JBL takes on Sonos with new multi-room Cove speakers

JBL is good known for its portable bluetooth and statement speakers, but now it’s besides stepping into the world of connected whole-home audio. The JBL Cove bid of speakers introduced coming tin activity independently, arsenic a stereo pair, aliases linked together to shape a multi-room sound system, placing the scope successful title pinch Sonos and Bose’s caller Lifestyle Ultra speakers.

There are 3 models successful the JBL Cove series, which travel successful a prime of achromatic aliases achromatic colour options and will beryllium disposable starting September 13th. There’s the compact $229.95 Cove M1, which includes 3 0.75-inch tweeters and a azygous 4-inch woofer, but requires a wired powerfulness source. The larger $399.95 Cove P1 has Dolby Atmos support and the added convenience of being battery-powered, pinch up to 14 hours of playtime, according to JBL. The $449.95 Cove X1 is the flagship model, which besides needs to beryllium plugged into a powerfulness outlet, but features 4 1.25-inch tweeters and dual 4-inch woofers alongside Dolby Atmos support.

The Cove speakers link together done Wi-Fi and tin beryllium managed done the JBL One app for controlling euphony streams and room groupings. Notable features see automatic self-tuning, JBL’s “AI Sound Boost” exertion to forestall audio distortion astatine precocious volumes, and a “Music Follows Me” characteristic that transfers audio to the room you’re successful without resorting to a phone, by long-pressing the Moment fastener connected the closest speaker.

Supported services see Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Qobuz Connect, AirPlay 2, Google Cast, and Roon Ready. US Alexa Plus subscribers tin besides entree the Amazon adjunct done Cove speakers, including voice-activated smart location controls. Each speaker besides supports Bluetooth for a nonstop relationship pinch phones and tablets, and tin link pinch JBL’s Bar Series MK2 soundbars for an expanded location theatre experience.