JBL Pulse 2 Review

Hey O&G fans, Today's tech review is on the JBL Pulse 2 wireless speaker. About five months ago I did a review on the fugoo wireless speaker and loved it, but I mostly use that speaker for my beach days and outdoor activities. Now I need something that is just for home with great sound and looks cool. After I attended Get Geeked NYC and spoke to the guys at the JBL booth, I decided to get the Pulse 2.

The JBL Pulse looks good and has a cool multi-LED light show added to it. The Pulse has a similar design to JBL's highly rated Flip and Charge Bluetooth speakers, but it's covered with a metal mesh grill. Here are some of the features and Specs on the speaker:

Bluetooth Connectivity allows you to wirelessly stream music through any Bluetooth enabled device.

Built-in Microphonethe built-in microphone allows you to answer calls.

LED Lights features a Multi-LED light show giving you a new ways to enjoy your music.

Passive Radiators Passive Radiators field enough bass for you to actually see them move.

JBL Connectbuild your own ecosystem by connecting multiple JBL connect enabled speakers to amplify the sound.

6000mAH Rechargeable Battery built-in Li ion battery for up to 10 hours of music and light show.

JBL Connect App Customize your light show experience and configure your JBL Connect settings, all at the tip of your fingers with the JBL Connect app.

SPECS

Support

A2DP V1.3, AVRCP V1.5, HFP V1.6, HSP V1.2

Battery type

Lithium-ion polymer (3.7V, 6000mAh)

Output power

2 x 8W

Battery charge time

≤5 hour @ 5V, 2.3A

Music playing time

up to 10 hours (varies by volume level and audio content)

Transducer size (mm)

2 x 45

REVIEW

I really do like this speaker, so much so I think I'm going to get another so I can use the JBL Connect feature and see what sound I get. I delivers good sound, but if you play something with heavy bass, the sound gets a bit distorted. The JBL Pulse 2 speaker features a very attractive design. Cylindrical in shape, the speaker stands like a larger soda can. The speaker was easy to set up and use. Pairing to a Bluetooth connected streaming device and the accompanying JBL Connect app with no issues.

The light show is pretty awesome! There are a few different preprogrammed modes to choose from and you can go with a custom light theme and control the brightness -- or just turn off the LEDs altogether. The only issue I have is that with the lights playing, it kind of shortens the Battery life. The Reception on the Speaker when it's connected to a smartphone is pretty good. the closer you are to the speaker, the clearer you can be heard on the other end.

Overall the speaker is a good purchase if you are in the market for a portable speaker. It's well built, splash proof, great sounding and the Pulse matches up pretty well against competing speakers in its price class.

by Sean Tucker