JBL Live 770NC Review

I'm excited to review the newly released JBL Live 770NC headphones, now available in the US. Having appreciated previous versions, I'm eager to assess if these $200 headphones maintain their predecessors' quality and justify their price tag. Let's delve into the review and see what they have to offer!

What You get
JBL Live 770NC headphones
USB-C Charging Cable
Detachable audio cable
Warranty/Warning
QSG



Look and Feel
As I review the blue version of these headphones, I notice they're incredibly lightweight, which is great for long listening sessions. However, the thin plastic construction gives off a slightly cheap vibe, though the plush ear cushions provide excellent comfort. The soft material on the top of the headphones adds a touch of sophistication to the design. Yet, the abundance of buttons on one side can be a bit overwhelming to navigate; I wish they were evenly distributed on both sides for easier control. In general, they have an appealing appearance and offer comfort, but I wish they had a more distinct appearance compared to previous models.

Design and Functionality
In terms of design, the JBL Live 770NC headphones incorporate 40mm drivers that provide immersive JBL Spatial Sound, converting stereo content into a virtual surround sound experience. For functionality, they automatically play and pause when taken off, facilitating smooth transitions between uses. With built-in support for voice assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant, users can effortlessly manage smart devices hands-free. Additionally, the headphones enable multi-point connection, allowing seamless switching between devices such as computers and smartphones without losing connection. Moreover, the high-quality microphone ensures clear and precise voice calls, enhancing overall usability.



ANC
I was pleasantly surprised by how effective the True Adaptive Noise Canceling is on the JBL Live 770NC headphones. With four noise-sensing microphones, it completely eliminates distractions, whether I'm hitting the books or immersing myself in music. Plus, the Smart Ambient feature impressed me by enhancing environmental sounds without sacrificing audio quality, adding an extra layer of convenience to my listening experience.

Bluetooth
The JBL Live 770NC headphones have Bluetooth 5.3, supporting LE Audio for better wireless connections and sound quality. You get two modes: one for great music and calls, and another for smooth audio and video sync for movies and games. Plus, updates keep them fresh with new features and improvements.

Battery
The JBL Live 770NC headphones boast an impressive battery life, offering up to 65 hours of continuous music playback with ANC turned off, ensuring uninterrupted listening sessions. Even with ANC activated, users can enjoy up to 50 hours of playback, providing ample power for extended use without the need for frequent recharging.

Soundstage
I was impressed by the soundstage of the JBL Live 770NC headphones, particularly its heavy bass presence, evident when listening to tracks like "Sunshine Miss" by Three Threes, which sounded exceptionally good. Despite the strong bass, the mids and highs remain clear and present. However, when switching to other genres, I found the bass to be slightly overpowering at times. Additionally, I particularly appreciate the layering and stereo spread, which contribute to an immersive listening experience, further enhancing the overall soundstage of these headphones.



Low End
For bass enthusiasts, these Bluetooth headphones are the ultimate choice, delivering a fast and punchy low end that's always present without overshadowing other frequencies. The bass occupies just the right amount of space, leaving room for the low mids to shine as well.  What is more, I had a blast tweaking the EQ settings using the JBL app—it's effortless to customize the low end to suit your preferences.

Mids
The midrange on these headphones is spot on, with a perfect balance between the low and high mids. Listening to "Happy Enough" by Tors, every guitar sounded fantastic, showcasing the headphones' ability to reproduce midrange details. Whether it's vocals, guitars, or other midrange sounds, the JBL Live 770NC headphones deliver rich and clear audio.