Short answer: the JBL Partybox Encore Essential 2 for off axis sound, the ZZA K8 for value. The Essential 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, but its very V curve frequency response can be harsh in the treble range.
Buy the JBL Partybox Encore Essential 2. It is rated higher for sound quality; the ZZA K8 is no longer sold new.
There is a real battery-life gap here: the ZZA K8 is rated for 30 hours, the JBL Partybox Encore Essential 2 only 15 hours.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Portable Bluetooth rankings.
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Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Partybox Encore Essential 2 | ZZA K8 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $249.95 | $40 after clipped coupon, Discontinued |
| Ranked | #6 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 |
| Guitar Input | Yes | - |
| IP Rating | IPX4 | IPX6 |
| Microphone Input | Yes (Karaoke mode with echo effect) | Yes |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) | No |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-C) | Yes (USB-A) |
| Power Input | AC Power cord | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| USB Playback | Yes | No |
| Weight | 13.7 lbs (6.2 kg) | 6.8 lbs (3.1 kg) |
| Wireless Microphones | No | Yes 2 Included |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 | - |
| Amplifier Power | 100W RMS | - |
| Dimensions | 12.6” x 13.5” x 10.3” (319.5 x 342 x 260.4 mm) | - |
| Drivers | 1x 135mm (5.25”) woofer + 2x 20mm (0.75”) dome tweeters | 8” woofer + tweeters |
| Maximum SPL | 110dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | - |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Lights | Yes | - |
| Strap | No | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 42Hz | - |
| Outputs | - | Aux |
| FM Tuner | - | No |
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