Short answer: the JBL Partybox Encore Essential 2 for off axis consistency, the Teufel Rockster Cross for neutrality. The Essential 2’s dome tweeters over cone appear to give better off axis performance, though it is missing a little bit of upper bass. The Rockster Cross has a pretty neutral frequency response.
Buy the JBL Partybox Encore Essential 2 at $249.95 if you want a boombox speaker. Buy the Teufel Rockster Cross at $199.99 if you want a large speaker instead.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Portable Bluetooth rankings.
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Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Partybox Encore Essential 2 | Teufel Rockster Cross | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $249.95 | $199.99 |
| Ranked | #6 of 113 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #23 of 120 in Large Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes (JBL PartyBox app) | No |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life | 15 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 16 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Built-in Microphone | No | Yes |
| EQ | Yes (7 band App EQ) | No |
| Guitar Input | Yes | - |
| IP Rating | IPX4 | IPX5 |
| Microphone Input | Yes (Karaoke mode with echo effect) | - |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) | No |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-C) | Yes (USB-A) |
| Power Input | AC Power cord | DC barrel jack |
| Stereo | Yes | Partially |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| USB Playback | Yes | - |
| Weight | 13.7 lbs (6.2 kg) | 5.3 lbs (2.4 kg) |
| Wireless Microphones | No | - |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC, aptX |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 | 5.0 |
| Amplifier Power | 100W RMS | 30W |
| Dimensions | 12.6” x 13.5” x 10.3” (319.5 x 342 x 260.4 mm) | 15” x 6.3” x 5.1” (380 x 160 x 130 mm) |
| Drivers | 1x 135mm (5.25”) woofer + 2x 20mm (0.75”) dome tweeters | 5” woofer, 2x textile dome tweeters + 2x passive radiators |
| Maximum SPL | 110dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | - |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Lights | Yes | - |
| Strap | No | Yes (detachable shoulder strap) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 42Hz | 51Hz |
| Frequency Response | - | 50Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
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