In modern realities, mobility decides a lot. If you need to provide sound on a picnic, you are unlikely to bring studio monitors with you on the go. Therefore, portable speakers were invented. These devices are lightweight, mobile and can provide a pretty impressive sound. At the moment, there are several reputable brands that supply quality speakers of this type (Marshall, Harman / Kardon and JBL). The products of the latter are most interesting. For example, the JBL Xtreme model, which we will definitely review reviews about, is a unique product. We will consider the main technical characteristics of the column and its features. but first, a few words about the manufacturer.
About JBL
The JBL brand was founded in 1946. The name of the company came from the first letters of the name of its founder - James Bullough Lansing. He was a gifted engineer and was able to develop the legendary D130 loudspeaker, which is still used in many speaker systems to this day. After that, the JBL went uphill. The acoustics of this company were in the homes of respected Americans, and in cinemas. The Great Depression in the States has done its job. Lansing could not stand the pressure of problems and hanged himself. The case was continued by the vice president of the company. And it was he who made the company a respected brand for the production of audio equipment. There are two major areas of the brand: JBL Consumer (acoustics for home use) and JBL Professional (equipment for studios and concert halls). Wireless speakers JBL Xtreme 2 Black, reviews of which we will consider a little later, was produced by the first division.
At the same time, the company was fully engaged in the production of car speakers. Particular love of motorists was won by high-quality and powerful JBL subwoofers. They really had no equal in the market. In addition to speakers, the company produces headphones, headsets and other devices for listening to music. The sound in devices from JBL is traditionally high-quality. In some ways, the sound of these speakers is better than that of generally recognized leaders (like Marshall, Sennhiser, Bower & Wilkins, and so on). However, we digress from JBL Xtreme. Characteristics and reviews must be considered in order to understand whether this column is as good as it is advertised. Let's start with the look.
Appearance and design
What does the JBL Xtreme look like? User reviews, admiring the speaker design, make it clear that the appearance of the acoustics is all right. The column has the shape of a shell cut off at both ends. The case is covered with high-quality fabric, which protects it from environmental influences (sand, dust and so on). Below is a special waterproof zipper that covers the USB connectors and the charging port. The column claimed water-repellent properties. But you must not forget to close the bottom zipper. Also, do not try to dive with a column to a depth. The warranty disappears immediately. In general, JBL Xtreme looks like some kind of device from the future. Due to its shape and texture of the main material.
On the top of the device are rubberized buttons to control all the features of the column. There is a Play / Pause button, a button for pairing with a smartphone, a button for connecting to other speakers of the same type from JBL. On the sides are diffusers that are responsible for low frequencies. If you pour water into them, you get a whole fountain. However, it is not worth experimenting. Water repulsion also has its limits. Portable speakers JBL Xtreme, reviews of which we will consider a little later, looks just great. Apparently, the company's designers clearly know their job. However, let's move on to other features of the column.
User Design Column Reviews
How users evaluate the appearance of portable speakers JBL Xtreme? The reviews of those who have already managed to purchase it are unambiguous: appearance is the best that is in this column. Many users say that they purchased it solely because of the "wrapper". She looked much more interesting against the background of other similar speakers from well-known brands. The owners also say that it is thanks to the design that the acoustics easily fit into any interior. And the presence of several colors greatly diversifies the lineup. Design is the strongest point of this portable speaker system. However, we turn to the technical characteristics of the device. They are also able to surprise.
Speakers and their location
For the sound quality in JBL Xtreme, 6 speakers are responsible at once: two low-frequency, 2 tweeters and 2 speakers, designed for mid-range frequencies. It is not at all surprising that this speaker provides the highest sound quality. The speakers themselves are very high quality. But here, not only they play a role, but also the design of the speaker itself and the location of the speakers themselves.
The fact is that creating some semblance of surround sound in such a limited package is an impossible task. But the company's engineers coped with it. True, this required a great complication of the column design. The speakers inside are located so as to achieve the most reliable spatial sound. Probably this explains the decent weight of the column - 2.1 kg. In the hands of such a long time not to defile. However, everyone knows that advanced speakers weigh decently. Do not forget about the numerous bulkheads and partitions inside the hull. Two built-in amplifiers give their weight. By the way, the column can easily work in Bi-Amping mode. The essence of this mode is that two amplifiers take on the job of processing various parts of the musical path: one processes low and medium frequencies, the second only highs. This technology helps improve sound quality.
Amplifiers
The portable speaker has two separate amplifiers that distribute their power to high and low frequencies. As a result, the total power of the device is about 40 watts. For such a small-sized "toy" - an unrealistic result. If we take into account only one amplifier, then the power is impressive - 20 watts. Thanks to such amplifiers, the speaker provides high-quality sound. However, transmitting the audio stream via Bluetooth is alarming. Everyone knows that a high-quality audio path without wires can not be transmitted. Unless there is support for the AptX codec. But just about him in the specifications of wireless speakers JBL Xtreme, reviews of which we will consider below, nothing is said. But on the other hand, this device is not aimed at music lovers, but at fans of picnics and hikes. And few people think about the sound quality under such conditions. If only something poured into my ears. If two amplifiers is too much (even for the price), then there is a special mini version that has only one amplifier. But the sound quality there is much lower. However, this is not so important. In devices of this plan, mobility and additional options are much more important. And the quality is already secondary. Therefore, such devices are not suitable for music lovers and audiophiles. The sound does not satisfy them. Now consider the opinions of users about the sound quality of this portable speaker system. Can she compete with studio monitors?
User feedback on sound quality
Now let's talk about the sound quality of the JBL Xtreme. Owner reviews are mixed. From their comments you can understand that the portable speaker system does an excellent job with electronic and dance music. Also, the column is excellent at any "pop". But lovers of rock music are disappointed. The speaker is clearly not enough midrange. The depth of the scene is also none. But the main problem is the bass. He is too powerful for such a genre of music. In general, rockers are disappointed with the purchase. In the same way as lovers of the classics. The portable speaker is simply not able to display all the variety of instruments when playing any kind of symphony. In general, this speaker system is well suited only for reproducing meaningless electronic sounds, which for some reason many call music. She cannot play real instrumental music. Therefore, it is worth acquiring it only for listening to certain genres.
Battery and battery life
The battery capacity of 10,000 mAh is responsible for autonomy in the column. According to the manufacturer, this battery should provide continuous operation of the column for 15 hours. In terms of battery, there are some nuances. For example, there is no overcharge protection controller in it. Therefore, it needs to be charged strictly 3.5 hours. And not a minute more. Otherwise, the battery will lose its capacity very quickly. Here, the JBL engineers were obviously cheating. We decided to save on a cheap chip and as a result organized a headache for users. The asset of the wireless speaker also has two USB ports for simultaneously charging two smartphones. When you connect one, the current strength is 2 A. If you connect two at once, you get one ampere per port. Not very impressive. It is also worth considering that the column does not know how to charge from power banks. Another miscalculation of engineers. In general, with the battery and charging, not everything is okay in the JBL Xtreme Special Edition. Owner reviews confirm this.
User reviews about speaker battery
It is worth noting immediately that the owners speak about the battery of this portable speaker system only in a negative way. Why are they so not happy with JBL Xtreme Blue? Negative reviews are justified. Since the column works on battery only 3-4 hours. But not announced 15. Further, many owners were discouraged by the lack of protection against overcharging. And is it in a device with such a cost? Many users claim that the battery "died" after two months of not very active use. Many believe that this is not a sufficient level of quality for such a famous brand that sets such prices for its products. A replica of the JBL Xtreme bluetooth speaker would be much cheaper. Reviews about her battery are much better. Some owners complain that JBL does not recognize problems with the battery and does not want to change it or the entire column under warranty. Only at your own expense. Many people do not like this brand's disregard for consumers. Recently released another reincarnation of Xtreme. According to the manufacturer, the battery problem has been fixed. But users say the opposite. Nevertheless, this column is bought. True, it is not known why.
Mini version
Few people know, but there is a portable speaker JBL Xtreme Mini. We will review reviews about it a little later, but for now we’ll try to understand why it is better than “full-sized” acoustics. To begin with, this column has more compact dimensions. It is already convenient to carry in your bag and backpack. The weight of the device also decreased. However, the sound quality has deteriorated. Engineers of the company could not arrange the same number of speakers and amplifiers in an even smaller case. As a result, only one amplifier is working on the sound conversion. Rated power also dropped to 10 watts. But the signature bass is still here. Water protection also remained. And the option of charging smartphones too. It’s just a “lite” version of the original device.
Many people buy the mini version because they don’t see the point in acquiring a heavy “full-size” copy of the JBL Xtreme. We'll look at reviews of the reduced copy in the next chapter. In the meantime, let's talk about the relevance of this format of acoustics. If we talk about high-quality sound reproduction, then even the "large" version of this column will not cope with this task. especially in some music genres. The capabilities of the mini version are much more modest. But transporting such a column is much easier. In terms of providing sound on a picnic - this is just what you need. Moderately heavy and compact speaker will make outdoor recreation more fun. You can also charge your smartphone if it suddenly turns off at the most inopportune moment.
Version feedback
So, let's continue to talk about a product such as the JBL Xtreme Mini speaker. User reviews about this device are mixed. Approximately the same number of both positive and negative comments. A certain number of users are quite a purchase. They note that this device is much more convenient to use than a full-size Extreme speaker. No problem with carrying. Yes, and fits almost everywhere. Another advantage is the work with any sound sources without wires.
However, most pleased the users with the price of the mini version. It is much cheaper than the original. And that was probably the deciding factor when choosing. At the same time, there are those who are dissatisfied with such a column. First of all, those who expected to hear high-quality sound. If a full-fledged JBL Xtreme, the characteristics and reviews of which we have already disassembled, does not cope well only with individual genres, then the mini version does equally poorly with all genres. The advantages can be recorded only branded bass from JBL.
Also, many users are upset by the battery life of the device and the insufficient quality of the battery. The owners of this product believe that such a famous brand could use components much better. Even in mini-versions of devices.
In general, we can say that the acquisition of such an option is not justified. It would be much better to buy a full version. The sound will be better. Yes, and it will work on one charge much longer. A mini is like a toy. Serious use of it is impossible.
Column analogs and full copies
This portable speaker system is a successful commercial project from a well-known brand. There is nothing surprising in the fact that various replicas and copies created by hardworking Chinese appeared on the market. What can be said about these devices? So, JBL Xtreme is a Chinese counterpart. We will present reviews about this device later. In the meantime, consider a product from the Middle Kingdom. In appearance, there are no differences. This is the same JBL. However, after a careful examination and feeling striking not enough high quality materials. The assembly is also very mediocre. Noticeable gaps. With strong compression, the column crackles. There is no question of water resistance here. But in terms of technical specifications, such a column is not far from its "progenitor". The possibilities of such portable speakers are similar. But if in the original there are problems only with the battery, then in the Chinese version they will be with all components after a month of active use. They are simply the cheapest. This is the JBL Xtreme (replica) column. We will review the reviews in the next chapter. By the way, you can’t even dream of two amplifiers in the Chinese counterpart. This is the prerogative of the original.
Replica Reviews
So, a replica of the JBL Xtreme bluetooth speaker. Reviews of unfortunate owners for some reason are not full of laudatory comments. Users note that the build quality of such speakers is simply disgusting. Even with a little compression, it creaks and pops. As for the sound quality, here the users are very unanimous: it is none. There is some resemblance to the proprietary JBL bass, but it could not be implemented normally.
Some users say that, in their misfortune, they decided to check the water-repellent properties of the case. And in the end, they got a completely non-working device. If the original has problems with the battery, then in the Chinese counterpart it is generally none. Users claim that this device is able to work only 2-3 hours from a single charge. This is no good.
Perhaps the only bright point is the price of the Chinese speaker JBL Xtreme. User reviews are clear: they have never seen such a cheap copy. However, almost everyone agrees that it is better to overpay for the original a little than to suffer with a Chinese copy for a long time. The price in this case does not compare with the disadvantages. And this is an indisputable fact.
Conclusion
So, we reviewed the portable wireless speaker system JBL Xtreme. User reviews about this gadget are versatile. The speakers have good sound, water resistance, the ability to charge smartphones, a built-in microphone with noise reduction, quality materials and excellent assembly. There are also disadvantages. And the main one is the battery. It does not have protection against overcharging and is able to ensure the operation of the column for only 3-5 hours. But not 15, as stated by the manufacturer. Another disadvantage is the insufficient quality sound when playing some genres of music. With rock, metal, punk and classical music, the column does very poorly. And all genres with live instruments she can not afford.
Nevertheless, JBL Xtreme is a great solution for a picnic or hike. This portable speaker can diversify boring everyday life in nature. High sound quality is not required there. Nevertheless, it is recommended to use this column to play exclusively compositions in Lossless formats (FLAC, APE, and so on). Only then will she fully manifest herself.