On the sustainability front, JBL didn’t disclose anything about the Charge 5’s construction, but the box is mostly cardboard, and the speaker comes wrapped in a cloth sock. The Charge 5 supports the A2DP 1.3, AVRCP 1.6 profiles. The Bluetooth 5.1 implementation will result in some power efficiency and support for more distance between the speaker and the transmitting device than various versions of Bluetooth 4.0 and earlier. The PartyBoost feature, which works from the PartyBoost button or the app, turns two Charge 5 speakers into a stereo pair, which sounds incredible-and will connect up to 100 compatible speakers into a mesh of mono-driven surround sound. The accompanying JBL Portable app works with the Charge 5 and other speakers to control sound profiles, connectivity between devices, and firmware updates. Also, always make sure the USB-C port has time to try before charging. JBL recommends freshwater rinses after exposure to salt or chlorinated water, as either will reduce the seals that keep the device waterproof. Unlike the previous model, the water and dust-resistant USB-C port remains exposed. The Charge 5’s IP67 rating requires keeping a silicon flap closed over the outgoing charge port. A single white LED on the front provides a graphic indicator of the battery’s charge state. To charge devices, uncover the USB-A connector and attach the included connector or another connector, such as USB-C to Lightning, and plug in the other device. Remember, the Charge 5 isn’t just a speaker but a large power bank, so it’s not intended to be light, it’s intended to be useful. In my hand, the Charge 5 feels a bit like a rugby ball but weighs about twice as much. Not a pocket speaker, but more of a backpack speaker. To pair a new device or another device, push the Bluetooth button on the top of the speaker. Out of the box, it arrives charged and ready to pair. Comforting tracks of silicon along the bottom provide traction and create a stable base.Ĭonnecting the Charge 5 to a device is simple. In contrast, the controls subtly reside along the top of the mesh, easy to reach and understand, but not distracting to the design. To further emphasize the power of the JBL Charge 5, a silver exclamation mark shouts from the radiators on either end. JBL wants you to know who is producing the sound you are enjoying. I say emblazoned because previous model logos were much more subtle. Matt black fabric with a red-tinged JBL logo emblazoned across the front. JBL provided what I would call the urban style $179.95 JBL Charge 5. If you don’t already have an outdoor speaker that is ready to take on the elements with booming resonance, then the JBL Charge 5 should sit high on your list of speakers to consider. Although the Charge 5 slightly increases the size and weight of the latest in the Charge line, it does so in service to ruggedness. The IP67-rated JBL Charge 5 looks poised as a worthy successor, with updated styling, a dustproof rating, and a wider soundstage. I have not submerged the Charge 4, but it has taken plenty of punishment for the in-home elements. But the Charge 4 lived up to its billing of long battery life (we seem to rarely charge even after weeks of use) and durability. It has soap scum along its edges and often spots of water trickling like tiny rivulets across its mesh surface. My JBL Charge 4 accompanies every bath at our home as the audio streaming companion for music and video soundtracks.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |