Short answer: the JBL 308P MKII for better sound quality, the Edifier R2850DB for the lower price. The JBL 308P MKII ranks #24 of 40 powered bookshelf speakers at $498. The Edifier R2850DB ranks #32 at $424.99, $73.01 cheaper.
What the JBL 308P MKII gets right: CEA2034 spinorama shows an essentially flat on-axis response from 45Hz to above 15kHz, with almost no directivity error. The catch: A resonance shows up around 18kHz and a slight dip around 1.4kHz.
What the Edifier R2850DB offers: 3 way speaker. Watch for: Quite large and heavy.
Buy the JBL 308P MKII if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Edifier R2850DB if the price matters more than sound quality.
If sound quality matters at all to you, skip the Edifier R2850DB. It ranks near the bottom of the 40 powered bookshelf speakers, so look higher up the list instead.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL 308P MKII | Edifier R2850DB | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $498 | $424.99 |
| Ranked | #24 of 40 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #32 of 40 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 82Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 60Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | - |
| 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) |
| Weight | not published by manufacturer | 50.7 lbs / 23 kg |
| Drivers | 8" woofer, 1" neodymium tweeter | 8" (203mm) woofer |
| App | No | No |
| EQ | No | No |
| DSP | No | No |
| Output Power | 112W total | 75w RMS Per Speaker |
| Inputs | - | Bluetooth, 2x RCA Input, Digital Optical, Digital Coax |
| Bluetooth | - | No |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More useful head-to-heads from the same speaker class:
- Yamaha HS8 vs Adam Audio T7V
- Yamaha HS8 vs Kali Audio LP-6
- Kali Audio LP-8 vs Yamaha HS8
- Edifier R2850DB vs Kali Audio IN-8
- Edifier R2850DB vs Edifier S1000MKII
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 |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Edifier R2850DB: $424.99 Amazon
Pros: 3 way speaker. Deeper bass and more of a fun listen compared to the neutral sound of the HS8. Shockingly close to the HS8 at half the price.
Cons: Quite large and heavy
Full Edifier R2850DB review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Bluetooth | No |
| 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) |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, 2x RCA Input, Digital Optical, Digital Coax |
| Output Power | 75w RMS Per Speaker |
| Weight | 50.7 lbs / 23 kg |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Edifier R2850DB vs Focal Twin6 Be
- Edifier R2850DB vs JBL 306P MKII
- Edifier R2850DB vs Kali Audio LP-6
- Edifier R2850DB vs Klipsch The Nines
- Edifier R2850DB vs Genelec 8341A
- Edifier R2850DB vs Adam Audio S2V
- Edifier R2850DB vs Adam Audio T7V
- Edifier R2850DB vs Klipsch The Sevens
- See all 19 comparisons