Are you not yet ready to kill reviewers for talking about “controversial” devices? I hope not, because it’s more interesting to review controversial gadgets. Moreover, your undeniable adoration or, on the contrary, undeniable abuse, my dear reader, invariably evokes a feeling of advertising, even when the blogger not only wasn’t paid for writing a post, but also didn’t keep the gadget in question (here you definitely need to write about snickering bloggers).

I’ll say right away that they left the JBL Synchros E50BT for me and I took them to work. Why to work? Because I don’t listen to headphones at home, but mix music in studio AKG 141s. But on the street and when traveling, I prefer compact earbuds. At work, on the other hand, listening to music in the process of a creative impulse, in closed on-ear headphones, is just the thing. That’s why I used to have some cheap Sennheisers on my desk in the office, but now I have JBL Sychros E50BTs.

So why are headphones still controversial? Well, first of all, I think they have a few design flaws. First of all, the 2.5 mm connector for charging and connecting an analog signal is rather a minus. The downside is that the adapter from a 2.5 mm jack to a 3.5 mm jack is far from standard, and the adapter from a 2.5 mm jack to USB (for charging) is a rarity. Thus, in order to fully service the headphones, you have to carry two branded cables with you and try not to lose them. And if the manufacturer placed a micro-USB connector on the case for charging, and replaced the 2.5 mm jack with a 3.5 mm one, it would be much more convenient and simpler.

The second design flaw is the combination of the Bluetooth pairing activation button and the power button. There are two different functions, but the button is one. Moreover, in both cases the button must be held for a long time, but with different durations. As a result, it is not clear what function you are using this moment you activate. Even if a person had an accurate stopwatch in his head, he still needs to remember how many seconds to keep for one and how many for another. Although, I admit, many manufacturers “like” to mix these two functions in one button. And, I repeat, there would be no problem if for one function it (the button) had to be kept pressed, and for another - briefly pressed. Users are already accustomed to the fact that short pressing and holding are two different actions. And measuring the degree of retention is, excuse me...

In other respects, however, the E50BT has no problems. I really liked the white headphones that were given to me, I would definitely prefer them to the black, dark blue and red ones that JBL also has in stock. Of course, I don’t listen to them very actively, but they haven’t gotten dirty yet.

As for the sound, it’s not exactly my sound (but nowadays even Sony and AKG don’t make “my” sound), but it’s still very decent, even over Bluetooth. Deep, clear, easy to read. It’s just that, for my taste, they went overboard with the low frequencies (they didn’t push them up, but slightly overextended them, but now this is the trend and many people like it) and compressed the high ones. Although the latter is understandable - this is still Bluetooth, and you won’t get along with the dynamics here. Over the wire, however, the E50BT sound almost the same, apparently on purpose so that the user does not have to worry about the choice.

But in one word, they sound good.

By the way, there are no problems with memory for several devices. They can be “paired” with at least two devices.

In the fall, Harman announced a line of E-series headphones, consisting of three models for a wide variety of audiences - wired JBL Synchros E30, as well as wireless E40BT and E50BT. In parallel with this, the company managed to receive the 2014 Red Dot Design Award. The devices “hooked” the award participants. Well, we have at our disposal the most advanced model from this series - JBL Synchros E50BT. The model is wireless, costing about 5,990 rubles in Russian online stores.

Appearance, design, materials

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The headphones are supplied in a large hard cardboard box. The box itself is white interspersed with orange parts, as well as large photographs of the headset and a description of the main technical parameters. The design is high quality and quite stylish.

Inside the box is a black plastic box in which the headphones are secured. I tested with a silver headset. In addition, white, blue and red options can be found on sale. In general, everyone can find a suitable color.

On one side of the box there is another cardboard box. It contains the audio cable and documentation with operating instructions.

The appearance of Synchros E50BT is extremely modern and youthful. The assembly and materials were chosen very well. The design uses hard matte plastic and leatherette. There is not much metal in this headset, but it is there.

The headband is made of plastic, and the guides themselves are made of sheet steel. The inside of the headband is covered with a soft polyurethane casing.

The fixation of the cups is quite clear and allows adjustment to individual head sizes. Another thing is that the headphone adjustment mechanism is too limited. For example, I was stuck at the maximum level. I wanted to further loosen the fit of the headband, but there was simply no reserve. It is clear that children, adolescents and representatives of the fair sex will not have such a problem, but men will. For this reason, before purchasing, you should definitely try on the headset and determine whether it suits you or not.

The cups have silver plastic lining with the JBL logo. The inside is marked with which earphone is which. The cups can be moved 90 degrees to the side (the hinges are metal). This is an additional degree of freedom.

In general, I liked the design: bright, high-tech and effective.

In general, the design of the headphones is well thought out, nothing dangles or creaks. Thanks to the use of plastic and a minimum of metal, the weight of the headset is relatively light.

Contents of delivery:

• Headphones Harman JBL Synchros E50BT
• Audio cable
• USB cable for charging the battery from a computer
• Documentation

Comfortable to wear. Control

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The headband of the headphones is moderately hard. The ear pads are placed tightly on top of the ears. They are made of soft polyurethane. There is no unpleasant smell, the tactile sensations are pleasant. If it were not for the limitation on adjusting the cups, the headset would be extremely comfortable. And so, people with large heads may experience difficulties. You won't be able to listen to music for a long time.

At the end of the left cup you can find the Bluetooth power button. For convenience and clarity, it is backlit. The indicator lights up red and white. After turning it on for the first time, you just need to find the headset using mobile device and connect it.

The music playback control is built into the left cup. The buttons include volume control, play/pause (double-clicking will play the next track) and ShareMe mode. There is no option to rewind a specific track. Everything is standard. The button travel is small, but quite clear.

I’ll say something about time battery life. The manufacturer claims 18 hours of music playback and about 24 hours of talk time. This is a very good result for a headset of this size. In practice, the results of my tests were almost completely identical to those stated. It takes about three hours to charge.

The only point that seemed controversial to me was the use of a non-standard cable to charge the headphone battery. It uses USB-2.5 mm, but I would like to see a universal microUSB. This one is much easier to find.

Sound quality

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The headphones are equipped with 50 mm speakers with a declared frequency range of 20 Hz-20 kHz. Sensitivity 117 dB, power - 30 mW, input impedance 32 Ohms. The sound reserve here is very high. Bass is reproduced clearly and distinctly.

The sound of the headset is quite decent, moderately bright. It is not up to par with the best examples. And the cost of these headphones is not enough to criticize. Low frequencies are reproduced quite naturally, but the effect of presence is rather weakly expressed. The volume is excellent. In general, it’s quite a universal option at an adequate price.

In addition, it is possible to connect the headset to a mobile device or computer using the included audio cable. This means that even if the battery is low, you can listen to music. That's a plus.

The sound quality in headset mode is also good, but the microphone is located quite far from the sound source, so audibility is not always good. The problem is especially relevant for very noisy rooms or public transport. In a noisy place it is better to talk on the phone; in a quiet place you can use the E50 BT.

There is no active noise cancellation in the headphones. If you put on your “ears” and don’t turn on the music, you can partially hear what’s happening next to you. During music playback, background noise becomes inaudible. There is, of course, external noise, but it does not have a decisive effect. As for the audibility of sounds reproduced in headphones, people around you will almost completely not hear them. The exception to this rule is maximum volume.

Results

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To summarize, I can say that the JBL Synchros E50BT are extremely interesting youth headphones at an adequate price. There are five color options, bright appearance. Assembly and quality are at the highest level. I was also pleased with the battery life, equal to 18 hours in music listening mode. If the battery runs out, the headphones can be used in wired mode.

The sound here is adequate, but not up to par with models in a higher price category. At the same time, the JBL Synchros E50BT have a large volume reserve and reproduce the lows well. One of the features here is the function of “sharing” your music stream to other similar devices.

Advantages:

• Bright appearance
• Great build
• Long battery life
• Can be used in wired headphone mode
• Can be used in voice call mode

Flaws:

• There is a limitation on adjusting the cups on the headband

On the day of publication of the test review, Harman JBL Synchros E50BT headphones could be purchased at a price of 5,990 rubles.

Probably, many have seen couples in transport who, as a sign of complete mutual understanding, listen to music using one pair of headphones from one player. Some people get the left earphone, others the right. Everything is fine, except for the fact that any energetic grandmother wedged in free space between lovers, can instantly destroy this idyll.

In a situation like this wired headphones inconvenient not only because others can very easily interfere with enjoying the beautiful, but also physically damage (break) the wire from the headphones, and with special dexterity, “pull” the smartphone out of your pocket onto the floor. Wireless ears solve the problem only partly, because the standard implementation of the Bluetooth protocol assumes a “device-to-device” circuit, which does not allow making a broadcast transmitter out of a smartphone. There is a better way, and JBL offers it to us. It is called JBL Synchros E50BT and E40BT. As many have already guessed from the title picture, these are headphones.

The delivery set includes: the headphones themselves, two cables (the first with 3.5 and 2.5 mm jacks, and the second with a 2.5 mm USB jack) and two pieces of paper (warranty card and instructions for use). The second cable attracts attention with its unusualness. Apparently, for reasons of saving something valuable (or maybe they just decided not to fill the headphones with extra holes), the engineers combined the Audio-In input with the power socket. Unusual, but works well.

The headphones themselves look nice. The design is made in hi-tech style, the headband is adjustable in length (32 mm on each side). The structural elements are made of plastic, only the retractable parts of the arms are covered on the outside with silver metal plates (only for the older model). The headband is trimmed with leather-like material; the degree of softness on the inside of the headband of the older model is low. In this regard, the faux leather “pad” on the inside of the smaller model's plastic arm looks and feels nicer.

Each ear can be rotated 90 degrees. Thanks to this, the headphones can be folded compactly enough to be carried in a bag. The size of the actual headphones depends on the model. In the older model, the ear pads cover even the larger auricle, while in the younger model they only press down on it. Connectors and controls are located on the left earphone. At its bottom there is a 2.5 mm round connector for connecting the charging cable and audio cable. On the side surface a little behind there is a Bluetooth button to start the pairing process with a tablet or smartphone. The indicator built into it displays the various states of the device using complex combinations of lights.

There are many controls, but they are implemented compactly. All buttons are pressed using a large circular plate on the outer surface of the left earpiece. For example, to increase the volume, you need to press the plate once at the top (“12 o’clock”), to decrease it once at the bottom (“6 o’clock”). Pressing the “circle” once (“at 9 o’clock”) will start playback or pause it. Pressing twice will move forward through tracks, pressing three times will move backward. Also, using this button (“circle”) you can receive, reject and hold calls, but this is already aerobatics, so you need to read the instructions.

But that's not what we came here for. And behind a funny icon resembling a triangle in the palms (“at three o’clock”). This is the relay button. With its help, one JBL Synchros headphones can transmit sound to other JBL Synchros headphones. First you need to complete phone call(if there was one) or pause the music on the signal source device. Next, on those JBL Synchros headphones that were the first to be standardly connected via Bluetooth to the tablet/smartphone, you should press the sync button once. Then on the second (connected) headphones you need to “click” the treasured triangle twice. After about 15 seconds, the connection between the headphones will be established and you can start playback again. Now the same music will sound simultaneously in both pairs of ears. As you can see, the sequence of actions is quite simple, and you can try to remember it.

By tradition, I will divide my impressions of using headphones into three groups: physiological, acoustic and software.

The range of headband adjustments and cup rotation of the older model is enough for almost any situation. However, the younger model turned out to be less convenient in this regard. Its arch is harsh and, under certain circumstances, can put quite a lot of pressure on the large head and the bottom of the ear. Both pairs provide very good isolation from the sounds of the outside world, the older one by “immersing” the auricle in the ear pads, and the younger one by pressing it down. Before purchasing, if possible, it is advisable to try on how well the selected JBL Synchros model will fit your head.

Acoustically, both pairs are very pleasant. The sound is smooth, without obvious dips, with a good midrange and a good amount of bass. True, one gets the feeling that, just as speed limiters are installed in powerful sports cars, the bass in the JBL Synchros is slightly “pulled up”. In general, there are enough of them, they are pleasant, dense and elastic, and there is not much difference in their reproduction between the E50BT and E40BT. It is better not to abuse high volume levels, as they spoil the sound.

The relay process failed to start the first time. All buttons were pressed correctly, the indicators blinked in the correct sequences, and, according to them, the connection was established, but there was no sound. It was not there either on the second attempt or on the third. The sound magically appeared on the fourth attempt, after the second receiving pair was separately connected to the smartphone via Bluetooth (and then removed from the list of devices). What it was, individual intolerance of the iPhone 4S, crooked hands or software glitches, remains a mystery.

Overall, JBL has made a decent product. JBL Synchros E50BT and E40BT produce good sound and operate stably. The ability to relay a signal is their proprietary, useful and still unique feature. In general, if you don’t want to be caught off guard by the desire to listen to music with your girlfriend, the JBL Synchros E50BT and E40BT are your choice.

Listen to your favorite song at the same time, but in different headphones? Attract admiring glances? Enjoy great sound with deep bass? The new JBL Synchros E50BT headphones answer all your questions, and the answer is: “Yes!”

JBL E50BT - wireless on-ear headphones with Bluetooth support and ShareMe technology. When you first listen to music through the JBL E50BT, you'll immediately understand why these innovative headphones were awarded the prestigious 2014 Red Dot Design Award.
50mm drivers equipped with JBL PureBass technology literally envelop your ears, delivering an expansive soundstage with clarity and precision from 10Hz to 24kHz.

Bluetooth technology allows you to configure wireless communication with portable devices, and thanks to the integrated ShareMe technology, you can connect with your friend in JBL E50BT headphones with one touch and share music with him from your smartphone or tablet.

A single control button provides a clean connection for clear communication with noise-canceling technology. The built-in lithium-ion battery will provide sound for up to 18 hours without additional recharging. The ergonomic headband and 3D joints guarantee long-lasting, fatigue-free comfort. The soft faux leather ear cups provide passive noise cancellation and gently envelop your ears for an even more comfortable music experience. Stylish design The JBL E50BT's five unique color combinations visually reinforce the fact that the headphones look as vibrant as they sound.

Bluetooth technology and ShareMe function

Enjoy the convenience of wireless, unrivaled audio with Bluetooth technology that makes the JBL E50BT headphones universally compatible with any compatible device. And the ShareMe function will allow you to share your music with friends using the same headphones from your mobile device. Organize one concert for two!

Listen all day, charge at night

JBL E50BT are equipped with built-in lithium-ion battery with an enviable operating time of 18 hours without additional charging! But if you never leave your music, continue listening to it by connecting your headphones via the included aux cable.

Crystal clear mobile communications

Not only will you stay connected to the JBL E50BT, but you will also receive crystal clear mobile communications thanks to the built-in microphone with PureKonnexx echo cancellation technology. Switching from music to a call occurs with the press of one button - simple and convenient.

Inimitable JBL sound from premium 50mm drivers

JBL E50BT headphones boast a wide frequency range(from 10 Hz to 24 kHz) and smooth sound across the entire width. 50mm drivers with JBL PureBass technology deliver clear, immersive sound - Hear the Truth. The main thing is not to forget that you are not at a concert.

Ergonomic headband and soft ear pads

Soft faux leather ear pads and an ergonomic headband provide all-day comfort, while the closed-back design naturally creates effective noise cancellation.

An inexpensive on-ear headset with a number of interesting features - battery life is about 18 hours, there is an interesting ShareMe function, you can connect via Bluetooth or using a cable.

Design, construction

The headphones are massive, but quite light, you can wear them for hours without discomfort - although this is a purely individual matter, for some there will be no problems, others will complain. The packaging is standard for JBL - a large box, recognizable colors, white and orange.

For testing, I was given a black and gray sample, there are other combinations: red and black, blue and black, and so on, they all look fresh and interesting.

My version is the most brutal, especially coupled with the corrugated surface of the cups. It resembles metal when viewed from a distance, although in fact it is plastic. Inserts with logos on the cups are also made of plastic, the headband and ear pads are made of leatherette, there is also corrugation on the metal heads of the “bolts”. Metal guides, silver lining with a pleasant texture. Notice how it's made Bottom part– if you wish, you can simply place the headphones on the table.

In keeping with new trends in JBL design, the logos are large in size, on both the cups and the headband. When you hang the headphones around your neck, they will be visible to everyone around you.

Control

The illumination of the Bluetooth activation button on the end is very nicely done; the designers did an excellent job. The indicator lights up red and white, after the first turn on you just need to find the headset using your mobile device and connect.

All controls are located on the left earcup, these are the volume buttons, Play/Pause.

Peculiarities

Nutrition

The stated operating time is about 18 hours, talk time is about 24 hours, this is a very good result for a headset of this size. I didn’t really like that a non-standard USB-2.5 mm cable is used for charging; you would expect to see a universal microUSB, and not such a sophisticated solution. Charging takes about three hours.

Sound quality

First, some official data:

• Frequency Response - 20Hz – 22kHz
• Input Impedance - 32 ohms
• Maximum SPL - 115dB @ 30mW
• Rated Power Input - 30mW

Speaker diameter – 50 mm, very good low frequencies, in general the sound is not bad - there are no typical wireless headsets artifacts, although I didn't hear anything really interesting or impressive. For all its advantages, these are inexpensive wireless on-ear headphones, and if you are looking for a truly interesting experience from such a gadget, you will have to spend two or three times more. And this is a cheap and cheerful model that can please young people on the road and not only.

The quality of speech transmission is also good, but the microphone is located quite far from the mouth, so the interlocutors periodically complained that they could hear poorly, other sounds were getting through, and there was an echo. In a noisy place it is better to talk on the phone; in a quiet place you can use the E50 BT.

conclusions

This model is already on sale in Europe and the USA, the cost is about $150. The fresh design of JBL seems interesting to me; I have no complaints about the colors or assembly. Long operating time, convenient operation, the headphones fit well on the head and do not cause discomfort. The sound quality corresponds to the price, the sound does not cause any surprise - overall everything is good. I was pleased that the model can be connected via Bluetooth or using a cable. I didn’t have a chance to try the ShareMe function, so I can’t say anything about it yet. In Russia, the success of the model will greatly depend on the price; if the headset costs up to 5,000 rubles or a little more, then I can safely recommend buying it, for this money it’s really a good on-ear model. If the price is different, then you will need to compare it with competitors. In any case, the JBL Synchros E50BT is better than most (99%) of the no-name or little-known models on the market.