Short answer: the JBL M2 Master Reference Monitor if sound quality matters most, the Edifier R2850DB if price matters most. The JBL M2 Master Reference Monitor ranks #56 of 113 powered bookshelf speakers, rated 4.3/5, at $15,000. The Edifier R2850DB ranks #100, rated 3.8/5, at $499.99, $14,500.01 cheaper.
What the Edifier R2850DB does well: A large self-powered three-way pair with digital and analog source switching and proper left/right separation. Watch for: The big cabinets need real stand or furniture space, and their bass is slightly boomy.
The JBL M2 Master Reference Monitor is the better-sounding option. A high-output specialist: Erin’s low-distortion and compression tests support considerable dynamic capability, beyond what a single preference score captures. The tradeoff: Its 4.1dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz and 6.58 ideal-subwoofer score do not support a top tonal-accuracy ranking.
Buy the Edifier R2850DB if the price matters more than sound quality. Buy the JBL M2 Master Reference Monitor if sound quality matters more than the price.
Still deciding? The full Powered Home rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| Edifier R2850DB | JBL M2 Master Reference Monitor | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $499.99 per pair | $15,000 per pair |
| Ranked | #100 of 113 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #56 of 113 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) | 49.4”H x 20”W x 14”D (1256 x 508 x 355.6 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 42Hz-20kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 20Hz - 40kHz (±3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, 2x RCA Input, Digital Optical, Digital Coax | None (passive cabinet driven by a matched Crown amplifier via speaker-level connection) |
| Weight | 50.7 lbs (23 kg) | 130.1 lbs (59 kg) each |
| Drivers | 8” (203mm) woofer | 15” 2216Nd woofer; D2 compression driver in Image Control Waveguide |
| App | No | - |
| Bluetooth | Yes | No |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.1 | - |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, aptX | - |
| EQ | No | - |
| DSP | No | - |
| Amplifier Power | 75w RMS Per Speaker | External two-channel amplification and JBL DSP tuning required |
| XLR Input | No | No |
| RCA Input | Yes | No |
| TRS Input | No | No |
| Optical Input | Yes | No |
| Coaxial Input | Yes | No |
| USB Input | No | No |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | - | 34Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 21.0Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Crossover Frequency | - | 800Hz active DSP |
| Maximum SPL | - | 123dB manufacturer specified |
| Spinorama Preference Score | - | 5.74 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | - | 6.58 |
Related Speaker Comparisons
How JBL M2 Master Reference Monitor compares with other leading options:
- JBL M2 Master Reference Monitor vs Kii THREE
- JBL M2 Master Reference Monitor vs Genelec 8351B
- JBL M2 Master Reference Monitor vs Neumann KH420
- JBL M2 Master Reference Monitor vs Genelec 8361A
- JBL M2 Master Reference Monitor vs Neumann KH 150
Prices on this page were last checked October 9, 2026 at 8:01 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.
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
The Two Speakers In Full
Edifier R2850DB: $499.99 per pair Amazon eBay
Pros: A large self-powered three-way pair with digital and analog source switching and proper left/right separation. Consumer Reports found accurate, detailed sound with strong, deep bass, a broad enough soundfield and enough clean output for a large room. It is a compelling simple system for TV, desktop or living-room music without buying a separate amplifier.
Cons: The big cabinets need real stand or furniture space, and their bass is slightly boomy. Consumer Reports also hears mildly grainy/hazy mids, subdued treble and a two-dimensional image despite the two cabinets. As an integrated system it is less upgradeable than separate passive speakers and an amplifier.
Full Edifier R2850DB review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 75w RMS Per Speaker |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, aptX |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.1 |
| Coaxial Input | Yes |
| 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) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, 2x RCA Input, Digital Optical, Digital Coax |
| Optical Input | Yes |
| RCA Input | Yes |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 50.7 lbs (23 kg) |
| XLR Input | No |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Edifier R2850DB vs Focal Twin6 Be
- Edifier R2850DB vs Edifier S3000Pro
- Edifier R2850DB vs Presonus Eris Studio 8
- Edifier R2850DB vs Klipsch The Sevens
- Edifier R2850DB vs Kali Audio LP-8
- Edifier R2850DB vs Adam Audio T7V
- Edifier R2850DB vs Adam Audio T8V
- Edifier R2850DB vs Yamaha HS7
- See all 55 comparisons
JBL M2 Master Reference Monitor: $15,000 per pair JBL Professional Dealer Locator eBay
Pros: A high-output specialist: Erin’s low-distortion and compression tests support considerable dynamic capability, beyond what a single preference score captures. Measured -3dB extension is 33.7Hz. The large woofer and waveguide are particularly useful for greater listening distances. Measured bass extension of 34Hz (-3dB).
Cons: Its 4.1dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz and 6.58 ideal-subwoofer score do not support a top tonal-accuracy ranking. It requires the correct external amplification and DSP rather than a simple built-in amplifier. The very large cabinet, installation cost and possible amplifier fan noise make it impractical for most desks.
Full JBL M2 Master Reference Monitor review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | External two-channel amplification and JBL DSP tuning required |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 21.0Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 34Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| Crossover Frequency | 800Hz active DSP |
| Dimensions | 49.4”H x 20”W x 14”D (1256 x 508 x 355.6 mm) |
| Drivers | 15” 2216Nd woofer; D2 compression driver in Image Control Waveguide |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz - 40kHz (±3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | None (passive cabinet driven by a matched Crown amplifier via speaker-level connection) |
| Maximum SPL | 123dB manufacturer specified |
| Optical Input | No |
| RCA Input | No |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.74 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.58 |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 130.1 lbs (59 kg) each |
| XLR Input | No |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- JBL M2 Master Reference Monitor vs Genelec 8040B
- JBL M2 Master Reference Monitor vs JBL 708P
- JBL M2 Master Reference Monitor vs Klipsch The Nines
- JBL M2 Master Reference Monitor vs JBL 4329P
- JBL M2 Master Reference Monitor vs JBL 4305P
- JBL M2 Master Reference Monitor vs Genelec 8050B
- JBL M2 Master Reference Monitor vs Kali Audio IN-8 V2
- JBL M2 Master Reference Monitor vs Kali Audio LP-6 V2
- See all 23 comparisons