Once again we can write that the time has come for beaches and outings into nature. But this has already been written, and it doesn’t look much like beaches yet. In this article we will talk about an interesting universal speaker that is great for listening to music in different situations.
JBL Charge 2 Plus Teal (CHARGE2PLUSTEALEU) Acoustic systems (speakers) on
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The device was provided by the Portativ store
Contents of delivery
Traditionally for JBL, acoustics are packaged in a neat box. Inside there is the boombox itself, an AUX cable, micro USB and a power adapter with a plug for a European socket.
Box
The original column is packaged as follows:
the box has a handle for hanging it on a hook in the store;
The original box (left) has a handle and a detailed description of all the properties of the device
- a description of all the characteristics of the speaker is indicated on the box itself in different languages;
- the box opens up, it solid and doesn't understand.
The original box is whole
For the fake box:
- handle is missing
- the packaging consists of several parts;
The fake box consists of two parts
logos are covered up (most often just an orange square) or not glued on neatly.
The logos on the fake box are erased
Design, materials
Charge 2+ has a classic JBL design - a kind of “audio sausage”. Both JBL and other competing companies have plenty of identically shaped speakers. The design is made of pleasant soft-touch plastic and a metal “grill”.
The lower part is rubberized for better fixation on the surface. Large woofers are placed on the sides to provide spacious bass.
How does a JBL speaker work?
The JBL speaker is small in size, which makes it easy to put it in a backpack and use it in the gym or in the countryside. On top it is covered with thick fabric, which protects and prevents the device from slipping from your hands. Thanks to the reinforced body and a special protective layer, the product can even be placed in a bath: it will not suffer from a collision with water. However, you can immerse the column in water for no more than 30–40 minutes.
The case is equipped with six buttons, such as:
- editing sound intensity;
- button for articulation with other columns;
- activation/deactivation;
- power, pause, and Bluetooth connection button.
The USB, AUX and micro USB ports are covered with a special cover that will protect them from dirt, dust and moisture.
The undeniable advantage of this technique is the ability to use it for conversation. In this case, you, like your interlocutor, will be able to communicate effectively without any extraneous noise on the communication line. Using a USB cable, the mechanism will recharge your smartphone. The volume of the speaker is impressive, and its work is enough for about 20 hours of listening to music. People interested in music playing instruments will immediately recognize JBL by its great sound: this means that this equipment has already proven itself in the market in the best way.
Ergonomics
The speaker is convenient to use in almost any place - as an acoustic system for a laptop, outdoors, when riding a bicycle, etc. JBL Charge 2+ is not afraid of moisture, which means the model can be used even in the rain. But the speaker will not survive immersion in water, so there is no point in experimenting. The model fits perfectly in the hand and allows you to transport it in any bag or backpack. The acoustics weigh 600 grams.
Speakerphone
For wireless communication, Charge 2 has a specially built-in speakerphone. Users note that it transmits clear and high-quality speech sound, without crackles or interference. Such an addition is considered mandatory in the field of Bluetooth acoustics, but few people implement the connection properly. The speakerphone in the Charge 2 model is of high quality, it is quite enough for talking on the phone.
It is recommended to use JBL as an alternative to the Hands Free function for drivers; it can be connected via an adapter to charging the car, and communicate calmly with the interlocutor. Communication in a confined space will be excellent, and you and your interlocutor can be clearly heard.
Using such a system at home is always convenient. For example, you are cooking, talking on the speakerphone at the same time, or doing other household chores. A regular phone will not always provide good audibility or sound capture during such a conversation, but JBL does an excellent job.
Connection, controls
You can play music using Bluetooth technology or via a mini-jack cable. Display of battery charge in the notification shade is supported. Up to three devices can be connected via Bluetooth at the same time, which is very helpful in a company where everyone shouts: “oooh, now I’ll play this track.”
On the top there are speaker control buttons: power, volume up/down, and Bluetooth pairing.
Battery life
Power is supplied by a built-in lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 6000 mAh (3.7 V). On the one hand, this is not much, on the other hand, the manufacturer promises 12 hours of continuous audio playback. Of course, this will vary depending on the volume level and quality of the content.
Practical tests have shown that the device is completely discharged in less than 9 hours of playing music at maximum volume. Of course, the content was broadcast to the speaker via Bluetooth. Full charging takes about 3.5 hours at a current of 2.3A.
There is another nice functionality. The acoustics can recharge third-party devices using any Micro USB cable. I tried this trick with a Sony Xperia Z3 (3100 mAh battery). The gadget gave all its charge to the smartphone in less than an hour, while the phone was charged only 67 percent. In theory, the charge volume should have been enough for almost two full charging cycles of the Sonya. Most likely the reason is that the output current power is 2.1A, which provides uneconomical consumption of the power supply capacity, but a fairly fast rate of energy replenishment.
In other words, gadgets charge quickly, but Charge 2 consumes its capacity, so to speak, irresponsibly.
Sound
Here the little one from JBL does not surprise us, since everyone knows that the speakers from this manufacturer play very cool, even the smallest and frail-looking ones. With Charge 2+ there are absolutely no discoveries - two 45 mm speakers produce very high-quality and loud sound. I was pleased with the elaboration and the amount of low frequencies. Personally tested - the speaker coped with the sound of a picnic for 15 people, everyone noted the detailed sound and volume.
⇡#Conclusions
If you're looking for an outdoor speaker with deep bass, loud, high-quality sound, and a look that's sure to impress all your friends, then the JBL Boombox 2 is just what you need. If at the same time you still want to get a case protected from moisture so that you are not afraid of rain, a swimming pool and not always adequate guests who can, for example, spill drinks on your equipment, then JBL Boombox 2 is perhaps the only option offered on the Russian market. Well, in terms of sound quality, for many potential users this speaker may well become a universal speaker system that will be successfully used both on the street and at home. In any case, its capabilities are definitely enough for watching movies.
Here are the main advantages of the new product:
- catchy attractive design and the highest quality workmanship;
- relatively compact body with a convenient handle for transportation;
- water protection according to IPX7 standard;
- PartyBoost technology for combining any number of speakers
- USB port for charging a smartphone;
- very high maximum volume level;
- very deep surround bass;
- fairly balanced sound for this type of speaker;
- long operating time without recharging.
At the same time, the JBL Boombox 2 has practically no shortcomings. The only thing we found was the lack of ability to work with aptX or AAC codecs. However, this is hardly important for an outdoor speaker, since this device is clearly not intended for audiophiles. The cost of the new product, about 25 thousand rubles, will seem too high for many, but finding a worthy competitor for this device, and even with water protection, will be very difficult. The column is worth the money. It can be a wonderful gift not only for fans of street discos, but also for those who, for example, play sports on street playgrounds, ride in skate parks and simply spend time actively outside the four walls of their home.
Functionality
In addition to its main purpose, JBL Charge II Plus has a built-in microphone for use as a speakerphone. You shouldn't count on high quality voice transmission, but in a quiet environment it's quite good. I would also like to note the possibility of recharging portable devices like smartphones and tablets from the built-in battery.
Characteristics table
| device type | wireless mono acoustics |
| power | 3 W |
| nutrition | autonomous |
| bluetooth version | 4.1 |
| audio input | aux |
| charge connector | micro USB |
| working hours | 5 o'clock |
| control | remotely, push-button |
| frequency range | 180—20000 Hz |
| signal/noise | 80 db |
| microphone | Yes |
| weight | 0.18 kg |
| moisture resistant coating | yes, ipx7 |
| Battery capacity | 730 mAh |
| for charge | 2.5 h |
Autonomy
The built-in 6000 mAh battery allows you to play music for up to 12 hours. As already written above, there is a USB port for charging portable devices. The latter is very important in nature, where there is no way to recharge a smartphone and the battery is about to run out.
4.5
ITC.UA rating
Pros: Sound, design, ergonomics, autonomy, ability to charge portable devices, simultaneous connection of three devices via Bluetooth
Cons: Built-in microphone quality
Conclusion: JBL Charge 2+ is a good symbiosis of high-quality sound, beautiful design, long operating time and good functionality in a fairly compact case that can be taken with you anywhere. And the cost is not at the level to shout: “it’s very expensive!” On the eve of the beach and barbecue season, it's time to take a closer look at such devices. And the hero review certainly will not disappoint you.
Specifications
Pairing
Connection via Bluetooth is clear and fast. No additional codes are needed to establish a connection. On the speaker, just hold down the “blue tooth” key, and on your smartphone (tablet) just start searching for devices.
That's not all.
Charge 2 has support for connecting to three devices at once and playing music from each of them in turn (Social Mode).
For example, there are three of you and each of you has some kind of gadget with Bluetooth. First, each device in turn needs to establish a connection to the speaker. After that, you can switch from one sound source to another by pressing the “Play” button on your smartphone, tablet, or anything else. Thus, each device connected to such a unique network can interrupt someone else’s audio stream. A cool thing for music lovers who want to share their musical discoveries with each other.
In fact, it turned out that three devices located in close proximity interfere with each other, so playback from some devices causes noticeable stuttering and interference. Two gadgets in a grid do not have any mutual influence on each other.
I almost forgot to tell you something else. If a call is connected to one of the connected devices, playback from the other stops and the speaker starts working in Hands-free mode.
Sound quality
The volume is quite high. Its maximum value or so is enough to support a party in a standard apartment. Not a disco, of course, but like adding some music. For example, when I tested autonomy at high volume, I had to “plug” the speaker with a pillow and close the door so that the music would not distract from work or household chores.
There are no extraneous wheezing, squeaks or whistles even at the volume turned up to the limit.
The sound itself is quite clean and pleasant.
However, you should not count on the “correct” low frequencies. There is bass, but clearly not subwoofer-like. After all, we have only one speaker that handles all frequencies alone. And I must admit, he does it with dignity. You don't even need to place the speaker somewhere on a wooden shelf to get additional resonance.
How to use a JBL Bluetooth speaker
After purchasing a speaker, the average user asks the question: how to use it? First, you need to read the instructions that come with the product. If you do not speak foreign languages, we offer the Russian version of the instructions.
JBL speaker instructions in Russian
Instructions for JBL Charge 3
- You can connect three smartphones or tablets to the mechanism, and play melodies one by one.
- The cast battery allows the player to operate for at least fifteen hours; it is also possible to charge gadgets via a special cord.
- Echo and noise suppression technology allows you to create high-quality telephone communication with the subscriber.
- The rubber coating of the case allows the player to withstand all environmental impacts.
- You can connect other types of speakers to JBL Charge 3 to enhance the sound.
- JBL Charge 3 tolerates moisture well and can work right in the pool.
- Special radiators enhance the intensity of the bass.
Review
Having opened the parcel, I did not see any cardboard box. The column was in a bag with protective air cavities, there were no instructions. The package along with the speaker contained a “USB” charging cable (without a charger), and a package with stickers, two round ones for the ends of the speaker, and one “JBL” emblem for the central grid of the speaker.
It turns out that when ordering an unnamed “replica”, we ourselves, by gluing stickers, make an “original” out of it. Well, for such a price, the situation is normal.
The appearance of the speaker is quite neat, the materials are pleasant, the color is rich, there is no pungent smell of plastic, the gaps are the same, and there are no glue drips either. The website says that the speaker is waterproof, but I was afraid to check because I heard that this is not entirely true.
Equipment
The gadget is delivered in bright translucent packaging, which is replete with various labels and inscriptions. Just by looking at the box, you can understand the main features of the device, because there are corresponding pictograms on the front.
Inside there was only a tiny Micro USB cable for connecting to charging (length 32 cm). Yes, there is accompanying documentation, but there is no power supply. It is assumed that we already have it. Everything is assumed correctly. Let's move on.
