SPEAKERS
86 NOVEMBER 2019|COMPUTER SHOPPER|ISSUE 381
òWNINpWĴERPRòòjspeaker has its
advantages. Even if you’re not into
watersports or regularly hitting the pool, a
weather-resistant speaker is alot more
versatile than aregular plug-in speaker that
might sit next to your living-room sofa.
The Xtreme 2isone such portable device.
It’s only JBL’s second-ever attempt at a
waterproofBluetooth speaker,but it’s been
built with confidence: not only is it IPX7-
certified, which allows it to be submerged at
adepth of one metre for30minutes, but it
also has two metal bars that allow you to
hook on the bundled strap.
CARRYON
This is more useful than it sounds, as while
the Xtreme 2can be taken out and about, it’s
no UE Boom 3: it weighs 2.4kg and measures
136x288x132mm, so the ability to add astrap
is avery welcome one.The strap’s buckle also
doubles up as abottle opener,adding to the
speaker’s party credentials.
Much like the original Xtreme,the Xtreme
2isprotected by afabric mesh. There’s a
large JBL logo at the front of the speaker,
while at the topthere are six physical buttons,
two of which are illuminated –Power and
Connect+. The Connect+ is an upgrade over
the previous iteration; you’re now able to pair
up to 100 JBL Connect+-enabled speakers, in
the unlikely event that needs demand.
Around the back, JBL has rightfully
ditched the zip-like design of the first Xtreme.
Instead, the rear ports are protected from
water via arubberised pop-out panel.
Prise this aside and you’ll find a3.5mm
headphone jack, aDCcoaxial output, a
USB port capable of fast-charging your
smartphone,and aMicro USB port, the
sole purpose of which is forservicing.
JBL Xtreme2
★★★★★
£229•From http://www.amazon.co.uk
VERDICT
Withtop-qualitysoundandaversatile
design,thisisagreat–ifexpensive–
rugged Bluetoothspeaker
As forwireless connectivity,the speaker
connects via Bluetooth with amaximum
range of 20 metres. Battery lifeisgood at
around 15 hours of playback time,although
the Xtreme 2takes around three-and-a-half
hours to charge.Unfortunately,there’s no
Wi-Fi connectivity,which means no Amazon
Alexa or Google Assistant to answer your
every call. That’s aslight shame when the UE
Megablast comes with Alexa built in.
FEELING BLUE
It’s also worth mentioning that the Xtreme 2,
like its predecessor and the JBL Boombox
(Shopper369), doesn’t support the Bluetooth
aptX codec, so you won’t get CD quality
playback via Bluetooth.
Still, JBL has aknack forfun-sounding
speakers, which more often than not have
punchy bass and awarm sound signature.
The Xtreme 2somewhat breaks that trend; it
still has that healthy bass punch that you’d
expect from aJBL speaker,but it also has a
surprisingly good mid-range.
The issue with the Xtreme and the
Boombox is that both suffer from aheavily
recessed mid-range,which means vocals often
sound pushed back. The Xtreme 2, conversely,
has much more forward-sounding mids.
They’re still atad pushed back, but nowhere
near the amount we were expecting.
The Xtreme 2shines in songs with strong
vocals and punchy basslines, which are often
aharsh test of aspeaker; case in point, the
JBL Boombox struggles to reproduce engaging
mids. That’s not the case forthe Xtreme 2.
It’s engaging and makes songs feel alive,yet
preserves acolourful sound.
Bass tones are well represented, too.
The Xtreme 2has astrong, punchy mid-bass
with plenty of control and asumptuous
sub-bass extension, much more so than its
predecessor.Surprisingly,the healthy bass
extension is 15Hz lower than the original
Xtreme,and it can be felt.
The highs extend blissfully,and combined
with awide,360° soundstage,the JBL Xtreme
2iscaptivating. Vocals and instruments are
clearly separated and layered, adding to the
depth and detail of each track.
The Xtreme 2also goes extremely loud
without distorting or clipping. It will suffice
foragarden party or alarge living-room
space,and thanks to its shape,itcan be
used both horizontally or vertically –ideal if
you’re cramped forspace.
GREATOUTDOORS
The Xtreme 2might not have any smart
features, but it’s an excellent weatherproof
Bluetooth speaker,from the outdoorsy
design to its sound quality.The main reason
to be cautious about purchasing is the price:
at £229,it’s alot more expensive than the
UE Boom 3. This is both water-and dust-proof
to the IP67 standard, and will even float in
water rather than sinking to the bottom, so
it’s easier to retrieve.Itdoesn’t sound as
powerful and controlled as the Xtreme 2, but
when it only costs £99,itdoesn’t have to;
both speakers have afun and lively report,
which makes them similarly useful for
garden party duties.
That said, the Xtreme 2sounds better
and beefier to our ears, so it does at least
partly make up forthat price difference.
Both are great choices, so don’t be afraid to
splash out on JBL’s speaker if you want the
absolutebest audio quality.
86 NOVEMB
the previous iteration; you’re now able to pair
up to 100 JBL Connect+-enabled speakers, in
the unlikely event that needs demand.
Around the back, JBL has rightfully
ditched the zip-like design of the first Xtreme.
Instead, the rear ports are protected from
water via arubberised pop-out panel.
Prise this aside and you’ll find a3.5mm
headphone jack, aDCcoaxial output, a
USB port capable of fast-charging your
smartphone,and aMicro USB port, the
sole purpose of which is forservicing.
punchy bass and awarm sound signature.
The Xtreme 2somewhat breaks that trend; it
still has that healthy bass punch that you’d
expect from aJBL speaker,but it also has a
surprisingly good mid-range.
The issue with the Xtreme and the
Boombox is that both suffer from aheavily
recessed mid-range,which means vocals often
sound pushed back. The Xtreme 2, conversely,
has much more forward-sounding mids.
They’re still atad pushed back, but nowhere
near the amount we were expecting.
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