Audio, Entertainment, Headphones, Reviews

JBL Synchros S700 Headphones Review

December 2013

Looking for new over-the-ear headphones? JBL Synchros S700 are live and ready. Check out the review of these powerhouse headphones.

It’s been a short while since I’ve reviewed over the ear headphones. Coming across as JBL Synchros S700 over-the-ear headphones I was intrigued. I was eager to test these because they have something called LiveStage (more on that later). These headphones might not be appealing to ladies due to their large size, but if you’re into music quality over size and girlish style the Synchros S700 might appeal you.

JBL Synchros S700 Look and Design

The JBL Synchros S700 have that DJ look, but you can tell that effort was put into their design and styling to make them more universal. The headphones come in black and gray but I have the white and silver version. I liked that they didn’t have that plasticky look other popular headphones have out there. It was a different, more sophisticated look. The build is great as well.

The Synchros S700 have a very sturdy build and good quality feel. That’s probably because the headband is made of aluminum material. Since they are very large, they gave me the impression that they will be very heavy and difficult to wear for long periods of time. The headphones are large DJ-like headphones (or some can compare them to the Beats by Dre “Studio” or Sennheiser Momentum headphones size), but they’re very sleek and appealing. While the headphones appear to be heavy as well they are not either (for their size at least). The aluminum headband has the JBL logo on it. The ear cups also have the logo as well. The left earcup has the button for to activate and deactivate the LiveStage DSP.

Working the Synchros S700

The headphones come with three cables. Two cables are for use. One is compatible with android the other is compatible with iOS. They also come with a cord for charging them. The cord is different from others. It’s a 3.5mm jack to a USB connection. Not my ideal type of charging device since it’s the only cord of that type I have. I get what JBL was trying to do, have fewer ports, but I’m just so used to micro USB charging ports. I have to be extra careful not to mix up or misplace the cable. And just as my luck would have it, I lost the cable quickly and had to get a replacement cable (2.5mm jack to USB 2.0 charging cable).

Experience With Synchros S700

They have LiveStage Mode which is the reason you would have to charge my stage mode using a concert field or at least that’s what JBL wants to give you with this option. LifeStage the recipe DSPs that’s for digital signal processing this is how JBL wants to bring you the live concert sound.

Well the ear cups are be extremely comfortable, something I did not expect. The cushioned leather is comfortable for long periods of use, although I couldn’t wear to them for more than three hours. I try wearing headphones for as long as possible during testing. The headband can get a bit exhausting after a while. I had to take a mini break to prevent a pressure headache. I try to push the comfort zone.

S700 Battery Life

Three hours is pretty good for the size of these headphones. But with the S700s I have to test out the timing for other reasons besides comfort. I have to see how much the battery lasts on these bad boys. On the outer part of the left ear-cup, you press the button (with the JBL logo) to activate the LiveStage DSP mode. According to JBL Audio “The S700 features a built-in, rechargeable Li-ion battery to deliver 28 hours of enhanced listening with LiveStage technology, but it also features a Passive playback mode to keep the music going even when the battery is dead.”

Luckily I don’t have to wear headphones for more than a couple hours at a time. After a full charge on the S700s I left the headphones playing non-stop and I reached nearly 25 hours. I am a-okay with that. As you know I always carry a portable battery pack, but it’s good to know that they are long-lasting.

Listening Experience

As for music quality, let’s start by saying that the Synchros S700’s have 50mm drivers. That seems to be bigger than the norm, so I expected great sound. I went to my go-to testing track Michael Jackson’s Billie Jean. It has nearly everything I need to test out headphones. The sound of the intro drums are amazing with the deep bass the S700s offer. It’s like listening to the song for the first time. The keyboard came in nicely also. It was clear even alongside the drum.

As you may realize some songs are not great in LiveStage mode. This is not because of the headphones, but the track just can’t apply that “LiveStage” feel effectively.

Sync With the JBL Synchros S700 Headphones?

JBL is definitely stepping their game up with these headphones. They will change how you look at the company. They are not only about speakers and receivers anymore. But you have to pay a hefty price for the Synchros S700’s. At $349.99 you have to love the sound that these produce. I love that these give great bass without sacrificing the clarity of the highs. If you love bass the S700’s are definitely for you! But if the price or quality isn’t convincing enough JBL has alternatives for different price ranges that you can check out HERE.

BUY JBL Synchros S700 Headphones HERE