You want a party speaker. The kind that makes your neighbour call the cops or at least leave a passive-aggressive note in your mailbox. There are two options: the JBL Boombox 3, which weighs more than Henri's Alfa Romeo repair bills, or the Nordell Max, which gets the same job done without the back problems.
Let's go through what you get with each.
Big sound, big difference in price
The JBL Boombox 3 is a party speaker classic. It's loud, there's plenty of bass, and the build quality is solid. No arguing with that. But it costs over 400 euros and weighs 6.7 kilos. Six and a half kilos. That's like carrying a small dog that doesn't even come when called.
The Nordell Max also pumps out big sound. Bass and treble are adjusted with dedicated knobs right on the speaker – no need to fiddle with your phone. The price is a fraction of the Boombox. The money you save, you can spend on beer. Or donate to our Death Star Fund. Preferably the latter.
Features on the table
JBL Boombox 3:
- Massive sound, deep bass
- IP67 water resistance (survives a dunk)
- 24-hour battery
- Weighs 6.7 kg
- Price around 400–500 euros
- EQ adjusted via the JBL app
Nordell Max:
- Big sound, separate bass and treble control with physical knobs
- RGB lighting (because party)
- TWS stereo pairing – two speakers into stereo
- USB-C charging, powerbank function (charges your phone)
- Bluetooth 5.0, AUX, TF card, USB stick
- Hands-free calls and voice assistant
- Price significantly cheaper
So the Nordell Max has more connectivity options and physical EQ controls. The Boombox 3 has better water resistance and longer battery life. The choice depends on what kind of parties you throw.
Why Nordell Max?
Price. That's the big one. You get a party speaker that's loud, has bass and treble controls right on top without an app, RGB lights to brighten up a grim November, and a powerbank function for when your phone dies mid-playlist.
TWS stereo pairing is a big deal. Buy two Nordell Maxes and you've got stereo speakers – and you're still paying less than for one Boombox. The sound tuned by Jasse is honest and clean. None of that plasticky "MEGABASS" nonsense that cheap speakers try to shove down your ears.
And we repair our gear. If something breaks, our Kajaani service centre sorts it out. With JBL, you'll be googling "JBL warranty claim" and filling out forms for the next three weeks.
Who should pick the Boombox 3?
Let's be honest. If you're carrying your speaker in the rain, chucking it in a swimming pool, or using it in the shower (don't ask), the Boombox 3's IP67 rating is unbeatable. It survives submersion. The Nordell Max isn't designed to swim.
If you need 24-hour battery life and absolute maximum volume outdoors with a big crowd, the Boombox 3 is just bigger. We can't break the laws of physics – a bigger speaker and bigger battery need a bigger enclosure. And 6.7 kilos of weight.
If money is no object and you want a waterproof tank, the Boombox 3 is a solid choice. We won't be offended. Well, maybe a little.
Summary
| | Nordell Max | JBL Boombox 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Clearly cheaper | 400–500 euros |
| Weight | Lighter | 6.7 kg |
| EQ control | Physical knobs | Via app |
| Water resistance | Basic | IP67 |
| Stereo pairing | TWS yes | JBL Connect |
| Repairability | Valco's own service | Warranty form and hope |
| RGB lights | Yes | No |
| Powerbank | Yes | Yes |
If you want a party speaker that's loud, offers more tweakability, and costs significantly less – Nordell Max. If you want to chuck your speaker in a lake and that feature is worth 400 euros to you – Boombox 3.
We'll put the price difference towards building the Death Star. Henri's Ferrari Fund. And Jasse's ear insurance premiums. Thanks for your money, whichever one you choose. Preferably ours.
