Short answer: the JBL Partybox 130 for better sound quality, the Sony GTK-XB72 for the lower price. The JBL Partybox 130 ranks #5 of 50 party speakers at $449.95. The Sony GTK-XB72 ranks #47 at $349, $100.95 cheaper.
The case for the JBL Partybox 130: Handle and wheels are convenient. The catch: Boomier and less clear than the Partybox 120. High price.
On the Sony GTK-XB72 side: Exceptional sound quality, powerful bass, vibrant multi-colored LED lights. Watch for: No deep bass at all, weird midrange peak, rolled off treble and overall strange tuning.
One note: the Sony GTK-XB72 is discontinued, but it still ranks #47 of 50 party speakers by sound quality, ahead of most of what is still sold new, so it is worth considering used.
Buy the JBL Partybox 130 if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Sony GTK-XB72 if the price matters more than sound quality.
If sound quality matters at all to you, skip the Sony GTK-XB72. It ranks near the bottom of the 50 party speakers, so look higher up the list instead.
If battery life is a priority, the Sony GTK-XB72 is rated for 23 hours versus 15 hours for the JBL Partybox 130.
If water resistance matters to you, the JBL Partybox 130 at IPX4 (splashing) holds up far better than the Sony GTK-XB72 at no water resistance.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Partybox 130 | Sony GTK-XB72 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $449.95 | $349 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #5 of 50 in Party Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #47 of 50 in Party Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | No |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life | 15 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 23 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC, AAC, LDAC |
| Bluetooth Version | 6.0 | - |
| Charging Time | 3 hours | - |
| Drivers | 2x 5.2" woofers, 2x 1" tweeters | 10cm driver + passive radiators |
| EQ | Yes (7 band) | No |
| Frequency Response | 40Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Guitar Input | Yes | - |
| IP Rating | IPX4 | None |
| Microphone Input | Yes (Karaoke mode with echo effect) | - |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) | Yes (Partychain up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-C) | Yes (USB-A) |
| Power Input | AC Power cord | AC Power cord |
| Removable Battery | Yes | - |
| Stereo | Partially | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | No |
| USB Playback | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 24.9 lbs / 11.3 kg | 26.9 lbs / 12.2 kg |
| Output Power | 200W | - |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | ~56Hz |
| Discontinued | - | Yes |
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- Harman Kardon Go + Play 2 vs JBL Partybox Club 120
- JBL Partybox 100 vs Soundcore Rave 3/3s
- JBL Partybox 100 vs JBL Partybox 300
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The Two Speakers In Full
JBL Partybox 130: $449.95 Amazon
Pros: Handle and wheels are convenient. Customizable color lighting modes. Quite neutral sound. Removable battery.
Cons: Boomier and less clear than the Partybox 120. High price. Note, JBL daisychain is not compatible with any other non-JBL speaker and is possibly a fully digital signal.
Full JBL Partybox 130 review and specifications →
| App | Yes |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Battery Life | 15 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 6.0 |
| Charging Time | 3 hours |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Drivers | 2x 5.2" woofers, 2x 1" tweeters |
| EQ | Yes (7 band) |
| Frequency Response | 40Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Guitar Input | Yes |
| IP Rating | IPX4 |
| Microphone Input | Yes (Karaoke mode with echo effect) |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Output Power | 200W |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-C) |
| Power Input | AC Power cord |
| Removable Battery | Yes |
| Stereo | Partially |
| TWS | Yes |
| USB Playback | Yes |
| Weight | 24.9 lbs / 11.3 kg |
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- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- JBL Partybox 130 vs JBL Partybox 100
- JBL Partybox 130 vs JBL Partybox Club 120
- JBL Partybox 130 vs JBL Partybox 110
- JBL Partybox 130 vs JBL Partybox 310
- JBL Partybox 130 vs JBL Partybox Stage 320
- JBL Partybox 130 vs JBL Partybox 300
- JBL Partybox 130 vs JBL Partybox 330
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Sony GTK-XB72: $349 Discontinued
Pros: Exceptional sound quality, powerful bass, vibrant multi-colored LED lights. ClearAudio+ and Extra Bass technology for dynamic sound. LIVE SOUND button with angled speakers and DSP for 3D sound experience. FM radio, USB, RCA inputs with Music Center app control for lighting effects and EQ. Easy to use with convenient Bluetooth and FM radio.
Cons: No deep bass at all, weird midrange peak, rolled off treble and overall strange tuning. Discontinued.
Full Sony GTK-XB72 review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~56Hz |
| Battery Life | 23 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Discontinued | Yes |
| Drivers | 10cm driver + passive radiators |
| EQ | No |
| IP Rating | None |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Party Mode | Yes (Partychain up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A) |
| Power Input | AC Power cord |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | No |
| USB Playback | Yes |
| Weight | 26.9 lbs / 12.2 kg |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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- Sony GTK-XB72 vs Soundcore Rave
- Sony GTK-XB72 vs Soundcore Rave+
- Sony GTK-XB72 vs Panasonic SC-TMAX10
- Sony GTK-XB72 vs JBL Eon One Compact
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