JBL Charger2 is a portable wireless speaker. JBL Charger2 - portable wireless speaker Portable speaker jbl charge 2 review

JBL - famous trademark with more than 50 years of history, originates in America. Its creator is American James Bullough Lansing.

The company itself has long been part of the large concern Harman International and has been developing audio equipment in all its forms: from headphones to car speakers.

This development of the company belongs to the segment of portable equipment and will be of interest to those people who want to accompany their life with high-quality and loud sound of their favorite music.

It’s spring now - the weather is warm and light, and I want to finally get out of my apartment and into the fresh air, enjoy the parks, the beach or walks in the forest with friends. Or ride a bike, climb a mountain or walk along the streets of the city?

If you are a music lover and want to not be parted with your favorite music even when the environment changes, and you want to enjoy pure and loud sound whenever and wherever - then this article is for you.

JBL once again pleases us with a high-quality development - these are speakers JBL Charge 2+ - universal, portable and with a lot of interesting and useful functions, which is suitable not only for listening to music.

Read below to see what else the new development offers you.

Everything is as in the photo - a neat cardboard box with a description of the main characteristics and color of the speaker being purchased.

If you buy a speaker in a different color, it will be shown exactly like this on the box:

This is what you will see when you open the box:

Inside you will find the boom box itself, as well as instructions with a mandatory part in Russian, a warranty card for recharging or connecting to other devices, and a power adapter with a plug for a European socket.

If you have a speaker that is not black, but, for example, red, the components will also match its color - which has already become traditional and pleasant, especially for perfectionists. Please note that if parts are lost or replaced, it is still easier to find another black one.

Design, materials

A classic and familiar to the eye design a la “cola bottle”, or as it is also called “audio sausage”.

There are many speakers of this shape, both from the company itself and from competitors.

The surface is made of pleasant-to-touch rubber-like plastic and metal.

Together with its convenient shape, it fits comfortably in your hand, you can place it anywhere, vertically or horizontally, and it won’t take up much space.

On the side there is a metal circle on which the company logo is indicated.

It is attached to a membrane that vibrates with sound- vibration is transmitted to the membrane itself, which looks very beautiful from the outside.

The lower part is rubberized, and a small “stand” is made of rubber to provide stability in a horizontal position.

On the side of the rubber is the name and type of model.

Ergonomics

Thanks to its portability, it is perfect for any place - it will complement a laptop and improve the quality of sound, watching videos, and will be used instead of a music player while walking, cycling or having a picnic in nature.

One of the individual advantages of this new product is JBL Charge 2+ moisture resistance - the manufacturers hint at this even in the design of the product box (on it the speaker seems to be dipped in water).

Of course, you shouldn’t experiment and completely immerse the speaker in water - it may not survive this.

Manufacturers provide a guarantee for the uninterrupted operation of the device in elevated conditions - i.e. when caught in the rain, or listening to music in the bath or swimming pool, you can also take it with wet hands after exercising.

It fits very comfortably in your hand, is compact - it will fit in an average bag and will not cause problems with transportation.

Weight 600 grams (slightly heavier than a half-liter bottle of water).

Control

Manufacturers have taken care to make the controls clear to the touch - the buttons are convex and easy to feel.

They allow you to decrease and increase the volume, stop, change and start a new song.

Supports Connect function- if you have a compatible speaker, then the sound will be even more powerful!

In the photo you can see from left to right: the on/off button, volume down, volume up, Connect function and answering calls via speakerphone.

On the bottom side, on the side of the rubberized base, you will find MicroUSB connectors (the speaker is charged through it), a microphone connector and a full-size USB for charging gadgets.

A noise-canceling microphone can be used, for example, when answering a call while on the move, such as in the pool or on a bicycle.

Connection, controls

Music is played in two ways: when synchronized using Bluetooth technology or using a mini-jack cable.

Via Bluetooth you can synchronize with three devices simultaneously- very convenient in a group to change the music to suit everyone’s wishes.

Please note that the device that was connected first will be played in priority; when playback ends, then the next one. Thus, several participants will not be able to join at the same time - they will wait for their turn.

Sound

The sound of the speakers will be written about because this manufacturer has proven itself very well and all of its previous products had excellent sound.

Therefore, there are no major discoveries here.

The boombox has two 45 mm speakers - the sound is beautiful, high-quality and clear.

We’ll add separately for fans of rock and metal - low frequencies well-designed and sound great, the volume is enough for a company of more than 10 people outdoors.

Those who were familiar with the previous portable speakers from this company will notice that the speaker has become slightly larger in size - however, this was done to improve the sound and increase the volume (instead of the previous 15, we now have a power of 20 watts). In addition, there has been an increase offline time work - up to an incredible 12 (!) hours at moderate volume; at maximum it can safely withstand up to 8 hours.

In addition, you can charge yours directly from the speaker - this is a huge plus if you climb further into the fresh air - i.e. In addition to the speaker, you also get a Powerbank.

Moisture resistance

Moisture protection - designed to work in conditions of high humidity and when exposed to rain. Cannot be completely immersed in water.

Functionality

The main purpose is a speaker, but now you won’t surprise anyone with monofunctional devices.

There is an additional function when connecting a microphone - you can act as a speaker.

There is a function to recharge your phone or tablet from the speaker via USB port.

Price

The average manufacturer price is $150.

The price is considerable, but this is also a price to pay for branded quality and functionality, and even if available large number competitors, this acquisition is desirable for true connoisseurs pure sound.

Autonomy

A 6000 mAh battery is built-in - this provides a battery life of up to 12 hours at medium volume, and up to 8 hours at maximum volume.

If you use it in parallel and as a recharge for mobile devices, the operating time will be reduced somewhat.

Main technical characteristics

Available colors: indigo blue, red, white, lilac and classic black.

Unusual color solutions- lilac and white colors look beautiful.

All colors are matte due to the top coating being plastic.

conclusions

This device is a combination of high-quality sound, ergonomic and attractive design with a wide range of colors.

It will delight you with a long operating time, additional functions and will definitely justify itself in its main purpose - as a company with half a century of production experience.

At the beginning of the season of picnics, beaches and outdoor recreation, this can be a pleasant gift for yourself and your loved ones.

Acoustics and presented her version of “ good sound at a reasonable price" JBL Charge.

A year later, the company's engineers updated the product and released new model JBL Charge 2+ with improved sound quality and new options. The line continues to improve and now another version of the device called JBL Charge 2+ has appeared on store shelves. According to the manufacturer, sound settings have been added and the case has received a waterproof design.

Equipment

The speaker itself is housed in a cardboard package with good print quality, USB cable, network adapter, removable stands and a traditional set of documentation. All accessories are made in the same color.
The box is made well and has a division of internal space, which will undoubtedly appeal to those who like to store equipment in its original packaging.

Design

Compared to previous version Charge 2+ has undergone only minor external changes: she has lengthened a little and gained weight, but the difference at first glance is practically not noticeable. The shape of the case, which looks like a shaker or a beer can (the associative series can be continued), remained the same, but a whole range of color schemes was added. The surface is covered with a material that is pleasant to the touch, reminiscent of rubber.

A few words about moisture protection: according to the technical documentation, the design of the device is IP*4, which means protection from drops and splashes, but does not allow jets of water to enter, much less immersion. However, it gives a little confidence, especially if you are in an open space and it suddenly starts to rain. , a competing model from Logitech, has the same level of protection.
Wideband speakers are located under a protective metal mesh with the company logo. Another nameplate is located on a cylindrical surface. On the left and right there are passive radiators, that is, bass reflexes. Acoustic design elements.

Functionality and supported interfaces

Charge 2+ has three connectors:

Line input 3.5 mm for connection external source audio signal (unfortunately, the corresponding cable is not included in the kit);
mini-USB used to connect the network adapter.
USB, in this case the speaker acts as a charger.

Bluetooth is considered the most important interface, thanks to which previous models have gained high popularity. Its main advantage is the stability of the connection. The algorithm is written in such a way that when radio communication conditions deteriorate, the data transfer rate decreases, the bitrate of the audio stream decreases, but the connection is not interrupted (unless, of course, the signal source is generally higher from the network coverage area).
One of the device’s operating modes, Social Mode, allows you to connect up to three Bluetooth sources simultaneously. Preference is given to the person who last pressed the Play button.

The stated operating time (about 12 hours) is accurate, but if the device was used to recharge large batteries, it may be significantly reduced.

Sound options

The speakers with a total power of 15 watts produce a pretty interesting and honest picture. The frequency characteristics of the portable speaker certainly correspond to those stated. There are practically no obvious dips and peaks, only the upper middle is slightly raised, giving a brighter color compared to a traditional desktop stereo pair.

The low-frequency spectrum is generally not bad, but when listening to recordings with sub-bass, problems still arise: some Massive Attack tracks are generally contraindicated for listening due to overload in this area. But Bill Callahan sounds very nice. The lower midrange of his baritone is striking in its depth. The drums also sound very clear. An attempt to overload the speakers on his Drover track was unsuccessful.

Jay-Z also failed to scare sound system. The drum loops deserve special attention, they are very energetic and bright.

Classical music, and indeed all acoustic instruments, have a slight coloration in the lower middle and on high frequencies, which may not seem entirely correct for lovers of “correct” classics, but listeners without prejudices should like everything.

Stereo panorama has always been the bottleneck of compact acoustics. However, the placement of the JBL speakers greatly improves the situation. The left and right channels are distinguishable even from several meters (with the listener facing the speaker).

Bottom line

The device is 100% worth the money they ask for it. Advantages: high-quality sound, wide functionality, reliable design.

Appearance

JBL Charge 2 has a cylindrical shape, which is familiar to us from the first model. It is worth noting that the new column is slightly longer and wider.

Now it has 2 full-fledged bass speakers, which are visible on the sides of the device.

At the front there are mid- and high-frequency speakers, which are hidden under a metal mesh.

Additional column control buttons appeared on top, which were not present in the previous generation.

All connectors are now located at the rear. These include a micro-USB connector, a 3.5 mm jack and a USB connector.

If we talk about the quality of plastic, then it is at its best! It is immediately clear that the designers and engineers tried to create a truly high-quality device.

Absolutely all plastic parts have a rubberized surface.

The buttons are protected from moisture, which makes possible work devices outdoors or, for example, in the bathroom.

In terms of weight, JBL Charge 2 exceeds the column of the first series. Apparently this is due to the reinforced built-in battery.

Principle of operation

Let's take a look at how this thing works. For this we need a speaker and a sound source. This source can be any device that supports Bluetooth or has a headphone output. The most standard option is a smartphone. The “Bluetooth” button on the speaker must be turned on. The column becomes available to all devices. The smartphone must be connected to the JBL Charhe 2 device.

After successful pairing, all devices are ready to use. Now all sounds will be transmitted to the speaker.

Functional

In addition to playing sound, JBL charger 2 is capable of charging other devices via a USB socket. Hence the name “Charge” - charge. Thanks to a capacious 10,000 mAh battery, the speaker can produce sound and charge the device at the same time.

In technical terms, the difference between the first and second models, apart from size and appearance, is a whole set of new functions. Among the main ones we can highlight the reception phone call directly from the speaker, i.e. Hands-Free. Plus, in addition to volume control, you can now pause music. Also, it became possible to connect to three devices at once.

Autonomy

There are no complaints about autonomy. Thanks again for the powerful battery. JBL Charge 2 works quietly for 8-10 hours at medium volume. The supplied charger is used for charging. Charger at 2.4 A.

Conclusion

After using the speaker for a long time, I had an ambivalent impression. On the one hand, you are holding in your hands a high-quality thing that makes a great sound. But on the other hand, there is one big drawback to this sound. Dear readers, look carefully at the production date of the speaker, it is indicated on the box! The fact is that when playing bass, the sound begins to wheeze a lot. All speakers in 2014 will be defective!

Agree, it will be very disappointing to hear the wheezing of the speakers when buying such an expensive thing. Therefore, it is worth looking carefully at the date. In the new 2015, this problem was solved, so take devices released since 2015!

The device I'm reviewing was released in 2014 and it wheezes. There is a lot of information on the Internet about this problem. And if you encounter this defect, then you should contact service center, where everything will be fixed for free.

In conclusion, I would like to add that despite this controversial drawback, I was delighted with the JBL Charge 2. I have never heard better quality portable sound.

with a capacious battery for charging external devices

The JBL brand, created in 1946 by American James Bullough Lansing, has been part of the Harman International concern for most of its history. JBL products are present in many segments of the audio equipment market - from in-ear headphones to car subwoofers. In 2003, we became acquainted with JBL products using the example of a 2.1-format speaker system. Today we will turn our attention to the portable solutions segment and take a closer look at the JBL Charge 2 device.

Specifications

• Wireless connection via Bluetooth 3.0 protocol supporting A2DP 1.3, AVRCP 1.5, HFP 1.6 and HSP 1.2 (up to three devices simultaneously)
• Wired connection via 3.5 mm TRS connector
• Working in wireless headset mode
• Two full-range speakers, two passive radiators
• Claimed signal-to-noise ratio: >80 dB
• Claimed frequency range: 75 Hz – 20 kHz
• Built-in battery (3.7 V, 6000 mAh) with the ability to charge external devices via USB connector (5 V, 2.1 A)
• Size: 184 × 76 × 76 mm
• Weight: 602 g

Equipment

Only instructions and a power supply (5 V, 2.3 A) with a pair of replaceable plugs are supplied with the speaker system. The box is not burdened with any additional accessories.

Design

JBL Charge 2 differs from its predecessor only in small details and is still focused on mobile use. Due to the fact that its shape is similar to a beer can, the acoustics can be easily mounted, for example, using a standard holder on a bicycle frame.

Due to the large battery, the weight of the device exceeded half a kilogram, and this is perhaps the only characteristic that can cause inconvenience.

The main part of the body is made of rubberized plastic. The shape of the JBL Charge 2 is designed to protect the speakers: the plastic grilles for the full-range speakers are recessed into the body. They are both placed on the side of the manufacturer's logo, the other grille only maintains symmetry in the design.

The grilles are separated at the top by a control panel with illuminated buttons. They are not touchable, but pressable. The lack of prominent parts is definitely an advantage in "extreme" use cases. The buttons are distinguishable by touch, and the volume keys are embossed. The hole next to the tube is the microphone.

At the ends of the speaker system we see passive radiators. There is no additional protection for them, but they are located at a sufficient depth to minimize the likelihood of physical impact. During operation, the emitters vibrate effectively.

To install the speaker in a vertical position, small legs are provided on the right side (they can be seen in one of the photos). An indicator below the volume buttons shows the Charge 2's battery level.

In the recess under the rear grille there are three device connectors: Micro-USB for charging, TRS 3.5 mm for wired connection of a sound source and high-ampere USB input for charging external devices.

The elongated base of the speaker does not provide much stability; the speaker is easy to tip over. But this will hardly harm her - after a few swings, the main speakers will simply be directed upward.

JBL Charge 2 turned out to be both a stylish and convenient device, perfect for active use. In addition to black, this speaker system is available in white, blue, red and purple.

Measurements

We measured the frequency response of the acoustic system on the axis of the main speakers.

Acceptable for this class of acoustics, the uniformity of the frequency response graph is ensured in the range from 75 Hz to 2 kHz and then from 5 kHz to approximately 12 kHz. These segments are separated by a decline in amplitude, which drops below −6 dB over a short interval. Among the positive aspects, we note the early achievement of the schedule at an acceptable level.

With this review, we begin to measure such an important parameter of portable speaker systems as maximum sound pressure. Measurements take place in an acoustically isolated room. The device under test is installed on a chipboard table so that its main speakers are directed towards the measuring microphone (unless otherwise stated in the table). The measuring microphone is fixed at the same height at a distance of 1 m from the acoustic system and connected to a sound level meter-spectrum analyzer.

Then the speaker system is paired with a smartphone via Bluetooth. The speaker system and smartphone are set to maximum volume levels. Through a standard Walkman player with “enhancers” disabled, it is launched in repeat mode, and the average value in dBA for about half a minute of playback is recorded in the table.

As you can see, according to measurements, JBL Charge 2 is slightly louder than the Sound Blaster Roar. When preparing the article, inexpensive portable acoustics Philips also appeared at the right time and in the right place, and in its main position in terms of level sound pressure it turned out to be almost identical to our hero (which, by the way, cannot be said about the sound quality, where the difference is significant).

Sound

Comparative listening of the JBL Charge 2 and the reference one revealed the competitive advantages of each speaker system. The JBL sounds noticeably more open and, in many cases, louder than the Sound Blaster Roar. The Creative product responds with better detail in the lower and upper registers, which allows the Sound Blaster to better convey the nuances of the sound of many instruments.

An additional feature of JBL Charge 2 is the ability to simultaneously pair up to three devices. According to our observations, when working together, priority is given to the one that was connected first: until playback on it is paused, other “party participants” will not be able to join. When you press a button on the speaker, priority goes to the device connected to this moment.

JBL Charge 2 was tested as a wireless headset. The main drawback in this scenario was the low sensitivity of the microphone: in order for the interlocutor to hear us, we had to move almost close to the speaker. But the timbre of the voice was reproduced practically without distortion, although the maximum volume was low.

Autonomous operation

We connected the speaker system to the tablet and continuously played music, varying the volume around the average value. In this mode, the column lasted until completely discharged for about 18 hours. Starting with this review, for convenience, we will summarize the measurement data battery life“decorative acoustics” into a single table.

conclusions

Just like a dozen years ago, JBL products made a very good impression on us. For a portable speaker, it offers excellent sound while having an interesting and thoughtful design. When traveling, being able to charge other devices can be very helpful. With such a set of advantages JBL price Charge 2 no longer looks overpriced, as often happens with portable speakers from well-known manufacturers.

Charge 2 is a high-quality, stylish and generally glamorous thing for lovers of portable audio. The latter is always a compromise, mainly between sound quality and portability. In this case, in addition to all this, JBL also offers a stylish appearance, as well as additional functionality. Which one? We'll talk about this in the review.

Equipment

The bright packaging made of thick cardboard with high-quality printing hides, of course, the speaker itself, as well as an impressively sized power supply (5V, 2.3A), cable Micro USB one meter long and a bunch of accompanying documentation. Where would we be without this? By the way, all accessories are made to match the gadget. For example, the red column comes with adapters and wires of the same color.

The kit included another adapter for English sockets. You never know who might find this useful.

Design

Barrel! This is one word that can describe the appearance of the gadget. Of course, this is almost a standard form factor among similar devices. This is primarily due to the nuances of sound extraction. Therefore, manufacturers can only play up the appearance of their creations through the materials of the body, various inserts and frills.

Let's start with the materials. The speakers here are covered with a metal mesh, and the rest of the body is made of plastic with the familiar soft-touch coating. The speaker is pleasant to touch and hold in your hands. You can feel the quality of the item and the glamor it exudes.

On the sides there are passive radiators that are responsible for transmitting low frequencies. When playing audio, their vibrations are very noticeable to others and this especially impresses everyone. By the way, it is strongly not recommended to touch the surface of radiators.

In the video below you can clearly see what it looks like in real life.

On the top plane are all the controls with their own icons. First things first (from left to right).

The first is the power button. Like the other keys, it is not touch sensitive, but simply bends under pressure until it clicks. The ride is soft and precise.

Next comes the activation key Bluetooth connections. And after it are minus and plus, of course, responsible for adjusting the volume. Of course, the sound power is adjusted either on the Charge 2 itself or on the sound source. Everything is synchronized.

There is also a strip of LEDs located here, which are an indicator of the remaining charge. By default, they light up in white, lunar color, and when there is a minimum charge remaining, the outermost one is illuminated with a red light.

Next comes an icon of three men. This key is responsible for activating Social Mode. Later I will tell you more about this feature.

The last key is responsible for accepting (rejecting) calls. At incoming call the speaker starts playing something like a MIDI melody to the paired device. Such a cheerful and cheerful anthem.

Since we are talking about challenges, it is worth talking about the following.

Let's return to design. We ended up with white acoustics and this is not the best color option. Yes, the appearance is very nice.

Pure white adds a special charm and airiness, but it is completely impractical. Quite quickly the body becomes covered with stains of unknown origin.

Actually this is normal. Don't keep the gadget under a glass.

On other colors, this will most likely be much less noticeable. Actually, the following palette is available: black, white, red, blue and purple.

On the bottom of the acoustics there are connectors: Micro USB port, standard 3.5 mm audio input, as well as regular USB. Why the last exit is installed here, I will tell you in the section about power.

The speaker should be installed either on a rubber edging stand located below, or vertically. Especially for this purpose, small ribs are provided at one of the ends. The position does not affect the playback quality in any way.

Inside the edging stand there are various Technical information. It's nice that the manufacturer took care of partial Russification of the text here.

JBL Charge 2 Specifications:

• 2 x 45 mm (1.75 in) speakers
• total power 7.5 W
• reproduced frequency range 75 - 20,000 Hz
• signal/noise ratio 80 dB
• Bluetooth 3.0 with the following profiles:
• A2DP V 1.3, AVRCP V 1.5, HFP V 1.6, HSP V 1.2
• Bluetooth transmitter power is 0 - 4 dB/mW
• battery (lithium polymer)
• dimensions 185.2 mm in length and 79 mm in diameter
• weight 540 g

Pairing

Connection via Bluetooth is clear and fast. No additional codes are needed to establish a connection. On the speaker, just hold down the “blue tooth” key, and on your smartphone (tablet) just start searching for devices.

That's not all.

Charge 2 has support for connecting to three devices at once and playing music from each of them in turn (Social Mode).

In fact, it turned out that three devices located in close proximity interfere with each other, so playback from some devices causes noticeable stuttering and interference. Two gadgets in a grid do not have any mutual influence on each other.

I almost forgot to tell you something else. If a call is connected to one of the connected devices, playback from the other stops and the speaker starts working in Hands-free mode.

Playback and sound quality

The most important and interesting.

Firstly, the speaker is very loud. It is very difficult to communicate in a room with the volume turned up to maximum - you have to shout.

In addition, such a seemingly miniature contraption can pump up a rather impressive-sized apartment.

Secondly, the low frequencies are really present here. Moreover, if some similar speakers need to be installed on a resonating surface (wooden shelf, parquet floor) to extract bass from them, then Charge 2, in principle, does not need this. The acoustics can deliver bass right out of your hands.

However, the speaker is not very well suited for deep and rich music.

For example, the same AC/DC sound quite good, but the acoustics can no longer cope with something faster, for example, with Nightwish. The instruments merge into a continuous viscous audio mush. However, it is worth paying tribute: squeaks, whistles and various wheezing do not appear even at the highest volume.

The gadget copes well with other melodies that are simpler in terms of richness. It plays, it rumbles, and it doesn't hurt your ears in any way.

Battery life

The built-in is responsible for power supply lithium ion battery capacity 6000 mAh (3.7 V). On the one hand, this is not much, on the other hand, the manufacturer promises 12 hours of continuous audio playback. Of course, this will vary depending on the volume level and quality of the content.

Practical tests have shown that the device is completely discharged in less than 9 hours of playing music at maximum volume. Of course, the content was broadcast to the speaker via Bluetooth. Full charging takes about 3.5 hours at a current of 2.3A.

There is another nice functionality. Acoustics can recharge third-party devices using any Micro cable USB. I tried this trick with Sony Xperia Z3 (3100 mAh battery). The gadget gave all its charge to the smartphone in less than an hour, while the phone was charged only 67 percent. In theory, the charge volume should have been enough for almost two full charging cycles of the Sonya. Most likely the reason is that the output current power is 2.1A, which provides uneconomical consumption of the power supply capacity, but a fairly fast rate of energy replenishment.

In other words, gadgets charge quickly, but Charge 2 consumes its capacity, so to speak, irresponsibly.

Bottom line

Currently official JBL Charge 2 price settled at around 6,990 rubles. For this money you can get a cool, loud and bassy sound that will not let go for half a day. And here the body is stylish and pleasant both to the eye and to the touch.

As a portable battery, the speaker did not perform well the best side. Its capacity is not enough for a full charge modern smartphone, where 3000 - 3500 mAh have already become the norm. However, such functionality will definitely not be superfluous.

It is unlikely that such a thing is bought for a loved one. Again, almost all such electronics are an excellent and cool gift. Of course, music lovers will be most pleased with the gift. However, you should not give it to fans of hard and intense rock for the reasons I mentioned above. People are capricious because they like to distinguish between rhythm and bass guitar playing by ear. Or something like that. Do you need it, then to be the object of secret insults from the gifted?