JBL Live 670NC Review: Are They Worth It?

Hey everyone! Today, we're diving deep into the JBL Live 670NC headphones. If you're anything like me, you probably spend a ton of time researching before dropping your hard-earned cash on new tech. So, let’s get right into it and see if these headphones live up to the hype. We’ll explore everything from sound quality and comfort to noise cancellation and battery life. By the end of this review, you’ll have a clear picture of whether the JBL Live 670NC is the right choice for you. Whether you're commuting, working from home, or just chilling out, headphones are a crucial part of our daily lives. The JBL Live series has been making waves with its promise of great sound and cool features, so let’s see if the 670NC model continues that trend. We’ll break down all the key aspects, weigh the pros and cons, and give you our honest opinion to help you make an informed decision. Let’s find out if these headphones deserve a spot in your everyday carry!

First Impressions and Build Quality

Okay, so first impressions matter, right? When you unbox the JBL Live 670NC, the first thing you’ll notice is the sleek, modern design. The headphones feel solid and well-built, not like some of those flimsy plastic models out there. The earcups are nicely padded, and the headband has a comfortable cushion that sits well on your head. The overall aesthetic is clean and understated, making them suitable for both casual and professional settings. JBL has definitely paid attention to the details here. The matte finish resists fingerprints, which is a huge plus for those of us who hate constantly wiping down our gadgets. The hinges feel sturdy, and the adjustable headband clicks into place with a reassuring snap, giving you confidence that these headphones can withstand daily wear and tear.

Digging deeper into the build quality, the materials used feel premium. The earcups are covered in a soft, protein leather that feels gentle against your skin, even after hours of use. The headband is reinforced with a metal frame, adding to the overall durability. All the buttons are easily accessible and have a tactile feel, making it easy to control your music and calls without looking. One minor gripe might be that the headphones don't fold completely flat, which could be a slight inconvenience when storing them in a smaller bag. However, this is a small trade-off for the overall robust build. In terms of aesthetics, the JBL Live 670NC comes in a range of colors, allowing you to choose one that matches your personal style. Whether you prefer classic black, cool blue, or something a bit more vibrant, there’s likely a color option that will appeal to you. Overall, the build quality and design of the JBL Live 670NC are impressive, giving you a sense of confidence that these headphones are built to last. They strike a good balance between style and durability, making them a solid choice for everyday use.

Sound Quality: How Do They Sound?

Now, let's talk about the most important aspect: sound quality. The JBL Live 670NC headphones deliver a balanced and enjoyable listening experience. The bass is punchy and well-defined without being overpowering, which is great for genres like hip-hop and electronic music. The mids are clear and present, allowing vocals and instruments to shine through. The highs are crisp and detailed without sounding harsh or sibilant. Overall, the sound signature is versatile and suitable for a wide range of musical genres. Whether you're listening to classical music, podcasts, or your favorite rock anthems, the JBL Live 670NC provides a pleasant and engaging listening experience. The soundstage is reasonably wide, creating a sense of space and separation between instruments. This makes the music feel more immersive and engaging, especially when listening to well-produced tracks. JBL has clearly put a lot of effort into tuning these headphones to deliver a balanced and enjoyable sound.

However, audiophiles might find the sound signature slightly too consumer-oriented. The focus is on delivering an enjoyable listening experience rather than a completely neutral and analytical sound. This means that the headphones might not reveal every tiny detail in your music, but they make up for it with a fun and engaging sound that’s perfect for everyday listening. The JBL Live 670NC also supports high-resolution audio codecs, allowing you to enjoy higher-quality music files if you have access to them. This can make a noticeable difference in the level of detail and clarity you hear, especially when listening to lossless audio formats like FLAC or ALAC. In terms of specific frequencies, the bass response is particularly impressive. The headphones deliver a deep and satisfying rumble without muddying the mids. The vocals are clear and forward, making them perfect for podcasts and audiobooks. The high frequencies are well-extended without sounding shrill or fatiguing, allowing you to listen for hours without experiencing ear fatigue. Overall, the sound quality of the JBL Live 670NC is excellent for the price. They deliver a balanced and enjoyable listening experience that’s suitable for a wide range of musical genres and listening scenarios. Whether you're a casual listener or a more serious music enthusiast, you'll likely be impressed by the sound these headphones produce.

Noise Cancellation: Blocking Out the World

Alright, let’s move on to noise cancellation. The JBL Live 670NC features adaptive noise cancellation (ANC), which is designed to block out ambient noise and create a more immersive listening experience. In practice, the ANC performs quite well, especially in environments with consistent background noise like traffic, airplane engines, or office chatter. The headphones do a great job of reducing these types of noises, allowing you to focus on your music or podcasts without distractions. The adaptive part of the ANC means that the headphones automatically adjust the level of noise cancellation based on the environment you’re in. This is a useful feature that helps to optimize the noise cancellation performance in different situations.

However, it’s important to note that the ANC isn’t perfect. It struggles a bit more with sudden, unpredictable noises like loud conversations or sudden bangs. While it does reduce these noises, it doesn’t eliminate them completely. This is fairly typical of most noise-canceling headphones, though. The JBL Live 670NC also features a transparency mode, which allows you to hear your surroundings without taking the headphones off. This is useful for situations where you need to be aware of your environment, such as when you’re walking in the city or waiting for an announcement at the airport. The transparency mode sounds natural and clear, allowing you to hear voices and other ambient sounds without any distortion. In terms of performance compared to other headphones in its class, the JBL Live 670NC holds its own quite well. It’s not quite as effective as some of the top-of-the-line noise-canceling headphones from brands like Sony or Bose, but it’s still very good for the price. The noise cancellation is effective enough to make a noticeable difference in noisy environments, allowing you to enjoy your music and podcasts without distractions. Overall, the noise cancellation on the JBL Live 670NC is a solid feature that enhances the overall listening experience. Whether you're commuting, working in a busy office, or traveling on an airplane, the ANC helps to create a more peaceful and immersive listening environment.

Comfort and Fit: Can You Wear Them All Day?

Now, let's talk about comfort because what’s the point of great sound if your ears are aching after an hour? The JBL Live 670NC headphones are designed with comfort in mind. The earcups are generously padded with soft, protein leather, which feels gentle against your skin. The headband also has a comfortable cushion that distributes the weight evenly across your head. The headphones are lightweight, which helps to reduce fatigue during long listening sessions. JBL has clearly put a lot of thought into the ergonomics of these headphones.

However, comfort is subjective, and what works for one person might not work for another. Some users might find the earcups a bit small, especially if they have larger ears. This could lead to some discomfort after extended use. Additionally, the clamping force of the headband might be a bit tight for some users, which could also cause discomfort over time. It’s always a good idea to try on headphones before buying them, if possible, to ensure that they fit comfortably. In terms of fit, the JBL Live 670NC headphones are adjustable, allowing you to customize the fit to your head size. The headband clicks into place with a reassuring snap, ensuring that the headphones stay securely on your head. The earcups also swivel, which helps to conform to the shape of your head and create a better seal. Overall, the comfort and fit of the JBL Live 670NC headphones are good, but not perfect. The soft earcups and padded headband provide a comfortable listening experience, but some users might experience discomfort due to the size of the earcups or the clamping force of the headband. If you have the opportunity, try them on before buying to ensure that they fit comfortably. Otherwise, be prepared to adjust them frequently during long listening sessions to avoid discomfort.

Battery Life and Connectivity

Okay, let’s dive into battery life and connectivity. The JBL Live 670NC boasts an impressive battery life of up to 50 hours with ANC off and up to 40 hours with ANC on. That's seriously impressive and means you can go for days without needing to recharge. Plus, a quick 10-minute charge gives you an extra 4 hours of playtime, which is super handy when you’re in a rush. JBL has really nailed the battery performance on these headphones.

As for connectivity, the JBL Live 670NC uses Bluetooth 5.0, which provides a stable and reliable connection to your devices. Pairing is quick and easy, and you can connect to two devices simultaneously, allowing you to switch seamlessly between your phone and laptop. The headphones also support a wired connection via a 3.5mm audio cable, which is useful if you want to conserve battery or connect to devices that don't have Bluetooth. The Bluetooth range is also quite good, allowing you to move around your home or office without losing connection. The headphones also support voice assistants like Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa, allowing you to control your music, answer calls, and get information using voice commands. The voice assistant integration is seamless and works well, making it easy to stay connected and productive on the go. Overall, the battery life and connectivity of the JBL Live 670NC are excellent. The long battery life, quick charging, stable Bluetooth connection, and voice assistant integration make these headphones a great choice for anyone who wants a reliable and convenient listening experience.

Pros and Cons: The Final Verdict

Alright, let's wrap things up with a quick rundown of the pros and cons to help you make your final decision.

Pros:

• Excellent Sound Quality: Balanced and enjoyable sound suitable for various genres.
• Effective Noise Cancellation: Adaptive ANC effectively reduces ambient noise.
• Comfortable Design: Soft earcups and padded headband for comfortable wear.
• Long Battery Life: Up to 50 hours of playtime with ANC off.
• Stable Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0 with multipoint pairing.

Cons:

• Comfort Issues: Earcups might be small for some users.
• Noise Cancellation: Not as effective as high-end competitors for sudden loud noises.

Final Verdict:

The JBL Live 670NC headphones are a solid choice for anyone looking for a versatile and reliable pair of headphones. They offer excellent sound quality, effective noise cancellation, and a comfortable design. While they might not be perfect for everyone, their strengths outweigh their weaknesses, making them a great value for the price. If you’re in the market for a new pair of headphones, the JBL Live 670NC is definitely worth considering. They strike a good balance between performance, features, and price, making them a compelling option in the crowded headphone market. So, go ahead and give them a try – you might just find your new favorite pair of headphones!