JBL

MA510 AV Receiver

AUD $1,099 RRP

It has been a long time coming, but JBL has finally entered the AV receiver market, launching a range of models under the MA (Modern Audio) moniker. But rather than just follow the standard home cinema receiver template, long championed by the likes of Onkyo, Pioneer and Denon, it is trying to find fresh traction amongst Gen Z and millennial buyers, which makes perfect sales sense.

The brand's inaugural AV receiver range represents a concerted effort to simplify the home theatre experience. The MA510 reviewed here is from the more affordable end of the fleet and is as near to Plug & Play as an AVR is likely to get – although, if you baulk at the lack of Dolby Atmos, this probably isn't the model for you.

While there may be no Dolby Atmos or DTS:X support, the MA510 plays ball with everyday Dolby Digital and DTS-HD codecs, which cover most streaming services and Blu-ray. Its design recognises that not everyone needs, wants, or can accommodate all the loudspeakers required for full 3D sound. Stripping away years of accumulated complexity found in older receivers, this model delivers a streamlined AV experience with all the essentials for a solid home cinema setup.

Old-school 5.1 surround sound is the name of the game here, but it is forward-facing in many ways, too. It offers four HDMI v2.1 ports ready for 8K source components, should they ever materialise, support for 4K @120HZ console gaming, and Smartthings compatibility. If you ever wanted to know where tomorrow's home theatre buyers' entertainment priorities lie, this should tell you everything.

Of course, JBL is no stranger to home cinema. Its Synthesis models are amongst the best such components in the world and a revered choice at the very highest end of the market. But they are almost exclusively the preserve of premium custom installations, whereas this MA line is very much aimed at you and me, dear readers.

UP CLOSE

I am a fan of the MA510's design. True to the minimalist philosophy behind the MA brand, the look is lean and modern. Available in traditional black or trendy white, the receiver's glossy fascia is framed by JBL's signature orange trim, adding a touch of brand flair. The front panel houses two large rotary dials, one for input selection and the other for volume – amusingly adorned with a cheeky Spinal Tap "11" reference. These knobs bookend the display, which is monochromatic text. This and the basic onscreen display accompanying it remind me of a first-generation AV receiver.

Given that rival AVR makers have opted for full-screen high-resolution graphics when it comes to their onscreen interfaces, it's interesting to note that on this model, at least, JBL has gone in the opposite direction. The supplied remote control is also spartan, consisting of just a couple of rockers and a navigational wheel. Interestingly, this understated zapper was a surprise hit in my household, receiving praise for its polished tactility and usability.

The top of the unit is nicely perforated to allow ventilation, although it runs cool, thanks to the adoption of Class D amplification. Headphone users are bang out of luck, though. There's no front-mounted headphone jack, nor is there provision for connecting Bluetooth headphones, which strikes me as a rather curious omission in 2024.

The rear of the MA510 is similarly uncluttered. Speaker terminals reflect the flatbed channel output (so no height terminals), and there are two subwoofer outputs. Four HDMI inputs, all supporting 8K video resolution, Dolby Vision, HDR10, and gaming features such as VRR, ALLM, and QFT, provide future-proofing for gamers and home cinema fans alike. There's also a single eARC-enabled HDMI output, plus an array of audio inputs, including coaxial and optical digital audio and analogue stereo. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are delivered via screw-on antennas.

One of the key attractions of the MA510 is its ease of installation. Unlike competing brands, no automated calibration system or setup microphone is supplied. Instead, users must manually enter speaker distances and adjust output levels if required. For those looking to fine-tune their setups automatically, there's the JBL EZ EQ app. Available on iPhone and Android (whose users will need to provide their own microphone), it collects room acoustic data after a short sweep of white noise generated by the receiver. A calibrated profile for each speaker is then downloaded to the AVR. JBL recommends the Dayton Audio iMM-6 microphone for Android users, which is around £30 on Amazon. However, this requires a 3.5mm connection, which isn't going to work for many modern Android users without a USB-C adapter.

To be honest, I preferred the sound of the MA510 manually tuned. Given the receiver's raison d'etre, I suspect that's how it will be listened to anyway. It's easy enough to stream from a smartphone, too. Just select the Audio tab in the Mini OSD and head to Bluetooth setup, where you can enter Pairing Mode. Other niceties include Google Chromecast, Apple AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, and TIDAL Connect, but there's no multi-zone capability.

THE LISTENING

While the specification may have been pruned, the audio performance hasn't – and this AVR does not disappoint sonically. Dialogue clarity is excellent, with centre channel vocals clearly articulated, even against the busiest of backgrounds or a barrage of heavy sound effects. The receiver's 75W output might seem modest, but there's plenty of dynamic snap.

A run-through of Godzilla Minus One (Netflix) confirms a seamless soundstage, with precise movement between front and rear channels. The opening buzz of a Zero flying in from the rear to the front soundstage is impeccably smooth. As the action hots up, Godzilla's iconic roar reverberates around the soundfield before decaying to the rear for a sense of scale and depth.

Bass is a little heavy, leaden even, yet doesn't slow down more bombastic action sequences. The showdown between Doomsday and DC's finest (Superman Vs Batman: Dawn of Justice, Blu-ray) is fittingly exciting, with crisp crackles of energy, crunching rubble and booming score all spatially coherent in a widescreen presentation. It's also great when it comes to conveying a more subtle ambience. The Korean period drama Uprising, with its bustling scenes of mediaeval life, benefits from its underplayed precision.

By way of contrast, the storm which engulfs Miami during the opening to the finale of Bad Monkey (Apple TV+) is suitably furious. You can't beat driving rain and peals of thunder for full, cinematic excitement. The rain drives in from all channels, lightning cracks across the front soundstage, and the subwoofer channel rumbles enthusiastically.

When it comes to music, this receiver is more of a qualified success. You can listen in two-channel stereo (with or without a subwoofer) or utilise all your loudspeakers in either All Party mode or with Pro Logic up mixing. It's entertaining and sounds large when all channels are pumping, but it doesn't have the musical nuance in two-channel mode that enthusiasts might demand. But again, for the target market, I suspect it's going to be spot on.

THE VERDICT

For the most part, I reckon JBL has successfully refreshed the humble AVR with the MA510. It's good to see something different arrive in the AV receiver market. It grabs the category by the scruff of the neck and gives it a thorough shakedown. The design is cool, usability is good, and overall performance kicks the right amount of ass for the cash. Not everyone wants, or indeed needs, Dolby Atmos and DTS:X codec support; 5.1 surround is easier to execute and translates to a more manageable loudspeaker package.

The MA510, with its minimalist approach, clean design, and solid performance, make it a fine choice for users keen to upgrade from a one-dimensional soundbar or upgrade their existing home theatre for leading-edge HDMI v2.1 games console compatibility. The simplified menu may not be pretty, but it isn't intimidating either. I actually find the lack of a headphone option more egregious. So, the JBL may not have all the bells and whistles of high-end models, but it is still very much a forward-looking component, particularly regarding HDMI compliance. For those who want a no-fuss AV receiver that handles movies and music with aplomb, this is a smart and affordable option.

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