Impressive Sound in a Modest Outfit
JBL Xtreme 2 is a well-built Bluetooth speaker that produces balanced audio, with good mids and clear vocals, and ultimately presents one of the best boombox speakers you can find on the market. This isn’t a feature-rich product with a fancy appearance, but an aggressive-looking speaker, with strong bass and pretty good performance that is one of its key advantages. In other words, this device is all about music enjoyment, and everything else comes second.
Specifications:
Connectivity: 3.5-millimeter analog connection, Bluetooth 4.2
Type of charging: over the USB port
Output power: 2x20W
Battery life: 15 hours (10000 mAh)
Charging time: 2.5 hours
Weight: 2390 grams
Dimensions: Length 200 mm, Height 307 mm, Width 460 mm
Features
This is a pretty large, waterproof speaker, with IPX7 certification and solid connectivity that involves Bluetooth 4.2 connection 3.5mm analog aux port. JBL Xtreme 2 also comes with a JBL Connect + feature that allows for the simultaneous connection of up to 100 speakers, as well as handy functions such as the auto power off and speakerphone.
In addition, there is also an odd-looking, yet useful strap, as well as LED battery indicators and the ability of the speaker to be used as a power bank as well, and charge the phones or other mobile devices through a USB port.
JBL Xtreme 2 has a strong 10000mAh battery that should give you some 15 hours of autonomy and comes with a power output of 2 x 20W, which is respectable even for much larger systems than this one.
Usage
Since this is a more basic device, with a limited number of features, its use is pretty simple and it includes only the most basic tasks. All the functions are present on the speaker itself, they are easy to spot, and allow straightforward use.
On the other hand, the sound quality of the JBL Xtreme 2 is pretty good and delivers powerful, deep bass, yet well-balanced and coherent, as should be the case with one of the best Bluetooth speakers available on the market.
JBL Xtreme 2 offers tasteful tuning, very good mid-range, as well as clear vocals and lead instruments.
Therefore, if you are after pure and simple audio, with a great audio performance, this speaker is the device to check out.
Design
As mentioned earlier, the area in which the JBL Xtreme 2 won’t impress you is its outside, with a robust, aggressive build that shouts “power”. Its dual passive radiators, located on both sides of the speaker, along with the strap hinges and the speaker’s body, fully covered in a durable, grill-looking fabric, are a part of the JBL Xtreme 2’s strong appearance, which isn’t appreciated these days, yet it gives this speaker a unique look that separates it from the competition.
JBL Xtreme 2 comes in five different colors (black, green, blue, red, and squad camouflage); it has small feet at the bottom of the speakers that give it much-needed stability, and it is fitted with the essential buttons at the top of the device, that allows for straightforward use.
To be exact, there are only the essentials that are enough for a pleasant audio experience – any extras are reserved for other models that may give you more in the features department, yet can be less successful in the performance department, where this speaker shines.
Good
JBL Xtreme 2 isn’t full of shine and glitter; however, it has everything needed. There is a clear and clean sound, with a balanced bass and powerful audio. The speaker is portable, lightweight, and it has an IPX7 water-proof resistance that allows submerging into up to 1.5 meters of water and also positions it neck and neck with the best shower speakers as well.
JBL Xtreme 2 also has a powerful 10000mAh battery that should give you some 15 hours of playtime, durable design, and decent connectivity that combines JBL Connect + feature, Bluetooth 4.2 connection, and 3.5mm analog aux connection that should give you a decent level of versatility.
Bad
The matter of fact is that the JBL Xtreme 2 is a good device; nonetheless, it also has its weaker sides that aren’t anything of the essence, yet may present a burden and ruin the overall experience. These issues aren’t numerous, but they but do exist and involve the speaker’s larger dimensions, as well as the lack of Wi-Fi connectivity and voice controls, which significantly limits the versatility of the device.
Also, at maximum volumes, there is a certain level of compression, while the lack of low bass is noticeable in the performance department, which may present a serious issue for true audiophiles. On top of that, there is a lack of graphic EQ and a questionable appearance that may suit you, but in most cases, it is a disadvantage.
Final Thoughts
Simply, JBL Xtreme 2 has a lot to offer, yet it isn’t perfect and comes with certain downsides that shouldn’t be present on a device at this price. Luckily, its audio performance is least affected by these issues and the fact is that it is among the best in its class.
To be exact, JBL Xtreme 2 is in close competition with the models such as Harman Kardon’s Go + Play 2 – its main competitor – and offers a similar level of performance; however, it definitely looks better. On the other hand, models such as Sony SRS-XB43 and JBL Charge 4 are slightly behind it and offer a bit less value for the price; however, they are still in competition with it.
In other words, JBL Xtreme 2 is a pretty good device and a solid option if the immersive sound is what you are looking for in a Bluetooth speaker. On the other hand, if you are also interested in some other aspects, such as voice controls, more connection diversity, and more features, some other models may come as a better solution. However, the question remains whether they will bring the same level of performance, which certainly isn’t easy to achieve.
