Sound quality: JBL's Charge 3 had good overall sound quality. Bass has decent impact, but is somewhat subdued, boomy, and deep bass is lacking. Midrange is somewhat hazy and grainy. Treble is smeared, somewhat subdued and the upper treble is muted. So-so recovery of room ambience, sounds somewhat congested, and lacks fine detail. No significant difference between Bluetooth and wired sound quality except that bass is somewhat pronounced when wired. Provides a decent volume level in a small to medium sized room. When two units are used as a stereo pair sound remains somewhat hazy and congested, it can get louder, bass is pronounced but since two separate speakers are used the sound stage can be made wider depending on placement and room ambience improves to decent, sound quality remains good.
Ease of use: We found the system's ease of use to be good overall. Although volume controls are in a prominent location they are not obvious because they are very low contrast, there is nothing to indicate that it is a volume control except + and - symbols. Bluetooth pairing is very easy. The unit lacks a dedicated source switch; however, incoming calls take priority over audio playback, and a Bluetooth audio connection takes priority over wired audio playback. To switch between line-in and Bluetooth audio sources plugging in line-in jacks stops Bluetooth playback, there is a delay (approx. less than 10 sec) before wired playback. Line in is marked but low contrast. This unit lacks a remote; not an issue if it's being used within arm's reach or if it's being used with a mobile Bluetooth device which can be used like a remote itself.
