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JLab's new Epic Sport ANC 3 embraces the Knowles curve: Hi-Fi sound for under $100?
September 5, 2024
- JLab introduces the Epic Sport ANC 3 True Wireless Earbuds featuring Knowles balanced armatures
- The earbuds incorporate the Knowles Preferred Listening Response Curve for enhanced treble response
- Priced at $99.99 USD, these sports earbuds are set to launch later this month
JLab is back with another iteration of its Epic Sport series, packing some serious audio tech into a workout-friendly package. The new Epic Sport ANC 3 True Wireless Earbuds are the latest collaboration between JLab and Knowles, promising to deliver what JLab CEO Win Cramer boldly calls their “best-sounding sport earbuds yet.”
At the heart of these new buds is a hybrid driver configuration that pairs Knowles balanced armatures (BAs) with a 10mm dynamic driver in each earbud. This setup aims to offer a more refined audio experience, particularly in the treble department and can output up to 40 kHz.
JLab has also incorporated the Knowles Curve as an equalizer setting in the JLab app for the Epic Sport ANC 3. This curve, which has become well-known in audio circles, follows the Harman curve up to 8kHz but then introduces a boost at 16kHz. Why, you ask? To better cater to listeners’ preferences in the high-frequency range, potentially restoring some of that sparkle that our ears lose as we age.
The Epic Sport ANC 3 doesn’t skimp on features, either. Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) is on board, as is a transparency mode for when you need to stay aware of your surroundings during workouts. The earbuds boast an IP66 rating for dust and water resistance, making them suitable for intense training sessions.
Battery life is claimed to be 15+ hours per charge, with the case providing an additional 55 hours. If our experience with previous JLab models is anything to go by, these numbers might actually hold up in real-world use.
The Epic Sport ANC 3 True Wireless Earbuds will be available later this month for $99.99 in the US (£99.99 in the UK and €119.99 in the EU) through JLab’s website and other online retailers.
Our review of the JLab Epic Sport family’s launch pattern shows a significant gap between the two models: the JLab Epic Air Sport ANC launched in 2020, followed by the JLab Epic Sport ANC 3 in 2024. This suggests a roughly four-year interval between model releases. With the most recent product released in 2024, a consistent pattern would indicate the next model might arrive around 2028. However, the large gap and change in branding from JLab Audio to JBL also indicate a notable disruption or potential reset in the product cycle. Considering these factors, we do not anticipate a new launch in the immediate future and will continue to monitor for updates to refine our prediction, as past intervals are irregular.