Portable speaker JBL Charge 2: characteristics, description, reviews

4.5/5 — (21 votes)

Every music lover is familiar with JBL portable speakers. Over the past 3-5 years, they have conquered the wireless speaker market and are considered No. 1. JBL are comfortable, ergonomic and with high-quality sound. A plus for buyers is that the price of JBL Charge 2 is more favorable than that of most of the company's competitors.

The JBL Charge 2 portable Bluetooth speaker is a logical continuation of the first JBL Charge speaker, which became a hit. The company developed acoustics that were new in sound, but retained the beloved design. In other words, the second series of the famous speaker acquired the sound qualities of the first and eliminated its shortcomings.

In our review of the Charge 2 portable speaker system, we will recall the advantages of this model and describe the technical characteristics. Let's pay attention to the deep sound and unique design of the best-selling speaker.

Specifications

• Weight - 600g;
• Battery life up to 18 hours;
• Full charge within 2 hours;
• Wireless Bluetooth connection with the ability to connect three devices simultaneously;
• Acoustic jack 3.5mm;
• Frequency range 75-20000Hz;
• Power - up to 80 dB;
• Two speakers each with separate emitters for low and high frequencies.

Compared to the previous JBL Charge, the Charge 2 speaker has powerful sound.

A signature bass accentuation and voluminous, colorful low frequencies appear. There are also changes in appearance - the new generation is a little longer and looks more impressive. Charge 2 has one USB input, a connector for a power supply, and a standard AUX input.

Rechargeable 6000mAh battery

A capacious battery is the pride of JBL Charge 2. This is one of the most productive batteries on the portable acoustics market. Considering the power and cost of the speaker, it seems that the company was operating at a loss.

The kit includes a special charger, with which you can easily recharge the JBL Charge 2. To restore the battery, 1.5-2 hours of mains power is enough.

Autonomous operation

JBL Charge 2 at average volume levels shows an outstanding result of 18 hours of battery life. Of course, when using the music center at full volume, the time without charging can drop to 8-10 hours, which is also worthy.

Like any Bluetooth speaker, there are problems with low battery power - in the last hours of operation, the music becomes quieter, or even stops altogether. If desired, due to the large battery, you can use it as a PowerBank and charge smartphones from it.

Such long battery life of Charge 2 is suitable for outdoor activities or a mobile party in a large company. Enjoying music can last up to 10-16 hours outdoors. There is a high chance that the phones will run out of charge before the Charge 2 battery runs out.

A popular method of use is to integrate the Charge 2 into a bottle holder on your bike. The size and design of the Charge 2 makes it easy to hold in this position. They also use JBL for running or hiking. Thanks to powerful speakers, the material of your bag or backpack will not become an obstacle to sound.

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.

Splash protection

Like the previous model, JBL Charge 2 is created with basic protection against water: light moisture, splashes. The plastic parts of the speaker are rubberized and hermetically joined together, which makes it difficult for moisture to enter. All buttons on the speakers are also splash-proof: from the power key to the volume control.

Of course, Charge 2 will not survive heavy rain or swimming in a pool - the two passive radiators on the sides are not protected from water and will easily break. But the acoustics are well protected from sand, splashes on the beach and spilled water. JBL focuses on the outdoor industry.

Bluetooth speaker JBL Charge 2

with a high-capacity battery for charging external devices The JBL brand, created in 1946 by the American James Bullough Lansing, has been part of the Harman International concern for most of its history. JBL products are present in many segments of the audio equipment market - from in-ear headphones to car subwoofers. In 2003, we became acquainted with JBL products using the example of a 2.1 format speaker system - JBL Creature. Today we will turn our attention to the portable solutions segment and take a closer look at the JBL Charge 2 device.

Specifications

• Wireless connection via Bluetooth 3.0 protocol supporting A2DP 1.3, AVRCP 1.5, HFP 1.6 and HSP 1.2 (up to three devices simultaneously)
• Wired connection via 3.5 mm TRS connector
• Working in wireless headset mode
• Two full-range speakers, two passive radiators
• Claimed signal-to-noise ratio: >80 dB
• Claimed frequency range: 75 Hz – 20 kHz
• Built-in battery (3.7 V, 6000 mAh) with the ability to charge external devices via USB connector (5 V, 2.1 A)
• Size: 184 × 76 × 76 mm
• Weight: 602 g

Equipment

Only instructions and a power supply (5 V, 2.3 A) with a pair of replaceable plugs are supplied with the speaker system. The box is not burdened with any additional accessories.

Design

JBL Charge 2 differs from its predecessor only in small details and is still focused on mobile use. Due to the fact that its shape is similar to a beer can, the acoustics can be easily mounted, for example, using a standard holder on a bicycle frame.

Due to the large battery, the weight of the device exceeded half a kilogram, and this is perhaps the only characteristic that can cause inconvenience.

The main part of the body is made of rubberized plastic. The shape of the JBL Charge 2 is designed to protect the speakers: the plastic grilles for the full-range speakers are recessed into the body. They are both placed on the side of the manufacturer's logo, the other grille only maintains symmetry in the design.

The grilles are separated at the top by a control panel with illuminated buttons. They are not touchable, but pressable. The lack of prominent parts is certainly an advantage in “extreme” use cases. The buttons are distinguishable by touch, and the volume keys are embossed. The hole next to the tube is the microphone.

At the ends of the speaker system we see passive radiators. There is no additional protection for them, but they are located at a sufficient depth to minimize the likelihood of physical impact. During operation, the emitters vibrate effectively.

To install the speaker in a vertical position, small legs are provided on the right side (they can be seen in one of the photos). An indicator below the volume buttons shows the Charge 2's battery level.

In the recess under the rear grille there are three device connectors: Micro-USB for charging, TRS 3.5 mm for wired connection of a sound source, and a high-ampere USB input for charging external devices.

The elongated base of the speaker does not provide much stability; the speaker is easy to tip over. But this will hardly harm her - after a few swings, the main speakers will simply point upward.

JBL Charge 2 turned out to be both a stylish and convenient device, perfect for active use. In addition to black, this speaker system is available in white, blue, red and purple.

Measurements

We measured the frequency response of the acoustic system on the axis of the main speakers.

Acceptable for this class of acoustics, the uniformity of the frequency response graph is ensured in the range from 75 Hz to 2 kHz and then from 5 kHz to approximately 12 kHz. These segments are separated by a decline in amplitude, which drops below −6 dB over a short interval. Among the positive aspects, we note the early achievement of the schedule at an acceptable level.

With this review, we begin to measure such an important parameter of portable speaker systems as maximum sound pressure. Measurements take place in an acoustically isolated room. The device under test is installed on a chipboard table so that its main speakers are directed towards the measuring microphone (unless otherwise specified in the table). The measuring microphone is fixed at the same height at a distance of 1 m from the acoustic system and connected to the sound level meter-spectrum analyzer Oktava-110A-Eco.

Then the speaker system is paired via Bluetooth with the Sony Xperia Z1 Compact smartphone. The speaker system and smartphone are set to maximum volume levels. Through a standard Walkman player with “enhancers” disabled, pink noise is played in repeat mode, and the average value in dBA for about half a minute of playback is recorded in the table.

As you can see, according to measurements, JBL Charge 2 is slightly louder than the Sound Blaster Roar. When preparing the article, an inexpensive Philips portable speaker also turned up at the right time and place, and in its main position, in terms of sound pressure level, it turned out to be almost identical to our hero (which, by the way, cannot be said about the sound quality, where the difference is significant).

Sound

Comparative listening of the JBL Charge 2 and the reference Creative Sound Blaster Roar revealed the competitive advantages of each speaker system. The JBL sounds noticeably more open and, in many cases, louder than the Sound Blaster Roar. The Creative product responds with better detail in the lower and upper registers, which allows the Sound Blaster to better convey the nuances of the sound of many instruments.

An additional feature of the JBL Charge 2 is the ability to pair up to three devices simultaneously. According to our observations, when working together, priority is given to the one that was connected first: until playback on it is paused, other “party participants” will not be able to join. When you press a button on the speaker, priority goes to the currently connected device.

JBL Charge 2 was tested as a wireless headset. The main drawback in this scenario was the low sensitivity of the microphone: in order for the interlocutor to hear us, we had to move almost close to the speaker. But the timbre of the voice was reproduced practically without distortion, although the maximum volume was low.

Autonomous operation

We connected the speaker system to the tablet and continuously played music, varying the volume around the average value. In this mode, the column lasted until completely discharged for about 18 hours. Starting with this review, for convenience, we will summarize the data on measurements of the autonomous operation of “decorative acoustics” into a single table.

Thanks to its large battery, JBL Charge 2 demonstrates excellent battery life, second only to a couple of more modest budget systems.

conclusions

Just like a dozen years ago, JBL products made a very good impression on us. For a portable speaker, it offers excellent sound while having an interesting and thoughtful design. When traveling, being able to charge other devices can be very helpful. With this set of advantages, the price of JBL Charge 2 no longer looks overpriced, as is often the case with portable speakers from well-known manufacturers.

Social Mode Feature

By pressing the Social Mode button on the case, you will enable the multi-user connection function to the JBL Charge 2 speaker. You can connect 3 devices via Bluetooth as a player. It’s convenient when you don’t want to trust only one DJ with the music for a party - you and your friends can switch the playlist alternately.

At the time of creation of JBL Charge 2, the function was little tested - the likelihood of an unstable connection when connecting several audio speakers is high. One or more phones may suddenly lose Bluetooth connection and experience interference. As a rule, the problem arises in the technical filling of the column.

JBL was one of the first to try shared control features via Bluetooth. Further development of this technology in the form of connecting multiple speakers was developed from this service.

Connection

Let's consider the blue tooth connection option. In order to connect the speaker to a sound source (computer, smartphone, tablet, etc.), you need to hold down the button on the case with the Bluetooth logo for a few seconds. In general, everything is as always.

The process of pairing devices is quick and painless.

Simultaneous connection of several devices is possible. The music is played from where it started first.

There are no connection interruptions, the signal transmission range is good. In my apartment, Clip 2 played through a couple of moderately thick walls without any problems.

One more thing. The volume bar is not synchronized with the source. In other words, adjusting the volume directly on the speaker itself is one thing, on a smartphone (as an option) is another.

Connecting via cable does not raise any issues. Plug the plug into the 3.5 mm jack and you're done. Unless the iPhone 7 is suitable for this.

The only thing that is not in the second “clip” is the JBL Connect function, which the older comrades can boast of.

Let me remind you that with this feature, several speakers can be connected to each other, combining them into one large “orchestra”. For example, JBL Xtreme to Charge 3. But our Clip 2 cannot connect to anything else. Obviously, the manufacturer left this feature for the third generation of acoustics.

Sound

The sound in the JBL Charge 2 is the main advantage. The second model was clearly improved by the company's engineers - they worked not only with the bass line, but also with the quality of low and mid frequencies. The lows are traditionally loud and voluminous.

Thanks to two passive radiators, an additional stereophonic effect is created. Charge 2 features bi-amping technology, where separate speakers are responsible for two different sound ranges.

The volume of Charge 2 is enough to fill the entire apartment with powerful sound. When relaxing outdoors, the speaker can be heard at a distance of up to 20 meters. The bass plays clearly, which allows you to organize parties in the open air. It is possible to create an entire composition from JBL speakers.

Additional speakers create a stereophonic stage. During the experiment, it was found that the main sound is filled by the speaker connected first, regardless of the volume level of the others.

JBL Bass Passive Radiators

JBL Bass technology is distinguished by the correct location of the speakers: the bass radiators in the Charge 2 are located on the sides “at the ends” of the speaker cylinder, and the rest are built into the body. If the JBL is positioned correctly, the sound will be excellent.

Column measurements

Many users in their reviews conducted various tests of the characteristics of JBL Charge 2. For this class of acoustics, the uniformity of the frequency response graph is acceptable in the intervals from 75 Hz and 2 kHz and from 5 kHz to 12 kHz. It is worth noting separately that the graph reaches an acceptable level quite early.

The maximum sound pressure, which is often measured by specialists, is one of the important parameters of acoustic systems. The test is simple: the speaker is placed on a chipboard table so that the main speakers are directed towards the measuring microphone. At a distance of a meter from the acoustic system, a measuring microphone is mounted at the same height and connected to a spectrum analyzer.

The speaker system is synchronized with the smartphone with the maximum volume level set. During the test, average dBA readings are recorded for half a minute of sound in any so-called pink noise player.

Based on the results of the tests, we can say that the JBL Charge 2 portable acoustics are practically not inferior to their analogues in sound quality and volume.

Design

The now classic tube design sets the standard for the portable audio market. Thanks to the shape of the Charge 2 speaker, you will not only get the correct placement of the speakers, but also feel the strength and reliability of the speaker.

Thanks to its round shape, the JBL audio speaker can withstand falls from low heights. Rubberized plastic parts soften the fall and prevent the inside of the speaker from being damaged.

Among the disadvantages of this shape, we note the mobility of the speaker - it rolls on a table or other surface if installed incorrectly. This can be easily prevented by installing special feet. Sometimes they come bundled with the main device.

The materials from which JBL Charge 2 is made have a strict and laconic appearance. The front part is covered with a special mesh, the body is covered with plastic. The speaker looks stylish and powerful. The product has color options: red , black , blue . In our opinion, the black column is the most preferable option in terms of appearance.

The buttons on the model are illuminated - convenient when you need to switch the speaker in the dark.

Despite its larger size than the first model, JBL Charge 2 is easy to transport. Thanks to the design and shape of the speaker, it is convenient to hold in one hand. The case material does not allow fingers to slide on the surface, which protects the speaker from unexpected falls.

Equipment

The standard Charge 2 JBL speakers include the following items:

1. The speaker system itself;
2. Power supply for charging, USB cable;
3. A set of plugs for different types of sockets;
4. Adapter;
5. Instructions, product warranty.

JBL's box is medium in size, no frills. It perfectly fits all the parts and the product itself. Each Charge 2 device has its own section.

Before use, we recommend that you refer to the instructions for use. This is relevant for those who use such wireless speakers for the first time.

When working with a Bluetooth speaker, there are nuances that may be incomprehensible to a beginner: connecting via Bluetooth, charging rules and safety precautions when working with the speaker. Some suppliers write that the speaker is waterproof, but this is not entirely true. Throwing the JBL Charge 2 into deep water is not recommended.

Monitor the condition of the power supply, try to change it every 2 years. This will avoid problems with your JBL speaker in the future.

Sound

JBL speakers have excellent sound quality: even the JBL Charge 2 fakes have a more open and loud sound than their original competitors - for example, the Sound Blaster Roar. The lower and upper registers are more detailed, which allows you to convey the nuances of the sound of various musical instruments.

The instructions for JBL Charge 2 note such a function as simultaneous synchronization of up to three third-party devices. The gadget that was connected first remains priority: the rest do not join until playback on it is completed. When you press the corresponding key, priority is transferred to the device that is currently connected to the speaker.

The disadvantage of the JBL speaker as a wireless headset is the reduced sensitivity of the microphone: in order for the interlocutor to hear anything, you need to move close to the speaker. Despite the fact that the maximum volume is low, the timbre of the voice is transmitted without any distortion.

The maximum volume level is enough to sound a room of 20 square meters. The JBL speaker at a volume of 50–70% copes well with any genres and compositions, delighting listeners with clear high notes, detailed bass and a good midrange. This gadget is ideal for both background sound and for creating a working atmosphere.

JBL Charge 2 is perhaps the first speaker on the acoustics market capable of playing heavy compositions at fairly high volume levels. Loss in detail and depth of low frequencies occurs only at maximum volume. Despite its compact size, the speaker clearly and accurately reproduces many genres of music. Controversial compositions are best played at medium volume levels.

Separately, it is worth mentioning such a feature of Charge 2 as fast connection via Bluetooth - a pair is created in almost a second, while analogues require five to seven seconds to connect. The JBL Charge 2 instructions indicate a battery life of 12 hours, during which trouble-free music playback is carried out. The mentioned time can be reduced several times if the portable acoustics are used as a charger for a tablet or smartphone.

The acoustics from Harman were not just improved by the manufacturer, but completely redesigned, which made it possible to create one of the best speakers in its class and at this price for the JBL Charge 2. The gadget has good bass, reproduces music quite well for its category at maximum volume level and is equipped with a capacious battery that allows you to charge third-party devices. The average price of JBL Charge 2 is 7 thousand rubles.