Short answer: the JBL 308P MKII for better sound quality, the Adam Audio T8V for the lower price. The JBL 308P MKII ranks #24 of 40 powered bookshelf speakers at $498. The Adam Audio T8V ranks #25 at $349.99, $148.01 cheaper.
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. Watch for: A resonance shows up around 18kHz and a slight dip around 1.4kHz.
The case for the Adam Audio T8V: Quite balanced and neutral, very close to the Yamaha HS8. The tradeoff: A crossover-region notch around 4.6kHz where tweeter and woofer interact, and a hole in the vertical response below the tweeter axis - keep the tweeter at or above ear height.
Buy the JBL 308P MKII if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Adam Audio T8V if the price matters more than sound quality.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL 308P MKII | Adam Audio T8V | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $498 | $349.99 |
| Ranked | #24 of 40 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #25 of 40 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 82Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 45Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 60Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 35Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Dimensions | 16.5"H x 10"W x 12.1"D (419.1 x 254 x 307.3 mm) | 15.8"H x 9.8"W x 13.2"D (401.3 x 248.9 x 335.3 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 45Hz - 20kHz (+/-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 33Hz - 25kHz (-6dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Weight | not published by manufacturer | 21.6 lbs / 9.8 kg |
| Drivers | 8" woofer, 1" neodymium tweeter | 8" (203mm) woofer |
| App | No | No |
| EQ | No | Yes (Room adjustment) |
| DSP | No | No |
| Output Power | 112W total | 90w Per Speaker |
| Inputs | - | XLR, RCA |
| Bluetooth | - | No |
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- Adam Audio T8V vs KRK Rokit 8 G4
The Two Speakers In Full
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 |
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Adam Audio T8V: $349.99 Amazon
Pros: Quite balanced and neutral, very close to the Yamaha HS8. Deeper bass than the HS8
Cons: A crossover-region notch around 4.6kHz where tweeter and woofer interact, and a hole in the vertical response below the tweeter axis - keep the tweeter at or above ear height. Distortion is well controlled at 86dB SPL but gets messier at 96dB.
Full Adam Audio T8V review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 35Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 45Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| DSP | No |
| Dimensions | 15.8"H x 9.8"W x 13.2"D (401.3 x 248.9 x 335.3 mm) |
| Drivers | 8" (203mm) woofer |
| EQ | Yes (Room adjustment) |
| Frequency Response | 33Hz - 25kHz (-6dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | XLR, RCA |
| Output Power | 90w Per Speaker |
| Weight | 21.6 lbs / 9.8 kg |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons