Short answer: the Genelec 8040B for better sound quality, the JBL 4305P for the lower price. The Genelec 8040B ranks #9 of 40 powered bookshelf speakers at $2350. The JBL 4305P ranks #14 at $2200, $150 cheaper.
What the Genelec 8040B gets right: Based on their smaller speaker’s performance against others, I’m ranking this accordingly. The catch: Very expensive.
What the JBL 4305P offers: Erin measured a 45Hz F3 and heard solid 40–50Hz in-room extension—excellent for a compact 5.25-inch active monitor. Watch for: The limiter becomes conspicuous around 96dB: Erin measured about 8dB lost near 50Hz at the highest drive and achieved roughly 93dB unweighted at 2m in-room.
Buy the Genelec 8040B if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the JBL 4305P if the price matters more than sound quality.
Specifications Side By Side
| Genelec 8040B | JBL 4305P | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $2350 | $2,200/pair |
| Ranked | #9 of 40 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #14 of 40 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Dimensions | 14.4"H x 9.3"W x 8.8"D (365.8 x 236.2 x 223.5 mm) | 13.2H x 8.3W x 8.8D inches |
| Frequency Response | 41Hz - 25kHz (-6dB) (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Inputs | XLR | - |
| Weight | 20.7 lbs / 9.4 kg each | - |
| Drivers | 6.5" (165mm) woofer | 5.25-inch pulp woofer; 1-inch annular compression driver |
| App | No | - |
| Bluetooth | No | - |
| EQ | Yes (Room adjustment) | - |
| DSP | No | - |
| Output Power | 180w Per Speaker | - |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | - | 45Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | - | Not applicable (active DSP loudspeaker) |
| Maximum Output | - | ~93dB at 2m in-room before limiting (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Amplification | - | 300W system: 125W LF + 25W HF per speaker |
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- JBL M2 Master Reference Monitor vs JBL 4305P
The Two Speakers In Full
Genelec 8040B: $2350 Bhphotovideo
Pros: Based on their smaller speaker’s performance against others, I’m ranking this accordingly.
Cons: Very expensive
Full Genelec 8040B review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Bluetooth | No |
| DSP | No |
| Dimensions | 14.4"H x 9.3"W x 8.8"D (365.8 x 236.2 x 223.5 mm) |
| Drivers | 6.5" (165mm) woofer |
| EQ | Yes (Room adjustment) |
| Frequency Response | 41Hz - 25kHz (-6dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | XLR |
| Output Power | 180w Per Speaker |
| Weight | 20.7 lbs / 9.4 kg each |
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JBL 4305P: $2,200/pair Amazon JBL
Pros: Erin measured a 45Hz F3 and heard solid 40–50Hz in-room extension—excellent for a compact 5.25-inch active monitor. Tonality is neutral and non-fatiguing, vocal coloration is absent, imaging is precise, and the HDI horn maintains near-constant horizontal directivity above 2kHz. Each speaker is bi-amplified (125W LF + 25W HF), while USB, optical, balanced analog, AirPlay 2, Chromecast, Bluetooth and 24/192 wired interconnect make this an unusually complete system. Grilles caused no meaningful response penalty.
Cons: The limiter becomes conspicuous around 96dB: Erin measured about 8dB lost near 50Hz at the highest drive and achieved roughly 93dB unweighted at 2m in-room, so this is a near/midfield system rather than a high-output theater speaker. A baffle discontinuity produces a 1–2kHz directivity mismatch that cannot be corrected uniformly in the vertical plane; stay within about +/-5° of tweeter height. Soundstage depth and layering trailed the KEF Reference 1 Meta, and wireless speaker linking caps resolution at 24/96.
Full JBL 4305P review and specifications →
| Amplification | 300W system: 125W LF + 25W HF per speaker |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 45Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Dimensions | 13.2H x 8.3W x 8.8D inches |
| Drivers | 5.25-inch pulp woofer; 1-inch annular compression driver |
| Maximum Output | ~93dB at 2m in-room before limiting (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | Not applicable (active DSP loudspeaker) |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons