Numerous premium headphones offer class-leading noise cancellation, exceptional sound quality, and a comprehensive feature set, often reflected in their price. However, some users prioritize effective noise isolation and solid audio performance without requiring top-tier specifications. This review focuses on the JBL Live 770NC, a pair of headphones positioned outside the most expensive segment, designed to fulfill core audio needs effectively.
The Design
Upon unboxing the Live 770NC, the build quality immediately stands out. The fabric-covered headband and well-molded plastic earcups, accented with subtle metal details, convey a sense of quality. The headphones exhibit a robust construction, remaining creak-free under manipulation, and feature concealed cabling (unlike some competitors, such as Sennheiser). The headband padding utilizes a memory foam material, striking a balance between support and comfort. Synthetic leather earcups contribute to a premium feel, comparable to higher-priced alternatives. Control options for the Live 770NC include both physical buttons and touch gestures on the right earcup, catering to diverse user preferences—a feature not always standard in this price range.
Comfort
While comfort is inherently subjective, we can offer some general observations. The padding in both the earcups and headband provides a comfortable experience, allowing for extended use throughout a workday. However, this assessment requires a caveat. During testing in high-temperature conditions, the earcups tended to become noticeably warm and induce sweating. Comparative testing against competitors in the same price bracket revealed that the Live 770NC retained more heat than average.
The Sound
Given their relatively affordable price and comfortable design, the audio performance is a key consideration. The Live 770NC delivers a satisfying listening experience, characterized by an engaging sound signature. Out of the box, the bass response is slightly emphasized, but not to the point of being detrimental. The accompanying app offers a customizable EQ, including an “Extreme Bass” mode. Activating this mode significantly boosts the low frequencies, creating a palpable sensation. While “Extreme Bass” can be enjoyable with specific tracks, such as Bal de Bamako from the album Lamomali or Partition by Beyoncé, which benefit from enhanced bass, it can overwhelm other genres. For example, in Josefin by Albin Lee Meldau, the pronounced bass can overshadow the vocalist’s delicate performance, even with the “Extreme Bass” mode disabled.
Noise Cancellation
The standard active noise cancellation (ANC) performs adequately, effectively mitigating consistent ambient sounds and providing noticeable noise reduction in urban environments. However, the wind noise reduction capabilities proved to be significantly deficient. Even minor wind gusts severely impacted the audio clarity. The app lacks a dedicated wind reduction feature, further exacerbating this issue. The headphones’ non-aerodynamic design likely contributes to the susceptibility to wind interference. In contrast, the integrated microphones performed surprisingly well during calls, maintaining clear audio transmission even in windy conditions.
Conclusion
The JBL Live 770NC provides an enjoyable listening experience, offers sufficient comfort for extended wear, and exhibits a build quality that surpasses expectations for its price range. These headphones are a viable option for users seeking an engaging audio experience with enhanced bass response. While the Sennheiser Accentum is available at a similar price point, our editorial team favors the JBL Live 770NC for its more engaging and dynamic sound profile. The active noise cancellation is suitable for office environments, but their susceptibility to wind noise makes them less ideal for outdoor use in windy conditions.
JBL provided a review sample for this evaluation. The provision of review units does not influence our editorial independence; our reviews are conducted with a focus on the interests of our readers and consumers.
