Back in 2015, at the IFA consumer electronics show in Berlin, JBL introduced the innovative JBL Xtreme portable speaker. Since then, the model has become a real bestseller, in demand among young people and outdoor enthusiasts. The JBL Xtreme speaker has several features that set it apart from its competitors. If you're looking for a quality wireless speaker, be sure to check out our review of this unique model.
Main characteristics
The JBL Xtreme model has the following characteristics:
- Sound system – stereo.
- Number of AC bands – 2.
- Powered by battery.
- The capacity of the lithium-ion battery is 10,000 mAh.
- Battery life – 15 hours.
- Reproducible frequency range – 70 – 20000 Hz.
- Power – 2×20 W.
- Signal to noise ratio – 80 dB.
- Interfaces – Bluetooth, USB Type A (for charging), linear (mini jack connector).
- Dimensions – 283x126x122 mm.
Design
JBL Xtreme is the largest multifunctional portable speaker in the entire brand line. The “barrel” shape looks stylish and laconic. The model is presented in 3 colors: black, blue, red. The weight of the acoustics is just over 2 kg, so you can’t easily hold it in one hand.
A distinctive feature of the speaker is the waterproof outer textile upholstery. It is securely stretched onto a plastic frame with elements of a rubberized coating. This acoustic gadget is not afraid of rain, splashes from the pool, or cocktails spilled on it.
In the center of the front panel there is a metal JBL emblem. There are rubberized control buttons on the top of the case. Alas, in the dark it will be difficult to directly control the acoustics, since the buttons are not illuminated. At the ends of the “barrel” there are movable passive diffusers with a water-repellent coating, which have long been part of the JBL design code.
There are small anti-slip feet on the bottom of the case that provide stability to the speaker. The acoustics sound best and purest when installed horizontally. There are grooves on the sides for the strap. The speaker can be hung on any convenient mount, thrown over your shoulder, or hooked onto a branch on a tree.
The manufacturer took care of the safety of the interfaces by hiding them under a zipper. Even if the speaker falls into water, not a single electronic element will be damaged when it is quickly removed. The portable speaker system is designed for active recreation, extreme sports and the most daring outdoor activities.
Design of Chinese JBL XTREME
In appearance, the speaker is no different from the original, except for the smell of cheap plastic and the incorrect JBL logo, which protrudes from the speaker body, and is not recessed into it as in the original. The quality of the materials is, of course, worse, but at first glance this is not noticeable. The passive radiators on the sides of the speaker are also made of very high quality. This time they didn’t save much on materials; they even worked on the JBL logo. In this instance, the passive speakers are non-removable, moisture-resistant (tested in the video at the end of the article) and well glued.
The rubber buttons also match the original, but they are not very moisture resistant, as it turned out during testing, you can see this in the video.
From below, the fake is revealed by its name “XERTMT” written in large letters and the protruding edges of the bottom cover casing. There is also a zipper at the bottom of the speaker that covers the microUSB (for charging), microSD, AUX and USB connectors.
Despite the almost complete similarity in appearance of the fake with the original, everything inside is completely different.
First of all , these are completely different cheap speakers with only 6 watts each (and not 20 as in the original) and, looking ahead, their bass is of course not as powerful as that of a real JBL XTREME. The speakers are recessed into special niches, it is not clear why. This design reduces the free space inside the speaker, so the passive speakers do not work as well as the original ones. Secondly , this is a completely unprotected board on which the control buttons are located. I consider this the most important design flaw, which made us laugh a lot. Well, it seems to me that after watching this video you will be able to find all the differences between the original and the fake and decide what to choose, and also have a lot of fun with the moisture protection test of our Chinese copy. Enjoy
Also read: Aceline I-100 Difficulties in charging the cheapest mp3 player
Equipment
The box of the JBL Xtreme model looks quite impressive. Looking at it, you immediately feel confident that you are dealing with serious, high-quality equipment. Each element included in the speaker kit is packaged in a separate bag or box.
Inside the package you will find:
- portable speaker;
- two power cables with different sockets – American and European;
- power unit;
- strap for attaching and carrying a wireless speaker system;
- documentation.
Functionality
The JBL Xtreme portable speaker connects to mobile gadgets to play audio files via Bluetooth 4.1.
The device has advanced functionality, including features such as:
- Possibility of charging other mobile devices (smartphone, player, wireless headphones) with the appropriate adapters.
- Installation of the column in any position. Although the best sound is produced when the speaker is horizontal, you can still listen to music in other positions.
- Possibility of pairing via Bluetooth with 3 devices at once.
- Play audio files via a wired connection.
- Combining two such speakers at once through the JBL Connect function.
- Speakerphone, allowing for conferences in a large room.
The wireless waterproof speaker has all the necessary interfaces for connecting with modern mobile devices.
JBL XTREME 2 MINI
JBL Xtreme 2 is a new quality of music. Improved sound, richer bass and up to 6 hours of battery life make this speaker an excellent music companion for true music lovers. Your drive, your music and a great mood will always be with you thanks to JBL Xtreme 2.
Features of JBL Xtreme 2 MINI:
- Wireless connection using Bluetooth
- Powerful stereo sound
- Built-in battery that provides up to 6 hours of battery life
- JBL Connect+ feature
Even better than before
JBL Xtreme 2 will be appreciated by both fans of electronic music and adherents of classical compositions or clean vocals. Hidden inside the speaker are powerful 10-watt speakers and two bass radiators, which perfectly convey the low frequency spectrum and delight with qualitatively new sound in the high and mid ranges. Thanks to this, you can not only enjoy surround sound that fills the entire room, but also physically feel it.
There is a USB port through which you can charge smartphones, tablets and other devices.
Music playback is implemented via USB, Bluetooth or AUX.
Create your own audio network
At the top of the speaker there is a row of convenient raised buttons for controlling Bluetooth connection and music playback. There's also a button that turns on JBL Connect+ mode, which wirelessly connects multiple speakers to one network. This is quite convenient if you want to listen to music throughout the house or are hosting a large party.
JBL Connect+ (wireless connection with other speakers that support this feature)
Don't stop the fun
The 1200 mAh battery will provide you with up to 6 hours of listening to music. With such impressive power reserves, these speakers can also act as a power bank for your smartphone or tablet, so your party can go on no matter what. Moreover, while listening to music, Xtreme 2 can charge two devices via USB at once.
Listen to music, talk on the phone
Volume and sound quality
This is one of the few portable, small-sized speaker systems that perfectly reproduces jazz, rock and instrumental music. Typically, such devices are designed for pop, but here the manufacturer did not disappoint, and music lovers can enjoy any style, capturing the versatility of musical notes and frequencies.
It is worth noting that the speaker is designed to work in open space. In the room its sound becomes somewhat dry.
In a small room at maximum volume you can have a real disco. Of course, in terms of bass quality, JBL Xtreme is inferior to a full-fledged wired audio system, but in terms of volume it can easily compete with it.
There is much less sound distortion when the device is standing on a flat surface in a vertical position.
The small-looking speakers actually deliver what they claim and exceed all expectations in terms of sound quality. Perhaps this is the biggest plus of the JBL Xtreme model.
Sound
Inside the speaker there are two amplifiers, the total power of which is 40 W. A special feature of this acoustics is the bi-amping mode. When a track is played, low and high frequencies are processed by separate speakers.
The first advantage of Xtreme is powerful, clean and expressive low frequencies. The audio system is great for electronic music; it can handle other genres too. During operation, it can rattle a lot, so it must be installed on a hard, flat surface.
The Xtreme's volume reserve is quite enough for the speaker to be heard in a room of 100-150 square meters. m. The device also sounds good on the street within a radius of 10 meters, which is quite enough for a small noisy party. During the test, no significant dips or distortions in the sound were noticed, even at maximum. The only complaint is that there are sudden disconnects in connection with the smartphone, which is why synchronization has to be done again. Most likely this is due to bugs in the firmware.
There is still a difference between a wired connection and working via Bluetooth. It's not that significant, but as a stationary audio system for a laptop, the Xtreme still sounds a little better. The difference also shows up in the format of the audio files played, so FLAC is recommended for best results.
Other Features
JBL has created a truly worthy product. The wireless speaker is not afraid of water, dust, high temperatures, snow or frost. She is ready to accompany you on your most daring journeys, enriching your emotions and impressions with your favorite music.
The sturdy case will withstand falls and impacts. But still, you shouldn’t take risks and test the column for strength. After all, it is made of plastic, not metal.
The documentation states that the device can withstand 15 hours of battery life. But in fact, this time is indicated for playing at medium volume. At maximum sound, the audio system will last about 10 hours.
We can't help but be pleased with the fast charging. Just 3 hours of power - and the battery is ready for long-term use again.
Unlike other models, the JBL Xtreme speaker has a Voice Logic noise-canceling microphone. Voice transmission is very clear, without interference, even in windy weather.
The only significant disadvantage of the audio system is the price. Still, not everyone is ready to pay 16-17 thousand rubles for such a device.
Autonomy
The built-in 10,000 mAh battery easily provided the JBL Xtreme with a claimed 15 hours of battery life. By lowering the volume, you can add a few tens of minutes to the result. Full charging time – 3.5 hours.
Xtreme can be used as a power bank. For this purpose, there are two USB connectors on the rear side. If you connect one device, it will receive a current of 2 Amps. Charging two devices at once reduces the current for each of them by half.
