Short answer: the JBL Partybox Stage 320 for better sound quality, the Mackie Thump Go for the lower price. The JBL Partybox Stage 320 ranks #2 of 50 party speakers at $629.95. The Mackie Thump Go ranks #25 at $449.99, $179.96 cheaper.
On the JBL Partybox Stage 320 side: Handle and wheels are convenient. Customizable color lighting modes. Keeps more bass than the 310 at high volume. Watch for: Slightly sibilant in the treble at full blast. Very large. Note, JBL daisychain is not compatible with any other non-JBL speaker and is possibly a fully digital signal.
What the Mackie Thump Go offers: 8-inch custom high-output woofer + 1-inch compression driver delivers powerful audio with incredible dynamic range. The tradeoff: Not quite as good sounding as a Everse 8 or S1 Pro. Bluetooth pairing doesn’t auto connect every time.
Buy the JBL Partybox Stage 320 if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Mackie Thump Go if the price matters more than sound quality.
If battery life is a priority, the JBL Partybox Stage 320 is rated for 18 hours versus 12 hours for the Mackie Thump Go.
If water resistance matters to you, the JBL Partybox Stage 320 at IPX4 (splashing) holds up far better than the Mackie Thump Go at no water resistance.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Partybox Stage 320 | Mackie Thump Go | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $629.95 | $449.99 |
| Ranked | #2 of 50 in Party Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #25 of 50 in Party Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | Yes |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life | 18 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 | - |
| Drivers | 2x 6.5" woofers, 2x 25mm tweeters | 8" woofer, 1" compression driver |
| EQ | Yes (5 band) | Yes |
| Guitar Input | Yes | - |
| IP Rating | IPX4 | None |
| Microphone Input | Yes (Karaoke mode with echo effect) | Yes |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) | No |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A, 5V/2.1A) | No |
| Power Input | AC Power cord | - |
| Removable Battery | Yes | - |
| Stereo | Partially | No |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | No |
| USB Playback | Yes | No |
| Weight | 36.4 lbs / 16.5 kg | 17.6 lbs / 8 kg |
| Output Power | 240W | 200W |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 50Hz |
| Dimensions | - | 18" x 9.1" x 11.2" (457 x 230 x 285 mm) |
| XLR Input | - | Yes |
| Max Volume | - | 115dB |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More useful head-to-heads from the same speaker class:
- JBL Partybox 100 vs JBL Partybox 310
- JBL Partybox 310 vs Teufel Rockster Air 2
- JBL Partybox 330 vs Ultimate Ears Hyperboom
- JBL Partybox 330 vs Mackie Thump Go
- JBL Partybox Club 120 vs JBL Partybox Stage 320
The Two Speakers In Full
JBL Partybox Stage 320: $629.95 Amazon Bhphotovideo
Pros: Handle and wheels are convenient. Customizable color lighting modes. Keeps more bass than the 310 at high volume. Removable battery.
Cons: Slightly sibilant in the treble at full blast. Very large. Note, JBL daisychain is not compatible with any other non-JBL speaker and is possibly a fully digital signal.
Full JBL Partybox Stage 320 review and specifications →
| App | Yes |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Battery Life | 18 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Drivers | 2x 6.5" woofers, 2x 25mm tweeters |
| EQ | Yes (5 band) |
| Guitar Input | Yes |
| IP Rating | IPX4 |
| Microphone Input | Yes (Karaoke mode with echo effect) |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Output Power | 240W |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A, 5V/2.1A) |
| Power Input | AC Power cord |
| Removable Battery | Yes |
| Stereo | Partially |
| TWS | Yes |
| USB Playback | Yes |
| Weight | 36.4 lbs / 16.5 kg |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Oluv Patreon: JBL Partybox 320 vs 520 - indoor listening session
- Oluv Patreon: JBL Partybox 320 vs 520 - outdoor test
- Jay’s Straight Up Reviews & More: JBL Partybox Stage 320 vs 310 🛜 Defcon 5🚨 Bass Alert! Take Shelter Immediately! 😲 Best Bass Goes To?
- Jay’s Straight Up Reviews & More: JBL Partybox Stage 320 vs 310 🥳 A Family Feud! Battery Powered🔋Bluetooth Party Speakers Face-Off🤬
- GYMCADDY: JBL PartyBox Stage 320 Review - Big Upgrades Everywhere, Worth The Upgrade
- Reddit Search for JBL Partybox Stage 320 Review
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- JBL Partybox Stage 320 vs JBL Partybox 330
- JBL Partybox Stage 320 vs JBL Partybox 310
- JBL Partybox Stage 320 vs JBL Partybox Club 120
- JBL Partybox Stage 320 vs JBL Partybox 130
- JBL Partybox Stage 320 vs JBL Partybox 100
- JBL Partybox Stage 320 vs JBL Partybox 110
- JBL Partybox Stage 320 vs JBL Partybox 300
- JBL Partybox Stage 320 vs Teufel Rockster Neo
- See all 18 comparisons
Mackie Thump Go: $449.99 Amazon
Pros: 8-inch custom high-output woofer + 1-inch compression driver delivers powerful audio with incredible dynamic range. Built-in mini live mixer with two XLR/TRS combo inputs + 3.5mm aux. Up to 12 hours battery (5 hours comfortable gig time), removable for swapping spares. Lightweight 17.6 lbs. Balanced sound with crisp highs, tight lows, natural vocals. Pair two Mackie Thump Gos for stereo via app. High efficiency drivers reach 2-3x the volume of typical speakers for the same wattage.
Cons: Not quite as good sounding as a Everse 8 or S1 Pro. Bluetooth pairing doesn’t auto connect every time. Designed for more loudness than deeper bass. Battery latch breaks easily. Handle on top also can break off. Not very deep bass
Full Mackie Thump Go review and specifications →
| App | Yes |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 50Hz |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 18" x 9.1" x 11.2" (457 x 230 x 285 mm) |
| Drivers | 8" woofer, 1" compression driver |
| EQ | Yes |
| IP Rating | None |
| Max Volume | 115dB |
| Microphone Input | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Output Power | 200W |
| Party Mode | No |
| Power Bank | No |
| Stereo | No |
| TWS | No |
| USB Playback | No |
| Weight | 17.6 lbs / 8 kg |
| XLR Input | Yes |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- W. Weiss: Part 3 Sound Demonstration The New EV Everse 8 compared to The Mackie Thump Go
- W. Weiss: Part 3 Shootout MACKIE THUMP GO vs BOSE S1 PRO vs JBL EON ONE COMPACT Max Volume Demo A New Winner!
- W. Weiss: Part 2 NEW MACKIE THUMP GO review/sound demo VS JBL Compact & Bose S1Pro Most Popular portable PAs
- W. Weiss: The $400 Club - Budget Portable PA’s Mackie Thump Go, JBL Partybox 110, Yamaha DBR10
- Reddit Search for Mackie Thump Go Review
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