jbl-spot-speakers

JBL Spot is a set of 2.1 speakers with unique design. It has 2 satellite units with 9 cm diameter and around 6 cm height. The subwoofer unit’s dimensions are 20 cm diameter and 14 cm height. According to its official specs, each satellite unit delivers 6 watts of power, with the subwoofer delivers 24 watts. All three units are powered by neodymium transducers.

Design-wise, these speakers have customizable look, allowing me to change the speakers’ color. Out of the box, it comes in two colors that users can choose themselves: black and white. The color layer is actually removable and changeable. JBL calls these layers “wrappers”. When I first unboxed it, the black wrappers is attached to the speakers, and the white wrappers are included for free. JBL does sell designer wrappers separately if anyone’s interested, but my entire desk has white-silver theme, so I’m quite happy with the white wrappers.

jbl-spot-unpacking

Changing the wrappers are a little bit tricky. First we need to remove the black wrappers from each unit. IT was fairly easy to remove the black wrappers from the two satellite units, but removing the wrapper from subwoofer unit took me a while because I didn’t want to risk breaking my new speakers. Installing the white wrappers were easier, basically just align-and-snap.

Sound-wise, JBL Spot delivers surprisingly powerful sound for its size. The satellite brings rich and vibrant details of voice while the subwoofer gives us solid bass. I tried increasing the volume to the loudest level that I dare to use (without disturbing my neighbors) and still I like how it sounds. Tried using it for playing movies in my computer, listening to music and some casual gaming. All gives me better performance than my old Altec Lansing. So I’m quite happy here.

Speaking about “sound quality”, I believe it depends on a person’s expectations compared to what he actually gets. I’m not an audiophile, I simply want my music and my movies to sound better, and I get what I wanted. If you think you have higher expectations of sound quality, you might want to check out other models.

These speakers are powered from the subwoofer. There are volume adjusters in the subwoofer unit and the right satellite. The one in subwoofer uses turn dial and the one in the satellite use touch buttons. I set both on around 80% permanently and control the rest from my computer. The power switch is in subwoofer unit at the back side in the middle of those cables, so it’s kinda hard to reach on a daily basis. I decided to just leave it on.

I noticed that there were a tiny sound of hissing when I reopen my computer after it went to sleep mode the previous night. Most people will probably not even notice this unless they are specifically told to pay attention to. Easily solved by powering off the speakers, then turn it on again. So far, it doesn’t happen unless my Mac went to sleep mode beforehand.

The design of these speakers improve the overall look of my working desk. Really love it. The cables are generous (and good quality) so I have more flexibility in arranging their locations.

Overall, I’m very happy with this purchase and will keep using them as my main speakers. I will probably not even consider to get them for its “normal” price of $300++. But for the good deal that I got (under $50), I have no complaint.