The JBL MA9100HP High Performance 9.2 channel 8K AV receiver is the flagship AVR of the range. It has upgraded amplifier modules with 140 watts per channel output and can also be used to create upto 9.2 channel Dolby Atmos or DTS-X systems.

Other upgrades over the lower models include Dirac Live. AV receivers form the heart of an audio visual system providing switching between sources as well as feeding TVs and projectors. You can also stream audio from mobile devices via Bluetooth or WiFi.

Versatile connectivity

Many inputs and outputs are provided by the JBL MA9100HP. Up to six sources can be connected via HDMI, along with two outputs for a tv or projector. Additionally, its fully future proof as the HDMI system can now handle upto 8K signals at 60Hz and 4K at 120Hz. Other upgrades include HDCP and HDR10 as well as Dolby Vision. eARC can be used to control the overall volume by using your TV remote. Digital sources can be connected via coaxial or optical inputs. There are also analogue RCA inputs for other equipment. High-quality speaker connectors are provided along with connectors for the WiFi aerials.

High Res Streaming

The JBL MA9100HP has a Bluetooth transmitter as well as receiving capabilities. Additionally, you can stream from your home network via WiFi. PCM signals can be played back with a sample rate of up to 192kHz with 24-bit resolution. Formats available include MP3, WMA, ALAC, FLAC, and more. The HDMI system carries eight PCM channels as well as Dolby Digital and DTS compressed bitstreams.

What is a 9.2 system?

A 9.2 system is the ultimate in home cinema sound. 3D surround, as provided by Dolby Atmos and DTS-X can be reproduced with the JBL MA9100HP. Dolby Atmos uses ceiling and height speakers to provide an immersive 3D effect. ‘Sound objects’ can be placed anywhere in 3D space.

There are also two subwoofer outputs for thundering bass with movies and music. The centre channel is used for dialogue and some special effects. JBL has released a centre speaker with four bass drivers for this system.

Surround sound encoding methods

Surround sound is encoded using two main methods Dolby Digital and DTS. The JBL MA9100HP High Performance 9.2 Channel 8K AV Receiver can handle both. Dolby Digital and DTS both have advanced 3D surround systems know as Dolby Atmos or DTS-X respectively. Notably, DTS has a higher sampling rate while Dolby Atmos uses a more advanced processing system.

While the MA9100 HP supports upto 9.2, but you also have the option to form a simpler 5.1/5.2 or 7.1/7.2 setup, with the option to move upto 9.1/9.2 at a later date.

The JBL AV speaker system

At the same time as the release of the MA models, JBL released the JBL Stage loudspeaker range for home cinema systems. It comprises a floor-standing set for larger rooms along with two sets of bookshelf speakers. There is also a well-specified centre speaker with four bass drivers and two sizes of subwoofers. Normally Dolby Atmos systems use built-in ceiling speakers. However, JBL has developed an upward-firing speaker that can be used instead. This bounces sound off the ceiling, from below.