JBL MA9100HP and Stage 2

It’s fair to say AV receivers have a reputation for being intimidating, what with their bulky designs, button-festooned fascias and rear panels replete with connections no-one’s used in decades. As a result, the benefits of home cinema tend to be enjoyed only by enthusiasts undaunted by the size and complexity of an AVR. But what if you could design one that didn’t terrify your average punter?

Say hello to JBL’s new ‘Modern Audio’ range of AV receivers: created to combine lifestyle-friendly styling, intuitive set-up and modern connectivity, while still delivering the superior sound quality for which the brand is famous. The MA9100HP is the flagship model in the line-up, and includes nine channels of Class D amplification to deliver fully immersive Dolby Atmos and DTS:X spatial audio.

While that’ll keep the home cinema fans happy, there’s also support for all the latest gaming features, not to mention wireless connectivity to delight smartphone-addicted millennials. The elegant styling and informative full-colour display seamlessly blends with contemporary living spaces, while the user-friendly set-up and control won’t intimidate any nervous AV neophytes. The MA9100HP’s pricing is very competitive as well - if funds are tight or your room is small, though, the ‘Modern Audio’ range includes models to meet every need and budget. 

To complement its new AV receivers, JBL has also upgraded its ‘Stage’ speaker range, which was introduced to bring affordability and performance to a wider audience. The new Stage 2 uses a one-inch aluminium dome tweeter paired with an acoustic lens and High-Definition Imaging (HDI) waveguide for smoother high-frequency response and improved directivity. The midrange and lower frequencies are handled by polycellulose ribbed cone woofers and rear-firing bass ports.

The Stage 2 speakers are designed and tested in JBL’s Acoustic Engineering Centre of Excellence, and benefit from a cinematic legacy which goes back over a century. The result is a range of speakers that combine performance with value for money, while also offering solid build quality and contemporary styling. 

The range is topped by the 280F floorstanding speaker, followed by the more compact 260F floorstander. There’s a pair of bookshelf speakers - the 250B and 240B - and the 245C centre speaker. The 240H up-firing Dolby Atmos speaker and a brace of active subwoofers (the 12-inch 220P and 10-inch 200P) complete the line-up.

For the purposes of this review, JBL provides a 5.1-channel system built around two Stage 280F floorstanders, the Stage 245C centre speaker, a pair of Stage 250B bookshelf speakers as surrounds, and a Stage 220P subwoofer. If you want to take full advantage of the MA9100HP’s nine-channel capabilities, I’d recommend adding a second pair of 250B bookshelves for the rear surround, and two 240H Atmos speakers for the overhead effects.

Sound quality

The JBL MA9100HP may be designed for simplicity, but there’s nothing basic about its performance. The brand’s cinematic legacy shines through via a delivery that’s dynamic, exciting and often epic. The Class D amplification drives the 5.1 system without breaking a sweat, and even when running all nine channels there’s sufficient headroom to keep things exciting.

This AV receiver supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. While you don’t get the full benefit of these object-based formats in 5.1, when running the system in a full 7.1.2-channel layout the results are often very impressive. Effects are positioned precisely, and the presentation is dynamic and responsive as it creates an immersive three-dimensional sound field.

What’s particularly impressive is how good this receiver sounds with the minimum of hassle. It achieves its goal of delivering high-quality sound without requiring any prior audio knowledge. Thanks to its set-up wizard and room correction app, even a relative newcomer can enjoy an engaging sonic experience. 

This cracking multichannel amplifier also clearly demonstrates its superiority over even a high-end soundbar, producing surround effects that are exciting and immersive. It’s a powerful reminder that when it comes to replicating the scale and depth of the sound at your local multiplex, you really need a system based on a good AVR and speaker package.

The MA9100HP proves equally adept with music, especially when powering the impressive 280F floorstanders. David Bowie’s The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars sounds fantastic, thanks to a balanced, cohesive soundstage that evenly spreads the instruments across the front of the room. Bowie’s vocals are delivered with precision, while Mick Ronson’s guitar adds scale to the proceedings.

The use of identical one-inch tweeters and similar woofers in all the speakers adds to the overall tonal balance of the system, and this is perfectly demonstrated during in A Quiet Place Day One as a monster circles the protagonists. The sound it produces moves seamlessly around the room - although the horizontal orientation of the 245C centre speaker compared to the upright 280Fs is noticeable.

The film’s soundtrack uses dynamic range to great effect, and when combined with some energetic surround steering and a thunderous LFE channel, you’ll frequently jump out of your skin. The combination of AVR and speakers handles all the scares with skill, generating a solid bass foundation before handing over to the subwoofer.

The 220P lacks the subterranean depth to do full justice to the film’s considerable amount of infra-sonics, but it perfectly integrates with the other speakers to create smooth, controlled bass response. The centre speaker also plays its part, anchoring the sound between the front left and right channels, creating some excellent midrange and ensuring dialogue always remains clear.

Where this Stage 2 system really impresses is in terms of precision and directivity. No matter how complex a film’s sound design, the audio delivery never feels muddied, and there’s plenty of clarity as well. But it never feels clinical, and the overall soundstage produced by the Stage 2 speakers retains that all-important fun-factor.

These speakers offer sophistication you don’t usually expect from an ‘affordable’ range, and they also deliver plenty of dynamics and tonal fidelity. The front floorstanders add width, and there’s a nuanced element to the overall sound that comes from a clean treble and midrange. The transients sometimes lack crispness, but these refined speakers deliver an articulate performance.

All the strengths of the MA9100HP and Stage 2 speaker system come together in Bullet Train. The film is basically one protracted fight on a journey between Tokyo and Kyoto, and this impressive system taps into its cinematic DNA to punch well above its weight with a dynamic delivery, aggressive high-end, solid midrange, and well-defined low-end. Just like the film, it’s thrilling stuff.

Living with

The JBL MA9100HP certainly delivers where lack of intimidation is concerned - I can’t believe it’s taken so long for a manufacturer to realise this kind of approach might be successful. By distancing the looks of an AV receiver from the styling of ‘NASA Mission Control’ you go a long way towards broadening its appeal.

The build quality is good, and the styling is contemporary - there’s a choice of Espresso (black) or Latte (white) finishes. The latter will prove popular with those wanting a more lifestyle-friendly option. There’s subtle detailing in JBL-branded orange, along with LED under-lighting that offers a choice of JBL orange, yellow, green, blue, red or purple. The brightness of this lighting can be adjusted or turned off if you’re planning to use the AVR in a darkened room.

There’s a large and informative full-colour display at the front, with volume and input dials on either side. The only other features on the front are the power button, and some simple controls for accessing the menu system, dimming or turning off the front display, and cycling through the surround modes. That’s it for the front of the MA9100HP, and frankly that’s all you need.

The rear maintains this minimalist aesthetic, eschewing outdated connections and concentrating on HDMI - there are six inputs and two outputs. Three of the inputs and both outputs can handle 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz, while the main output also supports eARC (enhanced audio return channel). In addition to high frame rates, the JBL also supports other features like VRR (variable refresh rate), ALLM (auto low latency mode), and QFT (quick frame transport), which will delight gamers.

In terms of other physical connections, there are coaxial and optical digital inputs, two analogue inputs, and a phono input for use with a turntable. There’s also a USB port, an Ethernet connector, and an analogue output for a second zone. Finally, there are speaker binding posts for the nine built-in channels, along with two pre-outs for running dual subwoofers.

Along the top of the rear panel are three antennas for wireless connectivity - the MA9100HP includes dual-band wi-fi and Bluetooth. There’s also support for Google Chromecast and Apple AirPlay 2, along with Spotify and Tidal Connect - all of which should keep everyone happy.

In terms of control, there’s a remote handset that reflects the simplicity of the front panel by basically replicating the same functionality. It’s well designed - my only complaint is the lack of a backlight. There’s also an excellent remote app for iOS and Android, if you prefer control via a smart device.

As part of JBL’s ethos of embracing consumers who may not be knowledgeable about AV receivers, set-up is very intuitive thanks to a handy wizard. You’ll have the MA9100HP connected and running in no time, and thanks to a second app called ‘EZ Set EQ’ you can also optimise the performance by correcting for any acoustic aberrations in your room.

‘EZ Set EQ’ takes you through the entire process using an intuitive graphical interface and the phone’s built-in microphone (although for Android devices JBL recommends using a third-party mic). It’s not only simple but surprisingly effective - more experienced AV enthusiasts may prefer the optional Dirac Live upgrade for more sophisticated room correction.

The Stage 280F floorstander is a fairly big unit, but the size results in superior performance. The 2.5-way design uses a one-inch anodised aluminium tweeter combined with the HDI horn, along with dual eight-inch polycellulose ribbed cone woofers. At the rear are dual flared racetrack bass ports, along with a pair of five-way binding posts.

There is a second pair of binding posts at the bottom for connecting the overhead channels, and at the top there’s a removable rubber cover behind which is yet another set of binding posts. So, if you’re using the Stage 240H up-firing Atmos speakers, you can place them on top of the 280Fs and connect them to these extras binding posts for a tidier installation.

The build quality is good (although it also reflects the price point) and there’s a large base with spikes for improved stability. The 280F is available in the same Espresso or Latte colour schemes as the MA9100HP - which means the Espresso option is finished in black with a matching magnetic grille, while Latte has a white front, light wood cabinet and light grey grille.

The Stage 245C centre speaker also uses a 2.5-way design with identical tweeter and HDI horn, plus four 4.5-inch polycellulose ribbed cone woofers. At the rear are dual tuned bass ports, along with a pair of five-way binding posts, and the same Espresso or Latte finishes.

The Stage 250B bookshelf speaker uses a two-way design with the standard tweeter and HDI horn, plus a 5.25-inch polycellulose ribbed cone woofer. It also has a rear tuned bass port, five-way binding posts, and the same choice of finishes. JBL offers the Stage FS floor stands for use with the bookshelf speakers, providing solid support while complementing the rest of the range.

The Stage 220P subwoofer uses a high-excursion 12-inch polycellulose ribbed cone low-frequency woofer, with a claimed 300W RMS of Class D amplification (peaks up to 500W). It uses a bass-reflex design with dual flared bass ports at the rear, and offers the same finishes and magnetic grilles as the rest of Stage 2 range - plus there are rubber feet and optional spikes.

In keeping with JBL’s overall philosophy of simplicity, the rear panel of the subwoofer has only a single phono input, which you connect to the sub output on the MA9100HP. There’s a volume control (I usually find the half-way mark makes a good starting point), a crossover control (the highest setting is best when using a sub with an AVR), and a phase setting (leave it at normal).

For the sake of good form, I also connect the receiver using my own speakers and a pair of subs to evaluate its full capabilities. Since there are nine channels built in, you can either run a 5.1.4 or 7.1.2-channel layout. I’d recommend the latter, because the extra rear speakers will fill in the space behind you and create a more immersive experience, while two up-firing channels should be sufficient for creating the overhead effects. In fact, a lot of Atmos soundtracks seem to only be encoded with two overhead channels these days.

Conclusion

If JBL’s goal was to create a home cinema line-up that combined convenience with performance then mission accomplished. The MA9100HP actually looks like a product designed in the 21st century thanks to elegant styling, simplified connections and intuitive control. Set-up couldn’t be easier, and the wireless connectivity is comprehensive. Most importantly, it sounds fantastic – detailed and balanced two-channel delivery, along with powerful and precise Dolby Atmos and DTS:X spatial audio.

Of course, that’s only half the story - the upgraded Stage 2 speakers complement the MA9100HP perfectly. They produce a cohesive and tonally balanced sound that’s warm and clear with music, but also expansive and thrilling with movies. Robust build and stylish design are combined with affordable pricing to make these speakers ideal for anyone planning their first multichannel system. Ultimately, JBL’s cinematic pedigree ensures its ‘Modern Audio’ AVRs and speakers will delight both first timers and experienced AV enthusiasts alike.

Listening Notes

A Quiet Place: Day One (4K Disc) 

This prequel to the franchise about blind monsters that hunt using sound boasts a stunning Dolby Atmos soundtrack. The JBL system does a fantastic job of delivering this immersive mix by constantly engaging all the channels, while also having sufficient dynamic range to scare you senseless by going from near-silent to terrifyingly loud in an instant.

Bullet Train (4K Disc) 

This bloody but fun adaptation of a Japanese novel revolves around various assassination attempts on the titular locomotive. There’s an aggressive Atmos mix that the JBL system delivers with energy and cinematic scale, ensuring the surround engagement is thrilling and the bass doesn’t pull its punches. You’ll feel every hit, kick, gunshot and explosion. 

The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars (Blu-ray) 

David Bowie’s breakthrough album introduced us to his androgynous alien persona, and the new Atmos mix is equally out of this world. The JBL system’s precision and clarity ensures that all the details in the original recordings are rendered with skill, while the multichannel layout makes it sound like the band is playing in front of you.

The JBL MA9100HP AV receiver and Stage 2 speakers complement one another perfectly to create a capable and affordable home cinema package. Enthusiasts will love the sound quality, while newbies will find the simplicity and lifestyle-friendly design equally enticing.