entranceJbl go wireless bluetooth speakers black. JBL GO portable speaker review
On the eve of the summer season, JBL has announced the Go youth ultra-compact speaker. According to the developer's version, this model is the best fit for schoolchildren and students. She, in which case, you can take on a picnic, on a hike or to the beach. Well, the price of 2,000 rubles looks very high for this category of consumers. Let's figure it out, is JBL Go worth the attention and money?
This time, our edition has one of the smallest speakers available on the market. It's about JBL Go. It is inexpensive Bluetooth speaker with speakerphone. The target audience- young people. Actually, for this reason, there are as many as 8 color options for the case on sale: black, white, red, yellow, blue, blue, orange and pink. I tested the most boring version - black.
First impressions. Dimensions and scope of delivery
id = "sub0">Since JBL Go belongs to the cheapest price category (the speaker costs 1,990 rubles in retail), the packaging here is straightforward. This is a transparent plastic box for the speaker. Inside the cardboard cover you can find a charging cable that connects to your computer. Also included is an instruction manual and a warranty card.
Contents of delivery:
- JBL Go
- USB cable for charging
- Documentation
In terms of dimensions, the JBL Go is very compact. Dimensions are 68.3 x 82.7 x 30.8 mm, weight 130 grams. In terms of mobility, the performance is excellent. The gadget is so light that you can carry it with you at all times.
Appearance and controls
id = "sub1">JBL Go has a minimalistic appearance. The speaker is a kind of box, the body of which is made of rubberized plastic.
The top panel contains control buttons. There is a volume key, a power button, an answer to a call and pairing by wireless interface Bluetooth. On the left side there is a recess with a partition for the strap. This will allow you to attach the speaker to a bicycle handlebar or somewhere else.
On right side JBL Go you can see the connectors for micro-USB charging and connecting an audio cable, as well as a microphone. The front is covered with a metal grill that protects the speaker and a small LED indicator.
Functionality
id = "sub2">With this speaker, you can listen to music by connecting it to a smartphone or tablet via Bluetooth, in addition, there is a 3.5mm jack.
I tested a column with Samsung Galaxy S6 edge, iPhone 5S, MacBook Pro 13. The gadget is quickly detected and starts playing music.
To start pairing, you need to press the Bluetooth button on the top of the speaker. Will happen sound signal... Next, you need to find a column in the list of available wireless devices and confirm the connection.
In addition, the speaker can be used to communicate on the phone using a speakerphone. There is a built-in microphone here. The voice quality is not bad, but you can't call it perfect. There is no noise cancellation, so the voice is not as good as it usually happens during telephone conversations. However, as an option it is a plus.
Sound quality
id = "sub3">If speak about technical characteristics, the JBL Go is capable of reproducing sound in the 180 Hz - 20 kHz range. The signal-to-noise ratio is 80 dB.
Sound quality is decent, but lacks the power that more advanced models have. This is especially pronounced at maximum volume. The volume itself is high, but the quality suffers. The column begins to wheeze and rattle. It is worth slightly reducing the sound, as everything returns to normal.
Low frequencies are transmitted poorly. Apparently, it's a matter of size. The compact and diminutive model cannot convey the low end.
At the same time, I cannot say that JBL Go is bad. It is suitable for listening to music while cycling, it is pleasant to take it on a country trip or watch a movie on a tablet if the standard volume is not enough. It's just that the range of use of the gadget is limited.
Battery life
id = "sub4">The manufacturer claims 5 hours of music listening time. In practice, I got something like that - 4.5-5 hours. This is a decent level for a speaker with such a compact size. For charging, in addition to the original cable from the kit, you can use a USB cable. It takes 2 hours to fully charge via microUSB. Indicators will indicate the charge level.
Outcomes
id = "sub5">For its audience, JBL Go is good. It is compact, well-built, inexpensive, and has a built-in speakerphone. The sound, of course, is imperfect (no low frequencies), but as a hiking option, cycling, picnics, it is 100% suitable.
Advantages
- Small size, compact
- High-quality assembly
- Striking appearance
- Built-in speakerphone
disadvantages
- Flat sound
- Wheezing at maximum volume
On the day of publication of the test review JBL column Go could be bought for 1,990 rubles.
The May holidays. It is very good to spend this time in nature. Well, it would be nice to take a speaker outside to listen to your favorite music. Here's an idea for you, JBL Go for 2500 rubles ...
Design, construction
JBL has a very good team and I'm not surprised at all that even super budget Go looks great. The packaging is simple, made of transparent plastic, there is a speaker inside, an orange charging cable and documentation. Pay attention, even thought about the cable, like a trifle but very nice. The speaker case is made of rubberized plastic, at the end there is a 3.5 mm jack, a microUSB input, the front part is covered with a metal grill, under which there is a small light indicator. On the top, there is a power button, Bluetooth, volume buttons and answer a call. Surprisingly, this inexpensive speaker also did not forget about the speaker for answering the call. 
The column is available in as many as seven colors, these are black (the most boring), blue, yellow, pink, red, white, orange, mint, I recommend choosing some bright color, well, what is it, some kind of sadness and dullness around? Moreover, it is spring now.
You can see all colors in the picture. The column is small, fits into any pocket, dimensions are 68.3 x 82.7 x 30.8 mm. There is also a groove at the end for attaching a strap; it will come in handy to hang the speaker on the handlebars of a bicycle or somewhere else. In general, the impressions from the design and assembly are only positive. Small and beautiful device, a big thank you to the JBL design team.
Functions
With this speaker, you can listen to music by connecting it to a smartphone or tablet via Bluetooth, in addition, there is a 3.5mm jack. Note that there is also a speaker for conversations, and the Go's voice quality is not bad.
Music
The speaker has one speaker and it plays very well, loudly (and there is a volume reserve), clean, very good bass, but if someone doesn't like something, then this column costs only 2,500 rubles. When you say this, all questions disappear at once. I will not even develop the topic about sound especially, because here it is not bad, and the point - the nuances and so on, let's leave it for the big, "grown-up" JBLs. It is gratifying that the company has enough strength to release solutions like Go and serious systems for home use.
conclusions
“Focusing on customer demand, we see that people increasingly need devices“ for every day ”: simple in functionality, convenient to use, high-quality and as portable as possible. The new JBL Go audio system has all of these advantages, and with its affordable price it will be affordable for a wide range of buyers, ”says Evgeny Konov, general manager HARMAN Russia. For some time I can not disagree with the phrase for the press release, indeed, Go on this moment unique offer on the market and the column arrived just in time. In times of crisis, these are the things that are valuable - great design, all the necessary functions, good quality sound, bluetooth support and 2500 rubles in retail. This is what consumers need.
We are accustomed to the fact that if the JBL nameplate is visible on the device, then this is something expensive and at the same time of no less quality. But recently, the American manufacturer decided to expand its audience and began to slowly release affordable portable speakers. Last year JBL Clip appeared on sale, and this year their continuation - Clip +. But today we are talking about the most affordable wireless speaker from JBL. Ladies and gentlemen, please love and favor - GO, just JBL GO.
JBL GO is delivered in a translucent package, inside which you can find documentation and a charging cable.
Design
The column is small and neat, made in a rectangular form factor. The main body materials are soft-touch plastic, but don't be afraid of fingerprints, they are practically invisible. The front grill is metal, with the JBL emblem visible on it.
In appearance, GO resembles a miniature guitar cabinet, even the legs are placed on the bottom. On the left, there is an eyelet for a lace, you can attach a carabiner and hang the speaker from something.
There are 8 colors available for sale, which emphasize the youth of the device.
Ergonomics
The model is compact (68.3 × 82.7 × 30.8 mm) and weighs only 130 g, it will be appropriate in places where there is no access to large speakers.
With such weight and size parameters and shape, you can attach a smartphone to the speaker and watch videos from YouTube, which is very convenient.
The speaker is closed, it is hard to damage it, so you can safely throw the mini-acoustics into your bag and not worry about safety. The case is not waterproof, which should be taken into account when listening to music on the beach.
Connection, control
The main interface for connection is Bluetooth 4.1, only one device can be paired at a time. You can also see 3.5 mm mini-jack connectors for wired connection of audio sources and Micro USB for charging.
The buttons located above are responsible for control: volume control, pairing, answering a call, turning on / off.
Sound
In terms of sound quality and loudness, we are facing a leader in its price range (of course, we did not take into account the Chinese noname). The column plays several times better than the recently reviewed Xiaomi Square Box and comes close to a more expensive solution from the Chinese manufacturer - Mi Bluetooth Speaker. But in the latter, in truth, there is a more voluminous bass. JBL GO boasts sound clarity and evenness, even at maximum volume, which is quite high.
My column played the main music system at home for a whole week. And the conclusion is this: for an apartment with an area of 40 m2, such a solution is quite enough to create a background - you can hear it anywhere. It's a pity that the proprietary JBL Connect technology is not supported, which allows you to combine two speakers into one stereo system, but that would be too cool for such a price.
Functionality
Most interestingly, at a price tag of $ 30, the model has a microphone for use as a speakerphone. Also among the functional features is the presence of a mini-jack 3.5 mm, not all competitors can connect wired and wirelessly.
Autonomy
The built-in 600 mAh battery allows the speaker to play at an average volume and connected via Bluetooth for about 5-6 hours. Yes, this is not a record figure, there are models that work quietly for 10 hours or more. Charging from a computer takes 1.5 hours.
Outcomes
Unexpectedly, JBL has released one of the most worthy contenders among inexpensive wireless speakers... At a price of $ 30, the model looks good, is made of good materials, plays well for its size and has good functionality. The only thing that you can find fault with is the autonomy of 5-6 hours, but this is not a significant drawback and for many, this operating time will be enough.
Liked:
Appearance, body materials, bright colors
Sound
Functionality
Price
Compact dimensions
Did not like:
- Not a record autonomy
The editors would like to thank the Portable store for the JBL GO speakers provided for the review.
 | 1 | |
| Speaker power, W | 3 | |
| Subwoofer power, W | — | |
| Frequency response, Hz | 180-20000 | |
| Signal to noise ratio, dB | 80 | |
| Amplifier | built-in | |
| Phase inverter | — | |
| USB | Micro USB x1 (for charging) | |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 4.1 | |
| AirPlay | — | |
| NFC | — | |
| mini Jack 3,5 mm | x1 | |
| Nutrition | from USB, from battery | |
| Autonomy, h (battery capacity, mAh) | 5 h. / 600 mAh | |
| Body material | plastic | |
| Finish material | there is no data | |
| Dimensions, mm | 68.3 x 82.7 x 30.8 | |
| Weight, kg | 0,13 | |
| Colour | Red | |
| Equipment | micro USB cable | |
| Additionally | Built-in microphone |
Half of the summer has already passed, but the holiday season is just gaining momentum. It's time to think about not parting with your favorite music anywhere. This will help a miniature JBL GO speaker... Portable audio is everywhere: on the beach, fishing, or just cycling. Let's figure out what else is interesting this time offered by JBL.
The speaker package is simple, as, in fact, is the functionality of the device itself. Inside the transparent package, the future owner will find a bright orange Micro USB cable and accompanying documentation. That's all.
It would be nice if the manufacturer also put some brightly colored lace in the package for attaching the speaker to a backpack or jeans. Approximately what the reader can observe in the introductory image to this review... This would be quite a logical step, given that we are dealing with a very portable device, and the name itself speaks of the adventurous nature of the gadget.
Design
The entire range of colors that JBL uses in their latest products is clearly aimed at a younger audience. Indeed, the speaker colors are bright, stylish and toy-like. Mi-mi-mishnoe mood is also present in the design of the hero of today's article. JBL GO is found in nature in blue, as well as black, gray, orange, pink, red, turquoise and yellow. Only the white shade has disappeared somewhere, but, of course, you can live without it and, moreover, very well.
The device control buttons are placed on the upper surface and are made flush with the body. They flex slightly when pressed and have excellent response.
On the right side there is a Micro USB connector for charging the device, a microphone hole and a 3.5 mm audio input. It is also strange that the gadget is not equipped with a cable with a mini-jack on both ends for wired connection of the speaker to the sound source. As a result, the user has to purchase such a wire, and this, by the way, is an additional hassle. Oh no no no!
On the left side there is an impressive loop for attaching a lanyard to carry the speaker. It is recessed into the body, each corner of which, by the way, is straight and not smoothed in any way.
Now the trend is to have slightly rounded corners wherever it can be applied. However, in the case of JBL GO, such an out-of-the-box design approach looks very organic. In the hands of the column, it looks like such a brick, and together with the Soft-Touch surface, you get real pleasure from using the gadget. There is no that cheap gloss or plastic with a specially processed metal look, as is found in cheap Chinese crafts.
Everything is stylish, high quality, but at the same time frivolous and casual.
On the bottom, on the surface, various, uninteresting Technical information regarding the product. From the general canvas appearance it does not knock out.
On the front side, we see a metal mesh covering the speaker.
JBL GO Specifications
- Bluetooth 4.1
- Supported profiles: A2DP v. 1.2, AVRCP v. 1.4, HFP v. 1.6, HSP v. 1.2
- Bluetooth transmitter power 0 - 4 dB / mW
- frequency range of signal transmission 2 402 - 2480 Hz
- driver (1) 40 mm
- rated power 3 W
- operating frequency range 180 - 20,000 Hz
- signal-to-noise ratio 80 dB
- battery (lithium-ion) 600 mAh
- connectors, Micro USB, 3.5 mm
- dimensions 82.7 x 68.3 x 30.8 mm
- weight 130 g
Connection and nuances of work
The gadget is connected in two ways: via Bluetooth or via a regular 3.5 cable from both ends. The operating time from the built-in battery in such cases does not differ much from each other, so it makes no sense to try to save power by connecting the device via a wire. Still, the data transfer version is 4.1, which means very low power consumption.
The process of connecting the speaker to a new sound source (smartphone, tablet, computer, etc.) is very quick and easy. No dancing in a tambourine: I turned on the visibility mode on both devices (single pressing of the Bluetooth key on the speaker) and after 10-15 seconds the connection will be established.
During the operation, no communication errors or random breaks were noticed. Keep the sound source nearby (up to about 5 meters), do not obstruct the signal path (walls, other wireless connections) and you will be fine.
If the column starts to turn off periodically and you have to turn it on again, then most likely this means a quick discharge of the built-in battery. By the way, this is also accompanied by a blinking red LED under the speaker's metal mesh on the front side. In playback mode, the indicator is solid blue.
Acoustics can also act as a Handsfree device. The subscriber's speech is heard from the main and only speaker, and the built-in noise canceling microphone is designed to capture the speaker's voice. The microphone perfectly picks up the voice at a distance of up to 30 centimeters. You can communicate at a greater distance from the speaker, but the caller will hear the voice worse.
By the way, the gadget is connected to only one sound source. Connecting to two or more devices at the same time is not about JBL GO.
Sound quality
The 40mm speaker delivers 3W of sound output. This is quite enough to inform the whole street about your presence, if the speaker is with you on a walk or while cycling. In addition, sound can fill an entire apartment (not even a room) with a footage ranging from 120 to 150 meters. I will not vouch for larger rooms, I haven’t tried it.
It is gratifying that at maximum volume there are no wheezes, whistles and other extraneous noises from the substantial voltage of the converter.
The column is quite good for listening to simple to medium-complex styles of music.
Hard rock, metal or dubstep is not worth listening to. Of course, you won't be able to hear all the juice of such compositions. In general, this is typical of any device belonging to the category of portable.
If you place the speaker on some flat, resonating surface (wooden shelf, parquet, etc.), you can hear something like low frequencies. Normal bass, of course, cannot be extracted, but JBL GO can still play a little.
Autonomous work
The manufacturer claims 1.5 hours of charging the device and 5 hours of continuous music playback. In what mode and with what settings is not specified. Perhaps it is worth supplementing this information with real recall about JBL GO.
At the maximum set volume, connected to a sound source (iMac 27 '') via Bluetooth, the speaker lasted 2 hours 38 minutes. Further, constant cliffs began wireless connection which I already mentioned above. Probably, it could still play sound through a cable for some time, but in this case it is worth counting on any serious music playback time. We put the speaker on charge and wait 1 hour 39 minutes - the time it takes for the gadget to fill the built-in battery with 100% charge. I charged using the supplied USB cable stationary computer... If you use an AC adapter with a current of about 2A, the charging speed will increase as expected.
If you set the volume to an average value, you can count on an indicator of autonomy close to that declared by the manufacturer.
Outcome
Now JBL GO can be bought for 1,990 rubles. The price is clearly slightly higher than the average amount that is usually given for such gadgets. However, there are devices on the market that are significantly cheaper than our acoustics (Chinese noname-crafts), and gizmos that are many times more expensive (products from Dr. Dre and other brands). The owner of the JBL GO receives a striking design and a recognizable name on the case. speaker system... In terms of sound quality and loudness, our system still does not provide any obvious advantages.
Usually, such devices are purchased as a gift. And what? It looks stylish, it is relatively inexpensive, the brand is famous, it sounds good, and it will come in handy on the farm someday.
On the other hand, the column can be purchased for yourself (oh). Just recently, I saw a man aged 60+ riding a bicycle on the street, with a small portable acoustics... Music sounds, and the cyclist calmly goes about his business. And you know, such a picture is inspiring. An environmentally friendly, free ride to work in fine weather can be additionally decorated with your favorite music. And then people turn around, smile and nod their heads respectfully.
Already on sale Price: 1 990 rubles