Short answer: the Edifier R2850DB for better sound quality, the JBL 306P MKII for the lower price. The Edifier R2850DB ranks #32 of 40 powered bookshelf speakers at $424.99. The JBL 306P MKII ranks #35 at $398, $26.99 cheaper.
What the Edifier R2850DB gets right: 3 way speaker. The catch: Quite large and heavy.
The case for the JBL 306P MKII: CEA2034 spinorama shows a nice, smooth on-axis response with very good directivity control for a compact 6.5” monitor. The tradeoff: A narrow but noticeable dip around 1.6kHz shows up in the on-axis and listening-window curves.
Buy the Edifier R2850DB if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the JBL 306P MKII if the price matters more than sound quality.
If sound quality matters at all to you, skip both of these and look higher up the 40 powered bookshelf speakers instead.
Specifications Side By Side
| Edifier R2850DB | JBL 306P MKII | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $424.99 | $398 |
| Ranked | #32 of 40 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #35 of 40 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Dimensions | 18.1"H x 10.1"W x 12.4"D (459.7 x 256.5 x 315 mm) | 16.1"H x 11.2"W x 12.9"D (408 x 285 x 328 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 42Hz-20KHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 39Hz - 24kHz (-10dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, 2x RCA Input, Digital Optical, Digital Coax | - |
| Weight | 50.7 lbs / 23 kg | 13.4 lbs / 6.1 kg each |
| Drivers | 8" (203mm) woofer | 6.5" woofer, 1" neodymium tweeter |
| App | No | No |
| Bluetooth | No | - |
| EQ | No | No |
| DSP | No | No |
| Output Power | 75w RMS Per Speaker | 112W total |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | - | 78Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 60Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
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The Two Speakers In Full
Edifier R2850DB: $424.99 Amazon
Pros: 3 way speaker. Deeper bass and more of a fun listen compared to the neutral sound of the HS8. Shockingly close to the HS8 at half the price.
Cons: Quite large and heavy
Full Edifier R2850DB review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Bluetooth | No |
| DSP | No |
| Dimensions | 18.1"H x 10.1"W x 12.4"D (459.7 x 256.5 x 315 mm) |
| Drivers | 8" (203mm) woofer |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 42Hz-20KHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, 2x RCA Input, Digital Optical, Digital Coax |
| Output Power | 75w RMS Per Speaker |
| Weight | 50.7 lbs / 23 kg |
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- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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JBL 306P MKII: $398 Bhphotovideo
Pros: CEA2034 spinorama shows a nice, smooth on-axis response with very good directivity control for a compact 6.5” monitor. Dual 56W Class D amps keep the design affordable at $398 per pair while following JBL’s well-regarded 300-series voicing.
Cons: A narrow but noticeable dip around 1.6kHz shows up in the on-axis and listening-window curves. Distortion runs classically high for this series, reaching around 5% near 200Hz at 96dB SPL. Amplifier hiss is audible from roughly 2 feet away, and the monitor runs out of headroom at higher volumes.
Full JBL 306P MKII review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 60Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 78Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| DSP | No |
| Dimensions | 16.1"H x 11.2"W x 12.9"D (408 x 285 x 328 mm) |
| Drivers | 6.5" woofer, 1" neodymium tweeter |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 39Hz - 24kHz (-10dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Output Power | 112W total |
| Weight | 13.4 lbs / 6.1 kg each |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons