JBL has turned up the volume on its PartyBox range with the PartyBox Ultimate 2, a huge new party speaker capable of pumping out 1,500 watts of power.

Priced at US$1,800, the Ultimate 2 becomes both the most powerful and most expensive model in JBL’s PartyBox lineup. For comparison, the PartyBox 720 delivers 800 watts, giving the new flagship almost twice the claimed output.

The extra power comes in an appropriately enormous package. The PartyBox Ultimate 2 stands 41.4 inches (1.05 metres) tall and weighs 120 pounds (54.4kg), making it considerably less portable than the average Bluetooth speaker. JBL has added wheels and a handle to make getting it from one party to another more manageable.

Its speaker system consists of two professional-grade PEN tweeters similar to those found in JBL’s professional audio equipment, two five-inch midrange drivers and a pair of sizeable 10-inch woofers.

JBL has also included its AI Sound Boost technology, which is designed to analyse the audio and optimise performance as the volume changes. The company says this allows the speaker to maintain clarity and detail while keeping distortion under control at higher volumes.

Sound is only part of the PartyBox Ultimate 2’s appeal. JBL has expanded its built-in lighting system with new ripple-wave effects that move across the front of the speaker, accompanied by multi-layer lighting designed to add depth and movement.

The light show can even extend beyond the speaker itself, with floor projection throwing additional effects into the surrounding room.

There are plenty of karaoke features as well. The speaker introduces a touch-sensitive top control panel — a first for JBL’s PartyBox lineup — and includes EasySing AI Vocal Removal, which can strip vocals from tracks so users can sing along themselves.

An optical input allows the PartyBox Ultimate 2 to be connected to a television for karaoke sessions, while an XLR line-in provides support for DJ equipment and other compatible audio gear.

Wireless connectivity has received an upgrade too. The speaker supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 6.0, along with Bluetooth LE Audio and Auracast for compatible devices.

There is also lossless audio playback over USB-C, while AirPlay, Chromecast and Spotify Connect provide additional streaming options.

Despite its focus on parties, the Ultimate 2 isn’t completely vulnerable to the occasional spilled drink or splash around the pool. Its IPX4 rating provides protection against splashing water, although it isn’t designed to be submerged.

At US$1,800, the PartyBox Ultimate 2 is clearly aimed at buyers looking for something closer to a portable party sound system than a conventional Bluetooth speaker. With 1,500 watts of power, twin 10-inch woofers and an elaborate lighting system, JBL has pushed its PartyBox concept to a new extreme.

Official Australian pricing and local availability have yet to be announced.