Virtually any speaker system from HARMAN branded , always have an incredibly attractive design, unusual features and, of course, high sound quality. The latter is oriented, as a rule, to a young audience who prefers electronic music, pop music, rap, hip-hop and other areas where bass color is important. What is there to hide - many people love JBL precisely for its expressive bass, and only then for everything else.
Today we have a real bass king in our test lab! According to the manufacturer, the new speaker system is one of the loudest boomboxes in the JBL range of speakers, with almost the same deep and powerful bass as a sound system in a good club. And you can also take this column with you to the pool, since nothing will happen to it, even if you pour water on it from a bucket, and then βaccidentallyβ send it to swim. And although diving with it is not recommended, diving to a depth of one meter JBL Boombox 2 will survive. And we will also test this today.
Contents of delivery
The speaker comes in a large cardboard box with carrying handles on the sides. The box is quite heavy. At our disposal were two JBL Boombox 2 speakers at once, differing from each other in colors.
The delivery set is quite simple. Along with the column in the box, we found the following accessories:
- power adapter;
- two removable power cables of different standards;
- printed user guide to get started with the device.
Probably, for a column of this type, some kind of transport case would not hurt, but it was not included in the kit. However, the novelty is well protected from external influences, so the absence of this accessory is not critical.
Technical specifications
| JBL Boombox 2 | |
|---|---|
| Speakers | 2 woofer Γ 106 mm (4") 2 HF Γ 20 mm (0,75 in.) |
| Power, W | In mains mode: 2 Γ 40; In battery mode: 2 Γ 30 |
| Frequency range, Hz | 50-20 000 |
| Signal-to-noise ratio, more than, dB | 80 |
| Features | Water resistant IPX7 PartyBoost technology for combining columns USB port for smartphone charging, 5V/2,0A 3,5mm audio cable input Ability to work from the mains |
| Battery | Lithium ion polymer, 10 mAh (000 Wh) |
| Battery life, h | to 24 |
| Full charge time, h | 6,5 |
| Wireless communication | Bluetooth 5.1 (2,402-2,480 GHz) |
| Bluetooth profiles | A2DP 1.3, AVRCP 1.6 |
| Dimensions, mm | 485 Γ Γ 201 257 |
| Weight, kg | 5,9 |
| Warranty, month | 12 |
| Average retail price*, rub. | 24 830 |
* Average price for "Yandex.Market" at the time of writing.
The JBL Boombox 2 speaker is built on four speakers. Two low-frequency speakers are 4 inches large enough for a portable speaker system, and high-frequency ones are 0,75 inches each. At the same time, the sound power when the speaker is running from the network is higher than when running from the battery. Infrequently, such an impressive set of speakers can be found in a portable speaker system, and even not so large in size. But the weight of the novelty is decent: almost six kilograms gained due to a number of reasons, including large woofers, a built-in rechargeable battery with a capacity of 72,6 Wh, and a protected case.
The case, by the way, can really surprise the owner of the JBL Boombox 2, because the column has an IPX7 standard, according to which it can be briefly immersed in water to a depth of up to a meter. Recall, just in case, that we have not headphones, not a small compact speaker that fits in your pocket, but a full-sized boombox. Just with him, unlike others, you can swim in the pool and listen to music at the same time. For this column, you can easily forgive a large mass.
And in terms of autonomy, the novelty breaks records. According to the manufacturer, the built-in lithium-ion battery allows the column to work continuously throughout the day. The volume level is not specified, but we will try to find out during testing. And JBL Boombox 2 can also serve as a portable charger: among its interfaces there is a standard USB type A port to which you can connect a smartphone - a sound source that has every chance of being discharged before the speaker itself.
Connects JBL Boombox via Bluetooth specification 5.1 and profiles A2DP 1.3 and AVRCP 1.6. True, the manufacturer is silent about codecs. Apparently, the column only works with the SBC codec. Also, the sound source can be connected to the JBL Boombox 2 with an audio cable with a conventional 3,5 mm jack. If desired, and if you have a second JBL Boombox 2 speaker nearby or any other JBL speaker system that is compatible with PartyBoost technology, you can combine the devices into a single system and increase the power by two or more times. There will be one sound source for them, and there can be an unlimited number of speakers. Itβs probably impossible to wish for something else for a portable speaker. JBL Boombox 2 has everything you need.
Appearance and ergonomics
The appearance of JBL Boombox 2 is so bright and expressive that it is simply impossible to pass by it without stopping your eyes. Designers from HARMAN worked hard on the novelty, paying attention to the smallest details. The column is available in two colors: in traditional black and in a catchy protective coloring in military style. We got both options for testing.
The column has the shape of an elongated barrel with slightly beveled ends and a massive carrying handle. The outer part of the case is made of smooth plastic, pleasant to the touch, with soft inserts in some places. In particular, the inner side of the handle is made soft to make it more convenient to hold the column, and the side walls, where the protruding soft parts perform protective functions for the passive radiators located on the sides. The latter do not have magnetic heads and move only due to the movement of air inside the case during the operation of active speakers.
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All four active speakers are located on the front of the barrel-shaped case. Large low frequencies are in the center, and high frequencies are at the edges. The body is tightly covered with a fabric with a large weave. The fabric seems to be glued to the case, as it does not move, even with a lot of effort. In general, the quality of materials and workmanship of the JBL Boombox 2 is ten points out of ten. It is impossible to find even the slightest flaws or manufacturing flaws.
The column rests on a large protruding stand, which is also made of some fairly soft material. The stand is ribbed to prevent the speaker from slipping when placed on smooth, wet surfaces like pool tiles.
The column also has elements with an exclusively decorative function. For example, these are huge βJBLβ and β!β emblems located on passive speakers, or company logos on the handle and front panel. But basically everything in it is done in order to either ensure comfort in work or protect the device from external influences.
The control panel next to the carrying handle consists of six short-stroke buttons, two of which are highlighted in a separate illuminated block - these are the power button and connect to a sound source via Bluetooth. The remaining buttons are designed to adjust the sound volume, connect additional speakers using PartyBoost technology and control playback. Only one button is allocated for the last action: a single click on it starts or stops playback, and a double click is responsible for moving to the next track. All buttons have a clear, pleasant touch. Well, at the very bottom of the front panel there is a built-in battery charge indicator in the form of a vertical luminous strip.
All wired JBL Boombox 2 interfaces are located on the rear wall of the case. They are hidden behind a large rubber (or silicone) plug with three sealing contours. The plug closes the panel with interfaces very tightly, so you donβt have to worry about tightness. Even if the plug is not completely closed, neither splashes nor even a waterfall will damage the column. But the chances that the plug will accidentally open, in this case, are much higher than if it were closed tightly.
Behind the plug there is a connector for connecting a power adapter, a USB type A port, a 3,5 mm mini-jack connector for wired connection of an audio source and an additional Micro-USB interface designed for service work with the speaker.
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A few words should also be said about the power adapter, which in JBL Boombox 2 is made in an elegant case with rounded edges. Unlike similar products that come with other speakers, this power adapter is just a pleasure to hold in your hands. The power of the adapter is 100,8 W, so it will not be easy to find a similar one in case of loss or damage. In general, the aggressive expressive design, workmanship and thoughtful arrangement of all JBL Boombox 2 design elements deserve the highest praise.
The test is
To bring the JBL Boombox 2 speakers to their full potential, we decided to head into the woods. In a rather deaf (by the standards of the Moscow region) thicket, where there are no people within a radius of a kilometer. Of course, itβs also not good to frighten the indigenous forest dwellers with loud basses, but we had nowhere else to really test the operation at the maximum of possibilities. We did not disturb the animals for so long, since it is not easy to withstand the maximum volume that the JBL Boombox 2 speaker system is capable of. This is truly the loudest portable speaker with the deepest bass we've ever heard. At the same time, the sound quality practically does not change when the volume is changed - even up to the maximum level. In any case, we failed to notice any difference. Unless at a high volume level, the speaker gets very hot - itβs better not to put it in the sun.
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Low frequencies in this case are quite soft, but incredibly voluminous. If the speaker is used indoors, then at high volume, pressure is applied to the ears, similar to what is felt from powerful club speakers. At the same time, absolutely any composition acquires bass coloring. If we were considering ordinary speakers, then this would be a serious drawback, but in the case of the JBL Boombox 2, designed primarily for noisy parties and country trips, this feature can be safely added to the list of its advantages.
But the bass coloring in no way means that the mids and highs of the JBL Boombox 2 are clogged and become inaudible or audible in the background. If the mid-frequency range when playing a composition can only be partially represented, then the upper frequencies, on the contrary, are very clearly emphasized by high-frequency speakers. At the same time, no whistling or squeaking was noted. In this case, we can talk about a certain frequency balance that the manufacturer managed to find, placing a significant emphasis on deep bass and not forgetting that the task of JBL Boombox 2 is full-fledged music playback.
The column easily copes with any electronic, dance and popular music. The voices of the performers are heard clearly. No need to guess the words of the song, drowned out by the bass, as you often hear on cheaper outdoor speakers. Moreover, with JBL Boombox 2 you can relax at home or on the street in silence, quietly turning on light electronic music. Under the sound of this speaker, you can even fall asleep sweetly, and not just have a good break away in a noisy company. Of course, ordinary good speakers will cope better with instrumental music, solo works, and much more, but it is very difficult to take them to the country house, to the city streets or to the river bank. But JBL Boombox 2 is easy!
By the way, about ease. Despite the convenient carrying handle and relatively small dimensions, it is not so comfortable to carry this speaker in your hand for a long time. You can still carry a kilometer, but traveling with a speaker in your hand all day is quite problematic, unless, of course, you visit the gym three or four times a week, where, by the way, there is also a use for the JBL Boombox 2.
As for battery life, the manufacturer did not lie. The speaker can really work continuously throughout the day, and not with a barely audible volume level, but at a very decent 50-60% of the maximum. So that you understand what is at stake: with such a volume level, when the speaker is operating in the room, it becomes difficult to perceive the interlocutor's speech. When working in an ordinary apartment, it is generally better not to raise the volume level above 30%. Neighbors, you know ... Well, if you plan to use the speaker to listen to music alone in the evenings, then the battery charge will be enough for a week.
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We also checked the operation of the PartyBoost technology. The two speakers we have are connected to a network in just a few seconds. But to take full advantage of this feature, you will have to install the proprietary JBL Portable application on your smartphone. With it, you can not only combine the columns into one system, but also choose one of the two possible modes of operation of such a βnetworkβ. By default, columns are combined in Party mode, in which the second, third, and any other subsequent column play the same as the first. You can connect an unlimited number of speakers - at least five, at least ten, as many as you can find. There are no delays in playback.
Well, the name of the second mode - "Stereo" - speaks for itself. In this mode, two columns work. The first starts transmitting the sound of the left channel, and the second - the right. Perhaps this is the only useful feature of the JBL Portable application. Also, here you can only find out the charge of the battery and turn off the sound emitted when you press the keys.
Well, at the end of our testing, we decided to check the level of security of the speaker system. Alas, we didnβt manage to find a pool and a country villa during the week of testing, but we didnβt have to look for a spacious bath for a long time. The column was connected to a smartphone from which music was played. We first tested the JBL Boombox 2 in the shower, and then moved on to submerging the device under water. What came of it, you can find out from our short video below. The music in the video was not superimposed during editing - this is the speaker being tested!
It turned out that JBL Boombox 2 is not airtight at all - it draws water inside when immersed and releases it after being taken out. Water pours out of the column, and at the same time it continues to play - a bewitching sight! But, of course, all the electronic filling is reliably protected from moisture in a sealed inner compartment. In addition, this column is almost impossible to drown. There is so much air inside it that the column floats on the surface of the water like a float, despite its six kilograms. Even if you drop it into a very deep pool or lake, nothing bad will happen to it at all. The column continues to play and swim as if nothing had happened. But if you turn it with the speakers down, under the water, then there will be no sound. So the JBL Boombox 2 water test was just great!
Conclusions
If you're looking for an outdoor speaker with deep bass, loud quality sound, and a look that's sure to impress any of your friends, then the JBL Boombox 2 is the one for you. If at the same time you still want to get a case protected from moisture so that you can not be afraid of rain, a pool and not always adequate guests who can, for example, pour drinks on equipment, then JBL Boombox 2 is perhaps the only option offered. on the Russian market. Well, in terms of sound quality, this speaker for many potential users may well become a universal speaker system that will be successfully used both outdoors and at home. In any case, its capabilities are definitely enough for watching movies.
Here are the main advantages of the novelty:
- catchy attractive design and the highest quality of workmanship;
- relatively compact body with a convenient handle for transportation;
- water protection according to the IPX7 standard;
- PartyBoost technology to combine any number of speakers
- USB port for smartphone charging;
- very high maximum volume;
- very deep surround bass;
- fairly balanced sound for this type of speaker;
- long operating time without recharging.
At the same time, the disadvantages of Hardly ever. The only thing that was found was the lack of the ability to work with aptX or AAC codecs. However, this is hardly important for an outdoor speaker, because this device is clearly not intended for audiophiles. The cost of the novelty, about 25 thousand rubles, will seem too high for many, but it will be very difficult to find a worthy competitor for this device, and even with water protection. The column is worth the money. It can be a great gift not only for fans of street discos, but also for those who, for example, go in for sports on street playgrounds, ride in skate parks and just actively spend time outside the four walls of their homes.
Source: 3dnews.ru