Harman’s JBL Spinner BT record player has Bluetooth 5.2 support and aptX HD encoding. Alternatively, you can hook it up to speakers with a wired connection.
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Harman says its new JBL wireless turntable doesn’t skimp on audio quality
Harman has pulled back the curtain on a new record player that it claims does not sacrifice audio quality during wireless playback. The JBL Spinner BT has Bluetooth 5.2 support and aptX HD encoding, which will ensure that you’ll get the “authentic sound” of your records, according to Harman. If you’d rather stick with a wired connection, though, the turntable has analog output with switchable moving magnet phono stage and an integrated phono preamplifier.
The Spinner BT has locked speeds and a speed sensor that Harmon says will “guarantee perfect pitch.” On the tonearm, you’ll find a preinstalled Audio Technica moving magnet cartridge. A removable head shell should make replacing and upgrading the cartridge a piece of cake. As for the base, Harman has damped the feet to reduce vibration from external sources. The record player’s black MDF plinth, meanwhile, has accents of JBL’s signature orange.
The JBL Spinner BT, which includes a hinged dust cover, will be available this fall. Harman says it’ll cost $399.
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HyperX leans into 3D printing for its next wave of gaming accessories
Last year HyperX broke into a new hardware category with its Armada monitors. But this year at CES the company is taking things in an entirely different direction with the introduction of its new 3D-printed gaming accessories.
With the HX3D line, HyperX is leaning on the 3D color printing capabilities of its parent company (HP) to create a new range of personalized peripherals that would be difficult to make with more traditional manufacturing processes. That said, HyperX is starting off small (both literally and figuratively), with its first product being a limited edition Cozy Cat keycap (which is compatible with most Cherry-style switches) that’s slated to go on sale sometime in January for $19.99.
Now unless you’re deep into the mechanical keyboard community, $20 for a single keycap might seem like a lot. And it is. However, when compared to custom hand-painted keys that can go for between $50 and $100 (or more), HyperX’s 3D-printed options don’t seem quite as ridiculous while still offering a surprising amount of detail.
But the most exciting thing is that the company has already created a huge variety of other concept products including an entire line of animal-themed keycaps, mic stands, headphone faceplates and more. And after seeing them in person, I have to say the detail on some of the more intricate offerings is rather impressive. I’m personally a fan of the dragon-themed headphone holder and the mic stand that looks like a cuter version of the mushroom people from Dark Souls.
The challenge for HyperX, though, is breaking into a new segment without much in the way of established characters or content. Because as adorable as the little cats, ducks and unicorns are, these accessories are more of a style play when compared to the company’s more traditional products which largely compete on specs and features. Granted, HyperX may already have a small built-in fanbase thanks to its roster of sponsored ambassadors like Pokimane, Gordon Hayward and Daigo. But still, it’s hard to say if this endeavor will be a boom or bust.
Alternatively, for people looking for more standard peripherals, at CES 2023 HyperX is also launching two new gaming mice and the company’s first officially licensed Xbox controller. The new Pulsefire Haste 2 mouse is designed for FPS gamers who prefer a lightweight mouse for enhanced reaction times, and it’s available in both wired and wireless models starting at $59.99 and $79.99.
Both mice come with HyperX’s 26K sensor that supports polling rates of up to 8,000Hz along with RGB lighting and customizable buttons. The main differences are that the wired version weighs a scant 53 grams while the wireless version comes in a bit heavier at 62 grams and features a battery life of up to 100 hours on a single charge. In some brief testing, I actually found the wired model to be so light that it threw off my aim, though that’s almost certainly because I generally prefer mice with a bit more heft.
Meanwhile, for console gamers, HyperX’s Clutch Gladiate controller doesn’t offer much in the way of extra frills or features. But then again, priced at just $34.99, that’s totally OK. In hand, the Glaidate feels a touch smaller than Microsoft’s first-party controller, and it’s a bit lighter too because, unlike the standard model, HyperX’s gamepad is wired-only. That said, I do enjoy the trigger locks in the back, which let you adjust the pull length of LT and RT from long to short when needed.
The Clutch Gladiate controller will be available first in March, followed by both versions of the Pulsefire Haste 2 mouse sometime in April.
JBL debuts true wireless earbuds with a touchscreen ‘smart’ case
For its latest Tour Series true wireless earbuds, JBL is taking an interesting approach to the wireless charging case. The Tour Pro 2 comes with what the company calls “the world’s first smart charging case,” thanks to a 1.45-inch LED touchscreen display on the outside. This panel offers controls for both music and calls in addition to notifications for messages and social apps. The company touts the convenience of not having to look at your phone for said items, but you will have to keep the case within reach.
Aside from the case, the Tour Pro 2 is a set of flagship earbuds. They’re equipped with adaptive active noise cancellation (ANC) and ambient sound mode with 10mm drivers, spatial audio and JBL’s Pro sound inside. Personi-fi 2.0 allows you to customize the audio profile to suit your listening habit and an ear tip fit test can ensure a proper fit. JBL says you can expect up to eight hours of use with ANC on (10 with it off) and three additional charges in the case, plus a quick-charge feature will give you four hours of use in 15 minutes. For calls, a collection of six microphones are onboard with the company’s VoiceAware tech. And lastly, the earbuds are IPX5 rated so they should withstand workouts just fine.
The Tour Pro 2 will arrive in this spring in black and champagne color options for $249.95.
JBL is also expanding the Tour Series with a new set of noise-canceling headphones. The Tour One M2 is an over-ear model that offers both the company’s True Adaptive ANC and JBL Pro drivers. The noise-canceling tech monitors and adapts to your surroundings in real time. The company is also debuting a feature similar to Sony’s Speak-to-Chat tool that automatically pauses audio and activates ambient sound mode when you talk. JBL calls it Smart Talk and the feature resumes your previous ANC setting when you’re done speaking. The company’s Personi-Fi 2.0 is on these as well, giving you customized audio to meet your sonic sensibilities. JBL Spatial Sound is here too, as is a low volume EQ that keeps audio quality consistent when the content isn’t as loud.
In terms of battery life, the company says you can expect up to 30 hours with active noise cancellation on or up to 50 hours with it off. If you find yourself in a pinch, a quick-charge tool will give you five hours of listening in 10 minutes. JBL says four VoiceAware-equipped microphones help with calls, so on paper these should be suitable for any chats that might arise.
The Tour One M2 will arrive this spring in black and champagne color options for $299.95. JBL says a forthcoming over-the-air update will deliver Bluetooth 5.3 and LE Audio to both the Tour Pro 2 and Tour One M2.