Short answer: the JBL 308P MKII for a broad flat on-axis curve; the Adam Audio S2V for driver integration. The JBL is essentially flat from 45Hz to above 15kHz with almost no directivity error, though a resonance shows around 18kHz and a slight dip around 1.4kHz. The Adam blends its woofer and AMT tweeter through an imperceptible crossover, but shelves down low bass around 200-500Hz.
What the Adam Audio S2V offers: CEA2034 spinorama shows excellent driver blending through an imperceptible crossover between the 7” woofer and AMT tweeter, with distortion measured 70dB down at 1kHz. Watch for: An intentional shelving curve creates a dip in the low bass response, roughly 200-500Hz.
Buy the JBL 308P MKII if the price is the priority over sound quality, or the Adam Audio S2V if sound quality is the priority over the price.
Still deciding? The full Powered Home rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL 308P MKII | Adam Audio S2V | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $298 per pair | $3,399.98 per pair |
| Ranked | #22 of 68 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #13 of 68 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 42.5Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 52.7Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 37.6Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points) | 41.2Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points) |
| Dimensions | 16.5”H x 10”W x 12.1”D (419.1 x 254 x 307.3 mm) | 13.6” x 8.7” x 13.3” (346 x 222 x 338 mm) (H x W x D) |
| Frequency Response | 45Hz - 20kHz (+/-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 35Hz - 50kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Drivers | 8” woofer, 1” neodymium tweeter | 7” woofer, S-ART AMT tweeter |
| App | No | Yes |
| EQ | No | No |
| DSP | No | Yes |
| Amplifier Power | 112W total | 350W total (300W woofer Class D, 50W tweeter Class A/B) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.88 | 5.84 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.69 | 7.98 |
| Inputs | XLR, 1/4” TRS | XLR, AES/EBU |
| XLR Input | Yes | Yes |
| RCA Input | No | No |
| TRS Input | Yes | No |
| Optical Input | No | No |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| USB Input | No | No |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | No | Yes |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| Weight | 17.9 lbs (8.1 kg) each | 24.3 lbs (11.0 kg) |
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Prices on this page were last checked October 2, 2026 at 10:18 PM 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 308P MKII: $298 per pair Amazon B&H Photo Video eBay
Pros: A 1.8dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz and 7.69 ideal-subwoofer score support unusually good tonal balance for an accessible studio monitor. Measured -3dB extension of 42.5Hz supplies useful musical bass, and the waveguide helps maintain consistent horizontal coverage. Measured bass extension of 42.5Hz (-3dB).
Cons: Amplifier hiss may be noticeable in quiet, close-range use. Bass distortion and output limits matter when playing loudly, despite the 8-inch woofer. Keep the tweeter near ear height; vertical crossover behavior is less forgiving than the best coaxial designs. A resonance around 18kHz and a slight dip around 1.4kHz.
Full JBL 308P MKII review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 112W total |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 37.6Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 42.5Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| 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) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | XLR, 1/4” TRS |
| Optical Input | No |
| RCA Input | No |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.88 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.69 |
| TRS Input | Yes |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 17.9 lbs (8.1 kg) each |
| XLR Input | Yes |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Adam Audio S2V: $3,399.98 per pair Amazon eBay
Pros: A 7.98 ideal-subwoofer score and relatively even listening-window response support a strong role as a subwoofer-assisted studio monitor. The review’s low-distortion findings add useful evidence beyond amplifier ratings, and onboard DSP permits tailored adjustment. The review measured distortion about 70dB below the signal at 1kHz. Measured bass extension of 52.7Hz (-3dB).
Cons: Measured -3dB extension is 52.7Hz, so the large cabinet does not automatically deliver the deepest bass here. The native balance rises toward the treble, with some lower-midrange unevenness. DSP can improve that balance, but an EQ-optimized result is not its unadjusted performance.
Full Adam Audio S2V review and specifications →
| AES Input | Yes |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 350W total (300W woofer Class D, 50W tweeter Class A/B) |
| App | Yes |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 41.2Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 52.7Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| DSP | Yes |
| Dimensions | 13.6” x 8.7” x 13.3” (346 x 222 x 338 mm) (H x W x D) |
| Drivers | 7” woofer, S-ART AMT tweeter |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 35Hz - 50kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | XLR, AES/EBU |
| Optical Input | No |
| RCA Input | No |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.84 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.98 |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 24.3 lbs (11.0 kg) |
| XLR Input | Yes |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons