JBL Encounter 2.1 Speaker System

Reviews: Multimedia

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Bradford Day
Kurtis
JBL
Aug. 3, 2005

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Conclusion

There is no denying JBL's commitment to design. They are really reaching out to the iPod generation with their latest creations. And while these 2.1 speakers really aren't aimed specifically at Apple users, they sure would look sharp alongside a Mac Mini and an Apple flat panel LCD monitor.

Design features aside, these speakers do a good job of standing out on their sound characteristics alone. While no one can expect to extract glass-shattering sound from a 60 watt 2.1 speaker system, the Encounters don't disappoint. Loud volumes do a number on them for sure, but smooth bass and clear mids and highs are the general response at normal listening levels.

My issues with the volume and bass/treble controls are minor inconveniences with an overall well conceived design. Paired with one of Apple's color matched laptops or a Mac Mini these speakers would look right at home. While the Encounter speakers are directly aimed at a design savvy audience, audiophiles should be equally pleased with the results.

Pros

Sleek, stylish design elements
Smooth bass, clear sound
Light touch volume control
Color matched for Apple products

Cons

Distortion at high volume levels
Can't read volume level at a glance

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Page 1: Introduction
Page 2: First Looks
Page 3: Testing
Page 4: Conclusion

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5 User Comments

1 - Posted by mike on August 4, 2005 - 2:53 pm

If you can only make it say "Take me to your Beaver" they'd be the coolest alien speakers out there.

2 - Posted by J2T on August 5, 2005 - 7:57 am

Ok, your link is screwy. ;-) And those are the ugliest damn speakers I have seen. I guess I just prefer speakers that look like Logitechs or Klipsch

3 - Posted by CTM420 on August 5, 2005 - 11:45 am

Meh. I like these Infinity reference monitors I get to use while mixing. Loud and clear. 1000 watts of clarity. Expensive as hell though.

4 - Posted by handrail on August 5, 2005 - 12:49 pm

thanks for catching the link error, J2T. link fixed.

oh yeah, and nobody said anything about the groovy new black background in the pics! that iPod white plastic stuff is a royal pain to photograph with a white backdrop.

5 - Posted by Eagelbarret on April 17, 2007 - 3:42 am

Do any body have problem with the volumn control?
Like it doesn't work sometime...??

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