(How many puns do you think I can stick in this review? PLACE YOUR BETS NOW!)
Great design is one
of the things that unites us as Apple and iPod cultists. There's
something admirable about slick, straightforward, and sexy
design. Case in point, the iPod, where Apple broke the mold
and changed history. Conversely,
when it comes to the cold uninteresting world of external speakers,
JBL seems to be on the same path.
In
a world of boring shelf speakers that are as fascinating
as the wires that connect them, the JBL Encounter draws people
towards it with its innovative tongue-in-cheek design and
then lavishes them with deep warm sound. JBL
proves once again that they know how to box up a brilliant set
of speakers that appear as though they were intended to be fine
decor, while at the same time hold nothing back when it comes
to pure crisp sound. Where most speakers seem to be designed
to be hidden, the Encounter defies you to ignore them.
Space Monkeys, prepare for blast off.
SIGNS
OF INTELLIGENCE The Encounter is a smart device using it's own form
of artificial intelligence by remembering the volume setting in use
when the system was last shut down. Like the very popular JBL
Creature Speakers, the Encounter uses JBL's simple touch volume pads. Just
a touch increases or decreases the volume and a touch on both pads
mutes or un-mutes the system. The JBL Encounter 2.1 audio system
also incorporates a special interconnect technology for effortless
user control over volume, treble and subwoofer levels.
SOUND
Most importantly, music enthusiasts can enjoy clean and powerful sound
worth phoning home about. More design driven than their predecessor,
the Creature
Speakers, the bass and treble controls are located on the
rear of the subwoofer. But there are important technological features
at work in the Encounter. To begin, on the Encounter system, the bass
control itself utilizes a technology JBL calls "FCS - fixed crossover
shelving topology." This allows for a pure bass adjustment that
does not affect the sound imaging as the bass level increases. The speakers
also incorporate Harman Multimedia's Magnum™ Subwoofer Transducer
pimped out with a 6-inch driver, optimized for extremely precise bass
response. The spaceship-like subwoofer literally blasts off with a rich,
deep, warm bass that works efficiently at preventing an ugly, guttural "bass
thud."
Its alien
looking satellites are super-naturally powerful despite their
smallish size. Using JBL's "Odyssey Transducers," the
satellites contain four aluminum-domed transducers driven by
powerful neodymium magnets. This design provides a full, rich
frequency response, from the mid's to the highest highs and
the audio compression technology to ensure extreme accuracy
at high output levels.
These speakers make
a distinct wealth of difference occur between the various presets
on your audio source's equalizer. "Bass Booster" is
supported gorgeously, "Treble Booster" sounds surprisingly
nice despite my very serious need for a bottom heavy sound, and
there is added meaning to presets like "Dance," "Loudness," and
especially "Deep." Even toying with the preamp on the
equalizer at high volumes failed to arouse distortion. These
are amazingly strong speakers, I have to say.
"Where
most
speakers seem to be designed to be hidden, the
JBL Encounter defies you to ignore them."
The pictured Encounters
above were tested in both a large open room, approximately
20' x 40' and a smaller room which measures approximately 15'
x 20'. With the volume on the speakers set at one-third of the
way up you will have disco-sized un-distorted volume with iTunes
volume barely off the mute setting. I dare say, if you have
cause to leave the volume set to "11" on these suckers,
you should probably get a cat scan.
And to top it all off,
they are ridiculously cool looking. The white and chrome
toy-like design are simply camouflage for a very adult sound.
If you turn them down once they are in your space you will hear
the most beautiful sound they produce: the sound of people envying
you.
Voltage
Input: 120V AC US, 100V AC Japanese, 230V AC Europe
WHAT'S
IN THE BOX
The JBL
Encounter 2.1 comes in peace. Three pieces to be precise. Two powerful
13-watt Odyssey™ satellite speakers and a 34-watt Magnum™ subwoofer.
Also inside the box are several connecting cables and a user's manual.
FINAL
THOUGHTS
A mini stereo jack makes the speakers compatible with any desktop computer, laptop,
iPod, MP3 player or any music source. Mac users can virtually take them out of
the box, set their iTunes equalizer to any of the thumping EQ presets and the JBL
Encounter transform any room or office into an enviable soundscape. And to
top it all off, they are ridiculously cool looking. The white and chrome kid's
toy-like design are simply camouflage for a very adult sound. If you turn them
down once they are in your space you will hear the most beautiful sound they
produce: the sound of people envying you. (Blue Egg chair, fireplace and Saarinen
cocktail table sold VERY separately.)
This item is
available for purchase from Amazon.com
Harman
International is a leading manufacturer of high-quality, high-fidelity
audio and video products for the consumer and professional markets
and is the maker of many well-known audio brands including: JBL, Infinity and
harman/kardon. It is a conglomerate of over 30 companies, all related
to audio. Started by Sidney Harman in 1953, Harman International
is the maker of best-in-class audio products for cars, theaters,
recording studios, auditoriums and homes.
Rating:
Requirements:
Any audio device
with a mini stereo jack
