Leslie Shapiro

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Headphone ReviewsGrace Notes
Jabra Sport Pulse Earphones: Beat of a Different Drum
Leslie Shapiro  |  Dec 08, 2014
Jabra has introduced a wireless Bluetooth headset designed to take workouts to a whole new level of efficiency. They’ve introduced the Jabra Sport Pulse, the world’s first Bluetooth earbuds with a built-in heart-rate monitor. Crazy? I think not. Anyone who’s at all interested in fitness knows that the most effective way to monitor your workout is to track your heart rate. Check out the Orange Theory craze if you don’t believe me, or just look at the treadmills and elliptical machines at most gyms. Heart rate monitoring is an essential part of a safe, effective workout, and Jabra has nailed it. The heart rate monitor is built right into the left earpiece of the Sport Pulse, so finally, you can toss that unsightly, sweaty, uncomfortable heart rate strap.

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CES 2017
JAM Audio Brings Amazon Alexa-Enabled Speakers to the Masses
Leslie Shapiro  |  Jan 06, 2017
While it’s easy to put such impressive technology into high-end, expensive products, JAM Audio is recognizing the need to put voice-activation into more affordable products. They are releasing a range of products with Alexa including one that starts at an economical $60.

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Headphone ReviewsGrace Notes
Jam Audio Comfort Buds: Comfort at a Price
Leslie Shapiro  |  May 22, 2017
Thanks to Apple, there’s a surge of Bluetooth headphones hitting the market. Apple users are practically forced to go wireless, and other users find it convenient to ditch the cords. However, besides the sound quality issue of going wireless, there is also a comfort factor. Because more electronics have to be jammed into earphones, most Bluetooth earbuds are heavy, making them uncomfortable for many users. Jam Audio’s Comfort Buds is a solution for those sensitive listeners. Is comfort worth the sacrifice in sound quality?

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Grace Notes
Jam Audio Xterior Max: Bluetooth Speaker for the Great Outdoors
Leslie Shapiro  |  Mar 20, 2017
Spring is in the air. Flowers are blooming, birds are singing, bunnies are multiplying and so are Bluetooth speakers. Doesn’t it seem that there is a new Bluetooth speaker hitting the market almost daily? One of the latest is the Jam Xterior Max, and it’s ready for any and all of your spring-time endeavours.

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Soundbar Reviews
JBL Bar 9.1 Soundbar Review
Leslie Shapiro  |  Sep 30, 2020

Performance
Features
Ergonomics
Value
PRICE $999

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Rechargeable, fully wireless surrounds
Upfiring speakers for overhead effects
Easy to use auto-calibration
HDMI with eARC and Dolby Vision pass-through
Minus
Smart Mode processing difficult to switch on/off

THE VERDICT
The JBL Bar 9.1 system combines soundbar convenience with a level of immersive performance only achievable through dedicated surround and overhead effects speakers.

The JBL Bar 9.1 soundbar system provides one of the easiest ways to get a realistic Dolby Atmos and DTS:X immersive audio experience. JBL's secret? The Bar 9.1 uses a pair of detachable wireless, battery-operated surround speakers that can be situated anyplace in the room that's convenient. In addition, the Bar 9.1 has an auto-calibration feature that will adjust the sound to compensate for speaker placement.

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Streaming Device ReviewsGrace Notes
JBL Horizon: Waking Up Ain’t Hard to Do
Leslie Shapiro  |  Jun 01, 2015
While I like to think that every single product in my home should be beyond audiophile quality, the reality is that in some places, I want a product that sounds okay but more importantly, does its job very well. Sure, I could set up the most amazing home theater to use as an alarm clock, but the reality is that I just need a really good alarm clock at my bedside. Thankfully, the JBL Horizon Bluetooth clock radio just showed up at my house. I’m not saying that I’m a gear snob, but I would much rather wake up to a JBL logo than a Timex logo. Just sayin’.

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Bluetooth Speaker Reviews
JBL Micro Wireless and Soundfly BT Fun in the Sun
Leslie Shapiro  |  Mar 19, 2013

It’s that time of year again. Birds are singing, the sun is shining, temperatures are warming, and people are starting to move outdoors again. (Okay, fine, I know I live in Miami, but really, I feel your pain, Buffalo!)  When I go outdoors, I love taking my music with me. JBL has two new products designed to take music to new locales, both indoors and out.

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CES 2016Grace Notes
JBL’s Pulse 2 Brings the Internet of Things to This Thing
Leslie Shapiro  |  Jan 08, 2016
One of the biggest catch phrases at CES this year has been the IoT, or the Internet of Things. JBL is partnering with PubNub to create a Developer Ecosystem to the Pulse 2 and other JBL speaker systems to make them better than ever.

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CES 2017Grace Notes
JBL’s Wearable Soundgear is Freedom for Your Ears
Leslie Shapiro  |  Jan 07, 2017
Who says your ears have to be covered up while listening to music? The JBL Soundgear wraps around the neck, leaving your unencumbered ears free to enjoy a conversation, the sounds of nature, or just to keep an ear on the kids while immersing yourself in music.

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Headphone Reviews
JVC HA-A25T "Marshmallow" True Wireless NC Earbuds Review
Leslie Shapiro  |  Jul 19, 2023

Performance
Features
Ergonomics
Value
PRICE $69.95

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Budget price
ANC and Ambient modes
Memory Foam tips
Minus
No-frills packaging
Treble response lacks clarity
ANC could be stronger

THE VERDICT
The JVC HA-A25T ranks among the top budget True Wireless earbuds I've tried, performing well as practical earbuds for the gym or office and won’t cause heartbreak if you misplace one.

I will just come right out and admit this: I am an audio snob, perhaps brought on by my early childhood years listening to my dad’s Quad Electrostatic speakers or the 25 years spent in professional recording studios. I know good sound quality and I like it. So when I was handed a pair of $70 JVC Marshmallow HA-A25T Noise Canceling True Wireless Earbuds, I scoffed. Will they be able to overcome my bias?

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