Once again we can write that the time has come for beaches and outings into nature. But this has already been written, and it doesn’t look much like beaches yet. In this article we will talk about an interesting universal speaker that is great for listening to music in different situations.

The device was provided by the Portativ store

Traditionally for JBL, acoustics are packaged in a neat box. Inside there is the boombox itself, an AUX cable, micro USB and a power adapter with a plug for a European socket.

Design, materials

Charge 2+ has a classic JBL design - a kind of “audio sausage”. Both JBL and other competing companies have plenty of identically shaped speakers. The design is made of pleasant soft-touch plastic and a metal “grill”.

The lower part is rubberized for better fixation on the surface. Large woofers are placed on the sides to provide spacious bass.

Ergonomics

The speaker is convenient to use in almost any place - as an acoustic system for a laptop, outdoors, when riding a bicycle, etc. JBL Charge 2+ is not afraid of moisture, which means the model can be used even in the rain. But the speaker will not survive immersion in water, so there is no point in experimenting. The model fits perfectly in the hand and allows you to transport it in any bag or backpack. The acoustics weigh 600 grams.

Connection, controls

You can play music using Bluetooth technology or via a mini-jack cable. Display of battery charge in the notification shade is supported. Up to three devices can be connected via Bluetooth at the same time, which is very helpful in a company where everyone shouts: “oooh, now I’ll play this track.”

On the top there are speaker control buttons: power, volume up/down, and Bluetooth pairing.

Sound

Here the little one from JBL does not surprise us, since everyone knows that the speakers from this manufacturer play very cool, even the smallest and frail-looking ones. With Charge 2+ there are absolutely no discoveries - two 45 mm speakers produce very high-quality and loud sound. I was pleased with the elaboration and the amount of low frequencies. Personally tested - the speaker coped with the sound of a picnic for 15 people, everyone noted the detailed sound and volume.

Functionality

In addition to its main purpose, JBL Charge II Plus has a built-in microphone for use as a speakerphone. On high quality You shouldn't expect voice transmission, but in a quiet environment it's quite good. I would also like to note the possibility of recharging portable devices like smartphones and tablets from the built-in battery.

Price

$150. At this price, the speaker has a lot of competitors, but the Charge2+ holds its own and is desirable even with its price tag, which for many is not very attractive.

Autonomy

The built-in 6000 mAh battery allows you to play music for up to 12 hours. As already written above - passed USB port for charging portable devices. The latter is very important in nature, where there is no way to recharge a smartphone and the battery is about to run out.

Site evaluation

Pros: Sound, design, ergonomics, autonomy, ability to charge portable devices, simultaneous connection of three devices via Bluetooth

Minuses: Built-in microphone quality

Conclusion: JBL Charge 2+ is a good symbiosis high-quality sound, beautiful design, long operating time and good functionality in a fairly compact case that you can take with you anywhere. And the cost is not at the level to shout: “it’s very expensive!” On the eve of the beach and barbecue season, it's time to take a closer look at such devices. And the hero review certainly will not disappoint you.

Specifications

	JBL Charge 2 Plus Teal (CHARGE2PLUSTEALEU) Notify when on sale
Type	Portable speaker
Connection	wired, wireless
Number of channels	2.0
Number of lanes	1
Speaker power, W	15 (2x7.5)
Subwoofer power, W	-
Frequency range, Hz	75-20000
Signal to noise ratio, dB	80
Input impedance, Ohm	no data
Sensitivity, dB/W/m	no data
Amplifier	built-in
Bass reflex	-
Ethernet	-
WiFi	-
DLNA	-
Bluetooth	Bluetooth 3
AirPlay	-
NFC	-
RCA	-
mini Jack 3.5 mm	x1
Digital optical	-
Digital coaxial	-
USB	Micro USB x1 (for charging)
XLR	-
Headphone output	-
Other	-
Display	-
Remote control	-
Dock station	+ (USB)
Card reader	-
Treble adjustment	-
Bass adjustment	-
Built-in FM receiver	-
Built-in audio player	-
Internet radio	-
Built-in microphone	+
Nutrition	mains, battery
Autonomy, h (battery capacity, mAh)	12 hours /no data
Housing material	plastic
Finishing material	no data
Dimensions, mm	79x185.2x79
Weight, kg	0,6
Color	turquoise
Equipment	USB cable
Additionally	Waterproof, built-in microphone

The first model made a lot of noise last year, and deservedly so. The miniature Bluetooth speaker produced VERY powerful sound. Of course, the sound quality is maximum level The volume could hardly be called exemplary, which is normal in devices of this class, but for picnics, spontaneous parties, or a work background sound, the thing plays perfectly. In addition, it can charge portable devices from its own battery. This combination of characteristics made the Charge a popular gadget and paved the way for its successor JBL Charge 2, in which there was more of everything, in the literal sense.

Metal, plastic and rubber

The new product is similar in shape to the previous model, but this is where the common features in the design, as well as in the filling, end. HARMAN recycled everything that could be recycled, and for a reason - the company was able to improve the device both outside and inside. She also pleased with her set, which emphasizes that this accessory is perfect for traveling. In particular, in addition to the speaker itself, a large cardboard box contained a power supply with an American plug (it is also suitable for Japan), plus two adapters - for European and for British (Hong Kong) sockets.

Pay attention to the USB→micro-USB cable - it is color-coded and performs two functions at once: it charges the speaker itself, which has a built-in battery 6000 mAh, plus is used to recharge portable devices from Charge 2 (for example, Android smartphones). The iPhone charges just like any other gadget that can replenish its energy reserves from USB:

The speaker connects to sound sources via Bluetooth 4.0, that is, the sound quality is fine - there are no hisses, crackles or any strange interruptions. If there is no wireless module in the source, then you can use a regular 3.5 mm input, however, such a cable is not included with the speakers; you will have to get it separately.

By the way, in addition to the red model, JBL has other Charge 2 options:

The speaker body is mostly made of plastic with a high-quality Soft-touch coating that does not collect fingerprints and is easy to clean from dust. A pair of 45 mm wide-range speakers with a total power of 15 watts (RMS) are covered with a metal mesh in color. Hidden on top under the rubber pad are indicators for power, Bluetooth connection, battery charge level, as well as buttons for volume control, answering/hanging up a call (aka start/pause playback) and mode activation Social Mode.

The latter is interesting if the speaker is listened to in the company of friends. By clicking on it, you get the opportunity to connect three audio sources via Bluetooth to Charge 2 simultaneously and listen to music from each of them in turn. You can organize unique mixes of your guests’ favorite compositions. I tested it by connecting my iPhone and MacBook at the same time - everything works and the speaker picks up music from different sources literally on the fly.

Since there is a button to accept/end calls, it means that there is also a microphone with a speakerphone function in addition. That is, you can use the accessory to receive calls and this feature works well, at least if the room is quiet. I haven't experienced it in a loud environment.

IN bottom part The gadget has a built-in compact stand that holds it securely in a horizontal position, easily withstanding the positive vibrations of the acoustics at maximum volume. True, it is not designed for external influence, so it is better not to check the stability of the speaker with light kicks when it is standing on the edge of the table.

Let's finish studying the design of the device with the most interesting element - a pair of metal plates with a company logo along the edges of the cylinder. Let's talk about the technical part, after which we will smoothly move on to the sound. The mentioned plates are there for a reason. Firstly, they are part passive low frequency radiators. Secondly, they simply vibrate and move beautifully when the speaker sounds - there is a feeling of power and the device automatically gets +100 to its sound quality.

As for the design of the speaker, there is an acoustic chamber inside it, pumped by a pair of 45 mm speakers, and due to the pressure created, the emitters are activated, significantly increasing the level of reproduced bass. By the way, this is one of the most bassy and loud speakers in your class. I can’t believe that such a little thing produces such a powerful acoustic stream, and then you look at the dancing plates at the ends and understand: “JBL engineers and designers do not eat their bread in vain.” A great example where design and technology are intertwined.

Pay attention to the greased metal plate - these are not my crooked hands, but shooting at a low shutter speed while the speaker performs a powerful bass burst, and the plate at this moment vibrates sparklingly. Impressive sight

Acoustic cylinder

The speaker sounds good, but not all songs come easily to it at maximum volume, which is enough to powerfully sound a room of 20 meters in area. At a volume of 50–70%, the accessory copes with almost any genres and songs perfectly, surprising along the way with the powerful and detailed bass, good mids and clear highs. In general, this is an ideal gadget for creating a working atmosphere and background sound - it works very well.

In addition, this is the first such compact acoustics in my memory that can play any heavy compositions so well at the volume level mentioned above. If you turn it up to the maximum, then be prepared for some loss in detail and depth of low frequencies. I noticed this on some songs by Beny Benassy, ​​on a number of compositions by Nero and other DubStep teams, in some songs by Samael. But pop music, trance, house, chill-out, and most of the heavy metal that I listen to, even at maximum, do not make the speaker scream - it plays perfectly and is surprisingly powerful for its size. Again, controversial songs also sound great at medium volume levels.

From interesting features I also noticed the very fast connection of the speaker via Bluetooth - pairing occurs literally in a second, while with other devices the initialization process can take five seconds or even more. As for autonomy, at an average volume level the new product plays without any problems 12 hours. However, take into account the fact that if you decide to recharge your smartphone or tablet from the speaker, this will shorten the disco time.

HARMAN has not only improved the popular portable audio system, the company has created one of the best representatives in its class. Charge 2 has a unique bass sound, in most cases it is able to perfectly play music even at the maximum, very impressive volume level and contains a capacious battery that can be used to recharge portable equipment. Recommended retail price devices is 6990 rub..

Specifications JBL Charge 2:

• Bluetooth 4.0;
• power - 2 x 7.5 Watt;
• battery capacity - 6000 mAh;
• time battery life- 12 hours;
• dimensions - 180 x 76 x 76 mm;
• weight - 540 g.

You can buy Charge 2 and other JBL devices at

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), a one-meter long Micro USB cable 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, there really are low frequencies. 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. The acoustics can recharge third-party devices using any Micro USB cable. 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

IN this moment 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. Its capacity is not enough for fully charged 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?

Contents of delivery

• Column
• USB cable
• Replacement forks
• power unit
• Documentation

It was JBL Charge that became the first for many people in Russia portable speaker. People like that it is inexpensive, can charge a smartphone and here, as they say, “ good bass" The second version of Charge is even better. And here's Charge 2+, with water protection...

Design, construction

The main difference from Charge 2 is protection from water, I won’t torment you with repetitions from the review. Or rather, I will, but I’ll say the main thing right away. The speaker can be washed under running water; it can easily withstand rain in the forest if water from the pool suddenly gets in or something similar happens. It cannot be completely immersed in water. These are some strange recommendations. The photographs show how I mocked the column. How will the contacts in the connectors behave? good question. It’s a pity that the column will be taken away from me after the test. Maybe the next journalist will tell about her fate. But so far it’s working as expected and doesn’t seem to be going to die. In addition to water, the speaker is not afraid of dust, sand, and, in principle, dirt too. Then you can wash it.

The most important thing is that there are holes on the left and right, something like bass reflexes, and they are designed in the same way as in a number of Harman/Kardon products. A metal circle with a logo is fixed on a movable rubber membrane; the vibration of the speakers causes the membrane to vibrate. You can watch this for hours, it looks very cool. Moreover, this also affects the sound quality - with low frequencies everything is just fine here.

The speaker is available in eight colors: black, blue, grey, orange, pink, red, mint and yellow.

The selection is unusual, orange and yellow look great, there have never been anything like this before. All colors are matte, since the main material of the case is very hard rubber, which is pleasant to hold in your hand. Dust does not accumulate on the surface. The grilles are made of metal, and there is a rubber stand at the bottom; even when playing at full volume, the speaker does not slip. On the bottom there are USB connectors, 3.5 mm, microUSB input for charging.

During playback, it is best to place the speaker on a stand, but if you wish, you can put it on its end, although I would not do that. On the top there are control buttons and indicator lights, this is the power button, activating Bluetooth (it is also responsible for pairing), adjusting the volume, answering a call. The hole next to the handset is a microphone; JBL Charge 2 can be used as a speakerphone. Icon with figures of people – Social Mode, three people can connect their smartphones and tablets and start their tracks one by one. It turns out to be a sort of mix, one includes Sinatra, the second house, the third Igor Nikolaev. And everything was done almost without pauses, stutters, interruptions, without the need for painful pairing - we tried everything, quickly and clearly. For young people and parties, the function is simply excellent.

Speaker dimensions – 79 x 184 x 75 mm, weight – 540 grams. It doesn’t take up much space in a suitcase and doesn’t particularly affect the weight; if anything happens, you can put it in your hand luggage. But in the hotel you will have great music. This is true in the summer. In general, this is true at any time of the year.

There are light indicator dots on the top part; they will tell you what is happening with the speaker’s battery. Please note that it takes a long time to charge, since it uses a capacious battery.

Connection methods

You can connect any device to JBL Charge 2 via Bluetooth or using a 3.5 mm cable. It’s a pity that this is not included in the kit; the user will have to look for the cable on his own. Bluetooth profile 3.0, there were no problems connecting.

Peculiarities

This is the already mentioned Social Mode, well, and let’s not forget that the name itself suggests the purpose of the device, it is charging other gadgets. You take any USB cable, connect it to the speaker connector and charge any smartphones, you can even charge your tablet. The function is very good and will be useful to you on a picnic, during gatherings in a hotel room or on the street near the entrance. Supported protocols are A2DP V1.3, AVRCP V1.5, HFP V1.6, HSP V1.2.

Nutrition

The stated operating time is about 12 hours in sound playback mode at full volume; in reality, these figures approximately correspond to the stated ones. Just keep in mind that if you connect other devices to Charge 2 for charging, the operating time will decrease. The battery capacity is as much as 6000 mAh, if you are interested.

Sound quality

Below I almost completely repeat the chapter from JBL review Charge 2, there are no special changes here. What bothered me a little was that when used with the iPhone 6 Plus, there were some interruptions in playback after the phone left the coverage area and was then connected again (auto-connection). And I tried different programs to play music. It seems like the problem is on the speaker side. Perhaps this is a glitch of my particular sample; after rebooting the speaker and smartphone, this behavior did not recur. If you are already using Charge 2+ and encounter a similar problem, write to me. Let me remind you that the speaker can be used as a speakerphone, the quality of speech transmission is not bad, the interlocutors did not particularly complain, but I spoke in quiet places - I don’t know how it will be in noisy places. The Charge 2+ added the SoundClear function, essentially a noise reduction system for using the device as a speakerphone. It seems to me that talking has become even better now.

As for music, here's some official characteristics:

• Transducer: 2 x 45mm
• Rated power input: 2 x 7.5W
• Frequency response: 75Hz – 20kHz
• Signal-to-noise ratio: >80dB

In principle, these numbers are of no use - the speaker sounds great. JBL put excellent speakers here and seriously worked with the internal structure. The round edges on the ends are needed not only for beauty; low frequencies are perceived completely differently compared to the first generation speaker. In general, Charge has changed. If you can’t see what exactly is playing, you can think about some kind of large speaker. But in fact, this is a little Charge 2.

Like any other portable device, JBL Charge 2 cannot be called universal; it is more suitable for electronic music - due to its specifics, everything is fine here with low and high frequencies, but the same cannot be said about the middle. However, for target audience it doesn't matter. The first Charge was chosen for “Oh, she’s so loud! It also charges your smartphone.” The second one is even louder and can take even longer to charge.

conclusions

JBL Charge 2 Plus - updated version hit model of 2014 Charge. The advantages of the first version are complemented by protection of the case from moisture and splashes. Also, Charge 2 Plus has noticeably improved bass sound.

The secret of JBL's success

JBL releases Hi-Fi speakers class and studio monitors for over 60 years. And portable acoustics with Bluetooth appeared in its assortment several years ago. The Charge 2 Plus and other models have received good press and customer reviews for their excellent functionality and sound. The speaker plays loudly and at the same time with high quality - for its size and price category. And it especially surprises with the sophistication of sound in the low-frequency register on trance, heavy music, etc.

The Charge 2 Plus has a larger battery than many competitors, with a capacity of 6,000 mAh. The speaker can work up to 12 hours without recharging, that is, 2 hours more than its competitor Denon Envaya Mini. At the same time, two speakers with a diameter of 45 mm produce power up to 15 W.

JBL can also work as Power Bank for gadgets and hands-free system for mobile phones. A special feature of this model is the Multipoint mode for connecting three Bluetooth devices to the speaker simultaneously.

Acoustics for hikes and picnics

"Chip" Charge 2 Plus- protection of the housing from splashes and dirt. This model can work not only in drizzling rain, but also in heavy rain. But it is worth remembering that the acoustics will not withstand more extreme conditions, such as immersion under water.

Charge 2 Plus owners consider the speaker good option for listening to music while traveling and outdoors. Buyers make complaints about the fact that there are no plugs at the connectors, and the kit does not include a carrying case. Interestingly, some of them even place the device on a bicycle - in a holder for a water flask.

JBL Charge 2 Plus- a speaker with bright colors (orange, red, etc.), which is protected from moisture and equipped with powerful battery. Moreover, you can use it not only at picnics, but also in everyday life, for example, next to the computer.

Additional features and functionality portable acoustics JBL Charge 2 Plus:

• Social Mode - ability to connect to 3 devices simultaneously
• Passive radiators enhance low frequencies