Short answer: the Genelec 8040B. It ranks #9 of 40 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality at $2350; the JBL 708P ranks #20 and costs $4000, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
The case for the Genelec 8040B: Based on their smaller speaker’s performance against others, I’m ranking this accordingly. The tradeoff: Very expensive.
What the JBL 708P offers: CEA2034 spinorama shows extremely good frequency response both on- and off-axis, with excellent horizontal directivity. Watch for: A port resonance creates a mild rise around 600-900Hz.
Buy the Genelec 8040B. It ranks higher for sound quality than the JBL 708P and costs less, so there is no real case for the other one.
Specifications Side By Side
| Genelec 8040B | JBL 708P | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $2350 | $4000 |
| Ranked | #9 of 40 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #20 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) | 17.2"H x 9.8"W x 11.5"D (438 x 248 x 292 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 41Hz - 25kHz (-6dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 41Hz - 25kHz (+/-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | XLR | - |
| Weight | 20.7 lbs / 9.4 kg each | 25.1 lbs / 11.4 kg each |
| Drivers | 6.5" (165mm) woofer | 8" woofer, 2409H 1" compression driver |
| App | No | No |
| Bluetooth | No | - |
| EQ | Yes (Room adjustment) | No |
| DSP | No | No |
| Output Power | 180w Per Speaker | 500W total (250W woofer, 250W tweeter) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | - | 82Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 62Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More useful head-to-heads from the same speaker class:
- JBL 4305P vs JBL 4329P
- JBL 4329P vs Focal Twin6 Be
- Genelec 8050B vs JBL 4305P
- JBL 4305P vs JBL 708P
- JBL 708P vs Focal Twin6 Be
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 708P: $4000 Bhphotovideo
Pros: CEA2034 spinorama shows extremely good frequency response both on- and off-axis, with excellent horizontal directivity. Bi-amplified 500W design (250W woofer, 250W compression driver) handles an 8” woofer and JBL’s 2409H compression tweeter.
Cons: A port resonance creates a mild rise around 600-900Hz. Vertical dispersion is narrower than horizontal, so staying within a few degrees of the tweeter axis matters. Distortion climbs at 96dB SPL, with the tweeter reaching about 2.5% THD at elevated levels.
Full JBL 708P review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 62Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 82Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| DSP | No |
| Dimensions | 17.2"H x 9.8"W x 11.5"D (438 x 248 x 292 mm) |
| Drivers | 8" woofer, 2409H 1" compression driver |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 41Hz - 25kHz (+/-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Output Power | 500W total (250W woofer, 250W tweeter) |
| Weight | 25.1 lbs / 11.4 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