Sound quality: JBL's Boombox had good overall sound quality. Bass has good impact and goes deep but is boomy and prominent and can be overhelming with some content. Midrange is even but slightly grainy. Treble is extended but a bit sizzly. Decent recovery of room ambience, sounds slightly congested, and lacks fine detail. No significant difference between Bluetooth and wired sound quality. Provides a decent volume level in a large sized room. When two units are used as a stereo pair sound remains slightly congested, it can get louder but since two separate speakers are used the sound stage can be made wider depending on placement and room ambience remains decent and sound quality remains good. Could have scored higher if not for the overwhelming bass.
Ease of use: We found the JBL Boombox ease of use to be very good overall. Bluetooth: Bluetooth pairing requires a press of a high contrast backlit button on unit and then the selection of unit from Bluetooth selection list on source device; unit provides an obvious indication that the unit is in pairing mode as well as when pairing has actually occurred. Controls: The volume controls are prominently located and are high contrast, there is nothing to indicate that it is a volume control except + and - symbols, it provides a audible indicator when you reach the max setting. Works with line in and Bluetooth inputs. Switching sources: Bluetooth takes priority over line input but when you disconnect Bluetooth (don't have to unpair) then line-in is available for immediate playback. nothing ambiguous.
