Juke+ Multi-Room Streaming Amplifier Review
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Imagine the excitement of moving into your new home, already equipped with in-ceiling speakers or pre-wired for adding speakers down the line, ready to embrace a multi-room audio setup. The thought of integrating your favorite songs or engaging podcasts into every corner of your new space is enticing. Yet, the journey to this immersive sound experience can seem overwhelming, especially when faced with the prospect of expensive whole-home automation systems and finding an installer who can actually program what you need. For those seeking a straightforward, cost-effective solution that you can set up yourself, this is where Juke Audio comes into play.
I enjoyed using the Juke-8 Multi-Room Streaming Amplifier during my review last year, but my biggest gripes were its modest power output and the absence of EQ. Reading the comments in that review showed that many felt the same. It appears the company has taken such feedback into account, leading to the introduction of the new Juke+. This model is a multi-room streaming amplifier capable of powering up to six zones (12 channels), suitable for passive in-ceiling, in-wall, or outdoor speakers.
Specifications
The Juke+ surpasses its predecessor with a Class D amplifier that outputs 100 watts per channel, equating to 200 watts per zone, which is a nice increase from the Juke-8's 40 watts. This now means that it can drive up to four speakers per zone, provided the speakers have a minimum impedance of 4 ohms. For those who have more than six zones, the Juke+ offers scalability by allowing multiple units to be interconnected over the same network. This setup can be managed through the company’s dedicated app.
Beyond just amplification, the Juke+ offers users the convenience of streaming directly from their smartphones or tablets over the local network, supporting a wide array of sources such as Airplay2, Spotify Connect, Bluetooth 5, and others. The Juke+ makes it easy to route streams to any desired combination of speaker zones through its user-friendly software interface. It supports simultaneous streaming from multiple devices, enabling different household members to enjoy their preferred music or podcasts in separate rooms without interference.
When logged in as an administrator, users have the ability to assign unique names to each zone for easier identification and control over their respective volumes directly from the device's interface or using the integrated volume controls on their mobile device for adjustments during streaming.
The integration of Airplay 2 across all zones allows Apple users to stream any app / content over the Wi-Fi to Juke and play to any combination of speakers directly from the Airplay menu, eliminating the need to access the Juke app for zone grouping. Users can play right from their favorite apps without needing to go back to the Juke app at all. This feature also enables seamless streaming to the Juke+ and any other Airplay 2 compatible devices, such as HomePods, smart TVs, and receivers, ensuring playback across different outputs.
Design
The Juke+ boasts a sleek, minimalist design enclosed within a 17.13 x 8.38 x 1.75-inch (WxDxH) black chassis, weighing in at 7 pounds. Its aesthetic is emphasized by a logo on the front, and it's designed to seamlessly integrate into a standard 19" equipment rack, conforming to the 1U rack format. The unit also features a front-mounted antenna, which serves to extend both Bluetooth and WiFi connectivity for improved wireless network performance.
Turning to the back of the unit, the Juke+ is equipped with six speaker connectors catering to 12 speaker channels, utilizing Euroblock/Phoenix connectors compatible with 12 to 22-gauge wire. Additional connectivity options include an Ethernet port, RCA inputs and outputs, and optical inputs and outputs. While primarily focused on wireless streaming, the Juke+ also provides two USB ports for those who prefer wired options or need to connect two stereo line-level sources, though a USB to RCA adapter is required for such connections.
Inside the box, you’ll find a detachable power cord, four Phoenix connectors suitable for wires up to 12 gauge, and a short Ethernet cable, which is recommended for reliability. Rack ears come included, unlike with the Juke-8 where they were a separate charge.
Setup
Even if you're not an expert at setting up AV equipment, Juke Audio has made the installation process straightforward. The design of the back panel makes connecting everything quick, and you can expect it to be done in about 30 minutes.
Where this amp stands out is its app. Available for both Android and Apple devices, I found it efficient in managing the audio system from anywhere within the home. The convenience of having control over the entire setup from the palm of my hand was also a big advantage. The app's design facilitates the playing of music across any chosen combination of zones, providing flexibility and personalization for audio distribution throughout different areas.
What I like is that each room can have its own volume level. This means you can turn the music down in one room without affecting anywhere else. It's also nice that several people can play their music at the same time on different devices.
For those who prefer not to use the app, the web interface offers an alternative way to control your system. Simply open a web browser on any device that's connected to the same network as your Juke system. If you're on an Apple device, enter “juke.local” into the browser's URL bar. For those using non-Apple devices, the interface can still be easily accessed by typing “http:///juke.local/audio.php” into Chrome. Once you're in, you're presented with two main options: “Choose Where to Listen” and “Administrator Settings.”
Accessing the Administrator Settings does require a password, but once you're in, you have comprehensive control over your system. This includes adjusting the volume for different zones, editing input sources, renaming zones for easier identification, configuring your network settings, changing passwords, and viewing detailed system information.
In this review, I'm testing my setup in the living room, kitchen, and office. For the living room and kitchen, I'm using MartinLogan Motion XT CI XTC8 in-ceiling speakers. In the office, I have 2 Klipsch CDT-5800-C II in-ceiling.
Performance
Earlier in this review, I highlighted a concern with the Juke-8: while it delivered quality sound, it lacked the power to elevate music from ambient background levels to the energy needed for a full-blown party. I'm happy to share that the Juke+ has successfully addressed this issue. Thanks to an additional 60 watts of power, it effortlessly powers all my in-ceiling speakers, without any distortion or clipping even at high volumes. The user-friendly app significantly enhances the experience, allowing for easy control of the system.
During my testing, I played Usher's "Burn" on Apple Music in my office—a track known for its smooth R&B vibes and heartfelt lyrics, which the Juke+ rendered with a nice amount of clarity and depth. Meanwhile, in the kitchen and living room, my wife was enjoying Rammstein's "Du Hast," a song that completely contrasts what I was listening to with its heavy metal roots and aggressive guitar riffs. With both playing at a high volume, the Juke+ managed to deliver both songs with exceptional fidelity, showcasing its versatility and powerful output across different musical genres.
Conclusion
The Juke+ is a great performer for anyone looking to improve their home audio experience through either retrofitting an existing speaker system or during new construction / remodel. Its setup is straightforward enough that you don't need to be an expert in AV equipment to get it going, making it a practical option for adding quality sound across multiple rooms. The fact that it’s powerful enough to switch from background music to party mode with ease, all while being controlled through a simple app certainly adds to its appeal. It demonstrates that achieving a high-quality sound experience in your home doesn’t have to be overly complicated or expensive.
Priced at $2,499, it offers great value by combining ease of use with impressive performance. For those considering a whole home audio system that balances quality with convenience, the Juke+ is definitely worth a look.
