Short answer: the JBL Partybox Encore 2 for balanced off axis sound, the ZZA K8 for value. The Encore 2’s dome tweeters over cone appear better off axis, though it is missing a little bit of upper bass. The K8 is completely insane value for the money at $40 against $330, but its frequency response is a very V curve and it can be harsh in the treble range.
Buy the JBL Partybox Encore 2. It is rated higher for sound quality and still sold new, while the ZZA K8 is discontinued.
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Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Partybox Encore 2 | ZZA K8 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $330 | $40 after clipped coupon, Discontinued |
| Ranked | #4 of 113 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #73 of 113 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes (JBL PartyBox app) | No |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life | 15 hours (Manufacturer specified) | ~30 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Built-in Microphone | No | No |
| EQ | Yes (7 band App EQ) | No |
| IP Rating | IPX4 | IPX6 |
| Maximum SPL | 110dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | - |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) | No |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-C) | Yes (USB-A) |
| Power Input | AC Power cord | USB-C |
| Removable Battery | Yes | - |
| Stereo | Yes | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| USB Playback | Yes | No |
| Weight | 14.1 lbs (6.4 kg) | 6.8 lbs (3.1 kg) |
| Wireless Microphones | Yes 2 Included | Yes 2 Included |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 | - |
| Amplifier Power | 100W RMS | - |
| 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 | 8” woofer + tweeters |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Lights | Yes | - |
| Strap | No | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 42Hz | - |
| Outputs | - | Aux |
| Microphone Input | - | Yes |
| FM Tuner | - | No |
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