STEREO GUIDE verdict
The JBL PartyBox Stage 320 comes with improvements such as a rechargeable battery and Auracast for wireless speaker chains.
It compensates for its heavy weight with a telescopic handle and castors.
Its sound is really fat again.
Pros
- Rich sound with great punch and high dynamic reserves
- Adjustable instrument inputs
- App with many sound and light effects plus 5-band EQ
- Removable battery, integrated power supply unit and castors
Cons
- The high weight is noticeable when loading
- Only protected against splash water
- Can become a little sharp and buzzy at high levels
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Practice / Connectivity8.4
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Price/Performance10
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Tonal Balance / transparency9.6
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Bass / Dynamics9.2
The JBL PartyBox Stage 320 is the successor to the PartyBox 310, which was part of the Harman Group’s product range for a very long time. In the successor to the PartyBox 110, the PartyBox Club 120, the changes compared to its predecessor mainly concerned details. Although these increase the practicality of the new generation, they are not clearly reflected in the data sheet. In this respect, I was curious to see how the Stage (note the discreet classification compared to the smaller Club within the JBL range) stands out from the superseded 310 series. It’s been quite a while since the long-built model was heard for a review in the editorial office of the F.A.Z. Kaufkompass, which was then still called AllesBeste. This Bluetooth speaker was then also the subject of one of the first reviews that I published on STEREO GUIDE. Judging by the number of hits, the large Bluetooth speaker was still very popular even in old age.
After such a long time, I honestly have to look up the technical data and descriptions in my old review to see how many watts the PartyBox produced back then and how long its battery lasted. However, the rich, clean and remarkably powerful sound and practical details such as the borrowing of trolleys for better transportation have remained. This results in some differences and similarities compared to the new PartyBox Stage 320.
Tried and tested made even better in detail
And lo and behold, the power specification is exactly the same as its predecessor: the PartyBox Stage 320 delivers a total output of 240 watts. And the maximum playing time away from the socket also remains unchanged at 18 hours according to the specifications. High volume levels and the use of fixed lighting naturally reduce the running time. If you want to turn everything up to the max and still party all night until dawn, you should operate the PartyBox with the integrated mains adapter or plan a charging break. After a 10-minute quick charge, the Stage 320 has enough battery power for another two hours of playback time.
Slimmed down and still a heavy device
The weather resistance also remains unchanged, with IPX4 only sufficient for splash water. It is better not to expose the Bluetooth speaker to dust or sand. However, the Bluetooth speaker has slimmed down a little: the weight has been reduced by just under 1 kilo to 16.5 kg and the housing dimensions have also become somewhat more compact at 33.5 x 67 x 38.5 centimeters. This is good for mobility. In contrast to the 14.1 kilogram, extremely bulky Teufel Rockster Air 2, the PartyBox 320 with its wheels and extendable, multi-stage lockable telescopic handle can be moved around like a trolley case. We already appreciated this design on its predecessor.
The two woofers, which are responsible for the party-typical bass fun, remain at a diameter of 6.5 inches, which corresponds to 16.5 centimeters. JBL now specifies the diameter of the two tweeter domes as 1 inch, whereas the Americans used 2.5-inch domes for the predecessor according to their technical data. However, this information should be treated with caution, as the official data sheet also gives the diameter of the woofers as 16.7 cm, whereas the conversion from 6.5 inches correctly results in 16.5 cm. The driver arrangement on the baffle remains the same and there is once again a curved bass reflex port with a large opening at the rear.
The update improves operation compared to the last generation
The control panel on the top has been redesigned and partly corresponds to that of the smaller PartyBox Club 120 in terms of the controls for volume, start/stop/skip, light control and the three freely assignable buttons for DJ sound effects such as countdown or “Let’s Go” calls. However, a third row was added with four rotary knobs for bass and treble control reserved for microphones and music instruments, as well as two further rotary knobs for volume and echo.
Detailed improvements have also been made to the JBL PartyBox app for iOS and Android. As with the previously reviewed sister model, DJs now have access to an effects lab in landscape format for managing and designing short sound samples. One of the updates to the current app for the PartyBox Stage 320 is the introduction of a 5-band equalizer, which allows users to adjust the sound even more individually to the installation location and their own preferences. In addition to the already familiar sound presets such as “JBL Signature Sound” and “Movie”, the app now also offers a wider range of setting options that allow more precise fine-tuning of the sound.
Auracast replaces the previous party mode
The previous party mode for simultaneous playback via a large group of speakers is being replaced by Auracast, which is part of the Bluetooth LE standard. Auracast also allows stereo pairs to be formed from two identical Bluetooth speakers.
In this context, it is noticeable that, as with the Club 120, JBL now apparently only assumes upright positioning for the successor to the PartyBox 320. The product developers have removed the orange rubber bumpers on the sides of the predecessor for the Stage. If you put them on the side anyway, you risk scratching the housing of the speaker, which, as JBL proudly emphasizes, is partly made from recycled materials. The irony of the story: on stage in particular, people like to lay speakers on their side at the front edge. In this respect, the name Stage should not be overrated. After all, there is a pole mount on the underside under a cover, which is in keeping with the best professional manner.
Green in disguise: The JBL PartyBox 320 is getting a little greener
When looking at the back of the speaker, two things stand out positively – apart from the fact that it looks like a small organic waste garbage can from behind with its large wheels attached to the side. (Perhaps JBL wanted to emphasize the recycling aspect once again). As with the Club 120, an orange frame indicates the battery compartment, which can be opened without tools. This means that the battery in the JBL PartyBox Stage 320 can be removed in no time at all and replaced with a fully charged JBL Battery 400 (around 100 euros).
This makes it possible to party for longer than the maximum 18 hours, although at high volumes and when using the light organ integrated into the baffle with strobe lights, it would of course end much sooner without a battery change if no mains connection is available. Of course, the rechargeable battery is also very welcome from an ecological and economic point of view: you save yourself expensive repairs or even having to scrap the Bluetooth speaker when the battery wears out.
Practical connectivity
What is also of interest at the rear: the audio connections are located here under a protective plastic flap. These include a USB-A interface (for playback from a USB storage medium in MP3, WAV, WMA and FLAC formats or for charging a mobile device) and a 3.5 mm jack input for analog audio connections via cable. To form a chain of several party speakers, there is an input and an output under the flap on the back. This means that older speakers or speakers from other manufacturers that do not support Auracast wireless technology can also be integrated into the chain.
Microphones or electronic music instruments can be connected to the PartyBox Stage 320 via two 6.35 mm jack sockets with gain controls for each of the two inputs to compensate for different output levels. There is a slide switch on the second input to switch between microphone and guitar. While the smaller PartyBox Club 120 also has two level controls on the connection panel, the PartyBox Stage 320 only has one. However, this is not a disadvantage, but an advantage. The control for the first microphone input has been moved to the connection panel on the top of the Bluetooth speaker, which is much easier to access from all sides and also has a control for echo effects and a tone control.
Sound test of the JBL PartyBox Stage 320
The PartyBox Stage 320 plays coherently, even if it is tuned to be quite groovy in the brilliance range and trimmed for fullness at the lower end of the frequency scale. JBL once again succeeds in reproducing the upper bass range in such a pointed and powerful way that the beats immediately cast a spell over you. On the other hand, JBL does without the last bit of bass in the Bluetooth speaker so as not to overtax its drivers at high volumes. The concept works. The PartyBox 320 can play music very loudly and yet cleanly.
By definition, the tonal balance of party speakers such as the Stage 320 is not aimed at classical music lovers. It is not clear enough in the mid-range, too bright in the brilliance range and not fine enough in terms of resolution. And the bass would also be too undifferentiated for that. The focus here was simply on punch, liveliness and, above all, volume up to the pain threshold. Nevertheless, I was surprised when I put all the theory to the test and played songs from our classical playlist on Qobuz via the PartyBox. Even the Ride of the Valkyries with choir from Bayerischer Rundfunk’s classical repertoire didn’t immediately make me want to end the performance.
What the JBL lacked in substance in the fundamental range, it made up for with speed and a wide spread in terms of both fine and coarse dynamics. Compared to smaller Bluetooth loudspeakers that are not as powerful and have such strong overtones, it asserted itself in this exercise with tremendous power, openness and authority. Also interesting: While the bass of the PartyBox Stage 320 can get a bit grumpy in rock music, it was perfectly capable of handling short low frequency impulses from kettledrums. Here, it conveyed far more of the power that we know from the concert hall than ordinary hi-fi loudspeakers in the affordable range are capable of.
Feel the Beat
However, the Stage 320 undoubtedly feels most at home with rock, pop or hip hop. Here it is able to perfectly showcase its enormous impulsiveness, level stability and punch with acoustic and electronic drums. However, depending on the recording, listening distance and placement, the sound can become a little sharp in the vocal range at higher levels – especially with high female voices – and the bass can sound a little grumpy. Even though the PartyBox automatically registered in the app as soon as the Bluetooth connection was established: As far as sound is concerned, the Stage 320 is not a speaker that you just put down – certainly not in the nearest corner – and then it starts grooving.
As far as the use of the two-stage bass boost is concerned, it depends somewhat on the type of music, the listening level and the location as to what works best. Level 1 makes the bass fuller overall, but this can lead to booming, especially near the corners of the room, and can push the two not-so-large woofers to the limit sooner at high levels with fat beats. However, the function is certainly justified for quiet listening or outdoors. Level 2 provides a special kick in the upper bass range and goes straight to the legs when dancing with suitable electro beats. The dynamic reserves can thus be optimally utilized. With rock music, however, drums can quickly come across as overpowering. As with the use of the 5-band equalizer, the DJ needs to be a little more sensitive here.
JBL PartyBox Stage 320 Conclusion and alternatives
JBL has not reinvented the wheel with the PartyBox Stage 320. But the Americans have refined their recipe for success after many years. In addition to the JBL Battery 400 replacement battery, the JBL Wireless Mic is recommended as an accessory. The replaceable battery is the most practical and sustainable innovation. It ensures longer party fun away from the power socket and at the same time a longer service life for the entire product.
As an alternative to the JBL, we see the Mackie Thump Go 8″ or the Teufel Rockster Air 2. However, neither of these offer a light show and the more expensive Teufel is not as easy to transport as the Stage 320, which is equipped with a telescopic handle and castors, and also does not have an app. As far as the in-house competition is concerned, the performance of the Stage 320 simply seems a lot more mature all round compared to the slightly smaller and cheaper Club 120 – from the freer, less compressed mid-range reproduction to the more confident bass.
Technical specifications: JBL PartyBox Stage 320
- Manufacturer’s suggested retail price: 540 Euro
- Dimensions (W x H x D): 33.5 x 67 x 38.5 cm
- Weight: 16.4 kg
- Battery life up to 18 hours
- Special features: splash-proof according to protection class IPX4, bass boost, 240V and 12V power supply, 2 jack inputs (microphone/instrument) with gain and level controls
- More at: https://jbl.com
