JBL Boombox
 | Outdated Product $349.95 A huge column the size of a small boombox, which, in fact, is displayed directly in the name of the model. A handle is included for easy portability. The column impresses with its capabilities and sound volume: when powered by the JBL Boombox, it produces sound with a power of up to 60 W, and from its own battery — up to 40 W. The loudness and clarity of sound is the merit of two 100 mm drivers, a pair of tweeters measuring 20 mm each and bass radiators on the sides. Two sound modes are claimed: home and street. The case of the model is protected according to the IPX7 standard, which prevents moisture from entering the speaker when it is in the rain or when diving under water. Portable acoustics (if the term "portable" is applicable to it) are not the only ones that are strong in size and...sound — in the depths of its body a battery with an impressive capacity of 20,000 mAh is hidden from prying eyes. Huge battery tanks contain enough energy to provide a day of autonomous operation of the device. |
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A huge column the size of a small boombox, which, in fact, is displayed directly in the name of the model. A handle is included for easy portability. The column impresses with its capabilities and sound volume: when powered by the JBL Boombox, it produces sound with a power of up to 60 W, and from its own battery — up to 40 W. The loudness and clarity of sound is the merit of two 100 mm drivers, a pair of tweeters measuring 20 mm each and bass radiators on the sides.
Two sound modes are claimed: home and street. The case of the model is protected according to the IPX7 standard, which prevents moisture from entering the speaker when it is in the rain or when diving under water. Portable acoustics (if the term "portable" is applicable to it) are not the only ones that are strong in size and sound — in the depths of its body a battery with an impressive capacity of 20,000 mAh is hidden from prying eyes. Huge battery tanks contain enough energy to provide a day of autonomous operation of the device.
The American company JBL has existed for several decades and is considered a recognized leader in the niche of portable speaker production. The Boombox model is the company's calling card in a series of powerful speakers at a record high price of $400. Let's see what the manufacturer offers in return.
Mobile Miracle
The design of the speaker is traditional for most of the brand's products — an ergonomic elongated body with a red logo on the fabric grille and steel-coloured overlays covering the passive radiators on the sides. With a fantastic power of 60 W, the dimensions of the speaker are relatively small 254x495x196 mm, but the weight is quite decent — more than 5 kg, which can be justified by a capacious 20,000 mAh battery and the presence of as many as 4 speakers inside. On top we have a convenient plastic carrying handle. Well, as always, JBL offers several colours — black, green, camouflage.
The speaker housing has an IPX7 degree of protection, which makes it perfect for outdoor use. Dust, dirt and water are not afraid of her, but it’s still not worth exposing the device to too strong shocks.
We listen and enjoy
Acoustics connects to smartphones, laptops, computers via Bluetooth v 4.2 and using an AUX cable via a mini-Jack connector. The JBL Connect+ feature allows you to connect additional speakers.
Two woofer/midrange speakers and two tweeters operate in the frequency range of 50 – 20,000 Hz, and support two sound modes — street and home. The sound is really powerful and clear, with pronounced accented bass, but, like all JBL speakers, a little harsh and, as they say in such cases, “plastic”. In general, it will be just right for lovers of electronic music and metal, but you won’t hear the vintage warm sound that you need to listen to jazz, blues.
Record battery life and power bank capabilities
The column operates from a 220V network, as well as from a built-in battery that provides not only up to 24 hours of battery life, but also acts as a power bank. The capacity of 20,000 mAh allows you to charge several devices, moreover, two at the same time, for which there are 2 USB connectors. In fairness, it should be said that the claimed power of 60 watts is provided only when working from the network; in portable mode, the column will produce less than 40 watts.
The JBL Boombox is without a doubt one of the best high powered portable speakers with a focus on outdoor use. But with a clearly overpriced and not very good ergonomics. The same Sony SRS-XB40 with the same characteristics sounds better, weighs less and costs less.