Short answer: the AsciLab C8C if sound quality matters most, the JBL 308P MKII if price matters most. The AsciLab C8C ranks #1 of 67 powered bookshelf speakers at $5799. The JBL 308P MKII ranks #22 at $249, $5550 cheaper.
What the AsciLab C8C offers: ASR’s revised measurement combines an 8.02 ideal-subwoofer preference score with a 1.7dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz, supporting highly even vocal and instrumental balance. Bass reaches 30.8Hz at -3dB and 23.4Hz at -6dB, giving substantial low-end reach without an added subwoofer. Watch for: The result applies to the revised measured configuration; confirm that the speaker’s tuning matches it. Each cabinet weighs about 27.5kg and needs a substantial stand. Deep extension and excellent tonality do not guarantee unlimited bass output or eliminate the need to adjust placement.
What the JBL 308P MKII offers: A 1.8dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz and 6.89 ideal-subwoofer score support unusually good tonal balance for an accessible studio monitor. Measured -3dB extension of 42.5Hz supplies useful musical bass, and the waveguide helps maintain consistent horizontal coverage. Watch for: Amplifier hiss may be noticeable in quiet, close-range use. Bass distortion and output limits matter when playing loudly, despite the 8-inch woofer. Keep the tweeter near ear height; vertical crossover behavior is less forgiving than the best coaxial designs.
Buy the AsciLab C8C if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the JBL 308P MKII if the price matters more than sound quality.
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Specifications Side By Side
| AsciLab C8C | JBL 308P MKII | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $6,200 per pair | $498 per pair |
| Ranked | #1 of 67 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #22 of 67 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 | not published by manufacturer |
| 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) | 82Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 20.5Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 60Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Crossover Frequency | 150Hz, 1.2kHz | - |
| Warranty | 2 years | - |
| Country | South Korea | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 7.25 | 5.08 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 8.02 | 6.89 |
| Frequency Response | - | 45Hz - 20kHz (+/-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| App | - | No |
| EQ | - | No |
| DSP | - | No |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More worthwhile head-to-heads for AsciLab C8C:
- AsciLab C8C vs Mesanovic CDM65
- AsciLab C8C vs Neumann KH 150
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- AsciLab C8C vs GGNTKT M1
- AsciLab C8C vs Neumann KH 310 A
Prices on this page were last checked September 16, 2026 at 12:41 AM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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The Two Speakers In Full
AsciLab C8C: $6,200 per pair Audiophonics eBay
Pros: ASR’s revised measurement combines an 8.02 ideal-subwoofer preference score with a 1.7dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz, supporting highly even vocal and instrumental balance. Bass reaches 30.8Hz at -3dB and 23.4Hz at -6dB, giving substantial low-end reach without an added subwoofer. Measured bass extension of 30.8Hz (-3dB).
Cons: The result applies to the revised measured configuration; confirm that the speaker’s tuning matches it. Each cabinet weighs about 27.5kg and needs a substantial stand. Deep extension and excellent tonality do not guarantee unlimited bass output or eliminate the need to adjust placement.
Full AsciLab C8C review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 600W total (100W tweeter, 250W midrange, 250W subwoofer) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 20.5Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 30.8Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-6dB) | 23.4Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Country | South Korea |
| Crossover Frequency | 150Hz, 1.2kHz |
| Dimensions | 22"H x 10"W x 13.8"D (560 x 254 x 350 mm) |
| Drivers | 1" alumina ceramic dome tweeter with waveguide, 2x 6" alumina ceramic midrange/woofers, 2x 8" side mounted opposed cardioid subwoofers |
| Enclosure | sealed |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 7.25 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 8.02 |
| Warranty | 2 years |
| Weight | 60.6 lbs (27.5 kg) each |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
JBL 308P MKII: $498 per pair B&H Photo Video eBay
Pros: A 1.8dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz and 6.89 ideal-subwoofer score support unusually good tonal balance for an accessible studio monitor. Measured -3dB extension of 42.5Hz supplies useful musical bass, and the waveguide helps maintain consistent horizontal coverage. Measured bass extension of 82Hz (-3dB).
Cons: Amplifier hiss may be noticeable in quiet, close-range use. Bass distortion and output limits matter when playing loudly, despite the 8-inch woofer. Keep the tweeter near ear height; vertical crossover behavior is less forgiving than the best coaxial designs.
Full JBL 308P MKII review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 112W total |
|---|---|
| App | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 60Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 82Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| DSP | No |
| Dimensions | 16.5"H x 10"W x 12.1"D (419.1 x 254 x 307.3 mm) |
| Drivers | 8" woofer, 1" neodymium tweeter |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 45Hz - 20kHz (+/-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.08 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.89 |
| Weight | not published by manufacturer |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons