JBL Synchros S400BT Review

Introduction

Audio aficionados know the name JBL, a company long known for its various audio electronics products – spanning from amplifiers all the way to loudspeakers. They’ve been in the business of making mobile audio accessories as well, like its diversified portfolio of wired and wireless headphones. In looking at its current selection, the JBL Synchros S400BT is undoubtedly one of the company’s higher-end offerings, since it features Bluetooth 3.0 with advanced aptX technology, NFC, and touch-sensitive controls – all for the price of $230. With all of the goodies in tow, it’ll be intriguing to find out how its audio quality stacks up.

The package contains:

• Proprietary USB charging cable
• Carrying case
• 3.5mm audio cable
• Quick start guide

Design

Not only is it durable with its construction, but it’s practically able to fold up and condense its size to make it easy for travel.

At first glance, the design of the JBL Synchros S400BT appears to be very cookie-cutter, doing very little to stand out over the compelling industrial designs of other models. However, the more we stare at it from various angles, we begin to take notice of the sprinkling of modernism thrown into its design. Starting with its foundational frame, a stainless steel headband, it gives the headphones ample sturdiness – while the soft touch matte sidings and carbon fiber-like texture accents combine to give it a quality finish.

Sporting a collapsible design, it’s able to fold up accordingly into the included carrying case, where it’s able to occupy a small amount of space. In fact, we’re impressed by how compact it can become when folded over. Surrounding each ear cup are soft, thick sized foam padding that comfortably cover our ears. However, unlike the ear cups, the headband is treated to only a thin layer of padding. Regardless of that, the JBL Synchros S400BT proves to be comfortable to wear – even during long periods of time.

Looking at the right ear cup, there’s an NFC chip embedded into the side for easy pairing with NFC-enabled devices. Meanwhile, the left ear cup features a power button, 3.5mm jack, and a Bluetooth button. Seeing that the buttons are tiny and flush, they’re rather hard to distinguish with our finger when we’re wearing the headphones. Strangely, the Bluetooth button does nothing more than disconnect it from a paired device – as long pressing the power button places it into pairing mode.

You might be wondering where its charging port might be hidden, but interestingly enough, it’s incorporated into the 3.5mm headset jack. Therefore, it means that the JBL Synchros S400BT requires a proprietary USB cable – something we’re not fans about, since it means we really need to remember to carry it around with us. And on top of that, it’s more of a process replacing in the event we lose or misplace it.

The outside surface of the left features touch-sensitive controls, where various finger gestures and taps execute different functions. For example, a swipe up/down manages to increase/decrease the volume – while swiping left/right advances or reverses a track. Lastly, tapping on the surface performs a pause/play function. Giving it a futuristic appeal, the ring incorporates an LED light trail that comes to life with each interaction of the touch-sensitive surface. Of course, the glowing effect is a nice touch!

Performance

The overall audio quality is good, though, it favors the lows more so than others.

Sticking to the hassle-free route, its NFC connection allows us to connect NFC-enabled devices in a snap. Quite simply, all we’re required to do is hover the NFC trotting section of our device over the right ear bud. Alternatively, we can always fall back on the good old Bluetooth pairing process by long pressing the power button – placing the JBL Synchros S400BT into pairing mode.

Once connected to our device, an HTC One M8 in this particular case, we’re a bit disappointed by its range. Indoors, we’re able to get around 20 feet before the connection becomes interrupted – a far cry from the 35 feet and up range of other high-end models. If you’re worried about the “damaging” effects of wireless Bluetooth connectivity, you can always go with the wired option, as the cable comes included with the packaging.

Getting down to business, we’re generally pleased by the JBL Synchros S400BT’s audio quality – powered by its 40mm drivers. We wouldn’t go far to say that it’s flawless, but overall, it delivers enough quality elements to appease the general public. Highly evident is its emphasis on the lows, where bass resonates at a rumbling tone at all volume levels. Heck, there’s never any shortage of it, but at the same time, high-range audio tend to be subdued by this. In all fairness, though, we can’t complain as it doesn’t exhibit any sort of strain or crackle.

Battery Life

Almost hitting the manufacturer’s rating, we’re able to get through 14 hours of mixed usage with a full battery – though, we’re not fans it employs a proprietary charging system.

In line with many other high-end sets, the JBL Synchros S400BT is rated to provide 15 hours of music playback – or 20 hours of talk time. In our experience over the course of a month, it’s usually able to pull in at least 14 hours with our mixed usage, which isn’t too shabby in our books.

Conclusion

JBL has a doozy thing here with the Synchros S400BT, a pair of Bluetooth headphones that’s rich with features. Seriously, we’re excited to know that it packs modern amenities that are befitting of a high-end pair of headphones – plus, its durable, yet compact design completes the lovable package. Throw in its acceptable audio quality and its price tag of $229.95, it’s enough of an attractive option if you’re in the market of picking up a premium set, just as long as you have the cash flow to pick it up without being too strapped afterwards. We’re just not fans of JBL’s choice of going with a proprietary charging system, where its 3.5mm jack also acts as its charging port.