Hi Jon, hope you are well! It's been a while since you last posted so hoping there are no serious issues on your end. Really enjoy your channel and how you present information. I also enjoy the connection report, I find it really interesting and insightful. You really make a supreme effort to let your followers feel heard so thanks so much for that! Sometimes I worry you will burn out with the time and effort you spend on your content. Anyway take care and know your appreciated by most of us for your efforts!
Your comment here means a lot to me. While I had some challenges which caused me to take a break for a few months, I am bake now and looking forward to resume content real some. First steps is catching up on are these great comments. I appreciate your concerns for my well being. Nothing serious, but stepping aware for a bit helped me navigate multiple priorities. With those past me, I feel it so refreshing to get back into this hobby and my regular videos to this audience. Glad you are here - thanks for your support. -Jon
Soo damn glad for channels like yours, you give us the truth so we the customers can make an informative purchase. All the other "influencer" TH-cam channels are saying this avr is easy to set up and it's for beginners. Harmon do this with all their products, buggy and a pain to set up. The frustrating thing is, the hardware is really damn good 🤦🏽🤷🏽♂️
I have viewed/read similar reports. Why? Maybe they are looking to build a relationship with the supplier (JBL) or simply find it easier to parrot the marketing material (especially if they have not setup the unit themselves.) In general positive reviews get more views/likes then negative reviews. I enjoy learning the strengths and limitations of each product. I feel I should share my findings with this audience. I have yet to engage with Harmon, so I need to purchase just like anyone one else to evaluate. -Jon
Thank you for detailed review. I’m sure that takes a long time. For me the most important is the audio quality. Once I set it up, I probably won’t change anything. The look of the AVR is also a plus. It looks nice and modern. I also need an AVR that is dual voltage. Not that many out there. Maybe they will fix the screen layout later with a firmware update. Once you mentioned it sounded good, I knew I want one. Thanks again!
I appreciate the feedback. When you say you need dual voltage, do you plan on using the same unit in multiple locations or do you simply need to option to provide support for the voltage standard in your region? -Jon
Wow, it reminds me of my old denon in setup. You had to do all the measurements manually. At least they have a test sound. Other than that, it looks to be a good once setup is done. Thanks again Jon for a detailed look at this product!!!
Hi Jon hope you and your family are doing well and recovering from your surgery. Looking forward to more content 😁. Lots going on in the audio world with Bose purchasing McIntosh and Sonus Faber and, Massimo looking to sell off Sound United and even Voxx International that owns brands like Onkyo, Integra, Pioneer home audio and others is looking to be hurting. Interesting times ahead. I wish Yamaha would hurry up with an updated Aventage AV line 😬 - Dave
Hello Ripewave I have a question about the XY chart presented around a 37 minute timeframe. For the Arcam AV 41 - that is a processor so what were the amplifiers used in coming to this determination rather than testing the AVR 30 or AVR 31. Thank you. Was this covered in a separate video?
Thank you for an extremely detailed evaluation. The main reason for my interest in JBL's new AV receiver is that it is one of the few that is Roon ready. I realize it has many flaws. Are there any other receivers in the same price range that are Roon ready that you recommend?
At the price point of the JBL MA Series, there may not be another brand with Roon Ready. You can see the full list of certifications at: roon.app/en/partners -Jon
Thanks so much Jon. You put a lot of effort into this and I really appreciate it. Two thoughts, first, were you able to determine how easy/difficult it is to adjust trims on the fly? And any chance you could get in the Marantz Cinema 70s to compare slim models? Again, thanks!
@@ripewave Thanks for checking. Deal breaker for me. As far as the Cinema 70s, I believe it's the only model in their line up that does not have the HDAMs which supposedly give their other models the "warm Marantz sound". It's possible that the 70 would score higher in your listening tests because of this.
@@ripewaveI hope you’ll see how the model 70 sounds as just a preamp since it has pre-outs and I think a lot of people would run it with external amps. I’ve thought of doing that myself.
Used this for a week and returned it. Got the Marantz Cinema 50. Should have gotten that to begin with. The JBL had too many issues. I could not get the EZ EQ working. The app is complete garbage. The inputs would switch on me randomly. The speakers also had white noise coming out of them when nothing was playing.
We are getting close to the release of the RMC-1+ and XMC-2+ models. Now on the Emotiva website, but pending release for ordering. Certainly those models offer a lot more then the JBL MA series - but at higher prices, that makes sense. The website doesn't discuss the Dirac implementation. I suspect it is all integrated now without the need for their external workaround as in the first generation. -Jon
It’d be nice if they made 1 more step higher model, 11ch, 2 dedicated Sub outs. I’m looking for something that is good for gaming, 9-11Ch, Dirac, and I really want cool running class D I love that it’s efficient. I used to have a Denon x6300 and it was a space heater! I have easy to drive Klipsch system so I don’t feel the need of the power of separates but it seems to be the only route for a good system >_< AV10 + class D But AV10 is overkill! Common Marantz Av20 plz? Or I can just say screw it “upgrade” my Pioneer LX901 to the LX805 (1/2 off at Bestbuy!!) Though kind of tempting to do A1H if I’m going to go class A/B anyways I was McIntosh MHT300 or NAD T778 was gaming friendly
Do you feel that gaming has unique needs over a home theater applications? - both benefit from higher channel counts. Of course, for gaming the HDMI 2.1 features can be more important. I agree - class D is the future with it efficiency and low heat. - Jon
It has been a while since- thanks for your concern. I am planning a comeback now. Was set back after an injury, minor surgery and a kitchen renovation. I am excited about returning in the next two weeks. I appreciate the support. -Jon
Hey Jon... its now been 3 months since your last video... please let us know you're ok!
Hi Jon, hope you are well! It's been a while since you last posted so hoping there are no serious issues on your end.
Really enjoy your channel and how you present information. I also enjoy the connection report, I find it really interesting and insightful. You really make a supreme effort to let your followers feel heard so thanks so much for that! Sometimes I worry you will burn out with the time and effort you spend on your content. Anyway take care and know your appreciated by most of us for your efforts!
Your comment here means a lot to me. While I had some challenges which caused me to take a break for a few months, I am bake now and looking forward to resume content real some. First steps is catching up on are these great comments. I appreciate your concerns for my well being. Nothing serious, but stepping aware for a bit helped me navigate multiple priorities. With those past me, I feel it so refreshing to get back into this hobby and my regular videos to this audience. Glad you are here - thanks for your support. -Jon
Soo damn glad for channels like yours, you give us the truth so we the customers can make an informative purchase.
All the other "influencer" TH-cam channels are saying this avr is easy to set up and it's for beginners. Harmon do this with all their products, buggy and a pain to set up. The frustrating thing is, the hardware is really damn good 🤦🏽🤷🏽♂️
I have viewed/read similar reports. Why? Maybe they are looking to build a relationship with the supplier (JBL) or simply find it easier to parrot the marketing material (especially if they have not setup the unit themselves.) In general positive reviews get more views/likes then negative reviews. I enjoy learning the strengths and limitations of each product. I feel I should share my findings with this audience. I have yet to engage with Harmon, so I need to purchase just like anyone one else to evaluate. -Jon
Thank you for detailed review. I’m sure that takes a long time. For me the most important is the audio quality. Once I set it up, I probably won’t change anything. The look of the AVR is also a plus. It looks nice and modern. I also need an AVR that is dual voltage. Not that many out there. Maybe they will fix the screen layout later with a firmware update. Once you mentioned it sounded good, I knew I want one. Thanks again!
I appreciate the feedback. When you say you need dual voltage, do you plan on using the same unit in multiple locations or do you simply need to option to provide support for the voltage standard in your region? -Jon
Wow, it reminds me of my old denon in setup. You had to do all the measurements manually.
At least they have a test sound.
Other than that, it looks to be a good once setup is done.
Thanks again Jon for a detailed look at this product!!!
It does seem to be a step backwards vs. forward in simplicity as claimed. -Jon
Hi Jon hope you and your family are doing well and recovering from your surgery. Looking forward to more content 😁. Lots going on in the audio world with Bose purchasing McIntosh and Sonus Faber and, Massimo looking to sell off Sound United and even Voxx International that owns brands like Onkyo, Integra, Pioneer home audio and others is looking to be hurting. Interesting times ahead. I wish Yamaha would hurry up with an updated Aventage AV line 😬 - Dave
Hello Ripewave I have a question about the XY chart presented around a 37 minute timeframe. For the Arcam AV 41 - that is a processor so what were the amplifiers used in coming to this determination rather than testing the AVR 30 or AVR 31. Thank you. Was this covered in a separate video?
Thank you for an extremely detailed evaluation. The main reason for my interest in JBL's new AV receiver is that it is one of the few that is Roon ready. I realize it has many flaws. Are there any other receivers in the same price range that are Roon ready that you recommend?
At the price point of the JBL MA Series, there may not be another brand with Roon Ready. You can see the full list of certifications at: roon.app/en/partners
-Jon
Maybe we should wait for version 2 of these models.
It is not uncommon for new firmware to address many of the initial issues or missing features. -Jon
Why hasn't it been updated? I have always liked your channel and I am very eager to see your updates again
I had to step away for a bit, but now I am back. New videos coming soon. Glad you enjoy the channel. -Jon
Thanks so much Jon. You put a lot of effort into this and I really appreciate it. Two thoughts, first, were you able to determine how easy/difficult it is to adjust trims on the fly? And any chance you could get in the Marantz Cinema 70s to compare slim models? Again, thanks!
No trim adjust on the JBL MA Series. Yes - possible to bring in models like the Cinema 70s. -Jon
@@ripewave Thanks for checking. Deal breaker for me. As far as the Cinema 70s, I believe it's the only model in their line up that does not have the HDAMs which supposedly give their other models the "warm Marantz sound". It's possible that the 70 would score higher in your listening tests because of this.
@@ripewaveI hope you’ll see how the model 70 sounds as just a preamp since it has pre-outs and I think a lot of people would run it with external amps. I’ve thought of doing that myself.
@@williamhicks2763 Maybe Jon could try it both ways.
Used this for a week and returned it. Got the Marantz Cinema 50. Should have gotten that to begin with. The JBL had too many issues. I could not get the EZ EQ working. The app is complete garbage. The inputs would switch on me randomly. The speakers also had white noise coming out of them when nothing was playing.
I feel like everything is on hold waiting to see what the RMC-1+ brings to the party.
We are getting close to the release of the RMC-1+ and XMC-2+ models. Now on the Emotiva website, but pending release for ordering. Certainly those models offer a lot more then the JBL MA series - but at higher prices, that makes sense. The website doesn't discuss the Dirac implementation. I suspect it is all integrated now without the need for their external workaround as in the first generation. -Jon
Is the ChromeCast a full device for video and such, or is it only for screen / audio casting to?
I believe it is only for screen / audio casting. -Jon
Cool.
Glad you enjoyed! - Jon
It’d be nice if they made 1 more step higher model, 11ch, 2 dedicated Sub outs.
I’m looking for something that is good for gaming, 9-11Ch, Dirac, and I really want cool running class D I love that it’s efficient. I used to have a Denon x6300 and it was a space heater!
I have easy to drive Klipsch system so I don’t feel the need of the power of separates but it seems to be the only route for a good system >_<
AV10 + class D
But AV10 is overkill! Common Marantz Av20 plz?
Or I can just say screw it “upgrade” my Pioneer LX901 to the LX805 (1/2 off at Bestbuy!!)
Though kind of tempting to do A1H if I’m going to go class A/B anyways
I was McIntosh MHT300 or NAD T778 was gaming friendly
Do you feel that gaming has unique needs over a home theater applications? - both benefit from higher channel counts. Of course, for gaming the HDMI 2.1 features can be more important.
I agree - class D is the future with it efficiency and low heat. - Jon
Does it get warm?
It's a class D amplifier, so no.
It did not get warm. The beauty of Class D - Jon
It's a real pity it doesn't score well on the usability factor, especially for setup.
The poor usability and setup factors were a surprise. I went into the review with optimism given their promotional material. -Jon
Hi John @ripewave, it's been a while, hope you're ok.
It has been a while since- thanks for your concern. I am planning a comeback now. Was set back after an injury, minor surgery and a kitchen renovation. I am excited about returning in the next two weeks. I appreciate the support. -Jon
@@ripewave Great to hear from you Jon. Glad to hear you're up and running again!