JBL 305P MKII vs M-Audio BX5 D3

Last updated: August 25, 2026

Short answer: the JBL 305P MKII for better sound quality, the M-Audio BX5 D3 for the lower price. The JBL 305P MKII ranks #11 of 64 powered bookshelf speakers at $319. The M-Audio BX5 D3 ranks #49 at $149.50, $169.50 cheaper.

What the JBL 305P MKII offers: A fantastic value in studio monitors. Extremely close to the Focal Alpha 50 EVO, almost indistinguishable. Surprisingly deep and wide soundstage. Good horizontal dispersion (~70 degrees). Has a proper limiter that controls output cleanly rather than crudely cutting bass, and holds up well under sustained loud playback with minimal thermal compression. Watch for: Possible slight hissing from the amps at low levels. Rear ported, can be an issue close to walls. A port resonance around 1.6kHz is audible and distracting on some tracks. Midrange is somewhat scooped rather than flat for a studio monitor, and treble runs about 1.5dB hot - Erin’s Audio Corner recommends using the -2dB treble shelf switch. Vertical dispersion narrows around the crossover, so try to stay within about 10 degrees of the tweeter axis.

What the M-Audio BX5 D3 offers: A 100W bi-amplified 5-inch monitor with balanced XLR/TRS inputs and acoustic-space control. The local Spinorama snapshot scores 3.34 raw and 5.94 with a subwoofer, with 58Hz measured extension. Watch for: Rear ports require boundary clearance, and there is no digital input, Bluetooth or automatic calibration. Sold individually, so level matching and cabling are handled per speaker.

Buy the JBL 305P MKII if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the M-Audio BX5 D3 if the price matters more than sound quality.

If sound quality matters at all to you, skip the M-Audio BX5 D3. It ranks near the bottom of the 64 powered bookshelf speakers, so look higher up the list instead.

Buy the JBL 305P MKII at Amazon ($319.00) →Buy the M-Audio BX5 D3 at Amazon ($149.50 each) →

JBL 305P MKII vs M-Audio BX5 D3

Specifications Side By Side

JBL 305P MKII M-Audio BX5 D3
Price$319.00$149.50 each
Ranked#11 of 64 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers#49 of 64 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers
Dimensions11.7"H x 7.3"W x 9.1"D (297.2 x 185.4 x 231.1 mm)10H x 6.9W x 7.8D in
Frequency Response49 Hz - 20 kHz (+-3 dB) (Manufacturer specified)52Hz-35kHz
Bass Extension (-3dB)50Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)-
Bass Extension (-10dB)43Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)-
InputsXLR, TRSXLR and TRS
Weight10.4 lbs / 4.7 kg each12.3 lbs each
Drivers5" (127mm) woofer1-inch silk tweeter, 5-inch Kevlar woofer
AppNo-
BluetoothNo-
EQYes (Room adjustment)-
Output Power81w Per Speaker-
Sensitivity91.1dB (measured at 0.3V/1m, Erin’s Audio Corner)-
Enclosure-Active 2-way, rear-ported
Power Output-100W each
Maximum SPL-110dB
Buy the JBL 305P MKII at Amazon ($319.00) →Buy the M-Audio BX5 D3 at Amazon ($149.50 each) →

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Prices on this page were last checked August 25, 2026 at 6:19 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.

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The Two Speakers In Full

JBL 305P MKII: $319.00 Amazon eBay

JBL 305P MKII ranking card

Pros: A fantastic value in studio monitors. Extremely close to the Focal Alpha 50 EVO, almost indistinguishable. Surprisingly deep and wide soundstage. Good horizontal dispersion (~70 degrees). Has a proper limiter that controls output cleanly rather than crudely cutting bass, and holds up well under sustained loud playback with minimal thermal compression.

Cons: Possible slight hissing from the amps at low levels. Rear ported, can be an issue close to walls. A port resonance around 1.6kHz is audible and distracting on some tracks. Midrange is somewhat scooped rather than flat for a studio monitor, and treble runs about 1.5dB hot - Erin’s Audio Corner recommends using the -2dB treble shelf switch. Vertical dispersion narrows around the crossover, so try to stay within about 10 degrees of the tweeter axis.

Full JBL 305P MKII review and specifications →

AppNo
Bass Extension (-10dB)43Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)50Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner)
BluetoothNo
Dimensions11.7"H x 7.3"W x 9.1"D (297.2 x 185.4 x 231.1 mm)
Drivers5" (127mm) woofer
EQYes (Room adjustment)
Frequency Response49 Hz - 20 kHz (+-3 dB) (Manufacturer specified)
InputsXLR, TRS
Output Power81w Per Speaker
Sensitivity91.1dB (measured at 0.3V/1m, Erin's Audio Corner)
Weight10.4 lbs / 4.7 kg each
Check current price at Amazon ($319.00) →Search eBay for JBL 305P MKII →

M-Audio BX5 D3: $149.50 each Amazon eBay

M-Audio BX5 D3 ranking card

Pros: A 100W bi-amplified 5-inch monitor with balanced XLR/TRS inputs and acoustic-space control. The local Spinorama snapshot scores 3.34 raw and 5.94 with a subwoofer, with 58Hz measured extension.

Cons: Rear ports require boundary clearance, and there is no digital input, Bluetooth or automatic calibration. Sold individually, so level matching and cabling are handled per speaker.

Full M-Audio BX5 D3 review and specifications →

Dimensions10H x 6.9W x 7.8D in
Drivers1-inch silk tweeter, 5-inch Kevlar woofer
EnclosureActive 2-way, rear-ported
Frequency Response52Hz-35kHz
InputsXLR and TRS
Maximum SPL110dB
Power Output100W each
Weight12.3 lbs each
Check current price at Amazon ($149.50 each) →Search eBay for M-Audio BX5 D3 →