Over the last couple of years, we’ve seen party speakers from Sony, Altec Lansing, and more, but JBL has been slow to the party. Well, that wait is over. In 2019 the JBL PartyBox 300 was released, and judging by the sound and features.
On first inspection, you might mistake the PartyBox 300 for the Sony XB72. They’re both around the same size, and both features LED party lighting. But on closer inspection of the features and after listening to both, you’ll quickly realize the JBL is a slightly better, more refined option.
JBL PartyBox 300 Specs
LF Driver: 2 x 6.5” low-frequency drivers
HF Driver: 3 x 2.25” tweeters
Power Output: 120W RMS
Battery Life: 18 hours
Inputs: RCA, ⅛-inch AUX, 2 x ¼-inch, USB, Bluetooth (1 x RCA output)
Dimensions: 12.2” x 27.1” x 12.6”
Weight: 35 lbs
JBL PartyBox 300 Features
One thing the PartyBox 300 does not lack in, is features. This all-in-one speaker system has everything you need for just about any party you want to throw. Whether it’s a karaoke session, DJ, or even a live musician, the PartyBox 300 has the features and capability to bring the noise.
The coolest feature on the PartyBox 300 has to be the lights. There are three modes, meter, pulse, and party mode. Each one creates a different ambiance or experience. There is an LED around each woofer and then four strobes around the speakers. One of the speaker grille lights is attached to the volume control, so when you adjust the level, the LED turns simultaneously. A cool feature and allows you to see the exact volume control from across the room.
When it comes to power, you have three options 12V DC from your car, standard socket power, or the built-in 18-hour battery. The car charger is a perfect touch, especially for tailgating, because you don’t have to worry about conserving the battery by running the speaker at lower volumes. You can now crank the PartyBox 300 and plug it in when needed. Lights, Bluetooth, and speaker volume all affect the battery life, so make sure to read the user manual for the best recommendations.
Lastly, as with most party speakers, the PartyBox 300 allows you to pair one other PartyBox 300 wirelessly or an unlimited amount of speakers via the RCA output. Using an RCA cable might be a better option than going wireless in terms of sound quality.
JBL PartyBox 300 Inputs, Outputs & Controls
One thing the JBL PartyBox 300 has, which most party speakers don’t, is ¼-inch inputs. There is one for a microphone and one for an instrument such as a guitar. Each ¼-inch input has its own dedicated volume control, so you can adjust the levels to get the perfect mix.
Other inputs include a ⅛-inch AUX, USB, stereo RCA, and Bluetooth. There is also a stereo RCA output that could be used to link another speaker or record your live performance or karaoke session.
The USB port also doubles as a power bank for charging mobile devices. Again, this will affect battery life.
On top of the PartyBox 300, you’ll find several buttons to control the speaker and music. These include a power on/off, Bluetooth pairing, lighting effects toggle, Bass Boost, play/pause, and volume control. At the back of the speaker, on the input panel, you have an L/R button for switching the PartyBox 300 between stereo or mono when paired with another PartyBox 300.
What Does The JBL PartyBox 300 Sound Like?
The PartyBox 300 features 2 x 6.5-inch woofers with 3 x 2.25-inch tweeters producing an impressive 120W of room-filling sound. This speaker is seriously loud, and you won’t experience any breakup or distortion. The sound is as you would expect from JBL, high-quality, controlled, and clean.
If you’re a bass head, you’re going to love the PartyBox 300. The low-end is powerful and tight with excellent definition. The speaker also features a Bass Boost, which, when engaged, will hit you right in the chest. It’s one of the better bass boost features on the market for sure!
Where the PartyBox 300 does lack just a little is in the mid-range and high-frequency response. Because of the significant bass response, these frequencies are a little lost in the mix. It’s not a terrible sound by any means, but when compared to the PartyBox 300 smaller brother, the JBL Boombox, the latter does provide better mid-range and treble clarity.
This might be an issue if you’re an audiophile, but for party animals, the PartyBox 300 is the ultimate portable Bluetooth speaker.
The PartyBox 300 can be positioned vertically or horizontally, depending on how your preference. If you choose to lay the speaker on its side, make sure to position the two tweeters at the top for the best sound quality.
What’s In The Box?
Included with the JBL PartyBox 300:
- JBL PartyBox 300
- AC power cable
- 12V DC power cable
Conclusion
So, is the PartyBox 300 better than the Sony XB72? Absolutely yes! The sound from the PartyBox 300 is on another level when compared to the XB72. It’s cleaner, and the bass is bigger with better definition. The PartyBox 300 has taken everything other party speakers have and made it better.
The only downside to the PartyBox 300 is it’s not water-resistant in any way. From this point of view, the Sony Xpedition 8 might be a better option, but you would be sacrificing the JBL sound quality. If JBL adds a splashproof or waterproof feature on the next release, the PartyBox 300 will become the ultimate all-around party speaker for any occasion.
The PartyBox 300 is by no means cheap compared to the competition. However, the build quality, features, and sound are exceptionally better. So, we believe the PartyBox 300 is worth the price tag.
