JBL Link View Voice Activated Speaker Review

When it comes to audio, JBL has some great products. But it’s not just about audio. JBL is an innovator as well. They have some great audio products in their Link series that includes Google Assistant. Well, now they just upped the ante with the JBL Link View. It also includes an 8 inch HD screen.

Features and specs:

General Specifications

Transducer: 2 x 51mm (2”) full range driver

Output power: 2 x 10W RMS

5MP front facing camera: Yes

8” HD touch screen: Yes

2.4G Wi-Fi transmitter frequency range: 2412 – 2472MHz (2.4GHz ISM Band, USA 11 Channels, Europe and others 13 Channels)

2.4G Wi-Fi transmitter power: <20dbm p="">
2.4G Wi-Fi modulation: OFDM, DSSS, DBPSK, DQPSK, CCK, 16QAM, 64QAM

5G Wi-Fi transmitter power: <20dbm p="">
5G Wi-Fi modulation: OFDM, DSSS, DBPSK, DQPSK, CCK, 16QAM, 64QAM, 256QAM

5G Wi-Fi transmitter frequency range: 5.15 - 5.35GHz, 5.470 - 5.725GHz, 5.725 - 5.825GHz

Gross Weight: 1.9kg

Net Weight: 1.3kg

Note:

The integrated display of the JBL Link View allows you to get things done easily. According to the definition of networked equipment with high network availability functionality set out in commission regulation (EU) No 801/2013 amending Regulation (EC) No 1275/2008, the product is considered as a networked equipment with functionality of videophone. Therefore, JBL Link View exempts from the requirements for availability of standby/off modes, power management function and possibility of deactivating wireless network connections, if these requirements are found, it will be inappropriate for the intended use of the product. JBL Link View is in compliance with the European Union energy legislation. JBL Link View is in active standby mode once the device is plugged into a wall socket.

Active standby consumption: <4 .3="" p="" watts.="">
Trademark: Google is a trademark of Google LLC.

Audio Specifications

Frequency response: 60Hz-20kHz (-6dB)

Signal-to-noise ratio: >80dBA

Dimensions

Dimensions (W x H x D): 332 x 152 x 100mm

Control and Connection Specifications : Bluetooth version 4.2

Bluetooth transmitter frequency range: 2402 – 2480MHz

Bluetooth transmitter power: ≤10dBm (EIRP)

Bluetooth transmitter modulation: GFSK, π/4 DQPSK, 8DPSK

Wireless network: 802.11b/g/n/ac (2.4GHz/5GHz)

Powering Input

Power Supply: 100-240V~50/60Hz

The JBL Link View came in a great looking color printed box, with photos of the product as well as specs. Opening the box revealed a well protected product held in place by custom molded foam. Taking off the wrapping, I saw it was a well-made product, as I have come to expect from JBL. Materials used in the construction was mostly plastic, with some cloth to cover the stereo speakers. Quality of materials used as excellent, as was the fit and finish. Also included was the Owner’s manual, and a power cord.

I like the design of the JBL Link View. On the audio side, there are front firing stereo speakers rated at 10 watts each, and a passive radiator on the back to help with bass response. On the back is also found the detachable power cord at the bottom and volume controls at the top. And on the front is also found the 8 inch HD touchscreen display. Microphone array, as well as 5MP camera.  And its splash proof IPX4 rating is great to provide use in the kitchen.



All of these components give you some great features. The speakers and internal amp are designed for great sound. The touch screen display is great for watching YouTube videos or displaying photos. The built-in mic and camera will also allow video calls to family and friends!

Setting up the JBL View Link was very simple. Once you plug it in, the screen comes alive with a tutorial telling you to download Google Home. With Google Home setup on your smartphone, you can find and link the JBL Link View. It was pleasantly simple to connect it to our home network and Google account. Most of the controls were done thru the touch screen. And we were able to use it as an intercom to relay messages through the JBL Link Bar that we just recently reviewed. 



The 8 inch touch screen display also worked well. The display was nicely sensitive to touch. And the display also looked great! Colors showed great contrast and saturation, without being overly so. Whites were bright and blacks were blacker than expected.  It was fun to see it display photos on our Google account.  And playing music online was also nice. But it would have been really nice to have a USB port and SD card slot.  That way you can set up a specific photo slideshow, or music play list.

Now it’s time to hear how it sounds. Being in the holiday season, I turned to my favorite group for holiday music, Mannheim Steamroller.  God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, the cymbals were nice and crisp.  Horns were very smooth. Drums dynamic with good impact and authority and depth.  Keyboard sounded more natural than expected. String section was also nice and smooth with better than expected resolution and texture of the strings. The depth and width of soundstage was also much better than expected for a small portable speaker.

Pat A Pan, the shaker, tambourine, and temple block were really crisp and clean. The flute had very good smooth sound with a great tone more air than expected.  The bass had great low-end extension. Violin was smooth with great harmonics.   The drums were tight and had very good dynamics and impact.  There were a lot of instruments, and they were all portrayed very well.

Fum, Fum, Fum, the drums had nice impact with good depth and authority.  Triangles were really crisp and clean!  Violin had nice resolution and texture of the strings and bow.  Oboe had good texture of the reed.  Drums had very good impact, dynamics, and depth with good authority.  High hat was crisp and clean without being tinny.  The piccolo had very good tone, harmonics, and good amount of air.  I loved the part when the piccolo had some fun and jazzed it up a bit, and it came thru very well. 

The JBL Link View provided a great sound for a small product. Treble was crisp and clean, mids were pleasantly smooth, and bass had good impact, dynamics, and played deeper than expected for a small player. I was impressed with the width and depth of soundstage.  There were only a couple times when music sounded just a bit compressed.  With the number of instruments, its not a small feat.   I always expect good sound from JBL products, so its nice like in cases with the JBL Link View when the high expectations can be exceeded.

The JBL Link View proved to be a great product. While I would have loved to have seen a USB port and SD card slot, it still provides a ton of functionality! And what it can do, it does very well. With a MSRP of $299, it is very well priced and gives a big bang for your hard earned buck. Based on its design, features, quality and performance, the JBL Link View has earned our Editor’s Choice award. For more info and complete specks, check out their website at www.jbl.com.