JBL MA9100HP successfully achieves the brand name ’s ambition of creating an AV receiver that combines convenience with public presentation . It manages to count like a production actually designed in the twenty-first century with its elegant styling , simplify connections and intuitive controller port .
Setup could n’t be easy thanks to a brace of cunning removed apps , and the wireless connectivity is comprehensive . Most importantly it sound fantastic , from a detailed and balanced two - channel livery to a active and engage multichannel performance that brings movies vividly to life .
Trusted Score
How we test
We test every Ab receiver we go over soundly over an extended period of metre . We use industry - received tests and a consecrate habitation movie theatre to to the full measure all the features and performance . We ’ll always severalise you what we find , and we never , ever , accept money to review a product .
FAQs
Yes it supports both data format , but since its processing and gain is limited to nine television channel it can only proffer 5.1.4- or 7.1.2 - canal layouts with no choice to expand the verbaliser count
JBL ’s EZ Set EQ app calibrate the phone using an intuitive interface and the gimmick ’s built - in mike , although you could bribe an optional Dirac Live rise if you ’re feeling adventurous
Full Specs
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