What’s in the Box:

• JBL Xtreme 4
• USB-C Power cord with wall adapter
• Carrying strap
• Quick start guide
• Warranty/safety info

Build Quality

The build quality of the Xtreme 4 is exceptional. Designed for versatility, it’s perfect for indoor use, poolside, or even outdoor adventures. The Xtreme 4 lives up to its “extreme” name, featuring parts made from recycled plastic and fabric, resulting in an IP67 waterproof and dustproof rating. This means it can withstand rain and even light submersion in water.

The speaker comes in three stylish colors: black, blue, and camo. It boasts a rugged design with a prominent JBL logo on the front. The top panel houses play/pause and volume controls, power on/off, Bluetooth control, and a button for connecting with other speakers via Auracast. Large rubber woofers adorn each side, while the flat bottom ensures stability. The rear USB port is convenient for charging, and works as a charging bank for phones as well. The device includes strap hooks with a built-in bottle opener on the matching strap. Wherever you go, the JBL Xtreme 4 is ready to bring the party.

Design

The Xtreme 4 features a straightforward driver design with two woofers, two tweeters, and dual JBL Bass Radiators. This setup aims to create a stereo effect from a single device. For true stereo sound, you can pair two Xtreme 4 speakers together. Additionally, using Auracast, you can connect the Xtreme 4 to other compatible JBL portable speakers, enabling the same music to play across multiple locations. This feature enhances the versatility of the Xtreme 4 as an audio device.

Functionality & Battery Life

As a Bluetooth speaker, the Xtreme 4 is Bluetooth 5.3 compatible and supports Auracast. Its battery lasts 24 hours, providing a full day of performance before needing a recharge. The “Playtime Boost” mode optimizes playback and functionality, extending battery life by an extra six hours when needed.

Sound Impressions

The Xtreme 4 delivers impressive bass, thanks to its dual woofers and dual radiators. Despite the strong bass, it doesn’t overshadow the overall music playback, making it ideal for parties and gatherings. From R&B to disco to rock, the speaker delivers music as it should sound.

The mid-range is more prominent than expected, providing clear vocals and easy-to-understand spoken word audio like podcasts. There’s a slight elevation in the mid-range that adds clarity, especially in noisy environments.

The top end is clear and present, contributing to a warm and pleasant sound signature. While not particularly splashy, it complements the overall sound profile well.

The soundstage is slightly limited due to the single speaker setup, but the Xtreme 4 can still fill a room effectively. For a true stereo experience, consider using a dual speaker setup. However, the main purpose of this portable speaker is to get loud and fill any space with quality sound, which it does successfully.

Final Thoughts

The JBL Xtreme 4 is a remarkable device, combining robustness with advanced features. JBL has created a speaker that gets loud without compromising sound quality and can endure various terrains with ample battery life. If you’re seeking a high-quality, durable, and powerful portable speaker, this device is an excellent choice.

The JBL Xtreme 4 is available at Audio46.

The post JBL Xtreme 4 Review appeared first on Major HiFi.

What You Get

Look & Feel

These are two very different designs. The Momentum 4 hasn’t changed much since its last iteration but settling upon this current look was a good decision. It’s a very ergonomic design that makes it easy for everyone to wear for long listening sessions. With the PerL Pro, the design might be more offputting, with its big circular housing and surface area. This design does not reflect the fit for me, and it sits just as comfortably in my ear as the Momentum 4. While the PerL Pro feels bigger, it doesn’t cause any significant pressure. For most though, the Momentum 4 is going to be the easiest to wear.

Design & Functionality

Both the Momentum 4 and the PerL Pro utilize dynamic drivers of carrying sizes. Of course, with the PerL Pro’s large surface area, the driver will be bigger, but these earbuds have similar loudness and offer about the same amount of headroom. They both come with a ton of features, including noise-canceling. They both ultimately get the job done, but the Mometnum 4 is a bit stronger, and being able to set up different sound zones helps with that.

There’s a lot more you can customize sound-wise with the PerL Pro though, including the entire sound signature through their special sound test. The Momentum has a similar feature,  but the results of it aren’t as drastic. They both have in-app EQ though if you only wish to make small adjustments here and there. The PerL also has spatial audio through Dirac, and the Momentum 4 has yet to release its version of 3D Audio yet for its Bluetooth products.

Bluetooth

When the PerL Pro was released, it had the benefit of being one of the first sets of true wireless earbuds to have aptX Lossless. Now the Momentum 4 has it too, and its Bluetooth chipset is even more advanced than the PerL Pro thanks to Auracast. Both sets of earbuds will have immaculately stable connections though, with fast pairing and multipoint.

Battery Life

The Momentum 4 and PerL Pro have similar battery life, but the PerL Pro is a bit better. It lasts for eight hours compared to the Momentum’s 7 and a half. Both earbuds aren’t the best for their price in terms of playtime, but it’s still average.

Soundstage

Compared to the PerL Pro, the Momentum 4 has fewer variables that determine its soundstage quality. If you’re looking for a set of earbuds with good standard stereo depth and spatial imaging, you’ll probably prefer the Momentum 4 over the PerL Pro. I think you can rely on the Momentum 4 more for accuracy and precision, but what the PerL Pro offers is more theatrical with its spatial audio. With the combination of 3D sound and Denon’s unique sound personalization, the soundstage and imaging can expand greatly depending on your results. My results gave the PerL Pro a much larger headspace than the Momentum 4, even if it’s more spatially blurry. The Momentum 4 will appear more organized, with better localization, but the PerL Pro brings more distance between sounds, like the performance is happening directly in front of you.

Low End

The PerL Pro and Momentum 4’s bass also reflect the theatrics versus accuracy comparison. The Momentum 4 and the PerL Pro have dominant bass, but there are still some stark differences. With the Momentum 4, the bass feels a lot more under control while still featuring solid impact. The PerL Pro displays a thunderous, full, and constantly engaging bass response. However, it can come across as a bit fake in comparison to the Momentum, which is much more elegant with its surface. There’s a fun factor to the PerL Pro, with its thickness and punch, but the Momentum 4 is much more convincing.

Mids

There is more midrange prominence on the Momentum 4 than on the PerL Pro depending on your settings. My sound personalization has a large portion of the midrange getting swallowed by bass, but if you EQ it right and ease up on some of the other features then both sound signatures can actually be pretty similar. Neither pair of buds gives you the greatest edge, but the Momentum 4 outdoes the PerL Pro when it comes to giving sound elements a distinct shape. The PerL Pro is just too thin here, but some elements like vocals still show some nice clarity.

Highs

In the highs, both the Momentum 4 and the PerL Pro are very strong. They won’t feature the brightest timbre, but they both feature some good color and height. The Momentum 4 is much crisper and feels more natural than the PerL Pro. You get a more defined shimmer on the PerL Pro though, which I actually preferred over the Momentum 4 depending on the track. When it comes to frequency content, the PerL Pro feels a bit richer than the Momentum 4, but its flavor is much more subjective.

Summary

The Momentum 4 and PerL Pro prove that they are the best true wireless earbuds on the market with their sound and innovative features. While the PerL Pro has some unique abilities through its personalized sound and spatial audio, the Momentum 4 brings more elegance to its default sound signature. It’s what most true wireless buds should sound like, while the PerL Pro’s gimmicks set it back a bit in terms of realism. However, using the features on the PerL Pro does make it more fun to experiment with to try to get the sound just right.

The Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 and the Denon PerL Pro are available at Audio46.

The post Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 Vs Denon PerL Pro Comparison Review appeared first on Major HiFi.

What You Get

• Beyerdynamic Space Personal Speakerphone
• Dual-ended USB Type C Cable
• USB-C to USB-A Adapter
• Drawstring Bag

Build

A good portable speaker shouldn’t be too chunky, so in terms of its construction, the Space has a great design. It carries a cylindrical shape, reminiscent of a flying saucer. It fits naturally on any desktop or mounted on a wall. There is a ring around the middle of the device that operates many of the device’s functions, including picking up phone calls, adjusting volume, and pairing Bluetooth. These buttons are completely touch-sensitive and very responsive.

Design

Inside of the Space is a 1.5-inch full-range speaker driver and features two different listening modes. There’s your standard music mode that automatically activates when any music is playing and voice mode, where voices are isolated for clear calls. Along with its driver system, the Space uses a series of microphones that utilizes 360 smart mic technology. Four MEMS microphones are integrated to focus on incoming voices and control any unwanted noise.

Sound Impressions

What the Space does best, is take Beyerdynamic’s standard sound profile, and successfully transfer it to a portable speaker. You would think being a small speaker might limit its stereo capabilities, but playing the speaker right next to me captured quite a large display. The soundstage has some major scale to it, and thanks to the Space’s spatial stereo playback, the imaging can be dimensional and layered while separating each element clearly. I guess it is called “Space” for a reason. Placing the speaker further away from you might not give you the same results, so I think the Space works best sitting on a desk next to you. The same goes for bass tone as well.

When I have the Space right next to me, the lows showcase some major rumble coming from the sub-bass. It’s an invigorating vibration that feels rich, as well as realistic, and revealing. You can’t really say the same for the mid-bass though. While the Space develops a solid foundation underneath the instruments, their punch might be slightly underwhelming for some. It doesn’t slam down quite as hard as it vibrates, but the timbre is still transparent and clean. As for the rest of the frequency response, well, this wouldn’t be a Beyerdynamic product without some crisp treble. Some listeners might not gravitate toward this response, but those who enjoy the classic Beyerdynamic bump in treble will find the Space to be up their alley.

Summary

It’s funny how the Space is pretty much exactly what I expected it to be. The sound signature replicated Beyerdynamic’s headphones surprisingly well, even featuring its bump in the treble that can be polarizing to some. At its price, there really isn’t anything quite like it that works as well. It is a well-built portable speaker with controls that work and a stable Bluetooth connection.

The Beyerdynamic Space is available directly from their website here.

The post Beyerdynamic Space Review appeared first on Major HiFi.

What You Get

• BE100 Bluetooth Speaker x 1
• Power Adapter x 1
• Adapter Plugs (US/JP, UK, KR, EU & CN)
• Quick Start Guide x 1
• Warranty Card x 1

Build

This is without a doubt one of the cleanest single speakers I’ve seen. Astell and Kern already possess a fine standard for each product they craft, but there’s so much more to love about this design. To get it out of the way right off the bat, I do have one minor gripe with this structure, and that is that the volume dial, while smooth and easy to use, is a bit too loose, at least on the model that I am currently testing. Otherwise, the BE100 showcases Astell and Kern’s standard for craftsmanship brilliantly. Its main chassis is assembled using PU leather, wood, and metal materials to sustain a level of durability that is echoed throughout its stylish form.

I love how just having a slight edge on its main grille can signify that this is an A&K product through and through. Its a great visual identifier for their brand that communicates a unique but simple aesthetic. You have a few buttons on the top that are completely touch-sensitive, making playback and other features respond naturally. Sometimes it was hard to see the LED indicator though, as I had to hover my hand over the top of the speaker to read what it was indicating. However, I’m sure in the right lighting this won’t be much of an issue at all.

Design

The BE100 uses a customized 4 kevlar woofer and 2 silk dome tweeters for crystal clear treble. Kevlar materials are used to obtain as much durability as possible in order to produce a more accurate bass response. A class-D amplifier is implemented to perform its signal output at a consistent level no matter where the volume is placed on the device. This is accomplished through dynamic range control, which is used to protect the speaker unit at maximum power capable of 55W. It also comes equipped with a 32-bit DAC for a higher level of digital conversion for its Bluetooth signal. For CODECS you have aptX HD and LDAC support, making it one of the first Bluetooth speakers to do so.

Sound Impressions

For such a small speaker, the BE100 sports a big sound. A household speaker doesn’t have to accomplish as much as high-end audio systems, but with a name like Astell and Kern there is a certain level of prestige that should be obtained, and they succeed in that venture. The BE100 contains a hearty stereo sound signature that is consistently satisfying to listen to, containing fun and colorful textures that present a lively timbre. There are a few options to boost the bass and treble at different levels but in their native state, the BE100 unleashes a powerfully driven frequency response that highlights a good number of details to revel in.

The way in which vocals are performed, give the BE100 a sense of clarity that not a lot of other home speakers can replicate. They slice through mixes with ease and balance themselves within their spatial field in a commanding fashion. Other instrumentation is separated well and maintains their stereo imaging, adding some wonderful height to the sound signature as a whole.

Then there are the bass and treble buttons, which both have five levels of gain you can adjust. I feel like the BE100 already has some supple bass tonality in its standard state, but adding to it definitely adds more rumble and punchiness to its response. At its max level, the bass is completely exaggerated but never overwhelming. The treble setting gives you most of the same sensation, just at the opposite end of the spectrum. It only helps to colorize its tone, adding some nice sparkle and shine to the timbre, while staying out of a bright or harsh area.

Summary

The Astell & Kern ACRO BE100 will both look and perform great in any environment. Its build quality is like no other Bluetooth speaker on the market, keeping Astell and Kerns standards intact. You have a sound signature that has adjustable bass and treble, with an already pure native output of sound. If you think that $499 is too much for a Bluetooth speaker, maybe hearing it for yourself might convince you, as it convinced me throughout my sessions listening to its quality.

The Astell & Kern ACRO BE100 is available at Audio46.

The post Astell & Kern ACRO BE100 Review appeared first on Major HiFi.

Their Charge 5 and Flip 5 models may leave a lot of buyers a bit stumped. Sitting not too far in price from one another, the Charge 5 at $179 and the Flip 5 at $119, they have the same look and build, though are significantly different sizes. Should you get the slightly larger, more expensive Charge 5, or can you opt for the extra portable, cheaper Flip 5 without sacrificing quality? Let’s do a deep dive into the sound of both of these speakers and see which seems best fitted for your needs. If you’d like to watch our video comparison of these two speakers, check it out here.

Functionality

Both speakers offer the same functions, and of course bluetooth pairing. They also both have the ability to be paired with another JBL bluetooth speaker, which is a great added bonus. Both speakers are waterproof, though the Charge 5 is additionally dust proof 

Flip 5: 2.5 hour charge time / 12 hour battery life (volume depending)

Charge 5: 4 hour charge time / 20 hour battery life (volume depending)

Sound Character

The Charge 5 has a more silky, filtered sound to it. Music has the edges taken off and the warmth boosted, with parts of their midrange somewhat subdued. The Flip 5, on the other hand, has a noticeably crisper, slightly sharper feel, likely in efforts to compensate for its smaller sound with some more intense presence. The mid range on the Flip 5 is a bit more biting compared to the Charge 5, which may be preferable for some listeners. 

Bass Response

The Charge 5 has a heavier low end response, with a further reach into the deepest bass frequencies. Comparatively, the Flip 5 has a higher set bass response. The Flip 5’s shifted focus away from the more rumbling bass frequencies adds a bit more pop to drums, snares and claps, giving them a noticeably harder hit. If you want heavy bass, the Charge 5 will serve you better. However, those who opt for the Flip 5 will not feel robbed of low end by any means, just served a different flavor of it.

Dimensionality 

Flip 5: Elements are given more equal presence. The difference in distance and positioning from vocals to drums and keys will not feel extreme, as music is given a very glued-together presentation. This helps ensure no elements are lost when trying to fill a space.

Charge 5: We get more varied leveling and dimension. The drums may feel further away while the vocal feels closer and more surrounded by the rest of the instruments. A larger image of the song is created instead of one that is pulled together, allowing for a more nuanced listen.

Loudness:

Of course the Flip 5, being about half the size of the Charge 5, is not as loud. This being said, the Flip 5’s maximum loudness is not as low compared to the Charge 5 as you might expect. Their levels can actually compete with one another often, but how they translate sound at higher volumes differs.

At Higher Volumes

Charge 5: Its bass response looses some of its depth but stays strong overall. Its smoother character helps it from feeling harsh even at its loudest, and allows for a more holographic sound when filling a larger room.

Flip 5: Its bass response stays about the same, but its more forward mid range may become slightly harsh when maxing out the volume. However, this also means the Flip 5’s sound will not get easily drowned out in a louder room. 

Distance

Closer to the listener: When put on your desk or a nearby surface, the Charge 5 has a noticeably wider sound from the Flip 5 despite their physical lengths not differing much from one another. The level of impact on the bass and low end are about equal, but the Charge 5 will have a bit of a deeper, slightly more sub heavy impact. 

Further away (about 15 feet), on a table: The Charge 5 retains its deeper bass but with less sub rumble, while the Flip 5 gets some added punch on drums. Vocals cut further on the Flip 5, but feel less warmed up. 

Further away (about 15 feet), on the floor: This proved the best positioning for both speakers. The bass of the Charge 5 develops a more physical sensation, not floor shaking but perhaps floor vibrating at times. While the Flip 5 doesn’t have this same bass rumble, its harder punch in the upper bass frequency is even further extended, along with its sharper midrange allowing vocals and other central elements to cut through from across the room. The Charge 5 cuts with slightly less sharpness than the Flip 5, but for those who want some more sonic smoothing this sound may be preferable. 

Overall

These are surprisingly different in their sound, much more than their looks suggest. If you’re deciding between these, volume may feel like the main point of interest. While it is an important thing to consider, their sound characters seems to have larger differences than their volume capabilities. If you want a more cleaned up, smooth sound with heavier bass, the Charge 5 is very tailored and cinematic. If you want a more neutral across the board, overall crisper sound, the Flip 5 is better fitted for your ears. 

You can purchase the JBL Flip 5 and JBL Charge 5 from Audio46

The post JBL Charge 5 vs Flip 5 – Bluetooth Speaker Comparison appeared first on Major HiFi.

DESIGN

Controls and Functionality

Both of these speakers offer the same standard controls, including, play/pause, track skipping (though you can’t skip backwards) and volume control.

Calls

Neither of these models have microphones. And if your mobile device is paired with your speaker when you get a call, the caller will be audible from your phone speaker, not from the JBL speaker itself.

Multi-Speaker Connection

Some JBL owners will be disappointed here. JBL has updated its “Connect+” feature (employed by the Charge 4) to “PartyBoost” with the release of the new Flip 5. These features allow you to pair or synchronize multiple JBL speakers. But Connect+ and PartyBoost are not compatible. So I couldn’t connect the Flip 5 to the Charge 4. Therefore, if you buy the latest JBL flip speakers, you won’t be able to connect them to older models. Sneaky.

Battery and Charging

At 20 hours of playtime, the Charge 4 offers 8 more hours than the Flip 5, which will only provide 12 hours of usage. 

The Charge 4 takes 4.5 hours to fully charge, while the Flip 5 takes 2.5 hours. And both models use a USB-C connection for charging. (Charging cables included in the box).

Both speakers have battery level indicators that light up when you turn them on. The Charge 4 uses a series of glowing dots to show you how much battery life is left, while the Flip 5 uses a single glowing white line that reduces in brightness as the battery life begins to drop.

Wired Connection

Unlike the Flip 5, the Charge 4 has a 3.5mm audio input so that you can connect the speaker to your device via a cable. (Auxiliary cable not included). However, even with the cable connected to your device, the Charge 4 still has to be powered on.

Extra Features

Of course, one of the main advantages of going for the larger Charge 4 is that the speaker also works as a charging bank, allowing you to juice up your mobile device.

Waterproof Rating

Both models have an IPX7 waterproof rating, which means the speakers can be submerged in up to 3 feet of water for about 30 minutes. So, if the speaker falls off your pelican floaty, just enjoy the the show and crack open a beer. And certainly, both speakers can withstand being left out in the rain for a while.

SOUND

Volume

Surprisingly, the Charge 4 doesn’t get much louder than the Flip 5. (JBL has boosted the Flip’s volume since the Flip 4). However, compared to the Flip 5, the Charge 4 displays vast improvements in sound quality, and the increased soundstage creates a more expansive feel overall. But more about this below.

Bass Frequencies

Of course, the Charge 4 will give you wider, more powerful bass frequencies. And you can almost feel your belly button vibrate once the volume on the Charge 4 is turned up to max. In contrast, the Flip 5 doesn’t produce nearly as much of a low end.

Clarity

Another big difference is the level of clarity offered. The Charge 4 presents a much more transparent sound. And tracks with heavy arrangements are a lot cleaner. So, you’re definitely getting a wider and more detailed scope of sound from the Charge 4.

Soundstage

There’s a huge difference in the feeling of spaciousness created by these two models. The soundstage on the Charge 4 feels vast and sweeping compared to the relatively compact sound of the Flip 5. And this is the biggest improvement you’ll notice when you move to the larger model. If you’re looking for that big room sound, and you’re planning on hosting over 10 people at your next pool, the Charge 4 is more ideal. But again, in terms of max volume levels, there’s not an extremely big difference. So, if all you need is background music for your 4th hour of beer pong, the Flip 5 is sufficient.

SUMMARY

Both models will provide plenty of volume for a gathering. But I would ordinarily recommend going with the larger Charge 4, given the major improvement in clarity, bass and soundstage. And considering the Charge 4 is only a $50 price jump, it seems like a reasonable investment (unless you’re looking for something very small in size). However, if you’re planning on buying more JBL speakers to create a synchronized multi-speaker system, it’s better to go with the Flip 5. Otherwise you might run into compatibility issues in the future. 

You can find both, the Flip 5 and the Charge 4 for the best price here:

JBL Flip 5 at Audio 46 (Various Colors Available),
Use our promo code, “majorhifi” to get a 10% discount

JBL Flip 5 on Amazon

JBL Charge 4 at Audio 46 (Various Colors Available),
Use our promo code, “majorhifi” to get a 10% discount

JBL Charge 4 on Amazon

The post JBL Flip 5 vs JBL Charge 4 Review appeared first on Major HiFi.

JBL Clip 2 vs JBL Clip 3 Comparison Review

DESIGN

Aesthetics

With the new, JBL Clip 3, you’ll notice a much sleeker design. The clip itself is thinner and is integrated into the body of the speaker. On the older version, the wider clip is more obtrusive and connected to a separate rubber fixture.

The other thing that makes the Clip 3 more elegant, is the simplicity of the design. While the Clip 2 has an auxiliary cable attached at the back of the speaker, the Clip 3 has removed this accessory and replaced it with a simple auxiliary input, which sits under a rubber enclosure. So if you want to connect the new Clip 3 via a cable, you’ll have to buy it as a separate accessory. But for most people, the cable is an unnecessary attachment. Afterall, the wireless function is the Clip’s main selling point. Still, if you do run out of battery power, it’s a good backup to have. But I own the older Clip 2, and I’ve never had to use it.

Durability

When comparing the two speakers, it becomes clear that all the parts of the Clip 3 are more seamlessly stuck together, and there’s a little more insulation and rubber padding in the back. In fact, the JBL Clip 3 is a little wider on all sides, adding more surface area to the speaker as well.

Functionality

You’ll get the same functions on both, the Clip 2 and the Clip 3. But JBL has simplified things by moving the the play/pause and volume controls to the front of the speaker. I like this change to the design because you no longer have to look to the side of the speaker to find the buttons. And it makes accepting calls faster as well.

Waterproofness

Both speakers have an IPX7 waterproof rating. This means that you can submerge them under water for about 20-30 minutes or leave them in the rain for long periods of time. So, no changes in this department.

Connectivity

No changes here either. Pairing the Clip 2 to your phone is super quick and easy. After you’ve paired it to your device for the first time, it will automatically connect every time you turn the speaker on. So no upgrades to this feature are needed.

And like the Clip 2, the Clip 3 allows you to answer calls and use your voice assistant for hands free dialing. But again, the Clip 3 has moved this function to the front of the speaker, making it faster and easier to use.

Battery

The Clip 3 has stepped it up a notch and increased the battery life from 8 hours to 10 hours.

Both speakers come with a micro-USB to USB cable, which you just connect to your little white box or your computer.

SOUND

Volume

The Clip 3 has a higher max volume than the Clip 2. It’s not a huge jump, but it does make a difference, especially if you have some loud talkers in the group who like to shout after a few beers.

Clarity

Quality of sound may be the biggest and most impressive upgrade to the Clip 3. In fact, it’s enough to give me buyer’s remorse about my older Clip 2. Although the frequency range technically remains the same, I heard lower lows and higher highs on the Clip 3. And the detail also improved dramatically. In fact, it made the Clip 2 sound a little cloudy in comparison. Ugh. Anyone want to buy my Clip 2?

SUMMARY

The Clip 2 is a great product. But if you’re like me, you may ask, “why settle?” Spend the extra few bucks to get the improved Clip 3, which I think is the cutest and best sounding mini waterproof speaker on the market.

You can find these sweet little babies for the best price at:

Audio 46: JBL Clip 3 Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker (Use our promo code, “majorhifi” to get a 10% discount)

Amazon: JBL Clip 2 Waterproof Portable Bluetooth Speaker (Black)

Amazon: JBL Clip 3 Portable Waterproof Wireless Bluetooth Speaker – Black

For questions and faster response on the article please feel free to drop by our headphone forum.

MajorHiFi may receive commission from retail offers.

The post JBL Clip 2 vs JBL Clip 3 Comparison Review appeared first on Major HiFi.

JBL Clip 3 Bluetooth Speaker Review

DESIGN

If you’ve seen the old Clip 2, you’ll notice that the Clip 3 has a sleeker design. The clip is seamlessly attached to the rest of the body, and the play and volume functions have been moved to the front of the speaker. So, no more fiddling around with hidden buttons, trying to figure out which is which. You can get plastered on Corona and still understand how to turn up the volume.

As for colors, you’ve got a freqload to choose from…

FEATURES

Pairing

Bluetooth connection is super fast and easy. It takes 5 seconds to pair it to your device for the first time. But after that, the Clip 3 connects automatically to your phone as soon as you turn it on.

Cables and Inputs

JBL has removed the auxiliary cable. But unlike some other reviews have suggested, this does NOT mean that you can’t connect the speaker through an auxiliary cable. An auxiliary input still exists, but you’ll just have to buy the cable. Personally, I like this update because it means less crap attached to the speaker. What is an auxiliary cable? Exactly.

The Clip 3 charges via a Micro-USB to USB cable, which is included in the box. I would have liked to see the sturdier and increasingly universal USB-C input instead. But I’m not going to break a window over it.

Calls

If you tend to be an over-sharer, rest assured that people around you will be able to hear your phone conversations loud and clear thanks to the “echo-cancelling” speaker-phone function. 

Battery Life

JBL has stepped it up a notch and given the Clip 3 a 10 hour battery life instead of the 8 hours provided by the old Clip 2. It also takes 3 hours to fully charge.

Waterproofness

If you like to throw speakers into the pool just for the hell of it, you’ve got problems. But you’re also in luck. This IPX7 speaker can be submerged in water, though not for longer than 20 minutes or so. But feel free to leave the Clip 3 out in hurricane weather. Rain means nothing.

SOUND

Just when you thought the Clip couldn’t get any louder…The Clip 3 blows off the roof. Well, not quite. But the max volume is impressive and more than enough for a small gathering.

But the biggest improvement that JBL has made is the clarity in sound. In fact, after listening to the Clip 3, my old Clip 2 almost sounded almost muddy in comparison. It also has some serious lows. You might not get as much bass from the Clip 3 as you will from some of JBL’s larger Bluetooth speakers, but this baby still gets pretty subby when it needs to.

SUMMARY

This is a no-brainer. For 60 bucks, I have yet to come across a waterproof speaker that is as durable, reliable or as loud as the JBL Clip 3. Party on.

You can find this tiny boom box for the best price at:

Audio 46: JBL Clip 3 Bluetooth Speaker (Use our promo code, “majorhifi” to get a 10% discount)

Amazon: JBL Clip 3 Portable Waterproof Wireless Bluetooth Speaker – Black

MajorHiFi may receive commission from retail offers.

The post JBL Clip 3 Bluetooth Speaker Review appeared first on Major HiFi.

IN the BOX

JBL Charge 4

JBL Flip 4

DESIGN and FEATURES

Durability

These waterproof kittens are built to last. Both speakers have a rugged design with an ample amount of rubber and fabric insulation. And in this respect, they are equal in their durability. However, one thing you want to consider is the USB connection. The Flip 4 employs a micro-USB input for charging, while the Charge 4 uses a USB-C input. USB-C is generally considered to be the more durable connection, as the micro-USB is prone to breaking or bending out of shape. That being said, JBL offers a 1 year warranty for both products.

Portability

Both speakers are meant to be portable. But, of course, the Flip 4 is lighter, smaller and comes with a wristband that you can tie to your bag or hang off a hook. If you’re planning to use your speaker for intimate gatherings or a day in the park with a few friends, the volume on the Flip 4 should be more than sufficient.

Bluetooth Version

Both speakers offer Bluetooth Version 4.2.

Battery

Charge 4 offer 20 hours of battery life and takes 4 hours to fully juice up.  The Flip 4 will give you 12 hours of battery life, and takes 3.5 hours to fully charge.

Another important difference is the power bank. The Charge 4 has enough juice to recharge your smart devices, while the Flip 4 is not designed for recharging your phone.

Connectivity

Both, the Charge 4 and Flip 4 can both connect up to 2 smartphones at a time. And both speakers support other JBL Connect + devices. So, if you were so inclined, you could buy another 100 JBL speakers with Connect + capability and spread them around your 1 bedroom apartment. And both speakers can work as loudspeakers for phone calls.

Accessories

Both speakers come with USB charging cables. But again, the Charge 4 employs the soon to be universal USB-C connection, while the Flip 4 uses micro-USB, which is on the brink of extinction. Well, that’s dramatic. But it will be phased out eventually. Of course, there’s nothing particularly wrong with micro-USB. But the other nice thing about USB-C is that you can plug it in any which way. There’s no such thing as upside down, while the micro-USB sometimes requires a bit of fiddling, which is hard when you’re hammered on Red Stripe and doing belly flops in the pool.

Aesthetics

Little gadgets always look cuter and slicker than bulkier gadgets. But I’m a lady, so some of you boys might prefer the more masculine size of the Charge 4. The Charge 4 offers a different line of colors from the Flip 4. One more thing. If you need a cool party trick, go for the Charge 4. The bass radiator, which is the thing that moves when the bass thumps, is bigger and brighter on the Charge 4 than it is on the Flip 4. So, if you’re planning a night of shrooming, the Charge 4 is a more fun time.

SOUND

Anyone who is familiar with JBL products expects to hear a bit of oomph in the lower frequencies. In this case, neither speaker is incredibly bassy. That being said, there’s enough subbiness to do justice to pop and hip-hop. So bass-heads, don’t get your panties in a twist. But the Charge 4 does offer a punchier low-end than the Flip 4. Given the size difference, this is unsurprising. However, in terms of clarity, you won’t notice much difference between the two models, especially if you’re using them in an outside environment. In fact, if a cleaner sound is what you’re after, I might even stick with the Flip 4 because the lower frequencies don’t cloud the rest of the mix as much as they do on the Charge 4.

In terms of volume, the Charge 4 obviously gets quite a bit louder. But I expected the difference to be huge. It wasn’t. So, if you want obscenely loud volume, upgrade to something like the JBL Xtreme. That being said, these babies do get loud. That is, they’re loud enough for pool parties, but maybe not loud enough for frat parties.

SUMMARY

Both products are super solid and reliable, offering decent sound quality and ample volume, considering their size. But as my grandmother used to say, go big or go home. If you need portability, go with the Flip 4. But if you need something to rock the house, skip the Charge 4 and go for the Xtreme.

You can find these baby boomers for the best price at:

Audio 46: JBL Charge 4 (Use our promo code, “majorhifi” to get a 10% discount)

Audio 46: JBL Flip 4 (Use our promo code, “majorhifi” to get a 10% discount)

Amazon: JBL Charge 4 Portable Waterproof Wireless Bluetooth Speaker – Black

Amazon: JBL Flip 4 Waterproof Portable Bluetooth Speaker (Black)

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The post JBL Charge 4 vs JBL Flip 4 Review appeared first on Major HiFi.

JBL Charge 4 Review

The Charge 4 is not considerably larger or heavier than it’s predecessor, the JBL Charge 3.  However, the Charge 4 seems a more premium device thanks to some impressive design choices.

Rated IPX7 for waterproofing, this rough and ready speaker can be submerged, splashed, and spritzed.  It’s waterproof, dust-proof, possibly drop-proof, and seems to be pretty much everything-else-proof, too.

Buttons on the top of the unit allow a user to adjust volume or control playback.  Meanwhile, on the back of the speaker, a gasket-sealed latch allows access to different ports.  There’s a USB-C port for charging the internal battery, as well as a USB-A port for charging a phone or tablet on the go.  But there’s also a 3.5 mm AUX input port for folks who need a wired connection.

The faster USB-C charging is a nice touch, allowing that 20-hour battery to charge in just four hours.

Using Bluetooth 4.2, the Charge 4 supports A2DP v1.3 and AVRCP v1.6 codecs.  Connecting to the unit remains disconcertingly simple.  Via JBL’s proprietary app, you can upgrade the software or control playback with additional daisy-chain connected speakers.  This allows multiple JBL Charge 4 Bluetooth Speakers to be used in place of a traditional multi-speaker system, marrying wireless portability with surprisingly good sound.

Specifications

Bluetooth® version: 4.2
Support: A2DP V1.3, AVRCP V1.6
Transducer: 50 x 90mm
Rated power: 30W RMS
Frequency response: 60Hz–20kHz
Signal-to-noise ratio: >80dB
Battery type: Lithium-ion Polymer 27Wh
(Equivalent to 3.6V 7800mAh)
Battery charge time: 4 hours (5V/2.3A)
Music playtime: up to 20 hours (varies by
volume level and audio content)
USB charge out: 5V/2A (maximum)
Bluetooth® transmitter power: 0-20dBm
Bluetooth® transmitter frequency range:
2.402 – 2.480GHz
Bluetooth® transmitter modulation:
GFSK, π/4 DQPSK, 8DPSK
Dimension (W × D × H): 220 x 95 x 93mm
Weight: 965g

As you can see from these specs, the JBL Charge 4 offers a fairly standard frequency range.  Battery life, as outlined before, reaches a mad-decent 20 hours.  But the real kicker here is sheer volume – the Charge 4 gets LOUD.  So all of my coworkers can hear Chet Baker or Robyn’s new album, HONEY, blasting from my desk.

Sound

Meaty and full, the sound of the JBL Charge 4 sports good, detailed lows with an excellent bass response.  Fat and thick with excellent control and tons of precise contrast, that bass comes in with a flourish and steals the whole show.

Mids remain surprisingly okay, though they might sound just a little thin at times.  Really, though, there’s also perhaps a whisper of distortion in there, as well, leading to a slightly wonky, off-kilter feeling.  Not exactly a dealbreaker, as this tiny hiccup does little to derail the otherwise-fantastic sound.

In the high end, the JBL Charge 4 displays some sparkling detail, though the highest highs may still seem a bit thin.  Considering the price, this is more than forgivable, and the highs still manage to work quite well with those rocking, schlocking lows.

In term of a soundstage?  The JBL Charge 4 offers some depth, but does a poor job rendering an impression of finite space.   Of course, this does improve somewhat with a multi-speaker setup, but single-unit users may find the sound less than spacious.

Other Observations

There’s so much energy and volume (as well as a world-class low end) to the JBL Charge 4.  Though I’ve been eagerly awaiting the arrival of the Extreme 4, the Charge 4 may really be where it’s at; portability and fast charging a huge bonus here, eliminating many of the issues that would prevent someone from enjoying a heavier, more burdensome speaker on the move.

Recommendations

If you need to save some coin, you could obviously opt for the JBL Flip 4 ($89) or even the older, perhaps-discounted Charge 3 ($129).  However, the updated battery, faster charging time, and updated sound give the Charge 4 a distinct level of quality that cannot be matched.  And at $149, the difference in price seems like a trivial amount alongside the upgraded features.

Final Analysis

Is there a reason not to run out and buy the JBL Charge 4?  Maybe if you don’t need a Bluetooth speaker.  However, the features and sound will still recommend this to anyone with even the slightest interest in portable sound.  If you’re in the market for a speaker, you can’t do much better for 150 smackaroos.  But if you’re just curious how good a Bluetooth speaker can sound, you should definitely check it out.

Get the JBL Charge 4 for the best price here:

Audio46

Amazon

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