Review: JBL Tune 660NC: Wireless On-Ear Headphones with Active Noise Cancellation – Black, Medium – Comfortable, efficient noise cancellation, balanced sound

In-depth review of affordable JBL’s Tune 660 Bluetooth headphones from unboxing to testing across genres... Read more

Specifications

Brand	JBL
Model Name	TUNE 660NC
Color	Black
Form Factor	On Ear
Connectivity Technology	Bluetooth 5.0, HDMI

Introduction

As someone who’s had the pleasure (and sometimes the misfortune) of trying various high-end headphones, today’s review switches gears a bit. I’m diving headfirst into the world of more affordable, but still high-quality headphones. The subject of our review is a product from a giant in the industry, one that requires no introduction – JBL. Known for their vast range of audio equipment, this brand has something for virtually every listener.

High-end vs. Accessible: A New Take on Product Reviews

Accessibility doesn’t always equate to quality, but it’s important to understand that you can enjoy excellent audio without breaking the bank. JBL’s line-up of headphones caters to a wide price range – from the humble $20 to the supremely packed ones lying in the $350-400 bracket.

Unboxing the Much Hyped JBL Tune 660 Bluetooth Headphones

Today, we get our hands on JBL’s Tune 660 Bluetooth headphones. Retailing at $99, these headphones fall snugly in the middle of their pricing spectrum. Boasting of noise-cancellation and featuring Bluetooth connectivity, this offering from JBL seems to promise a lot. As is the tradition, let’s kick things off by unwrapping the box and inspecting the product and its components.

So, does the JBL Tune 660 deliver on its promise? Does it offer adequate bang for your buck? Is this the affordable headphone option you’ve been waiting for? Hang tight as we journey through its physical attributes, performance, sound quality, and finally whether it’s the right fit for you.

First Impressions: Aesthetics and Functionality

• Tune 660 is lightweight, adjustable, and sturdy.
• Available in various colors, comfortable fit.
• Easy to use with simple interface.

As someone who frequently reviews high-end products, switching gears to a more affordable headset like the JBL Tune 660 was a pleasant diversion. Right off the bat, here’s what stood out.

Lightweight and Adjustable: An Insight Into the Headphone Build

The first aspect you notice about the Tune 660 is its surprisingly lightweight build. The headphones, though small, feel sturdy in hand and boast an adjustable headband – a pretty standard feature for headphones these days, indeed, but a much appreciated one nonetheless. These headphones definitely pass the initial hand-feel test with a robust yet lightweight build that suggests careful engineering and thoughtful design.

Colors, Fit and Comfort: A Closer Look at Design

The JBL Tune 660 is modest yet stylish, available in an array of colors – classic sleek matte black, white, pink, and blue. Adding to the aesthetics is the comfort they offer. The ear cups are incredibly soft, and the headphones fit snugly around your head, without exerting too much pressure. A few minutes in, and you almost forget they’re there. Now, that’s the hallmark of a comfortable pair of headphones.

Uncomplicated and Ready to Use: Exploring the Interface

With the Tune 660, switching them on is as easy as pressing the power button. Once powered, they’re ready to pair with a compatible device, offering a hassle-free setup process. Another usability feature worth noting is the dedicated button for toggling the noise cancellation, which gives you an easy way to control your audio environment.

But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. We’re taking a deeper dive into the functionality and sound qualities in the upcoming segments.

Digging Deeper: Features That Stand Out

• JBL Tune 660 features active noise cancellation
• Battery lasts up to 22 hours without noise cancelling
• Compatible with Siri and Google Now

When it comes to the JBL Tune 660, there are several noteworthy features that make them stand apart in their price range. While their design and build quality are impressive, it’s the tech behind these headphones that really caught my attention.

Active Noise Cancellation: A Must-Have for Modern headphones

Cutting out unwanted environmental noise is essential for quality sound, and the JBL Tune 660 doesn’t disappoint on this front. The active noise cancelling (ANC) feature does an exceptional job of minimizing ambient sound. There’s a button for switching ANC on or off – a convenient feature to have when you want to let a bit of the outside world in.

A Look at Battery Performance: Playtime and Charging Speeds

The battery performance is another standout aspect. With ANC on, you get up to 12 hours of playtime, which jumps to an incredible 22 hours when you turn off the noise cancelling. And if you’re in a hurry, a five-minute charge can provide two hours of listening. These impressive figures mean you can go about your day-to-day activities without constantly worrying about running out of power.

Compatibility and Added Perks: Siri, Google Now and More

The Tune 660’s are compatible with Siri and Google Now, allowing you to conveniently manage your digital life directly through your headphones. In addition, they come with a built-in microphone.

What impressed me about these headphones is their ability to fold up. This is super useful when you need to tuck them away in your backpack or luggage – a bass boost for all the travellers out there! Moreover, they’re made to be resilient and durable, despite their compact size.

While these features are definitely major selling points, the real proof of the pudding is always in the sound quality. So, let’s dive in and dissect how well these headphones perform in the sound department.

Sound Quality: The True Judge of a Headphone

• Sound quality is crucial for headphones
• Tune 660 offers well-balanced, genre versatile sound
• JBL’s True Bass feature adds distinct bass

Now let’s delve into what we’re all truly here for – the sound quality. And yes, it’s the real game-changer! Let’s analyze the sound quality of Tune 660 in a detailed way, spanning different genres, and expressing our views regarding the signature JBL’s True Bass feature.

The All Important Sound Checkout with Top Charts

What better way to start than with a track that resonates with most people? I opted for “Kiss Me More” by Doja Cat and SZA, a chart topper that really tests the mettle of headphones. The vocals were undeniably striking – upfront – giving a thorough presentation that complemented the track well. There was a noticeable boost in bass response, courtesy JBL’s true bass feature. The headphone had a slightly sharper sound in the mid-range, enhancing elements like vocals, guitars, and horns.

Exploring Sound Through Different Genres: Folk, Pop, and Classical

Every genre had its own unique flair on these headphones. From the fine details in the classical pieces to the foot-stomping beats in pop music, the Tune 660 navigated each style impressively. One particular standout was the song “Breathe Deeper” by Tame Impala. Here, the vocals came out a bit sharp at times, but it did not overshadow the overall listening experience. Folk music like “Blue Ridge Mountains” by Fleet Foxes filled listeners with a warm, comfortable feeling. These headphones had a defined yet balanced sound, tipping the scale just right between warm and metallic tones.

Bait for Bass Lovers: JBL’s True Bass Feature

Drawing from JBL’s decades of sound engineering expertise, the bass response of these headphones was well-tuned and distinct. They didn’t sound the ‘bassiest’, but the low-end was never shy, striking a balance that would leave most users satisfied. A bass-deficient scenario was hard to come across. However, if you’re a stickler for very intense, head-shaking bass, you might want a tad more.

Keeping these observations in mind, the headphone fares quite well, striking a solid equilibrium between the low-end and mid-range tones. There are minor reservations on the sharpness in the mid-range, but overall the sound quality delivers an enjoyable listening experience. Moving further, we’ll be focusing on some of the minor challenges faced, with a critical view of the occasional sharpness in the mid-range sound.

Critique Section: Addressing the Sharp Mid-range

• Sharpness in mid-range isn’t constant, depends on several factors
• Overall sound spectrum of JBL Tune 660 is balanced

Despite the overall impressive performance of the JBL Tune 660, it’s important to note a small hiccup in their sound quality – the sharpness in the mid-range. Being honest here, this wasn’t something I noticed instantaneously, but with extensive usage across different genres, it did raise its head now and then.

Mid-range at High Volume: An Occasional Challenge

There are moments, particularly when you’re cranking the volume up, where the mid-range can feel a bit harsh. It’s not a constant feature, more of an occasional spike that tends to be more noticeable in certain songs and tonalities. While listening to ‘Breathe Deeper’ by Tame Impala at a higher volume, for instance, the vocals felt somewhat resonant, and I couldn’t help but wish for a little more fine-tune refinement in the mid-range. Bear in mind, factors such as ear sensitivity and volume play a huge role in the perceivable sharpness.

A Balanced View: Exploring The Full Sound Spectrum

While the tune 660 has a hint of bite in its mid-range, it’s crucial not to discount its other sound aspects. The punchy bass, notable high end, and overall balance deliver a strong performance that cannot be overshadowed by occasional sharpness. The headphone offers sound that sits comfortably between warm and metallic, wrapping the listener up in a nice blanket of warmth while listening to genres like folk and classical. However, if sharp mid-range is a pet peeve of yours, this is something to consider before diving in.

Things to Remember:

• The sharpness encountered in the mid-range isn’t a constant feature and depends on the individual, song, and volume levels.
• Despite the occasional sharpness, the overall sound spectrum of the JBL Tune 660 is comprehensive and balanced.

Comparative Analysis: Pitching the Tune 660 Against JBL’s Lineup

• Tune 660 offers defined sound, balanced bass.
• Features impressive battery, comfortable design, noise canceling.
• Considerable value for its mid-price range.

In this section, we’re going to take what we’ve gleaned from JBL’s Tune 660 headphones and see how they stack up against the brand’s robust line-up of devices. This comparison will allow us to evaluate how the Tune 660 fares in terms of sound quality and value for money, offering a broader perspective on its overall performance.

Comparing Sound Quality: How Does it Stack Up?

In my pursuit to test the sound quality of Tune 660, I’ve pitted it against several headphones from JBL and other brands. To put it briefly, what stands out about the Tune 660 is its highly defined sound. While the occasional sharp mid-range can be distracting to some, many users might see it as a feature that lends a distinctive character to the headphones. Its sound spectrum comfortably straddles warm and metallic tones, which is more than can be said for several high-end headphones.

The bass, though not the strongest, is tastefully balanced and should satiate most bass lovers. Yet, compared to some competitors and higher-end JBL options, it might be considered just a bit shy. The mid-range, though occasionally sharp, ensures a consistent presence across all genres. The noise-canceling capability, though not the best in the market, does a commendable job for on-ear headphones.

Assessing Value for Money: Bang for Buck Equation

Considering the Tune 660’s $99 price tag, it’s fair to say that it’s an excellent bargain compared to other headphones in the JBL lineup or the wider market. It’s packed with a slew of features that work – from its active noise canceling and comfortable design to impressive battery performance.

However, if you’re an audiophile craving a more refined, high-end sound, particularly in the mid-range, higher-priced headphones in JBL’s lineup could be more appealing. For those seeking everyday headphones that deliver crisp, clean sound across a myriad of genres, the Tune 660 offers considerable value. The comfort, balanced sound quality, noise canceling, and overall versatility make it a worthy contender in the mid-price range.

In conclusion, the JBL Tune 660 holds its own, proving that you don’t have to shell out big bucks to enjoy a decent listening experience.

Final Impressions: Pros and Cons in a Nutshell

• Headphones remarkably comfortable for extended periods
• Impressive noise cancellation feature
• Offers compelling value for their price range
• Mid-range frequencies can be harsh at high volumes

After spending quality time with the JBL Tune 660 Bluetooth headphones, it’s time to break down the key takeaways. Being unbiased is as important to me as it is to you, dear reader. So let’s go over the standout features and some potential areas for improvements in these headphones.

Favorable Aspects

• Comfort: I found the headphones remarkably comfortable to wear for extended periods, which is a significant advantage for anyone using them during a long commute or for those marathon music-listening sessions.
• Noise Cancellation: The noise canceling aspect is impressive, especially considering that these are on-ear headphones. The headphones do an admirable job of dampening external sound, providing an immersive audio experience.
• Price: Given their performance, the JBL Tune 660 headphones offer a compelling value for their price range. These headphones deliver substantial audio quality and functionality, suggesting you’re making a solid investment.

Areas for Improvement

• Sharp Mid-range: The headphones perform incredibly well across low and high frequencies. However, at times, I noticed the mid-range could get a bit harsh at higher volumes. This is particularly evident in songs with a strong mid-range presence. However, this is rather subjective and may not be an issue for those who prefer a more defined mid-range.

Suffice to say, nothing exists that is perfect for everyone, and personal preferences vary tremendously. But, in my experience, the JBL Tune 660 offers a lot more positives than negatives. Of course, your mileage may vary, as tastes in headphones can be as distinct as in music itself.

Conclusion: Recap and Final Thoughts

So here we are at the end of this journey, having explored the fine details of the JBL Tune 660 noise-canceling Bluetooth headphones. From unboxing the device to assessing its performance across different genres, there’s much to take into account.

Focusing on the Key Features

Lightweight and comfortable – This has been a consistent strength throughout my use of these headphones. They feel great on the head, offering a good fit without any undue pressure or discomfort.

Active noise cancellation – This feature really stood out, enabling a pleasant and immersive listening experience by effectively reducing background noise.

Superb Battery Performance – The promised playtime and speed of recharge truly lives up to the mark, providing a satisfyingly long uninterrupted play time even with the noise cancellation turned on.

Performance Analysis

The JBL’s True Bass feature provides a clean and well-tuned bass which, while not overwhelming, offers just the right amount for a balanced sound.

Speaking of balance, the overall sound quality merits applause, with a harmonious blend of high, mid, and low frequencies. However, the sharp mid-range can be a potential shortcoming for some, especially at higher volumes. While this didn’t majorly impact the overall listening experience, it’s worth keeping in mind if you’re sensitive to such nuances.

An Unexpected Surprise

Considering its price point and the vast range of genres these headphones cater to without compromising on the quality of sound is a commendable feat achieved by JBL. They truly make a great companion for long travels or for those who thoroughly revel in music.

Final Verdict

At the end of the day, what draws me to the JBL Tune 660 is the combination of comfort, strong feature set and, above all, its solid sound quality. Are there areas that could be improved? Certainly, the mid-range harshness being a prime example. But, when weighing up the pros and cons, the scales definitely lean towards a positive overall experience. If you’re looking for a reliable headphone that delivers in all major aspects without breaking the bank, the JBL Tune 660 fits the bill and is an option worth considering.

Should you buy the JBL Tune 660NC: Wireless On-Ear Headphones with Active Noise Cancellation – Black, Medium?

Buy it if…

You favor clean, balanced sound across genres

The JBL Tune 660 bluetooth headphones offer a defined sound with a good balance of bass and mid-range, proving itself adept across a diverse range of music genres.

You’re after comfort and convenience

These headphones are super lightweight, feature an adjustable headband, allow for easy pairing with devices, and have convenient controls for active noise cancellation. Their foldable design makes them perfect for easy storage and travel.

You value long battery life and quick charging

With up to 22 hours of playtime or talk time (12 hours with active noise cancellation), these headphones can withstand long usage. Plus, a quick 5-minute charge can give you 2 hours of listening time.

Don’t buy it if…

You’re sensitive to sharp mid-range sounds

There could be occasional sharpness in the mid-range which might cause discomfort for some, especially at higher volumes.

You are chasing the extreme high-end audio experience

While the JBL Tune 660 provides a solid audio performance, they don’t offer an exceptionally high-end audio presentation, particularly for bright sounds.

You desire a heavy bass in your audio

Although the bass response of these headphones is generally good, they might fall short for those seeking a very strong, thumping bass, particularly for genres such as electronic or trap music.

FAQ

What earphone designs are available for the JBL Tune 660?

The JBL Tune 660 headphones come in four colors: classic sleek matte black, white, pink and blue.

What are the standout features of the JBL Tune 660?

Some standout features include active noise cancellation, compatibility with Siri and Google Now, adjustable headband, and a built-in microphone. Additionally, they have a maximum playtime of 12 hours with noise cancelling enabled, and 22 hours with it off. They’re also super lightweight and come with a standard 3.5 millimeter headphone jack and a USB to USB-C charging cable.

What sound quality can I expect with the JBL Tune 660?

These headphones offer a balanced and full sound, with a clean bass response and wide tonal range. Overall, they have a defined sound that sits at the right point between warm and metallic. The mid-range is a bit sharp at high volumes, but it ensures constant presence across all genres. The low end response is highly appreciated and enriches the sound.

How do the JBL Tune 660 headphones handle different music genres?

There wasn’t a specific genre that didn’t work well with these headphones. They performed well across pop, country, electronic, and classical music among others. However, they might not be the best fit for super bass-heavy music like trap or electronic.

Would these headphones be good for travel or use on an airplane?

Yes, the JBL Tune 660 headphones are lightweight, foldable and come with a very effective noise cancelling feature. These features make them perfect for travel and use on an airplane.

Is there any guarantee with the JBL Tune 660 headphones?

The review doesn’t detail any specific warranty or guarantee information for the headphones. It’s best to check with the retailer or JBL’s official website for this information.

Are there any drawbacks or cons of the JBL Tune 660?

The main drawback mentioned in the review is the occasionally sharp mid-range, particularly at higher volumes. This, of course, depends on individual hearing sensitivity and may not be a major issue for everyone.