This bluetooth JBL is on sale for $50. I had thought about buy it last year. Too expensive at $80. The newer model, Clip 5 was released June 1.
Sounds great. I’m very impressed with the bass. I can change the sound profile with the JBL app.
But! How can I hear the stereo effect? Sound comes out the front and back. It usually hangs facing me. Even if I somehow made it sit turned on its edge, the right/left channels need to be separated by several feet for the stereo effect to be heard.
Fits well in a fanny pack. My main complaint is there’s no flat spot on the botton. It can’t sit standing upright on my desk.
JBL Clip 4 - Portable Mini Bluetooth Speaker, big audio and punchy bass, integrated carabiner, IP67 waterproof and dustproof, 10 hours of playtime, speaker for home, outdoor and travel (Blue) https://a.co/d/0EAAc8w
For home, I use the JBL Power. It can charge my phone. The stereo is effect much better. But the channels are still too close together. It does have a flat spot on the bottom and sits on my desk.
I am very impressed overall with todays bluetooth speakers. Beats the heck out of carrying around my 3ft tall, 25lb Sansui speakers from 1979. They hang on my wall in the den. Sound fantastic but nit portable.
JBL Charge 4 - Waterproof Portable Bluetooth Speaker - Black https://a.co/d/55tQQnk
I don’t think you can get real stereo from bluetooth speakers unless they have “True Wireless Stereo” (TWS) capability as found in wireless earbuds and headphones. From my recent search for bluetooth speakers there weren’t a lot that had TWS.
I ended up with these that sound pretty good: Bluetooth Speaker Set: Wireless Stereo Dual Pairing Portable Twin TWS System
I’m not sure modern music uses the stereo effect much any more.
It used to be common to hear the rhythm guitar strumming in one channel and a different guitar playing lead fills in the other channel. Vocals were centered between the speakers. Unless it’s harmony with 2 vocals.
I have connected multiple Bluetooth speakers using the App. Great for backyard parties. It spreads the sound without requiring high volume. You don’t usually get stereo.
I remember with book shelf speakers they recommend at least 4 ft or more separation to hear the stereo effect. The listeners position in the room was important.
That’s why Quadraphonic failed. It was a major PITA to position speakers relative to the chair. Most people couldn’t be bothered.
I know you mentioned portable speakers in the OP, but you also talked about a classic stereo system with stereo amp and shelf speakers, so here’s a tip: it’s trivially easy and inexpensive to make that setup Bluetooth compatible, there are cheap (mine was €15) Bluetooth adapters that plug into the stereo amp via RCA jacks. I’ve had such a setup for my 2000 Denon stereo amp with 1988 big-ass JBL speakers for years, and I’m happily streaming all my music from my laptop or my phone.
Thanks! I appreciate the tip.
My Denon Carousel CD player is worn out. I need to switch to music on my phone.
I use my Bluetooth speakers at work or hiking/camping. Portability is important.
