Overview JBL Playlist - multi-system with support for Google Chromecast

Design and equipment

Options JBL Playlist not less ascetic than its design: the column comes just a set of instructions, and power cords (with European and American plug).

Dimensions Playlist (31,6 × 14,7 × 13,1 cm) are modest speakers for home and allow to place column on the sill, a kitchen cabinet or shelf.

Column itself looks stylish and minimalistic: LEDs are located under the buttons, and the only inscription on the body - the JBL logo. The case is made of quality materials and designed, apparently, people with taste.

A little about materials: a large part of the body is covered with a nice matte plastic, and the speakers are hidden behind a nylon mesh-grill. JBL Playlist is available in three colors: black, white and dark blue. If your choice has fallen on a column of white color, white is the fabric on the front of the chassis. It's pretty Brand: the kitchen, too close to the stove and a frying pan, we would not have dared to put a column.

The front panel is nothing superfluous: Power, Volume, Play / Pause and the inclusion of Bluetooth. The last button to hide indicators. Mute - by pressing the two volume keys. Under the cloth is Wi-Fi indicator that lights up when you connect a pleasant blue light.

At the rear of the rest of the monolithic device is a passive radiator. Looks stylish, beautifully vibrates. Under it - the deepening of a power socket and a reset button, and AUX-in.

Chromecast and other functions

JBL Playlist is not intended to replace a serious acoustics, and even become a "right» Bluetooth-column, it does not attempt, as evidenced no battery. But streaming music via Wi-Fi - her profile. Outset, Wi-Fi-module is what is called a masthead: JBL Playlist supports leading standards IEEE 802.11n / ac and operates in the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz.

The advantages of connecting via Wi-Fi a lot. More importantly, provides a "multi-room" - the ability to connect to multiple devices streaming. Household example: you can start to listen to a podcast on your computer, and continue in the kitchen preparing dinner. These technologies do not cause the wah effect, but in fact significantly change life for the better.

A further advantage: continuous streaming. Chromecast technology provides broadcast bypassing core business smartphone or your computer: you can receive calls and receive notifications - music is not interrupted.

Summarize the list of advantages you can force "breakdown» Wi-Fi. Of course, modern Bluetooth standards cope with an impressive distance and even with a couple of interior walls, but the Wi-Fi still reliable.

JBL Playlist able to broadcast media from a PC, iOS, and Android. And then you can not say about the main Chromecast lack of technology - the need to use compatible applications. All anything, but among them there are not many popular Russian servicesSuch as Apple Music or "Yandex. Music. " And yes, JBL Playlist does not support AirPlay.

At this point the column with Chromecast support might be interested subscribers «Google Play Music», Deezer, TuneIn, and SoundCloud or Mixcloud active users. Any discomfort they experience Spotify subscribers and fans to listen to music from the desktop version of the browser: JBL Playlist supports the Connect Spotify and "catches" broadcast from Chrome.

Before you start, JBL Playlist will need to register in your Wi-Fi-network via Google Home application. As it is regulated and further interaction Chromecast-devices: create a group changes the volume (as speaker group, and each separately), displays the current activity.

After we booked our speakers and set up the necessary group, you can move to streaming. To do this, open any of the compatible applications, find the translation icon and select the playback device.

A little bit about alternative connection methods: JBL Playlist have no NFC-module, all other popular protocols are supported (Bluetooth 4.2, AUX).

Sound and specifications

Under nylon mesh JBL Playlist conceals two 57-mm speaker 15 watts each. The depth of the bass provides the rear passive radiator. Stated AFC - from 60 Hz to 20 kHz. Judging by test results French portal Les Numeriques, these figures are reliable. Based on our impressions - too.

Column, despite its small size, it sounds serious and self-sufficient. At a moderate level, and not the most frequency-filled compositions are not particularly find fault with what: JBL Playlist gives a smooth and pure sound that is evenly distributed in a small space.

Bass obtained from JBL is particularly convincing, perhaps too strongly to room speakers. On the impressive volume and filled with a mix I had not enough midrange, but it tastes like and loudspeakers requirements are subjective. JBL Playlist is often compared with the Sonos Play: 1 - excellent and more expensive speakers. Judging by test results CNET's portal, the sound quality of our experimental in most instances does not concede, and in some cases superior to the column by Sonos.

Verdict

JBL Playlist is not protected from dust and moisture, it is inconvenient to carry in a backpack, and the built-in battery is missing. Nevertheless, this is a great house for a column. The security, mobility and autonomy it is simply not needed.

But the feasibility of owning a home system, acting on Chromecast technology - a controversial issue, especially for the Russian people. Development of Google is compatible with hundreds of programs, but the vast majority of them - the unknown radio applications. Chromecast-leading services - Spotify, Pandora, YouTube Music - we do not work.

If you do decide to create your Chromecast home-audio system, there's no reason to at least one of the columns it does not become JBL Playlist. And yes, the majority of this class of devices significantly more expensive.

Buy JBL Playlist for 9990 rubles →