Filip Brož Not a speaker like a speaker. For example, we have already tested the model JBL GO, which is intended for young people and for the outdoors or the playground, and JBL Extreme, suitable for a garden party or a disco. This time we got our hands on a new portable speaker Harman/Kardon Esquire 2, an addition to the model range, where we can find, for example, Esquire Mini, which in turn is intended for a slightly different customer.
Both speakers are very similar, but each of them targets completely different users. The older Mini is more suitable for traveling thanks to its compact dimensions and elegant bag. On the contrary, the new Esquire 2 will become a great decoration of the office, conference room or living room. The new speaker from Harman/Kardon will appeal to even the most demanding clientele.
What caught my eye on the Esquire 2 was its packaging. Like Apple, Harman/Kardon cares about the entire product experience, so the box is padded with foam and opens via a magnet. In addition to the speaker itself, the package also includes a flat USB cable for charging and documentation.
After taking the speaker out of the box, you will surely be amazed by the elegance and sense of design. The Esquire 2 has an aluminum construction, while the front with the speaker vent is covered by durable plastic, and the back is covered in elegant leather. The flip-out stand made of polished aluminum then ensures easy positioning of the speaker.
All control buttons are located on the top. In addition to the on/off button, you will also find a symbol for pairing devices using Bluetooth, accepting/hanging up a call, buttons for volume control and a novelty in the form of turning off microphones during a conference call.
On the side, there is a 3,5mm jack connector, a USB port for charging the product and also a classic USB with which you can charge your phone or tablet while listening.
On the opposite side, there are classic LED battery status indicators. The Harman/Kardon Esquire 2 can play for about eight hours on a single charge at maximum volume, which surprised me a little, because the Esquire Mini can play for two hours longer, while only having a 3200 milliamp-hour battery. The dual Esquire offers a XNUMXmAh battery, but compared to its predecessor, it also has significantly higher performance and therefore plays louder. Therefore, it lasts a little less.
Connecting to the speaker is via Bluetooth and works reliably. Just press the appropriate button, turn on Bluetooth on your iPhone or iPad and pair. During my testing, the Esquire 2 was responsive without any lag or lag when listening to music, playing games, or watching movies. In addition, you can connect up to three devices to the speaker at once and switch between them.
It's all about the sound
I'm getting to the point, which seems to be of most interest to all users. How is the sound? I can safely say that it is doing very well, but there are also minor flaws. When I played serious music, pop, rock or alternative rock type in the speaker Muse, Kasabian, Band of Horses or awolnation, everything played absolutely clean. The quality of the mids and highs is excellent, but the bass falters a bit. While listening Pies, Skrillex and the bass of hip hop and rap sounded slightly artificial to me, it wasn't quite the same.
Of course, it always depends on your musical taste, hearing and the choice of music also plays a role. I lost some genres a little better on the older Mini.
In the Esquire 2's defense, however, I must point out that the device isn't just made for listening to music. I will return to the beginning of the review and mention the word businessmen. Harman/Kardon built Quad-Mic technology into the Esquire 2, which is designed for conference calls. Thanks to the four speakers and microphones located in all corners of the speaker, you can enjoy brilliant sound during the conference, even if you place the device in the middle of the table.
Several people can talk into the speaker without any problems, because the device captures all the sound and transmits it to the other side in excellent quality. In business meetings and various teleconferences, Esquire 2 can become not only a very capable audio device, but also a great and stylish addition to your desk.
So the Esquire 2 isn't just for music, but if we had to compare its sound quality to anything, it would be JBL speakers. Harman/Kardon Esquire 2 you can can be purchased at JBL.cz for 5 crowns. With its design and the fact that it is suitable not only for music but also for communication, it will surely impress many a listener or manager. In addition, there is also a choice of grey/silver a gold variants.
Ah, so they will be more like "advertising" reviews. This speaker really doesn't play.
This rework, as I understood from the review, is mainly a conference speaker and not as a music speaker. But if it's a game like Esquire mini, I'll play it