Short answer: the JBL Partybox Encore 2 for better sound quality, the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 9 for the lower price. The JBL Partybox Encore 2 ranks #4 of 73 boombox speakers at $330. The Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 9 ranks #13 at $186.99, $143.01 cheaper.
On the JBL Partybox Encore 2 side: Appears to have better off axis performance due to the move to dome tweeters over cone. Set against that: Missing a little bit of upper bass.
What the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 9 gets right: Auracast multi-speaker connection alongside classic stereo pairing. The catch: Slight recessed mids, boost in the upper mids, rolled off upper treble.
Buy the JBL Partybox Encore 2 if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 9 if the price matters more than sound quality.
If battery life is a priority, the JBL Partybox Encore 2 is rated for 15 hours versus 8 hours for the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 9.
If water resistance matters to you, the JBL Partybox Encore 2 at IPX4 (splashing) holds up far better than the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 9 at no water resistance.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Partybox Encore 2 | Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 9 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $330 | $186.99 |
| Ranked | #4 of 73 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #13 of 73 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes (JBL PartyBox app) | Yes (Harman Kardon One app) |
| Aux Input | Yes | - |
| Battery Life | 15 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 8 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Built in Microphone | No | - |
| EQ | Yes (7 band App EQ) | Yes (App EQ) |
| IP Rating | IPX4 | None |
| Max Volume | 110dB | 101dB |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) | Yes (Auracast) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-C) | - |
| Power Input | AC Power cord | AC Power Cable (2-Prong) |
| Removable Battery | Yes | - |
| Stereo | Yes | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| USB Playback | Yes | No |
| Weight | 14.1 lbs / 6.4 kg | 9.3 lbs / 4.2 kg |
| Wireless Microphones | Yes 2 Included | - |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 | 5.3 |
| Output Power | 100W RMS | 50W RMS |
| Dimensions | 12.6" x 13.3" x 10.4" (319.5 x 338.6 x 263 mm) | 11.4" x 11.3" x 5.1" (289.2 x 287.5 x 130 mm) |
| Drivers | 1x 135mm (5.25") woofer + 2x 20mm (0.75") dome tweeters | 120mm woofer + 3x 20mm tweeters |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 41Hz |
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The Two Speakers In Full
JBL Partybox Encore 2: $330 Samsclub
Pros: Appears to have better off axis performance due to the move to dome tweeters over cone. A little less rolled off in the highs than the first Encore. Goes slightly deeper than the old Encore. Includes 2 wireless microphones. Better battery life than the first Encore.
Cons: Missing a little bit of upper bass.
Full JBL Partybox Encore 2 review and specifications →
| App | Yes (JBL PartyBox app) |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Battery Life | 15 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 |
| Built in Microphone | No |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 12.6" x 13.3" x 10.4" (319.5 x 338.6 x 263 mm) |
| Drivers | 1x 135mm (5.25") woofer + 2x 20mm (0.75") dome tweeters |
| EQ | Yes (7 band App EQ) |
| IP Rating | IPX4 |
| Max Volume | 110dB |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Output Power | 100W RMS |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-C) |
| Power Input | AC Power cord |
| Removable Battery | Yes |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | Yes |
| USB Playback | Yes |
| Weight | 14.1 lbs / 6.4 kg |
| Wireless Microphones | Yes 2 Included |
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- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Alan Ross Reviews: JBL giving it to us large! The good, The bad, The diabolical!
- M1M Tech Channel: Partybox Killer? 2x Earfun UBoom X stärker als JBL Encore 2 ?
- M1M Tech Channel: JBL Partybox Encore 2 Ein fettes Bass Upgrade
- Mateusz Cholewa: JBL Partybox ENCORE 2👌FULL TEST🆚 JBL Partybox ENCORE 1
- Mateusz Cholewa: Jbl Partybox Encore 2 📦UNBOXING. Short TEST AUDIO z ENCORE 1👌
- Mateusz Cholewa: JBL Encore 2 Partybox Deep Bass 🆚 Jbl Boombox 3 WiFi 🎶
- Dominik Reviews: JBL Partybox Encore 2 vs JBL Boombox 3 WiFi - Sound Test - Wide vs Narrow Soundstage!
- M1M Tech Channel: JBL Partybox Encore 2 Ein fettes Bass Upgrade
- Reddit Search for JBL Partybox Encore 2 Review
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- JBL Partybox Encore 2 vs Harman Kardon Go + Play 3
- JBL Partybox Encore 2 vs JBL Partybox Encore Essential 2
- JBL Partybox Encore 2 vs Tribit Stormbox Blast
- JBL Partybox Encore 2 vs JBL Partybox Encore
- JBL Partybox Encore 2 vs Earfun Uboom X
- JBL Partybox Encore 2 vs JBL Partybox Encore Essential
- JBL Partybox Encore 2 vs Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 8
- JBL Partybox Encore 2 vs Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 6
- See all 20 comparisons
Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 9: $186.99 Amazon
Pros: Auracast multi-speaker connection alongside classic stereo pairing. Harman Kardon One app with EQ. USB-C charging, up from the previous generation’s AC power brick.
Cons: Slight recessed mids, boost in the upper mids, rolled off upper treble. Not as deep bass as previous Onyx Studio speakers.
Full Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 9 review and specifications →
| App | Yes (Harman Kardon One app) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 41Hz |
| Battery Life | 8 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 11.4" x 11.3" x 5.1" (289.2 x 287.5 x 130 mm) |
| Drivers | 120mm woofer + 3x 20mm tweeters |
| EQ | Yes (App EQ) |
| IP Rating | None |
| Max Volume | 101dB |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Output Power | 50W RMS |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) |
| Power Input | AC Power Cable (2-Prong) |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | Yes |
| USB Playback | No |
| Weight | 9.3 lbs / 4.2 kg |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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