JBL Boombox review: specs and price

Future versions do not necessarily lead to a better sounding product so read on ... Unfortunately JBL's obsession for it's Boombox being the most powerful portable Bluetooth Speaker as other competing products hit the market did mean that compromises had to be made in return for a higher power rating (Watts). Hence the awesomely impressive drive units used in Boombox 1 had to be replaced carrying this range forward. Sonically this was disastrous. Boombox 2 sadly suffered from a distinct lack of Bass capability, with mids/highs being equally as poor, just for the sake of sounding louder. Boombox 3 has addressed that issue with more emphasis on the Bass end of things and is even louder still, but even v3 cannot stand up to the meticulously balanced big sound from the Version 1 which never ever lacked Bass being deep, punchy and all encompassing. When properly EQ'd via a 10 band Equaliser within an app such as N7 music player MP3s played through Boombox 1 will give a massive sound of the highest fidelity both inside and out. I am a loud music lover so long as it sounds just as good full-on as it does at lower levels. I used to run Sound Systems in Clubs and at Warehouse Raves in the 90s and so I think I know a thing or two about what sounds right and what doesn't. Full-on the Boombox 1 is effing loud with no distortion at any power level. When I am playing it at near-on full volume in my back garden my neighbours are convinced that I have brought my home stereo outside, such is the presence of the Sound-Stage from this speaker. It is a Beast and puts out an unbelievably large sound that I am not capable of describing. I fell in love with this speaker a few years ago when I picked it up from Curry's and suspect it will be a long while before I find a better product worth cheating on my first love for. I also have a Naim Muso for my living room which is very good for pretty much 3x the money but which does not best it. So if you get the chance grab one of these Version 1s and I guarantee you will not be disappointed! ... Bear in mind that if you are streaming Spotify etc. you will have a 'Flat Sound', compared to playing MP3s via a Music Player (such as N7) with perfectly adjusted equalisation in the way I have described above.

High-quality sound, design, and long-lasting battery