We got our hands on the stunning JBL Partybox Encore portable Bluetooth speaker and it did not fail to impress.
Not to be confused with the JBL Partybox Encore Essential, the JBL Partybox Encore is the new kid on the block, which has recently been added to JBL’s Partybox speaker series.
Why we like the JBL Partybox Encore
The JBL Partybox Encore speaker produces a very impressive 100W of sound and similar to the rest of the speakers in the Partybox series, features a built-in light show that syncs to your music allowing you to create a real party vibe at home or outside.
The first thing you’ll notice about the JBL Partybox Encore is the build quality, it does not feel like the cheap plastic that’s sometimes used on a lot of portable Bluetooth speakers, it feels firm, strong and pretty slick. It’s very smooth to touch and easy to carry from the rubber-gripped handle located at the top of the speaker.
Turn it on and you’ll hear the start-up sound and see the speaker light up. You can connect to the speaker via Bluetooth from your phone, tablet or computer or plug in a USB loaded with your music or via AUX input too. You can also connect two Bluetooth devices at the same time, enabling you and your friends to play music back to back without having to disconnect and re-connect.
The sound – Small speaker, BIG sound
The JBL Partybox Encore has superb sound quality, it’s warm and very clean and clear, sounds great at low volume and is even better when you turn it up. We tested the speakers playing everything from HipHop, Rock, Disco, House, Reggae, Garage, RNB plus Drum & Bass and the results were outstanding, the sound quality is awesome.
You’ll sometimes find that some portable Bluetooth speakers are simply loud for loud sake and usually distorts when played at high levels, however, the JBL Partybox Encore do not distort even when played at the highest volume, which is one of the standout features of this little pintsize powerhouse.
If you want the ability to play loud yet clean and warm-sounding music, the JBL Partybox Encore is for you. Play this speaker in front of your mates and they will comment on how nice the speaker sounds.
Turn up the lights in here baby
As mentioned above JBL Partybox Encore features a built-in light show that syncs to music, however, this isn’t your standard run-of-the-mill primary school disco-style lighting that’s can be found on many portable Bluetooth speakers, the JBL Partybox Encore lighting is more akin to club lights and proper strobe effects.
Turn down the lights in your room or if you’re outside, simply wait until the sun goes down and watch the built-in light show do its thing. It will not take long before you start feeling like you’re inside a real rave, the lighting is top-notch and the way it syncs to the music helps create a party vibe… Maybe this is why they named it the Partybox. If you are not a fan of flashing lights, you can turn the lights off and just listen to your favourite songs.
Did someone say Karaoke?
The JBL Partybox Encore also comes with a digital wireless microphone allowing you and your friends/partygoers to sing along to your favourite tunes all night long and it’s also loaded with a few sound effects to create extra hype, like the fog horn sounds or DJ scratch sound. If you like Karaoke, this added feature will give you endless days of fun with friends.
But wait there’s more…
The JBL Partybox series has its very own dedicated JBL Partybox app, you can use it to customise the dynamic light show including fun strobe effects and club lights. You can also use it to control the USB feature as well as EQ (added more bass etc) your music. The app is pretty slick, it’s very simple and easy to use and it’s not loaded with a bunch of unnecessary features.
And finally, WTF is TWS?
TWS (True Wireless Stereo) allows you to connect up to 2 compatible speakers wirelessly via Bluetooth or wired via one AUX output to another.
This means you can buy two JBL Partybox Encore or any other JBL Party Box (we tested it with the JBL Partybox 310 and we love it) and connect them together for even more sound. You can either play them as left & right speakers or play sync them together, which is perfect for larger rooms or small halls or outside use.
The JBL Partybox Encore has up to 10 hours of battery life and an IPX4 splashproof design so you need not worry about the weather or a friend spilling their drink on your new speaker.
For more info or to purchase the JBL Partybox speakers, go to uk.jbl.com/party-speakers
