Short answer: the Marshall Kilburn II for better sound quality, the JBL Xtreme for the lower price. The Marshall Kilburn II ranks #36 of 77 large speakers at $279. The JBL Xtreme ranks #52 at $200, $79 cheaper.
On the JBL Xtreme side: 15 hour battery. Watch for: Issues with bass distortion at high volumes.
What the Marshall Kilburn II gets right: 20W Class D amp + dual 8W tweeters. The tradeoff: Boosted upper bass, not very detailed, not as deep bass as competitors, upper mids peak.
One note: the JBL Xtreme is discontinued, but it still ranks #52 of 77 large speakers by sound quality, ahead of most of what is still sold new, so it is worth considering used.
Buy the JBL Xtreme if the price matters more than sound quality. Buy the Marshall Kilburn II if sound quality matters more than the price.
If water resistance matters to you, the JBL Xtreme at IPX7 (brief submersion) holds up far better than the Marshall Kilburn II at IPX2 (light drips).
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Xtreme | Marshall Kilburn II | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $200 Discontinued | $279.00 |
| Ranked | #52 of 77 in Large Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #36 of 77 in Large Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life | 15 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Max Volume | 96dB | 102dB |
| Party Mode | Yes (Connect) | No |
| TWS | No | Yes |
| Weight | 5.3 lbs / 2.4 kg | 5.5 lbs / 2.49 kg |
| App | No | No |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| Built in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| EQ | No | No |
| IP Rating | IPX7 | IPX2 |
| Power Bank | No | No |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.1 | - |
| Drivers | 2x 63mm woofers, 2x 35mm tweeters | 1x 4" (102mm) woofer + 2x 20mm dome tweeters |
| Dimensions | 11.1" x 5" x 4.8" (283 x 126 x 122 mm) | 9.6" x 6.4" x 5.5" (243 x 162 x 140 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 70Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Output Power | 40W | 36W |
| Discontinued | Yes | - |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | ~58Hz |
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The Two Speakers In Full
JBL Xtreme: $200 Discontinued
Pros: 15 hour battery. IPX7 water resistance. JBL Connect for pairing with other JBL speakers. Built-in microphone for calls.
Cons: Issues with bass distortion at high volumes. An older speaker outclassed by newer releases of the Xtreme. External AC power brick for charging. Discontinued.
Full JBL Xtreme review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Battery Life | 15 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.1 |
| Built in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 11.1" x 5" x 4.8" (283 x 126 x 122 mm) |
| Discontinued | Yes |
| Drivers | 2x 63mm woofers, 2x 35mm tweeters |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 70Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IPX7 |
| Max Volume | 96dB |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Output Power | 40W |
| Party Mode | Yes (Connect) |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | No |
| Weight | 5.3 lbs / 2.4 kg |
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- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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Marshall Kilburn II: $279.00 Amazon
Pros: 20W Class D amp + dual 8W tweeters. 20+ hour battery with quick-charge (20 min charges 3 hours of play). Rugged design with leather handle and reinforced corners, IPX2 rated. Thrives with rock music. Bluetooth 5.0 with 30ft range.
Cons: Boosted upper bass, not very detailed, not as deep bass as competitors, upper mids peak. Very low IPX2 water rating. AC charging
Full Marshall Kilburn II review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~58Hz |
| Battery Life | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Built in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 9.6" x 6.4" x 5.5" (243 x 162 x 140 mm) |
| Drivers | 1x 4" (102mm) woofer + 2x 20mm dome tweeters |
| EQ | No |
| IP Rating | IPX2 |
| Max Volume | 102dB |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Output Power | 36W |
| Party Mode | No |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 5.5 lbs / 2.49 kg |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
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