The jbl column is the difference between the copy and the original. How to distinguish real JBL acoustics from a fake

In the summer of 2016, JBL introduced an updated version of its popular Charge 3. Its characteristics are slightly different from the previous version, as well as some features. In today's review, we will take a closer look at this device in order not only to refresh our memory, but also to talk about another important topic - how to distinguish an original column from a fake. Let's start!

Description

The JBL Charge 3 replaced the equally popular Charge 2 speaker and immediately began to gain popularity. The main advantage of the new model was not only improved performance and a larger battery, but also the appearance of the IPX7 protocol, which allows you to take the speaker with you to the sea, pool or jacuzzi - it is not afraid of moisture and water. Now about everything in order.

Contents of delivery

The JBL Charge 3 speaker is sold in a small cardboard box with a nice matte finish. On top of the package is a large image of the column itself, which floats in the water. Also on the packaging are the characteristics of the model and its main features.

Inside the box you can find the following kit:

• Charge 3.
• USB-microUSB cable for charging.
• Charger adapter.
• 3 additional wiki attachments for the power adapter to the desired outlet.
• Instruction.
• Quick User Guide.
• Warranty card.

Compared to the previous version, there is no branded case here, but, in principle, it is not needed, since now there is complete moisture protection. As for the equipment, I would like to thank the manufacturer for the additional plugs for the required outlet. Not every manufacturer can see this.

Design and appearance

JBL Charge 3 looks very interesting and recognizable. The traditional shape of the "keg" has been preserved, as well as a large selection of colors for every taste. The material from which the column body is made is a dense rubberized fabric that looks a bit like a metal mesh. It is this fabric that does not allow water to penetrate inside the device. In addition to fabric, soft-touch plastic is also used here, from which the side skirts are made.

The company logo is placed on the front of the device, and the charge level indicator is located closer to the bottom. The controls are on the top: Bluetooth button, volume down, power on, JBL Connect, volume up and start/pause. Only the 2 central buttons are backlit.

Behind the column is a rubber plug, which hides the 3.5 mm jack, USB and microUSB. On both ends of the Charge 3 there are passive silver-colored radiators with overflows. They also have the brand logo on them.

Specifications JBL Charge 3

The JBL Charge 3 has a pair of built-in 10W speakers for a total of 20W which is pretty good. The frequency range of the speaker is quite wide, and even wired speakers for a computer can envy it - 65-20,000 Hz. Of the differences from the previous model, it is worth noting the appearance of a more powerful battery, which added a little weight, but now the speaker can play up to 20 hours from a full charge without any problems.

The proprietary JBL Connect function allows you to combine several speakers into one, that is, you can easily take 3-4 JBL speakers with support for the JBL Connect function, and they will play as one system. The effect is very cool, and it is difficult to describe it in words. In addition, "Charge 3" supports the simultaneous connection of up to 3 control devices, and it does not matter at all whether it is a smartphone or a laptop. Thus, the company solved the popular problem when at parties or in some other situation only 1 person controlled the music.

As for moisture protection, it allows you to immerse the column in water to a depth of 1 meter for a period of no more than 30 minutes. But this only applies to diving - you can swim with a speaker all day long.

In general, the characteristics of the JBL Charge 3 are better than those of the previous model, which is good news.

Sound quality

The sound quality of JBL Charge 3 is at the highest level. This is not the first time the company confirms that it really specializes in audio equipment. There are no objections here. The bass is excellent, the middle is heard very well, the high frequencies also leave no questions. In general, this model can be safely set as a standard among portable acoustics. A lot of manufacturers should pay attention to how JBL makes their devices.

There is also a volume margin, and it is very decent. According to the general feeling, the maximum volume is enough to fill a room of 35-40 "squares" with sound without any problems. More importantly, when the volume level is increased, the sound quality does not drop, and any distortion or rattles do not appear.

• First of all, we look at information from the manufacturer. From the original, you can easily find information in different languages ​​about the importer, serial number, QR code, etc. You will also find a detailed description of the product and its functions. The Chinese manufacturer will not have such information.
• Logo on column image often absent, instead of it - a red rectangle.

• The original on the packaging under the logo has a signature « Harman», the fake doesn't have it.
• Box from a real speaker one-piece, made of quality materials. Packaging from Chinese manufacturers looks worse. Plus, it has an outer cardboard shell, which the original never has.

Equipment

• The column must be packed in soft package, which is additionally fixed with adhesive tape. The Chinese version of the packaging is of lesser quality: the device is placed in a loose plastic bag.
• From the original the kit includes: sealed instructions, adapters for different sockets, charging block and wire, which is neatly folded and wrapped in a film. The Chinese device contains a semblance of a technical description (a piece of paper without any logos), a crookedly folded and wired wire, one adapter for an outlet, and a jack-jack wire, which is not in the original package.

Column

• Logo on the original column it is recessed into the body and does not stand out much. For the replica, the logo icon is slightly different in quality and color, glued crookedly, as if on adhesive tape. You can easily pick it up with your finger and peel it off.

• Buttons the fake is smaller than the original, and protrude above the body.
• Cloth on acoustic grills a real column is much denser. A fake cannot boast of such quality.
• The replica and the real column differ weight A: The Chinese device is much lighter.
• Device connectors, which are present on both devices: USB, Micro USB and jack cable connector. If your speaker has a microSD card input, then it is a fake.

• Serial number, usually located near the device connectors, the replica does not have.
• Sound the original is much better than the fake.

Price

• Price too low the columns in the store are already indicating that there is a catch in something. In this case, you are 99.9% likely to buy a fake.

Is there a way out, or what to do if you didn’t buy the original

Despite the seemingly hopeless situation, all is not lost. If you are persistent and full of desire to take revenge on an unscrupulous seller, then we will tell you in what ways you can achieve compensation for damage.

• Need to try return the device to that store where you bought it and demand a refund. To do this, you need confirmation in the form of a sales receipt, SMS or order confirmation email. In addition, some stores guarantee a return within 14 days.
• The second way to solve the problem is file a claim for the sale of counterfeit products in duplicate. Give one to the seller, and keep the other for yourself. Before that, on your copy, you need to ask the seller to write that he accepted the claim, as well as his position, full name and signature.
• The most radical and last option - sue to a dishonest seller. Additionally, you can write a complaint to Rospotrebnadzor, the prosecutor's office and the internal affairs bodies that are responsible for counterfeit products. This option, although not fast, is most likely the only one that can truly punish a dishonest seller.
• Also worth write to the manufacturer original product by mail [email protected]. The company promises that it will deal with the store and help prevent its operation in the future, but, unfortunately, it is unlikely to be able to return the lost money.

JBL Charge 3 charger for portable gadgets, as well as a wireless portable speaker system with excellent stereo sound.

Charge 3 has a fabric, waterproof case, as well as a capacious 6000 mAh battery. Today, this device is quite popular, so many are wondering how to distinguish the original JBL Charge 3 from a fake.

1. Logo

The box you buy must have the JBL logo, as well as the inscription "HARMAN" on the bottom. Many Chinese manufacturers make the logo too large or without any special inscription at all. Also, the box will not say what color the device is, pay attention to this. Some Chinese fakes write the usual “Wireless” network instead of “Bluetooth” - this is also a serious sign of a low-quality product.

2. Box

On the side of the box, there must be detailed information about the manufacturer, as well as a serial number. Pay attention to this, as many fakes release their boxes with the device without any information. Do not forget to evaluate the condition of the packaging itself, in which your device is located. The original packaging will be glued very well without any defects. It should not contain various scratches, extra inscriptions, etc.

3. Body

The body of a fake is usually made of plastic. The original has a polymer fabric. Also pay attention to the location of the connection connectors and the logo itself on the device. It should not be larger in area, and the connectors must be in the right place - see the photo below.

4. Equipment

The JBL Charge 3 has a standard package, which consists of: a charging adapter, a speaker, a micro-USB cable, documentation, and two plug adapters.

APPEARANCE OF THE BOX

More ways to recognize a fake

• LEFT: GENUINE JBL DEVICE - ON RIGHT: FAKE

  Original: the picture on the box is high quality, the box is well glued and assembled.

• LEFT: GENUINE JBL DEVICE - ON RIGHT: FAKE

  Original:

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  LEFT: GENUINE JBL DEVICE - ON RIGHT: FAKE

  Original: dense packing from a high-quality cardboard.

• LEFT: GENUINE JBL DEVICE - ON RIGHT: FAKE

  Original:
  Fake:

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  LEFT: GENUINE JBL DEVICE - ON RIGHT: FAKE

  Original: There is a texture print on the box.
  Fake: The box is made from regular cardboard.

• LEFT: GENUINE JBL DEVICE - ON RIGHT: FAKE

  Original:
  Fake:

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  LEFT: GENUINE JBL DEVICE - ON RIGHT: FAKE

  Original: on the cover of the box there is information about the importer to the territory of the Russian Federation, information about the manufacturer, barcode, EAN code, serial number of the device.
  Fake: There is no such information on the box.

• LEFT: GENUINE JBL DEVICE - ON RIGHT: FAKE

  Original:
  Fake:

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  LEFT: GENUINE JBL DEVICE - ON RIGHT: FAKE

  Original: on the inside of the box lid you will find a color image, there is a thick black cardboard lid with the name of the model.
  Fake: No image, cardboard cover replaced with foam pad.

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LEFT: GENUINE JBL DEVICE - ON RIGHT: FAKE

Width 212.92 mm
Height: 89.36 mm

Width 213.37 mm
Height: 90.11 mm

• LEFT: GENUINE JBL DEVICE - ON RIGHT: FAKE

  Original:
  Fake:

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  LEFT: GENUINE JBL DEVICE - ON RIGHT: FAKE

  Original: the central power button protrudes slightly from the case, the other buttons are securely attached to the case.
  Fake: the central power button protrudes noticeably from the case, the rest of the buttons have noticeable gaps between the case and the rubber button itself.

• LEFT: GENUINE JBL DEVICE - ON RIGHT: FAKE

  Original:
  Fake:

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  LEFT: GENUINE JBL DEVICE - ON RIGHT: FAKE

  Original: the orange logo plate is larger, the JBL letters are smaller, the plate is fixed from the inside and is difficult to remove.
  Fake: the orange badge of the logo is smaller, the JBL letters are larger, the badge is glued on with double-sided adhesive tape.

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LEFT: GENUINE JBL DEVICE - ON RIGHT: FAKE

Weight: 800 grams

Weight: 600 grams

Original:
Fake:

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LEFT: ORIGINAL POWER SUPPLY FOR CHARGE 3 - ON RIGHT: FAKE

original weight: 66 grams

Counterfeit weight: 41 grams

Original: Compliance logos are printed on the power supply.
Fake: there is no information on the power supply.

RELIABLE PURCHASE

To be sure that you are buying a genuine JBL product and not a fake, you need to contact an authorized partner from the list on the site in the section or purchase the product directly from our official harman.club online store. to learn more about how to identify a potential counterfeit JBL product before purchasing.

WARRANTY AND CUSTOMER SERVICE

HOW TO DIFFERENTIATE THE ORIGINAL FROM A FAKE

1. All counterfeit devices are noticeably different from the original in appearance and quality and are sold at low prices. Genuine JBL products are made from the highest quality materials and are designed to give you a unique listening experience.
2. The logo, the text on the fake box are not like the original ones.
3. If you have any questions, please contact our support team.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU THINK YOU HAVE A FAKE

• Visit to see if the store where you purchased your device is on this list. You can also contact JBL support to find out if the store is an official partner.
• Contact the store and try to return the product for a full refund (do not provide personal information to the seller)

ATTENTION! A correct barcode does not yet give a 100% guarantee of the originality of the product. However, an incorrect barcode is a clear sign of a fake.

Enter 13 digits of the barcode:Check

If you often go to nature with friends or family to relax, then for sure this vacation is not complete without musical accompaniment. However, the radio does not always play what you like, and modern phones run out of power very quickly.

In this case, you can get a portable speaker - it has a built-in battery and excellent sound quality. Everyone will hear what kind of music you like. The most important thing in this matter is not to run into a Chinese counterpart. Then all the advantages described above will disappear into the air, like the smoke of a fire.

One of the great acoustic options is the JBL Charge 3 portable speaker from Harman. It has two speakers, a capacious battery, wireless connection. And thanks to the relatively low weight (about 800 grams), compact size and moisture resistance, you can take it with you anywhere. It's all about the original speakers. We can't vouch for fakes.

How to distinguish a fake JBL Charge 3 by packaging

The packaging of the column can tell a lot. The main thing is to act in stages. Let's start from the front:

Now consider the end sides of the package. You can also see a lot of interesting things there:

• On the side, located under the front of the box, all the information about the manufacturer, company representatives in our region, barcodes, serial number, quality control marks are written in the original ... The same side of the fake keeps absolute silence.
• The side ends of the boxes are also strikingly different. Not only inscriptions, but also in the quality of workmanship. Smooth, clear, durable side of the original against the swollen, crooked side of the fake, on which the inscriptions also managed to go under the other end. Probably, the Chinese assembled this box manually for speed.

The backs of the boxes also have a significant difference. It lies in the lack of information about the characteristics of a fake speaker, while the original is described in great detail. In addition, it contains a QR code and lists the contents of the dispenser.

Let's look inside the package

The internal content of the original and counterfeit packages is strikingly different. It is worth noting the following inconsistencies:

1. If the column with the components of the original box is covered with a cardboard board with the inscription Charge 3, glued with foam from the bottom to better protect the contents from damage, then the copy manufacturers do not particularly take care of their offspring - a small thin layer of cellophane and that's it.
2. Under the lid, the manufacturer posted a color photo from a nightclub, although then the box will be thrown away. Fake manufacturers, guided by this argument, decided not to spend money on color printing.
3. A fake column is dressed in a thin cellophane bag without any patterns. But the copy is carefully sealed in a soft bag, which also contains warning labels.

Fake on the left, original on the right

The original speaker is also accompanied by instructions, adapters, covers for different sockets (Euro, American), charging unit and wire.

Fakes are usually supplied with a black Chinese cable, charging unit, jack wire.

Compare appearance

Differences in appearance are quite clearly visible. The main thing is to carefully look at the details of the column.

Compare the mesh

Speaker connectors

All speaker connectors are assembled in one place and covered from external influences with a cover. In a fake, this cover is soft, does not hold its shape and wants to close the connectors all the time.

Fake cover and connectors

The cover of the original column has two layers, and due to this it does not close by itself and provides good tightness.

Cover and connectors original

If you manage to get to the place with connectors in the speaker, then remember: the original speaker has only three holes: USB, micro-USB and jack cable. There are four holes in the fake - it also assumes playing a microSD card.

In addition, again the lack of inscriptions in the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe connectors gives out a fake. In the original connector, in addition to engraved inscriptions, there is a sticker with the serial number of the column.

Connector markings

Difference in passive dynamics

And finally, consider the passive speakers on the sides of the column. It is not so much their appearance that is important here, but their mobility.

The fake speaker is made of shiny metal, on which ribbed tracks are applied. They are quite deep and wide, immediately striking.

The speaker of the original is matte, and the applied tracks are so small and thin that they are visible only upon close examination.

The quality of the speaker mounting in the original is soft, the speaker springs freely and smoothly when you press it.

The fake speaker is hard to press and slows down somewhere all the time. We are not talking about smoothness and freedom of movement here. The quality of the material leaves much to be desired.

Passive Speaker Differences

Of course, in order not to make all these comparisons, it is enough to purchase a column in a special store or from an authorized dealer.

I would also like to note that copies are always much lighter than the originals, they smell of "chemistry", and they cost four times cheaper.

Of course, if money is tight, you can buy a copy, the sound quality is also good. Especially if you have not listened to music from the original speaker before.

And for those who like to enjoy every note and nuance of a melody, our advice will come in handy.