Justin Timberlake claims to be bringing “sexy” back, but JBL Inc. may have already beaten him to the punch. The audio maker’s JBL Spot multimedia speaker is a sleek, futuristic-looking trio that features clear, noise-free audio from one end of the spectrum to another. BE tested the device with an iPod Nano, a tablet PC, and a Mac iBook G4.
The 2.1 channel speakers are easy to set up. (We don’t really think you need the eight-step photo guide, but you never know.) And at 6 watts per channel, they’re perfect for those who need great sound in a small home office or gaming environment. Priced at $129.99, the Spot features volume controls that are deceptively easy to use—a gentle tap, rather than “pressing” as the instructions suggest is all you need. As a bonus, the product ships with a set of “wrappers” (white is the standard topper for the black speakers and subwoofer).
But there is one drawback: The Spot had us weaving a tangled mess of cords—four in all—which, at times, made it a bit difficult to reach the power button. However, despite the potential entanglements, the JBL speakers hit their mark.