As mentioned above, the completely revised acoustic configuration of the Charge 5 is the most important evolution that the new model brings compared to the Charge 4. It now includes an oblong mid / bass driver similar to that of the Flip 5, complemented by a tweeter of 2 cm. The two side passive bass radiators, the visual and technological signature of JBL Bluetooth speakers, are of course still in the game. A profusion of equipment that has borne fruit, and allows the Charge 5 to take a significant step forward in terms of musicality.
However, the speaker remains firmly anchored in what one could call a certain JBL tradition. As almost always with the manufacturer, the emphasis is above all on the spectral breadth of the rendering, even if it means sacrificing a little precision. This is particularly true of the basses: their extension is, it is true, pleasing; but it goes down to frequencies where the inertia of the passive radiators is no longer totally controlled. This results in a slight lack of definition of bass effects, especially on extension transients – understand that a very dry kick, for example, can get a little watered down. At the other end of the spectrum, the treble extremes are subject to a very slight emphasis, admittedly subtle, but sufficient to give the sound a rather incisive side, and which one can, according to the sensitivities of each one, find either invigorating, or a little tiring.
But no more ratiocinations: as the impressive measurement of frequency response suggested above, it is above all by the transparency and the fullness of its restitution that this Charge 5 strikes our ears. Despite the very small criticism that we were able to address to them above, the passive radiators show a behavior close to the exemplary: no parasitic resonance, no overflow, and a transition between the low and medium registers ensured with a fluidity. irreproachable. The same quality is to be found on the treble side: the contribution of tweeter** dedicated is obvious, and allows the audio message to remain perfectly clear and defined, even at high volume.
It’s all the more striking because all this is done without ever compromising the liveliness of rendering that JBL has made its signature. The dynamics are excellent, on the sole condition of not pushing the volume to the limit, under penalty of seeing a very unattractive compression set in place – but this is rarely the case, as the power reserve is generous. But the Charge 5 has somehow managed to become something more than a simple “decibel-spitting machine”. The sound homogeneity it offers, its remarkably natural tone rendering, are qualities that its predecessors had never had.
Finally, it should be noted that the speaker only offers monophonic rendering. We are not overly moved by it, since the small dimensions of a portable speaker are not a priori not conducive to convincing stereo separation (the only exceptions to this being the Sony SRS-XB33 and 43). On the other hand, one can be a little upset by the strong directivity of the sound emission: the balance of the restitution is lost quite quickly as soon as one moves away from the central axis. Better to avoid positioning it on the coffee table in the center of the living room to add sound to an evening.
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