Do you like listening to music? Then it's time to check out the new product from JBL. This year in Las Vegas, JBL introduced its new Xtreme 2 speaker. You can take it with you outdoors, on trips, and not worry about running out of power.
Bluetooth speaker design and housing.
Powerful technical characteristics.
Differences between JBL Xtreme 2 and the first version.
The JBL Xtreme 2 is a Bluetooth speaker that delivers powerful stereo sound through four transducers and two visible bass drivers.
Characteristics, equipment and brief +/-
JBL Xtreme 2 characteristics:
- Form factor: portable speaker
- Speaker power: 2×20 W
- Number of AC bands: 1
- Wide range speaker: 20 mm
- 2 passive radiators 50×70 mm
- Frequency range: 55 - 20000 Hz
- Signal to noise ratio: 80 dB
- Battery capacity: 10000 mAh
- Working time: 15 h
- Battery charging time: 3.5 h
- Inputs: linear (mini jack connector)
- Interfaces: Bluetooth, USB Type A (for charging)
- Bluetooth version: 4.2
- Functions: built-in microphone
- Moisture protection: IPX7
- Dimensions (WxHxD): 288x136x132 mm
- Weight: 2.39 kg (with batteries)
- JBL Connect+ feature
- Price: 160$
Brief pros and cons ⚖️:
Pros:
- Loud sound with a low-frequency bias.
- Corporate design.
- IPX7 waterproof.
- Autonomy (about 15 hours).
- Can be carried on a belt.
- USB charging of other devices.
- Connection via audio cable.
Minuses:
- High price ($160).
- There is no USB charging option.
- Not as many low frequencies as you'd expect.
- No support for high definition codecs.
Equipment:
- Portable speaker JBL Xtreme 2.
- Charger.
- 2 power cords (different sockets).
- Documentation.
JBL Xtreme 2 set
JBL Xtreme vs JBL Xtreme 2
Is it worth upgrading?
Differences between JBL Xtreme and JBL Xtreme 2:
JBL Xtreme 2 vs JBL Xtreme
- Appearance : different design of passive radiators (rubberized, not metal), different start/pause button, slightly different coating, different color schemes.
- The legs are larger and more reliable.
- The belt attachments are larger and more secure , and are also located closer to each other.
- Less. 283x126x122 mm.
- A little easier. 2.1 kg.
- Smaller power supply included.
- Other speakers (lower end of the frequency range is 70 Hz, not 55 Hz).
- Another plug on the connectors (“lightning”).
- 2 USB ports for charging (not 1).
- No IPX7, splash proof only.
- Bluetooth version: 4.1.
- JBL Connect (not JBL Connect+);
- There are many reviews about problems with the power controller (“overcharging” the battery);
- Other prices (usually cheaper: about $100, but many options are more expensive: about $205 – special edition)
If you already have JBL Xtreme, then there is no need to purchase the second version. Only if there are no problems with the battery. If you are choosing a new column now, then it is more logical to buy the second version. It's louder and sounds better. Moreover, the first one is almost no longer available for sale.
2.1 JBL Xtreme 2 comparison
JBL Xtreme 2 vs JBL Charge 4 vs JBL Pulse 3
JBL Charge 4 differences:
JBL Charge 4 black
- The design is very similar.
- Smaller and lighter . 220x95x93 mm and weighs 960 g. More portable option.
- 1 speaker, not 2.
- Less powerful . 30 W vs 40 W (2x20).
- The lower limit of the range is slightly higher . 65 Hz vs 55 Hz.
- Less capacious battery . 7500 mAh.
- The declared autonomy is greater.
Up to 20 hours. Although in real conditions both speakers work for about 15 hours on average. - Charges more slowly . About 5.5 hours
- USB Type-C . Not microUSB.
- Designed to be carried on a wrist strap rather than on a belt.
- Cheaper. 110$
JBL Pulse 3 differences:
JBL Pulse 3
- There is a backlight . And the design, accordingly, is very different.
- Smaller and lighter . 223x92x92 mm and weighs 960 g.
- No ability to charge external devices via USB.
- Different speaker and control layout.
- Less powerful . 20 W vs 400 W.
- The lower limit of the range is slightly higher . 65 Hz vs 55 Hz.
- Less capacious battery . 6000 mAh.
- Less autonomy . Maximum – 12 hours.
- Cheaper. 125$
Appearance and build quality
In the box along with the JBL Xtreme 2 speaker you can find:
- Carrying strap;
- Power unit;
- Charging cable with Euro socket;
- Cable with UK socket;
- Documentation.
The presence of two wires indicates a universal approach to configuration . There is no USB cable, which is not surprising: the speaker does not charge via USB. The power supply itself is quite large, but smaller than many laptops and the first version of Xtreme.
Portable acoustics JBL Xtreme 2 has a traditional design with a fabric covering and passive radiators on the sides. They, unlike the previous generation, are covered with rubberized material.
JBL Xtreme 2 original
JBL Xtreme 2 box
JBL Xtreme 2
The top side of the JBL Xtreme 2 houses all the control buttons and strap mounts . At the bottom there are legs (large and reliable) and a charge level indicator of 5 LEDs. On the front, in the middle of the fabric covering, there is only the JBL logo.
And at the back, under the plug, there are all the connectors : USB for charging external devices (flash drives are not supported in the JBL Xtreme 2), micro-USB for firmware updates, 3.5 mm jack and an input for the included power adapter. Convenient and reliable.
It's strange that there is no audio cable included. How to connect JBL Xtreme 2 without Bluetooth? There is a possibility, but you will have to obtain the funds (wire) yourself.
