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The Sony SRS-XG500 is a well-built portable speaker with an IP66 rating for dust and water resistance, so you can take it with you outdoors without having to worry about it getting a little wet. It can get pretty loud, so it’s suitable for use at parties, and it even has some party-friendly features, such as a mic/guitar input and customizable RGB lights around its passive radiators. With the ClearAudio+ and “MEGA BASS” features enabled, it delivers a somewhat boomy sound, though it struggles to reproduce the deep bass that bass-heavy music lovers tend to like.
The JBL Boombox 2 is a large, portable Bluetooth speaker that offers powerful bass and high volumes. At $499.95, it’s also quite expensive. The speaker’s powerful bass and sculpted treble probably won’t appeal to purists, but lovers of powerful sounds will enjoy its robust output. While speakers offering a more nuanced sound experience can be found for this price, if you’re looking for a fully waterproof, outdoor-friendly party system, the Boombox 2 won’t disappoint.
Jbl Boombox 2 vs Sony xg500 Comparison Table
| Specification | JBL Boombox 2 | Sony XG500 |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 13 lbs (5.9 kg) | 6.28 lbs (2.85 kg) |
| Battery Life | Up to 24 hours | Up to 30 hours |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.1, AUX-in | Bluetooth 5.0, NFC, AUX-in |
| Water Resistance | IPX7 | IP66 |
| Power Output | 60W | 30W |
Jbl Boombox 2 vs Sony xg500: DESIGN AND BATTERY
The Sony SRS-XG500 is a huge portable speaker that measures 460 x 256 x 215 mm and weighs 5.6 kg, so it’s not something you can throw in your bag. Instead, it has a handle for carrying it around, but even using it I doubt you’ll want to carry it very far. The Sony SRS-XG500, cylindrical in shape with indentations in the center, is a modern boombox, with circular lights at each end to make it look like a party. It is ideal for the garden or for use at home, but if you want to take it elsewhere, such as camping or to the beach, you can rest assured that it is waterproof and dustproof (IP66).
The design of the JBL Boombox 2 is almost a carbon copy of the previous model. In fact, if we had put the two side by side, it would have been hard to tell them apart, although JBL wisely changed a few accents to make them less identical. For example, the JBL logo on one side now has an exclamation point, while the bottom of the handle has a bit more color to it. The JBL Boombox 2 is a portable Bluetooth speaker that is designed to be loud, powerful and waterproof. You can buy this speaker from its official website
Jbl Boombox 2 vs Sony xg500: PERFORMANCE
Powerful is the best way to describe the sound you get from the Sony SRS-XG500. The bass roars through the house and shakes the walls, but the highs are heard in full detail. The sound is definitely ready for a party, especially when you hit the Mega Bass button. That particular sound setting makes the low end a bit overblown and kind of takes over, but it’s not overwhelming and you can still hear every part of the song clearly. Outdoor parties benefit the most from the audio, because the sound really spreads and delivers a great punch.
On tracks with heavy sub-bass content, such as The Knife’s “Silent Shout,” the Boombox 2 delivers a powerful low-frequency response. At maximum volumes (this speaker can get quite loud), the bass does not distort, although the DSP (digital signal processing) kicks in and thins the bass slightly. However, even when the DSP reduces the bass to avoid distortion, the response is still quite strong. At moderate to high volumes, you get the most bass depth and the least DSP intrusion.
Which one should you buy?
The JBL Boombox 2 is the best choice for those who prioritize sound quality and battery life, as it offers powerful and clear audio with up to 24 hours of playback time. On the other hand, the Sony XG500 is a more affordable option that still offers decent sound quality and a water-resistant design, making it a good choice for outdoor use. Ultimately, it depends on your priorities and budget, but if you want the best overall performance, the JBL Boombox 2 is the way to go.
JBL BOOMBOX 2: THE GOOD AND THE BAD
The Good
- Waterproof
- Can charge mobile devices
The Bad
- Expensive
Sony xg500: THE GOOD AND THE BAD
The Good
- Can get loud.
- Graphic EQ and presets.
The Bad
- Expensive
FAQS
On a purely aesthetic level, Sony beats JBL. While JBL’s sound bars are sleek and simple, its Bluetooth speakers are more eye-catching, with several bright color options and rugged structures that show off their resistance to water, dust, and other nasties.
The Sony SRS-XB23 is a better speaker than the JBL Flip 5. The Sony is better built, can play stereo content and has a longer continuous battery life. It also has a companion app with graphic equalizer so you can adjust the sound to your liking.