Short answer: the ZZA K8 for value, the Skullcandy Barrel for a gentler treble. The K8 is called completely insane value for the money, but its very V curve frequency response can be harsh in the treble. The Barrel offers IPX5 water resistance with a synced LED lightshow, and its bass is not as deep as the top ranked speakers.
Buy the Skullcandy Barrel. It is rated higher for sound quality and still sold new, while the ZZA K8 is discontinued.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Skullcandy Barrel | ZZA K8 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $145.00 | $40 after clipped coupon, Discontinued |
| Ranked | #60 of 113 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #73 of 113 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~50Hz | - |
| Stereo | Yes | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| Weight | 11.9 lbs (5.4 kg) | 6.8 lbs (3.1 kg) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| App | Yes (Skullcandy app) | No |
| EQ | Yes (App EQ) | No |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Party Mode | No | No |
| Power Bank | No | Yes (USB-A) |
| USB Playback | No | No |
| Built-in Microphone | No | No |
| FM Tuner | No | No |
| Amplifier Power | 60W | - |
| Dimensions | 11.8” x 22.1” x 9.6” (300 x 560.1 x 243.8 mm) | - |
| Drivers | 2x 20mm drivers | 8” woofer + tweeters |
| IP Rating | IP67 | IPX6 |
| Maximum SPL | 104dB (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Lights | Yes | - |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) | ~30 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | - |
| Outputs | - | Aux |
| Microphone Input | - | Yes |
| Wireless Microphones | - | Yes 2 Included |
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