Short answer: the JBL 308P MKII, since the Edifier R2850DB notes say little beyond size. The JBL is essentially flat on-axis from 45Hz to above 15kHz with almost no directivity error, though a resonance shows around 18kHz and a slight dip around 1.4kHz. The Edifier is a 3 way speaker that is quite large and heavy.
Buy the JBL 308P MKII. It is rated higher for sound quality than the Edifier R2850DB and costs less, so it is the default pick unless a specific strength of the other one matters more to you.
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Specifications Side By Side
| JBL 308P MKII | Edifier R2850DB | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $298 per pair | $499.99 per pair |
| Ranked | #22 of 68 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #61 of 68 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 42.5Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 37.6Hz (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) | 18.1”H x 10.1”W x 12.4”D (459.7 x 256.5 x 315 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 45Hz - 20kHz (+/-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 42Hz-20kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Drivers | 8” woofer, 1” neodymium tweeter | 8” (203mm) woofer |
| App | No | No |
| EQ | No | No |
| DSP | No | No |
| Amplifier Power | 112W total | 75w RMS Per Speaker |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.88 | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.69 | - |
| Inputs | XLR, 1/4” TRS | Bluetooth, 2x RCA Input, Digital Optical, Digital Coax |
| XLR Input | Yes | No |
| RCA Input | No | Yes |
| TRS Input | Yes | No |
| Optical Input | No | Yes |
| Coaxial Input | No | Yes |
| USB Input | No | No |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Bluetooth | No | Yes, 5.1 |
| Weight | 17.9 lbs (8.1 kg) each | 50.7 lbs (23 kg) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | - | SBC, aptX |
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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
Edifier R2850DB: $499.99 per pair Amazon eBay
Pros: A large self-powered three-way pair with digital and analog source switching and proper left/right separation. Consumer Reports found accurate, detailed sound with strong, deep bass, a broad enough soundfield and enough clean output for a large room. It is a compelling simple system for TV, desktop or living-room music without buying a separate amplifier.
Cons: The big cabinets need real stand or furniture space, and their bass is slightly boomy. Consumer Reports also hears mildly grainy/hazy mids, subdued treble and a two-dimensional image despite the two cabinets. As an integrated system it is less upgradeable than separate passive speakers and an amplifier.
Full Edifier R2850DB review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 75w RMS Per Speaker |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bluetooth | Yes, 5.1 |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, aptX |
| Coaxial Input | Yes |
| DSP | No |
| Dimensions | 18.1”H x 10.1”W x 12.4”D (459.7 x 256.5 x 315 mm) |
| Drivers | 8” (203mm) woofer |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 42Hz-20kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, 2x RCA Input, Digital Optical, Digital Coax |
| Optical Input | Yes |
| RCA Input | Yes |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 50.7 lbs (23 kg) |
| XLR Input | No |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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