JBL CLIP 2
One of the older models in this shootout, the Clip 2 is also the best designed for outdoor use. It has an actual snap link hook so you can easily affix it to the back of your bicycle. And it comes with a 3.5mm audio cable built in, so you can use it with devices that don’t support Bluetooth.
It’s also waterproof, with an IPX7 rating, so you won’t have to worry about using it near a pool or even the shower. You can daisy chain two speakers for bigger sound, which is a good thing, as the single unit felt underpowered compared to the other speakers.
In our testing, we thought the Clip 2 gave us a slightly more restrained presentation, with reserved mids and bass. For example, Slash’s famous intro lick for Sweet Child O’ Mine by Guns N’ Roses comes out nicely, but as the song progresses and Axl Rose’s vocals start to come in, you start wishing there was more punch in the mids and the bass.
That was again re ected in our formal test tracks, where we thought the speaker especially fell short on Tiesto’s Elements of Life. The speaker does a good job on the highs, but the lower frequencies fell short here, as the bass line really moves this piece and that was missing on the rendition.
Also, we found that the high notes at the end the piece started to distort a little, which is certainly not ideal.
Give it a less complex piece that features more heavily in the mid-range though, and the speaker can certainly deliver. Adele’s Melt My Heart to Stone was quite well rendered, with just enough separation of the vocals from the backing instruments.
There’s also good clarity on the vocals and a nice warm delivery, leading us to think you’re best to stick with pop and jazz with this speaker.
Nice func onal design. Much smaller sound compared to the others.