Short answer: the JBL Xtreme 2. It ranks #44 of 77 large speakers by sound quality at $149.99; the Klipsch Detroit ranks #54 and costs $274.10, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
The case for the JBL Xtreme 2: Four drivers with refined bass balance, closer to studio monitors than typical portables. The tradeoff: External AC power brick for charging.
What the Klipsch Detroit gets right: Dual 1” tweeters + 3” woofers deliver excellent sound detail and robust bass. The catch: Weird boosted upper bass, bass not very deep.
Buy the JBL Xtreme 2. It ranks higher for sound quality than the Klipsch Detroit and costs less, so there is no real case for the other one.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Xtreme 2 | Klipsch Detroit | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $149.99 Discontinued | $274.10 |
| Ranked | #44 of 77 in Large Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #54 of 77 in Large Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 54Hz | ~55Hz |
| Battery Life | 15 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Max Volume | 98dB | 93dB |
| Party Mode | Yes (Connect+ up to 100 speakers) | Yes (Broadcast Mode) |
| TWS | No | Yes |
| Weight | 5.3 lbs / 2.4 kg | 5.5 lbs / 2.5 kg |
| App | No | Yes |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| Built in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| EQ | No | No |
| IP Rating | IPX7 | IP67 |
| Power Bank | No | Yes (USB-C, 10W) |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 | 5.3 |
| Drivers | 2x 70mm woofers, 2x 20mm tweeters | 2x 76mm fullrange, 2x 25mm tweeters |
| Dimensions | 11.3" x 5.4" x 4.2" (287 x 137 x 107 mm) | 13.1" x 4.2" x 4.7" (334 x 107 x 119 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 55Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 55Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Output Power | 40W RMS | 30W RMS |
| Discontinued | Yes | - |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
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The Two Speakers In Full
JBL Xtreme 2: $149.99 Discontinued Amazon
Pros: Four drivers with refined bass balance, closer to studio monitors than typical portables. IPX7 water-resistant. Amazing real-world battery: ~20 hours at 75dB (vs 15hr claim). USB-A port charges other devices. Optional carry strap.
Cons: External AC power brick for charging. Boosted bass. Treble harsh at high volumes. Discontinued.
Full JBL Xtreme 2 review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 54Hz |
| Battery Life | 15 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 |
| Built in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 11.3" x 5.4" x 4.2" (287 x 137 x 107 mm) |
| Discontinued | Yes |
| Drivers | 2x 70mm woofers, 2x 20mm tweeters |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 55Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IPX7 |
| Max Volume | 98dB |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Output Power | 40W RMS |
| Party Mode | Yes (Connect+ up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | No |
| Weight | 5.3 lbs / 2.4 kg |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
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- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Klipsch Detroit: $274.10 Amazon
Pros: Dual 1” tweeters + 3” woofers deliver excellent sound detail and robust bass. IP67 dust/waterproof rating submersible 1m for 30 min. 20-hour battery life at moderate volume (12-15 hours at high volume). USB-C fast-charge in 2 hours with two-way power for device charging.
Cons: Weird boosted upper bass, bass not very deep. Boosted lower treble, somewhat harsh sounding like most other Klipsch speakers. Not very loud.
Full Klipsch Detroit review and specifications →
| App | Yes |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~55Hz |
| Battery Life | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 |
| Built in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 13.1" x 4.2" x 4.7" (334 x 107 x 119 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 76mm fullrange, 2x 25mm tweeters |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 55Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IP67 |
| Max Volume | 93dB |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Output Power | 30W RMS |
| Party Mode | Yes (Broadcast Mode) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-C, 10W) |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 5.5 lbs / 2.5 kg |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
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