JBL PartyBox Encore Essential

Wireless & Bluetooth Speakers / Portable

A JBL PartyBox Encore Essential Wireless Bluetooth Portable speaker system.

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CR Expert Take

How did it perform in our expert lab testing?

Overall Score

The Overall Score for this model is derived from our expert lab test results.

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Current Range of Tested Wireless & Bluetooth Speakers

What goes into the Overall Score?

Sound quality

/ 5

Ease of use

/ 5

Versatility

/ 5

Detailed Test Results

Sound quality: JBL's PartyBox Encore Essential had Good overall sound quality - this model reproduces music and dialog reasonably well despite the obvious shortcomings in its sound. With the EQ settings in the JBL PartyBox app set for the most even tonal balance, bass has good impact and goes deep, but depending on the program material can vary from a bit to somewhat prominent and boomy. Midrange is even but is a bit grainy and hazy. Treble is extended but is a bit sizzly and smeared. Does a decent job of recovering room ambience but sounds a bit congested. There is no significant difference between Bluetooth, Aux and USB inputs. When two units are combined to form a stereo pair the sound stage can be made wider depending on placement. Provides a decent volume level in a large sized room.

About

A JBL PartyBox Encore Essential Wireless Bluetooth Portable speaker system. In our tests the sound quality, and the versatility of provided features are assessed.

Features & Specs

Features

IP rating

Claimed battery life (hrs.)

Adjustable tone settings

Yes

Wireless stereo pairing

Yes

Speaker phone w/built-in mic

Optional multi-room sharing

Remote

Yes

Power source

Battery/AC

Updatable software/firmware

Yes

Warranty (mos.): parts/labor

12/12

Other features

Manufacturer claims the unit is IPX4 water resistant. Two PartyBox Encore Essential speakers can be wirelessly stereo paired via Bluetooth. USB charging port also used for USB Host mode operation. Input jack for optional cord connected mic use has gain adjustments. Has customizable lights with different lighting modes and patterns. Free JBL PartyBox app download for Apple and Android mobile devices can be used as a remote control, to check battery status, update unit firmware, adjust EQ, enable Bassboost mode, change lighting settings, access DJ and Karaoke effects, and set up stereo pairing of two PartyBox Encore Essential speakers. USB host mode compatible with MP3, WMA, WAV audio files. Unit firmware version 1.24.0, Apple app version 3.3.10, Android app version 3.3.10.

Included accessories

Power cable, Quick start

Specs

Wireless type

Bluetooth

Audio format

Stereo

Height (in.)

Width (in.)

Depth (in.)

Weight (lbs.)

Connections

Stereo analog audio input

Yes

Optical digital audio input

Headphone jack

Active subwoofer pre-amp out

Other connections

Microphone input, USB Host mode, USB charging port.

Price & Shop

JBL PartyBox Encore Essential

CR Expert Take

Overall Score

What goes into the Overall Score?

Detailed Test Results

About

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