JBL Synchros Chrome Edition Review | 93 Data compared

The JBL Synchros S500 is a premium over-ear headphone priced at 299 EUR, lauded for its exceptional build quality, metallic headband, and comfortable leather ear cushions. Its standout technical feature is the battery-powered "Pure Bass" technology, which runs on two AAA batteries for up to 20 hours to deliver a powerful, tight, and highly precise low-end response. Complemented by a LiveStage DSP and massive 50 mm drivers, the headphone provides a dynamic, lively, and immersive soundstage that handles electronic dance music, rock, and even classical pieces with rich detailing and high volume stability. Additionally, the S500 offers great mobile utility with its foldability and detachable single-sided cable, including separate setups tailored for iOS and Android devices. On the positive side, the review highlights its intense, punchy dynamics, remarkable spatial depth, and superb material quality that rivals far more expensive models. It also boasts excellent wearing comfort over long listening sessions and functions well in passive mode when the batteries drain. However, the headphones carry a few downsides: the high-frequency range can occasionally sound slightly aggressive and dominant, making it less...

The JBL Synchros S500 over-ear headphones are highly praised by connect for their professional-grade engineering and exceptionally rugged build quality. Architecturally modeled after JBL's iconic professional live-audio setups and GTI automotive subwooers, these headphones feature large 50-millimeter drivers housed inside resonance-reducing aluminum earcups, structured alongside heavy-duty steel headband guides and wear-free joints. The signature highlight of the S500 is its built-in digital signal processor (DSP) backed by "LiveStage" active technology. This battery-powered enhancement creates an incredibly immersive, club-like spatial soundstage and unleashes a precise, ultra-powerful bass response that brings authentic "live concert" energy directly into the user's ears.

The JBL Synchros 500 is a well-built, mattschwarze (or white) over-ear headphone weighing just 200 grams, designed as an analytical yet fun audio companion for mobile devices. In terms of performance and features, the review highlights several distinct pros. The headphones offer exceptional comfort due to very soft leather ear padding and an adjustable 24-step aluminum headband. They are highly portable thanks to a 180-degree folding joint mechanism and an included robust soft carrying case. Sonically, the Synchros 500 excels with a clean, well-balanced mid-to-high frequency distribution that uncovers clear vocal details without introducing harsh or piercing sibilants. Furthermore, the inclusion of two separate 1.2-meter remote cables ensures complete control compatibility across both Apple iOS devices and other smartphones or tablets.

The COMPUTER BILD review awards the JBL Synchros S700 a "good" rating of 2.2, praising its premium build quality made of steel, aluminum, and leather, alongside a powerful, massive sound profile. A standout technical highlight is its integrated "Live Stage" DSP electronics, which artificially widens the soundstage to mimic a live concert venue rather than keeping the audio trapped inside the listener's head. The reviewer notes that the device is highly functional for smartphone use, offering ample volume and a detachable cable equipped with an in-line remote and hands-free microphone. Additionally, a key functional benefit is that the headphones can still seamlessly operate in passive mode without any battery power. However, the review outlines several drawbacks, pointing out that at 368 grams, the headset is notably large and heavy. While the plush leather ear cushions offer high wearing comfort, they have a tendency to make the user's ears sweat during extended listening sessions. The electronic "Live Stage" audio processing is also polarizing; it introduces a noticeably cooler sound signature that might not appeal to all preferences. Finally, for travel, the...

The audiovision review highlights the JBL Synchros S 700 as a robust, high-quality, part-active headphone priced at 300 Euros. Its core selling point is a built-in lithium-ion battery that powers a switchable "Live Stage" DSP, designed to replicate a large concert hall or P. A. system sound experience. Built with 180-degree rotating aluminum earcups and sturdy plastic components, it delivers premium, creak-free build quality. The 50mm drivers produce a rich, warm, and highly balanced sound profile suited for long listening sessions, pushing a powerful deep bass that down to 24 Hertz remains entirely distortion-free. It also includes tangle-free cables—one equipped with a USB plug for charging—making it suitable for athletic use. However, the review points out several design and performance drawbacks. On the downside, the 5-centimeter internal earcup diameter provides a rather tight fit for users with larger ears. In terms of acoustic presentation, the highest frequencies slightly lack brilliance and sparkle. Furthermore, engaging the "Live Stage" effect introduces an aggressively colored tone to musical tracks and causes a faint, audible background hiss during quiet pauses. While the DSP is...

The JBL Synchros S 700 is an on-ear headphone featuring large 50mm drivers and a built-in digital signal processor (DSP) equipped with "LiveStage" technology. This DSP is powered by an integrated rechargeable battery that provides up to 28 hours of battery life and can be toggled on or off by pressing the JBL logo. In passive mode, the headphones deliver a detail-rich, wide, and deep soundstage with a powerful, bass-heavy character that easily handles deep frequencies without causing fatigue. Activating the DSP shifts the spatial imaging forward for an immersive, concert-like atmosphere, though it also results in a thinner bass response and slightly increased distortion. Pros and Cons Pros Soundstage: Offers a very spacious, deep, and wide spatial representation. Audio Quality: Delivers high resolution with a strong, deep bass performance. Build and Comfort: Features excellent craftsmanship, utilizing a wide aluminum headband and thickly padded leather earcups that prevent uncomfortable pressure. Battery Life: Provides an impressive 28 hours of playback time for the DSP functionality. Cons Active Mode Audio: Activating the DSP causes a noticeable drop in bass and slightly raises...

The JBL Synchros S700 is a premium over-ear headphone that balances high-quality materials with advanced audio technology. Built with a brushed stainless steel headband and die-cast aluminum earcups, its construction is incredibly durable and boasts an excellent, high-end tactile feel despite its heavy 350-gram weight. In terms of comfort, the headphone features exceptionally soft, breathable leather padding and 90-degree rotating earcups that allow for a perfect fit on almost any head shape. It is highly versatile, operating both passively and actively via a rechargeable battery that delivers up to 28 hours of life. Performance-wise, the passive mode utilizes a 50mm driver and a PureBass system to deliver a warm, voluminous sound with clean bass and well-defined mid-frequencies, though this bass-heavy tuning occasionally slightly masks the crisp clarity of the highs. The standout feature of the S700 is its proprietary active "LiveStage" digital signal processing, which effectively replicates the expansive, room-filling acoustic atmosphere of a live concert at the touch of a button. When activated, it scales back the heavy bass, fine-tunes the brilliance of the highs, and boosts the mid-tones,...