4.5/5 — (4 votes)
The JBL Xtreme Bluetooth speaker offers a combination of high-quality acoustics and an average price. With it you will liven up a party, an outdoor picnic or other vacation. JBL Bluetooth speakers have become leaders in the wireless acoustics market and have proven their reliability.
We conducted a detailed review of the JBL Xtreame Bluetooth model, learned about the technical nuances, advantages and disadvantages of the acoustic device.
Column chips
Xtreme is not afraid of moisture. She will survive the rain. I also saw a video online where they lowered it into a barrel of water, and the acoustics continued to play as if nothing had happened.
* However, the manufacturer does not advise taking risks with full immersion, because in this case the warranty will be void.
The outside of the column is covered with fine-mesh fabric, which, in addition to its aesthetic function, acts as a filter from the external aggressive environment.
By the way, at the MWC Barcelona exhibition, the manufacturer showed the new Charge 3 and Flip 4 with IPX7 protection, which can officially be submerged in water up to 1 meter. You never know, the backpack fell off the boat while on a hike and all the things got wet.
Let's continue. All main Xtreme connectors are located on the back of the case under a waterproof zipper; Thule uses a similar one in urban backpacks.
This zipper made it possible to avoid sealed covers, because the Xtreme has many service outputs: two USB ports, an AUX input, microUSB for firmware updates (only), and a network adapter input. 10,000 mAh battery provides 15 hours of music playback. Using the AC adapter, it charges up to 100% in 3.5 hours. Charging via microUSB is not supported due to the high battery capacity.
Xtreme is generous with more than just sound: it can power other gadgets through its USB ports. If you connect one, then the current will be 2A, if two, then 1A for each port.
In addition, the speaker has a set of functions such as speakerphone with echo and noise cancellation, conference mode and JBL Connect. The latter allows you to wirelessly connect Xtreme to other JBL speakers to form stereo pairs.
The boombox simultaneously supports pairing via Bluetooth 4.1 with three mobile devices at the same time - this is convenient at parties when you can “intercept” music playback from your smartphone.
Speaker dimensions : 126 x 283 x 122 mm.
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.
Sound
A few days ago I met a dude on the street who was sitting and listening to reggae through a JBL Xtreme on a bridge over the river. People around me stopped because the sound was clear and rich, both in the bass and in the highs.
Just for fun, the same view in the morning.
In a room within a radius of 10 meters, the speaker sounds excellent even at maximum volume, thanks to two amplifiers.
Xtreme power – 40 W. There are six speakers on board: a pair each for bass, mids and highs. The diaphragms of passive diffusers, which are located at the ends, vibrate with sufficient amplitude that if you pour water on them, you get a fountain.
A video posted by iPhones.ru (@iphones_ru) on Mar 30, 2016 at 3:47am PDT
From what I've heard lately, I can name only one competitor to the JBL Xtreme - Marshall Kilburn. Both speakers produce high-quality sound, with the only exception that the JBL Xtreme, due to its pronounced bass, is better suited for modern music, while the Marshall still sounds more neutral.
In the States, both speakers cost the same – $300. In Russia, JBL made a feint with musical ears and set the price two times lower than its competitors.
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.
Peculiarities
The audio system is equipped with the JBL Connect function, which allows you to synchronize several speakers with each other. In this case, the devices will operate in stereo sound mode. You can also use other model lines of JBL acoustics.
The Xtreme features a Voice Logic noise-canceling microphone. Thanks to it, the device can operate in Hands-Free mode. To do this, just synchronize the speaker with your smartphone and press the track play button during an incoming call.
The best JBL portable speakers
I have passed through a lot of JBL speakers of various sizes and models. These were gadgets purchased for myself and for review. They were big and small, expensive and cheap, but they all made me happy in their own way.
The loudest portable speaker. JBL PartyBox 310 review
By saying that the speakers were pleasing “in their own way,” I mean that they were suitable for different use cases. I turned on the JBL Go 3 when I was working late at night and listening to a podcast in the background or wanted to take a small speaker on a trip. JBL Charge 3 helped me during sports and outings. She did this before I bought JBL Xtreme 2 - it made going on picnics much more enjoyable. Well, the JBL Flip 4 regularly helped me when I just wanted to do something in a room where there was no other speaker. As you can see, I have a lot of experience, which began for me with the purchase of the first generation JBL Clip - my first portable speaker.
JBL has a lot of good speakers, but today we will talk about this one.
Now we have a JBL Xtreme 3 in our editorial office, and who else but me should test it and prepare a review. Of course, I love all gadgets, but passing up something new from JBL is beyond my strength.
Wireless streaming via Bluetooth
The Bluetooth speaker supports the following connection technologies and codecs:
- Bluetooth 4.1;
- Codecs A2DP 1.3, AVRCP 1.5, HFP 1.6, HSP 1.2.
Despite Bluetooth technology, the acoustics connect to Xtreame Jbl with old firmware without any problems. Connection is carried out at a distance of 6 – 15 meters. Additionally, it is possible to pair the speaker with Bluetooth enabled using NFC.
Some users complain about an unstable Bluetooth connection to the Xtreame speaker and frequent interruptions. Sometimes you have to pair devices manually through a password system, which is inconvenient.
If this happens often, try connecting it to another Bluetooth device. This will eliminate the cause of the malfunction in Xtreame if the audio speaker works stably with another smartphone.
If there is a malfunction on the wireless speaker side, contact service. Bluetooth technology is so refined that there are no software problems. Most likely, an unstable connection is influenced by external factors, for example, powerful electromagnetic radiation.
Is it worth buying JBL Xtreme 3
To summarize, we can note several features of the gadget in question. Unlike the JBL Xtreme 2, which was primarily a travel speaker, the third iteration of this line has become much more versatile. Now it’s really comfortable to listen to it at home, even at minimum volume.
JBL Xtreme 3 is suitable for almost everything.
I like the new design better than the second generation. And special thanks for power supply via USB Type-C. Now you don’t have to remember where the charger is or take it with you on the road. Type-C can be found anytime, anywhere.
JBL Xtreme 3 costs 17,990 rubles . This may not seem like such a small amount, but considering that for this money you will buy a universal option that will replace a speaker for outdoor trips, a home speaker system and a gadget that will allow you to charge your phone, the price already seems understandable.
I would not pay this amount to replace the second generation with the third, but if you are just buying a new speaker, then this choice can be considered optimal. It’s not for nothing that JBL portable acoustics have proven themselves more than once. verified
Summing up
JBL Xtreme 3 isn't just for house parties. It is much more versatile and suitable for the street, home and office. At home it can act as acoustics for a home theater, and outside it can provide entertainment while grilling barbecue. Despite its size and weight, it can be easily dragged from point A to point B. Throw it in the car and drive it. Of course, for constant carrying in a backpack it is better to look at smaller JBL speakers, but for special occasions the JBL Xtreme 3 is ideal.
pros
- Great sound at any volume
- High-quality finish of the case
- Water protection
- Powerful Bass
- Autonomy
Design and build
Photos of the audio system give a false impression of its shape and dimensions. At first it may seem that this is an ordinary clone of the Charge model line. However, in real life, the Xtreme can hardly be confused with anything, because so far it is the largest portable speaker from JBL. On store shelves you can find black, red and blue color options for the case.
The Xtreme design is based on a thick plastic frame covered with a waterproof textile surface. The ends around the passive radiators are covered with rubberized inserts. The speaker can be placed in any orientation, but it sounds best when placed horizontally on the stable plastic base underneath.
The whole thing resembles a slightly convex cylinder with an orange manufacturer's logo on the front side. Xtreme is controlled by six function buttons on the top. They can turn the device on/off, start pairing via Bluetooth, pause the track and change the volume level. The keys are not backlit; in the dark, finding the right button is quite problematic.
The control unit is surrounded by two fastenings for belt carabiners. Considering the weight of the device, the presence of such an accessory is very useful. Xtreme can be hung on your back, which is very convenient when playing sports or cycling. At the same time, you can switch songs or adjust the volume directly from your smartphone.
The wired interfaces of the device are fastened with an orange zipper on the back side. There are two USB ports, a 3.5 mm AUX input, a charging socket and a microUSB connector. The latter is intended only for updating the Xtreme firmware, which requires connecting it to a PC.
The body of the audio system is protected from splashes of water, but it is unlikely to withstand immersion in a pool. Before using in extreme conditions, be sure to check that the clasp on the back is closed.
