Harman International Industries’ JBL has announced a series of headphones at CES 2017, including two models designed specifically for the Oculus Rift as reported earlier today. But more to the topic at hand, the company also took the veil off its new JBL E-Series of headphones, comprising four models with prices ranging from $39.95 up to $149.95.
The new JBL E-Series includes three wireless models, namely the E25BT, the E45BT, and E55BT, as well as a wired in-ear model called simply the E15. All three wireless headphone models connect to smart devices through Bluetooth technology, and each model promises a “seamless switch” between devices, such as when switching from a portable music player to answering calls on a smartphone. The JBL E45BT and E55BT feature an on-ear design accommodating music control buttons on one of the ear cups, but they can also be attached to a fabric cable in wired mode, featuring a 1-button remote. Wirelessly, the JBL E45BT offers up to 16 hours battery life, whereas the battery powering the JBL E55BT can last for up to 20 hours. For consumers who may be looking for wireless in-ear solutions, the JBL E25BT offer that, and up to 8 hours battery life. As for the wired JBL E15, they are equipped with a tangle-free fabric cable and promise best in class ergonomics. It should also be noted that the JBL E15 and E25BT have 8.6-milimeter drivers, whereas the JBL E45BT and JBL E55BT are equipped with drivers measuring 40-milimeters and 50-milimeters respectively.
The new JBL E-Series will hit the market in April 2017 and will be available in a variety of colors including black, blue, red, teal, and white. According to Lifestyle Audio Division president at Harman, Michael Mauser “Our new line of E-Series offers something for everyone” and indeed the series does span over a fairly wide price range. Starting off with the JBL E15, the wired in-ear headphones will be available for $39.95, whereas the in-ear wireless JBL E25BT will carry a price tag of $59.99. Meanwhile, the on-ear JBL E45BT has been priced at $99.95, and last but not least, the larger JBL E55BT with up to 20-hours battery life will be available for $149.95.