*Buy online: Sony xb43 geni.us/sonyxb43 W-King D8: geni.us/w-kingd8 Xtreme 2 geni.us/jblxtreme2 Dockin D Fine+ 2: geni.us/dockindfine2 *affiliate links. I get a small percentage of any sale.
You deserve definitely more subs! Please keep up with your outstanding job, you are extremely useful for people interested in portable bluetooth speakers like me
There is one big advantage of the W-King, which is not mentioned here: If you're not using it on max volume level, you can extremely adjust the bass level through the relation between sound source volume and speaker volume: E.g. if you set your music player on 30% volume and the speaker on 100% volume, you get the described big bass. But if you set your music player on 100% volume and the speaker on 30% volume, you get much less bass. This way you can adjust the bass level exactly to your taste. This feature works on using with cable/aux as well as with bluetooth, also with bt stereo link. Another point about the Dockin D Fine: The other/older Dockin D Fines are the half price of this one and have a nicer sound, even louder. Just not a removable battery and soundmodes.
you keep repeating this. When you say music player volume, do you mean music player device level as oppose to bluetooth level? how are you seperating speaker volume and player volume? they are meant to be synced.
@@alanrossreviews No, the W-King volume is not synced, not on bluetooth and not on cable mode. On my Dockin d fine+, the volume is synced (on bluetooth). But on the W-King, you can adjust the volume on the player and the speaker separately in bluetooth mode (in cable mode there is no sync anyways). Just the foreward/backward skip funktion is synced from speaker to player (on bluetooth). E.g. when I wanna hear music on lower volumes, I play the music quite loud on the player and then use low volumes on the speaker buttons. So its not that bassy. As player i'm using a little Agptek mp3 player, a Samsung Galaxy S5 and a Dell Notebook. With none of them, the W-King volume is synced in BT mode. And with each of them der Dockin d fine+ volume is synced in BT mode.
@@kokolorenz ah! i think this is just the volume limit. often this needs setting on first play. set both speaker and player to 100% to get full volume from speaker. Mine are synced fine after first setup. i know oluv has to set it each time he says on his w-king, mine is fine once set.
@@alanrossreviews Weird. I can't get any volume synced with the W-King. Which is best anyways, since this way you can adjust the bass range. The only sync I have is, when in stereo link, the volume sync between both speakers (I got 2 W-King, the stereo link is amazing with them). Anyways, maybe there are different versions of the W-King, with volume sync and without....? (Maybe between UK and German version?) I've been comparing this pair of W-King against a pair of Dockin d fine+ for ages now. At the beginning I really preferred the Dockins for their very satisfying sound. But at lower volumes the Dockin d fine+ have an annoying gate effekt. Meanwhile I more and more prefer the W-King, especcially since I discovered the adjustable bass range. Thanks to you (and Oluv) I discovered the W-King, which are a real discovery. The Dockin d fine are a legend since years anyways. :-p
Hi. I'm using my W-king D8 exactly the same way. To control the volume separately follow the instructions here: eu.community.samsung.com/t5/galaxy-s10e-s10-s10-s10-5g/quot-media-volume-sync-quot-option-missing-after-update/td-p/1467737/page/9
I bought the wking d8 and was initially very disappointed by the muffled sound at low volumes. Engineers implemented an horrible auto equalization. D8 drivers and amp are fine, they ruined all with that crazy setting. But, if you fix it with the eq embedded in your music app (has to be a good eq app...), the d8 starts to sing... It's a pity, a lot of people returns the d8 for the initial bad behaviour. Another thing i noticed, very important: the d8 needs a break in period! After some days of play i noticed a big improvement in sound and the muffled sound at low volumes almost disappear. Btw, great channel, your reviews are technically flawless! Sorry for my English, greetings from Rome, Italy!
Ho anch'io il D8 e la penso come te. L'equalizzatore pessima di serie compromette la qualità del suono. Noto inoltre che, collegato con cavo aux a una sorgente audio decente, il suono migliora 👌
IMO Sony has traditionally failed to refine the speaker, which ultimately turns out to be worse than products that are much less experienced in terms of speakers, and have done their job better. The most important thing is that the speaker lights up :).
I use to own the blue xb43. It is a beautiful designed speaker with a great light show. However it sounded off. Either too high pitched or too low. I had a terrible time finding a middle ground. I have the extreme 2 now and really enjoy the much better balance.
Thank you for the detailed review. And which of them is the sound stage wider? I still think the XB40 is the best speaker for its size. Both indoors and outdoors, the game is great. Although I had the opportunity to compare with the XB41. I can't say it sounds bad. It just has a different sound. The 41 has slightly better high frequencies and plays a little wider and still a little louder than the 40. the 40 model has a more narrowly directed sound, but more powerful. If possible, could you test Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 6? It will be very interesting to hear your opinion and generally how it sounds(because many people say it is the best portable speaker in terms of sound), and I am considering buying it.
I have the Onyx Studio 6 and although the base is incredible it is also a very mono sounding speaker. I dou bt it would score very high on his charts, but it is BASSY.
Hey alan how's it going! :) found your channel some days ago and i must thank you for all the great content you upload it really helps a lot!, i brought a w king d8 because of your videos and because the other speakers in this video are way too outside of my budget, this test made me curious and i must ask what made you switch your opinion on the d8 eq mode? In the d8 vs motion + vs extreme 2 comparison you reached the conclusion that eq mode was flatter but now your opinion is very similar to oluv, i'm also curious about how in that video the d8 with the eq mode does not sound as implicitly muffled at lower volumes when volume matched against the extreme 2? Thanks a lot for your time again! :)
i dont recall changing my opinion but if you say i did then fair enough, i just dont recall. yes at low volumes it is so bass heavy that it overpowers the rest of the frequency response. it will sound less muffled depending on how clear the other speaker is, if they are both muffled it will sound fine :) if one is ultra clear it will make the other sound more muffled. its how our ears work in these quick a/b comparisons. 🤗
@@alanrossreviews Unfortunately Alan where I am living now doesn't have that brand.. I'm caught between a Sony XB33, XB43 and a Marshall Stockwell 2.. The irony was that when I tried my metal music on a middle size Marshall speakers Acton it just sounded noisy and cheap compared to the XB43... And the Stockwell 2 are much subtle I would say... And thanks for the reply mate.. Am a new sub! Keep up the good work!
@@alanrossreviews Hi Alan, the bass wasn't deep when at max volume and the sound of the instrumentals in the music just fade into the background while all I heard were sharp vocals and lead guitars... Halfway through the test I just got annoyed by the sound... I could only so vaguely heard the guitar and bass in the background.. No problem playing Queen and ACDC though.. It is a good speaker but it is missing something and the sound became a mess when the music I was testing it had multiple instruments playing at the same time.. Anyway I ended with Marshall Stockwell 2.. Though not doing as good as XB43 in terms loudness it has a beautiful subtle sound, clear and enough bass for my tiny bedroom. It projects the instruments in the music clearly without overpowering vocals or bass.. Its as I said, subtle. Sorry for the long reply mate, and thank you.
@@iguessme9105 different type of bass, xtreme has the deepest rumble and bass but xb43 is more balanced and more upper bass punch in default mode. the xtreme is a boombox the xb43 isnt.
@@alanrossreviews ok, i got it now and for me the xb43 is all what u need, i expected more for 3Kg and this size, but i got it for 140 and near 150€ in sale and for this price i am just happy
Does your W-king distort on max volume with eq on? Mine distorts on upper mid range frequencies. I found it most noticable on a song called "Highest in the room" by Travis Scott, the intro of the song keeps distorting alot.
Hi Alan, i’m currently trying to choose a new speaker to buy between the Anker motion+, Sony XB43, Sony XB33,Sony XB40 and JBL extreme 2 ! Which one would you choose especially for outdoor use ? Regards
between the xb43 and xtreme 2, decide if you favour thinner sound with low bass rumble (x2) or mid bass punch and thinner sound but more sparkle (xb43).
hi good day sir i have questions about my xb43 sony because the left speaker is so weak sound and the right is strong is it normal or defective sir? TIA 😊
I bought a jbl xtreme 2 around a week ago for 150 euro’s. Did I make the best choice by buying that lt should I’ve bought another? I like low bass frequencies, but also clarity.
Alan Ross Reviews Thanks for your response. Also i have another question. When I play “Shape of You - Bass Boosted” my xtreme 2 shakes alot at some parts (0:45 in the song for example). I think this is from internal resonance, but I’m not sure, it could also be the song. It only occurs at high volume (~ +60%). Would you want to test this for me? I’m not sure if its good for the speaker to play this... 😬 I completely understand if you dont want to try this on your speaker
It is worth sending back my new JBL Charge 4 to get the Sony XB43? I would consider the Xtreme 2, but right now it's $350, which puts it out of my price range, but if the XB43 has better sound and features than the Charge 4 then I would spend the extra for it. Unfortunately, I can't find any direct comparisons of the Charge 4 and the XB43 anywhere.
@@alanrossreviews Thanks for the reply. I don't mind the extra weight. I would just like the bass to have less of that airy reverb that hurts your ears in small rooms at medium volume, and it certainly seems like the mono speaker in the Charge 4 would be way inferior to a stereo setup with tweeters like the Sony has.
@@alanrossreviews Just got the Sony, and you were absolutely correct. It sounds far better than the Charge 4. The bass is right in that sweet spot for me, and it's just as clear as the JBL, if not more so with Live Mode on. Glad I made the switch. Thank you.
Not a big step from previous generation for Sony. I see marketing contradictions it Sony's desire to sell a "party speaker" having pretty average bass, loudness and battery. However, for kindergarder party it fits perfectly!
True! Sony fakes the frequencies below 50hz by playing higher octave...in real life you percieve it as 60hz speaker. Unlike jbl, which claims 50hz for bb2 that plays 40hz easily!
@Igaryastiy a lot of speakers do this, they have to, when a track has a big bass slam say at 30 hz the speaker has to reshape its own curve to keep the overall signature consistent. What i see a lot is the mistaken belief that you can do a bass test by playing a 20hz tone and listening to what the speaker produces. as you say, often this is a much high octave being replayed but the reviewer jumps up and down and says wooohooo sony plays down to 20hz 😝
Please I've been waiting for your review, I'm going to mediaworld Italy now, I want to which one you prefer I buy between the Sony xb43 and the JBL extreme 2??? Please help me out
@@TECH-PRO well really for me the xtreme 2 is a no go because its too bass heavy and can be dull at low volume. The xb43 is more all round and cheaper. the main difference is xtreme 2 for low bass rumble, the xb43 for mid bass punch. Xtreme 2 thicker sounding and xb43 thinner sounding.
@@alanrossreviews thanks alot, unfortunately the Sony XB43 Is not available yet in stores like mediaworld and unieuro here in Italy, I've to order it online and I'm expecting it Friday 21st
Could you check out the Rockville Rock Launcher bluetooth speaker, I think it's like 35$ now but it's not a famous brand, I have one and I'm quite pleased with it.
When I play “Shape of You - Bass Boosted” my xtreme 2 shakes alot at some parts (0:45 in the song for example). I think this is from internal resonance, but I’m not sure, it could also be the song. It only occurs at high volume (~ +60%). Would you want to test this for me? I’m not sure if its good for the speaker to play this... 😬 I completely understand if you dont want to try this on your speaker. If I put the link i think it deletes my comment not sure though
@@alanrossreviews yea agree like i really want to know what is wrong with jbl because what they are doing is fking messed up and people are paying the same price for these and how much i like jbl i just have to say f**k jbl
Alan Ross Reviews thats why I am never buying jbl because to me they sound too flat and at maximum at least with the mid and the smaller speakers they have they lose there bass or have less but the extreme 2 and higher speakers that jbl makes are pretty good.
*Buy online: Sony xb43 UK: amzn.to/3fMNPl9 US: amzn.to/2FckQun W-King D8: UK: amzn.to/37ywpFb USA: amzn.to/2SSEakW Xtreme 2 UK: JBL xtreme 2: amzn.to/2xATFW2 USA: amzn.to/39oXdcK Dockin D Fine+ 2: UK: amzn.to/2WAhfwl *affiliate links. I get a small percentage of any sale.
That JBL sounds awful, no clarity in the mids what so ever.. I'll stick with the Motion +, for me it seems to be one of the best all rounders. I like the XB43 but I kinda get the impression the designers were working with a that will do attitude.
@@alanrossreviews I mean since i guess all of these speakers actually have a DSP chip inside of them, they can limit the output signal, even multiband compress like all JBL and HK bluetooth speakers do (you can hear a reduced bass output at higher volumes) to not exceed a specific power/volume output to A) eliminate distortion/amplifier clipping B) possibly even preserve the drivers, if the amps are powerful enough to blow the drivers that is but more importantly C) to keep it to sound OK, to me the distortion of the XB43, Dockin D Fine and D8 sounded like shit when over a specific volume because it distorts at the bass output i guess the Dockin sounded OK compared to the other ones, and yes you might argue that's only at maximum volume, but truthfully these small speakers don't get THAT loud IMO, my Onyx Studio 5 has been played at like max volume plugged in at work for more than a year now and has not yet suffered any audio quality issues.. but we work in quite a large hall so that's logical that i have to crank the volume I do also own the Boombox 2 and also ran it at max volume while plugged in and it does get quite alot louder but it's impractical cause of the size really andd before you think i haven't heard the other speakers, another person at my work has the XB43 and also heard it at both low volume and high volume soo ye, also played around with eq n shit but honestly thats what i love about JBL's and HK's speakers, you just turn em on and you don't need to change eq's to make em sound better anyways, their digital signal processing is pretty good as-is, even though i feel the older speakers (Xtreme 2) boost the mids way too much to my flavour atleast
@@pixelreflectorpro the kicks at the 100% volume test definitely sound distorted, i know he's using Sony's custom EQ but that shouldn't bypass the limiting, and well, it still happens on default mode later in the 100% recording so yeah, thats where the JBL definitely is the cleanest sounding of them all thats what i like about my Onyx Studio 5 and Boombox 2 too, i can just turn them up to maximum and they won't distort at all, yeah bass will be reduced on max volume but that's better than distortion IMO
I will never change my JBL's for anything else or go to another company. I've heard an XB 43 in person and i do not like the sound at all. I played .flac files from an onkyo hf player and lowered the bass (equalizer) a bit on my Xtreme for the listening session. The sound from my Xtreme was better in my ears and cleaner with the XB43 sounding too electronic for my ears. You almost lose some sounds with it. As for the other speakers in your test the Xking sounds awful with all that bass and i would only have it play as a center sub with my diy L-R-Center cables. But not a bad idea if you have diy cables and you are looking for a bassy center speaker. The Dockin sounds nicer, and could be my idea, but i have a feeling it is tweaked a bit towards a virtual surround effect.
no i dont get any sense of dsp trickery for sony live sound type feel. your playing flac through a speaker only giving you sbc, do you think you are really making use of those lossless files? coming from the jbl signature tuning you need more time than a quick a/b to adjust to the sony tuning. having eq'd the xtreme a fairer test would have been doing the same with the sony.
@@alanrossreviews Dear Alan, the speakers finally arrived today. I have tested the mics on both and definitely Xtreme 2 have an overall better microphone than XB43. I have tested some mics from sony speakers and mic on Xb43 is a way better than mic on xb30 or xb32. On the sound side I feel there is a little more clear, crisp and balanced sound on xtreme 2, on xb43 I feel like there is some mute sound when bass starts (xb43 with extra bass and eq 3-6-4 and xtreme 2 in low mode and firmware 2.4). I will let the speakers sound at 30% all the day to have a better sound at night so we will see. Until now I like more sound coming from X2, bass sounds more natural to me.
@@Zack_Mx x2 definitely has the better bass but for me it drowns out the rest of the mids and highs. its about opinions , this really is the only way to decide, a/b in your own room!
Thank you, that was very useful. Did you know about the new LG series, if you can pick the PL7 (30 watts) I think for its range can defeat the unbeatable XB30. Regards.
@@alanrossreviews w-king d8. The guy falsely quoted Neil Degrass Tyson then below it in the recommendations is Neil Degrass Tyson saying the opposite. So funny
@@alanrossreviews in this vid the most complete speaker is dockin, but I already have Dokin mk I, I need high end speaker. I checked Marshall speakers, and those high end has no built in batteries which is fucked up ( high quality sound + knobs + eq app). I need to check Bose and see is it better choice over Teufel, mostly because of Bose App and high quality sound too.
@@alanrossreviews if we talk about JBL this is product for masses with poor sound quality. The worst thing in JBL speakers is that power output - 30w on built in batter? It's joke and slap in the face to the customers
@@alanrossreviews I do not hate w-king just for being hater, it's terrible speaker IMO. I had few speakers and the truth is that new brands most of the time has better, cheaper speakers but they need to be discovered. This is my story of DOCKIN and 2speakers from Tribit. I had Sony XB40 mk I and I sold it very fast. I have still Dokin and Tribit X-Boom I guess ( which has some charging issue from some time - 2yo). I have 2 version of jbl tuner and Jeez, no more JBL!
