(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
OtterBox
for iPod Mini On
the run, in the car, or at the gym, our iPods have gone with
us to the ends of the earth... except places near water. But
thanks to the OtterBox Mini you can now safely take your
iPod Mini near or even underwater.
The Torch Wicked Lasers named their new flashlight the TORCH... and for good reason. The "TORCH" is technically a flashlight. It looks like a flashlight. Operates like a flashlight. But this is no ordinary flashlight. The TORCH is so bright that its beam can ignite flammable objects as fast as fire.
Flip Mino Camcorder The super-portable, super-simple Flip Mino makes it easy to capture and share high-quality video anywhere and everywhere. And thanks to its flip-out USB arm and intuitive, built-in software, Mino lets you view, edit and upload your videos to popular video-sharing sites instantly.
Apogee Duet What if you could find a relatively inexpensive interface that could easily convert that analog signal to a higher quality digital output for all your apps? Well, the sleek, portable aluminum-cased Apogee Duet may just be the answer.
Radius Atomic Bass
Earbuds If you're looking for an inexpensive, lightweight pair of earbuds with fantastic bass, then Radius' Atomic Bass earbuds are the earbuds of your dreams.
JL421 Badonkadonk Land Cruiser You The JL421 Badonkadonk Land Cruiser (ba-donk-a-donk) is a custom made tank that looks like it was modeled after Jabba the Hut's Sail Barge from Return of the Jedi. Nicknamed the "Donk," the JL421 Land Cruiser made its debut in 2002 at the Burning Man festival in Nevada.
Nintendo Wii Nunchuck Controller Is a weak arm or physical stamina keeping you from taking your Nintendo Wii gaming experience to the next level? Perhaps you should look into getting the Nintendo Wii Nunchuck Controller. This accessory adds even more innovation to the next generation of gaming and does it all with less physical movement.
JBL
Creature II Speaker System What’s
the point of downloading your favorite songs on iTunes if they sound
like crap on your computer’s built-in speakers? The sound quality
and volume these little babies emit, much to the chagrin of my neighbors,
is truly phenomenal.
Apple TV Review You may have heard of that new Apple product, I believe it's called the, uhh, Apple TV. I understand that newspapers, other blogs, and your Aunt have already reviewed this thing, but I thought I'd add my two cents.
Mod
Your iPod Are
you a victim of the iPod's blossoming popularity? Feel like just another
pair of white headphones in the crowd? Maybe it's time you got
an iPod Mod.
H20
iPod Mini Case
H20 Audio has created a waterproof and impact
resistant case so that we can take our iPod Minis anywhere we
want… including the ocean free.
Digital
Picture Frames Why
give someone a single still framed picture when you can give them
an entire slide show? Most Digital Picture Frames can playback a
series of digital photos and videos on high-resolution screens.
JBL
Encounter Speakers 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.
Wicked
Lasers Review What makes a Wicked Laser "wicked"? How impressive
is a military grade laser imported from China? Let's test it and find
out...
iTrip
LCD
Play your music through any FM radio: in your car, at work, at a party, wherever
the mood strikes you--so long as there's a radio handy.
news, reviews and how to's
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.
Radius Atomic Bass Earbuds
JBL
Encounter Speakers
Otterbox
for iPod Video
On
the run, in the car, or at the gym, our iPods have gone with
us to the ends of the earth... except places near water. But
thanks to the OtterBox Mini you can now safely take your
iPod Mini near or even underwater.
Wicked Lasers named their new flashlight the TORCH... and for good reason. The "TORCH" is technically a flashlight. It looks like a flashlight. Operates like a flashlight. But this is no ordinary flashlight. The TORCH is so bright that its beam can ignite flammable objects as fast as fire. 
The super-portable, super-simple Flip Mino makes it easy to capture and share high-quality video anywhere and everywhere. And thanks to its flip-out USB arm and intuitive, built-in software, Mino lets you view, edit and upload your videos to popular video-sharing sites instantly.
What if you could find a relatively inexpensive interface that could easily convert that analog signal to a higher quality digital output for all your apps? Well, the sleek, portable aluminum-cased Apogee Duet may just be the answer.
If you're looking for an inexpensive, lightweight pair of earbuds with fantastic bass, then Radius' Atomic Bass earbuds are the earbuds of your dreams.
Is a weak arm or physical stamina keeping you from taking your Nintendo Wii gaming experience to the next level? Perhaps you should look into getting the Nintendo Wii Nunchuck Controller. This accessory adds even more innovation to the next generation of gaming and does it all with less physical movement.
What’s
the point of downloading your favorite songs on iTunes if they sound
like crap on your computer’s built-in speakers? The sound quality
and volume these little babies emit, much to the chagrin of my neighbors,
is truly phenomenal.
You may have heard of that new Apple product, I believe it's called the, uhh, Apple TV. I understand that newspapers, other blogs, and your Aunt have already reviewed this thing, but I thought I'd add my two cents.
Are
you a victim of the iPod's blossoming popularity? Feel like just another
pair of white headphones in the crowd? Maybe it's time you got
an iPod Mod.
H20 Audio has created a waterproof and impact
resistant case so that we can take our iPod Minis anywhere we
want… including the ocean free.
Why
give someone a single still framed picture when you can give them
an entire slide show? Most Digital Picture Frames can playback a
series of digital photos and videos on high-resolution screens.
