Short answer: the AsciLab C8C. It ranks #1 of 119 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality (rated 4.9/5); the JBL 308P MKII ranks #34 (rated 4.4/5).
The AsciLab C8C is the more accurate, deeper-bass pick. Excellent large powered monitors, with extremely accurate sound and bass deep enough to skip a subwoofer. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 7.70 against 5.88 for the JBL 308P MKII. Its bass reaches about 30.8Hz before falling 3dB, against 42.5Hz for the JBL 308P MKII. The catch: The result applies to the revised measured configuration; confirm that the speaker’s tuning matches it.
The case for the JBL 308P MKII: Full size studio monitors with accurate sound and real bass from an 8 inch woofer, at a budget price. The tradeoff: Amplifier hiss may be noticeable in quiet, close-range use.
Buy the AsciLab C8C. It is rated higher for sound quality than the JBL 308P MKII.
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Excellent large powered monitors, with extremely accurate sound and bass deep enough to skip a subwoofer.
Full size studio monitors with accurate sound and real bass from an 8 inch woofer, at a budget price.
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Specifications Side By Side
| AsciLab C8C | JBL 308P MKII | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | €5799 per pair | $287.98 per pair |
| Ranked | #1 of 119 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #34 of 119 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Enclosure | sealed | - |
| Drivers | 1” alumina ceramic dome tweeter with waveguide, 2x 6” alumina ceramic midrange/woofers, 2x 8” side mounted opposed cardioid subwoofers | 8” woofer, 1” neodymium tweeter |
| Dimensions | 22”H x 10”W x 13.8”D (560 x 254 x 350 mm) | 16.5”H x 10”W x 12.1”D (419.1 x 254 x 307.3 mm) |
| Weight | 60.6 lbs (27.5 kg) each | 17.9 lbs (8.1 kg) each |
| Amplifier Power | 600W total (100W tweeter, 250W midrange, 250W subwoofer) | 112W total |
| Bass Extension (-6dB) | 23.4Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | - |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 30.8Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 42.5Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 20.5Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 37.6Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points) |
| Crossover Frequency | 150Hz, 1.2kHz | - |
| Warranty | 2 years | - |
| Country | South Korea | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 7.70 | 5.88 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 8.48 | 7.69 |
| Inputs | XLR, RCA, AES/EBU, Coaxial, Optical | XLR, 1/4” TRS |
| XLR Input | Yes | Yes |
| RCA Input | Yes | No |
| TRS Input | No | Yes |
| Optical Input | Yes | No |
| Coaxial Input | Yes | No |
| USB Input | No | No |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | Yes | No |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| Frequency Response | 30Hz - 20kHz (±1.5dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 45Hz - 20kHz (+/-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| App | - | No |
| EQ | - | No |
| DSP | - | No |
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