Short answer: the Focal Solo6 ST6 for better sound quality, the JBL 308P MKII for the lower price. The Focal Solo6 ST6 ranks #23 of 48 powered bookshelf speakers at $1499. The JBL 308P MKII ranks #27 at $498, $1001 cheaper.
On the Focal Solo6 ST6 side: Beryllium inverted-dome tweeter over a 6.5” ‘W’ composite sandwich-cone woofer - a low-mass, low-distortion driver combination rarely found below far pricier monitors. Watch for: Bass alignment Q is on the higher side, which can correlate with a touch of extra bass fullness/looseness versus a more critically-damped alignment.
What the JBL 308P MKII offers: CEA2034 spinorama shows an essentially flat on-axis response from 45Hz to above 15kHz, with almost no directivity error. The catch: A resonance shows up around 18kHz and a slight dip around 1.4kHz. An electronic limiter creates measurable anomalies around 96dB, and maximum clean output tops out around 105dB SPL before heavy limiting kicks in.
Buy the Focal Solo6 ST6 if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the JBL 308P MKII if the price matters more than sound quality.
Specifications Side By Side
| Focal Solo6 ST6 | JBL 308P MKII | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,499.00 | $498 |
| Ranked | #23 of 48 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #27 of 48 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 46.9Hz (measured, spinorama.org) | 82Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 38.1Hz (measured, spinorama.org) | 60Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Maximum Output | 110dB peak at 1m | - |
| Amplification | 130W total, bi-amped (80W Class G LF + 50W Class AB HF) | - |
| Drivers | 1" Beryllium inverted-dome tweeter, 6.5" "W" composite sandwich-cone woofer | 8" woofer, 1" neodymium tweeter |
| Dimensions | 24.6 x 33.4 x 29.5cm (9.7 x 13.1 x 11.6 in) each, 13kg (28.6 lb) each | 16.5"H x 10"W x 12.1"D (419.1 x 254 x 307.3 mm) |
| Frequency Response | - | 45Hz - 20kHz (+/-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Weight | - | not published by manufacturer |
| App | - | No |
| EQ | - | No |
| DSP | - | No |
| Output Power | - | 112W total |
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The Two Speakers In Full
Focal Solo6 ST6: $1,499.00 B&H Photo Sweetwater
Pros: Beryllium inverted-dome tweeter over a 6.5” ‘W’ composite sandwich-cone woofer - a low-mass, low-distortion driver combination rarely found below far pricier monitors. Directivity control is the tightest of this entire batch (directivity_spdi_stddev 2.87), and the listening-window response is smooth (smoothness_listening_window 0.380). Bi-amped 130W total (80W Class G woofer + 50W Class AB tweeter), each driver on its own amplifier. ‘Focus Mode’ switches the cabinet to a single-driver full-range reference signature for a second mix-translation check without extra hardware. Bass reaches 46.9Hz at -3dB / 38.1Hz at -10dB, solid for a 6.5” driver.
Cons: Bass alignment Q (lfq 0.826) is on the higher side, which can correlate with a touch of extra bass fullness/looseness versus a more critically-damped alignment. XLR-only balanced input, no unbalanced/TRS or digital connectivity. No automatic DSP room correction - tuning is limited to fixed analog shelving/high-pass switches. At $1,499 each ($2,998/pair), it’s a meaningful step up from typical prosumer active monitors.
Full Focal Solo6 ST6 review and specifications →
| Amplification | 130W total, bi-amped (80W Class G LF + 50W Class AB HF) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 38.1Hz (measured, spinorama.org) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 46.9Hz (measured, spinorama.org) |
| Dimensions | 24.6 x 33.4 x 29.5cm (9.7 x 13.1 x 11.6 in) each, 13kg (28.6 lb) each |
| Drivers | 1" Beryllium inverted-dome tweeter, 6.5" "W" composite sandwich-cone woofer |
| Maximum Output | 110dB peak at 1m |
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JBL 308P MKII: $498 Bhphotovideo
Pros: CEA2034 spinorama shows an essentially flat on-axis response from 45Hz to above 15kHz, with almost no directivity error. Dual 56W Class D amps drive an 8” woofer and 1” tweeter with a smooth, imperceptible crossover transition. Excellent value at $498 per pair.
Cons: A resonance shows up around 18kHz and a slight dip around 1.4kHz. An electronic limiter creates measurable anomalies around 96dB, and maximum clean output tops out around 105dB SPL before heavy limiting kicks in. Some audible tweeter hiss at close range.
Full JBL 308P MKII review and specifications →
| 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) |
| Output Power | 112W total |
| Weight | not published by manufacturer |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons