Short answer: the JBL 4305P for better sound quality, the Edifier R2850DB for the lower price. The JBL 4305P ranks #16 of 62 powered bookshelf speakers at $2200. The Edifier R2850DB ranks #54 at $424.99, $1775.01 cheaper.
What the JBL 4305P offers: Erin measured a 45Hz F3 and heard solid 40–50Hz in-room extension—excellent for a compact 5.25-inch active monitor. Tonality is neutral and non-fatiguing, vocal coloration is absent, imaging is precise, and the HDI horn maintains near-constant horizontal directivity above 2kHz. Each speaker is bi-amplified (125W LF + 25W HF), while USB, optical, balanced analog, AirPlay 2, Chromecast, Bluetooth and 24/192 wired interconnect make this an unusually complete system. Grilles caused no meaningful response penalty. Watch for: The limiter becomes conspicuous around 96dB: Erin measured about 8dB lost near 50Hz at the highest drive and achieved roughly 93dB unweighted at 2m in-room, so this is a near/midfield system rather than a high-output theater speaker. A baffle discontinuity produces a 1–2kHz directivity mismatch that cannot be corrected uniformly in the vertical plane; stay within about +/-5° of tweeter height. Soundstage depth and layering trailed the KEF Reference 1 Meta, and wireless speaker linking caps resolution at 24/96.
What the Edifier R2850DB offers: 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. Watch for: Quite large and heavy
Buy the JBL 4305P 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 62 powered bookshelf speakers, so look higher up the list instead.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL 4305P | Edifier R2850DB | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $2,200/pair | $424.99 |
| Ranked | #16 of 62 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #54 of 62 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 45Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 40.5Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | - |
| Sensitivity | Not applicable (active DSP loudspeaker) | - |
| Maximum Output | ~93dB at 2m in-room before limiting (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | - |
| Amplification | 300W system: 125W LF + 25W HF per speaker | - |
| Drivers | 5.25-inch pulp woofer; 1-inch annular compression driver | 8" (203mm) woofer |
| Dimensions | 13.2H x 8.3W x 8.8D inches | 18.1"H x 10.1"W x 12.4"D (459.7 x 256.5 x 315 mm) |
| Frequency Response | - | 42Hz-20KHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | - | Bluetooth, 2x RCA Input, Digital Optical, Digital Coax |
| Weight | - | 50.7 lbs / 23 kg |
| App | - | No |
| Bluetooth | - | No |
| EQ | - | No |
| DSP | - | No |
| Output Power | - | 75w RMS Per Speaker |
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- JBL 4305P vs Focal Alpha 65 EVO
Prices on this page were last checked August 24, 2026 at 6:53 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 4305P: $2,200/pair Amazon JBL eBay
Pros: Erin measured a 45Hz F3 and heard solid 40–50Hz in-room extension—excellent for a compact 5.25-inch active monitor. Tonality is neutral and non-fatiguing, vocal coloration is absent, imaging is precise, and the HDI horn maintains near-constant horizontal directivity above 2kHz. Each speaker is bi-amplified (125W LF + 25W HF), while USB, optical, balanced analog, AirPlay 2, Chromecast, Bluetooth and 24/192 wired interconnect make this an unusually complete system. Grilles caused no meaningful response penalty.
Cons: The limiter becomes conspicuous around 96dB: Erin measured about 8dB lost near 50Hz at the highest drive and achieved roughly 93dB unweighted at 2m in-room, so this is a near/midfield system rather than a high-output theater speaker. A baffle discontinuity produces a 1–2kHz directivity mismatch that cannot be corrected uniformly in the vertical plane; stay within about +/-5° of tweeter height. Soundstage depth and layering trailed the KEF Reference 1 Meta, and wireless speaker linking caps resolution at 24/96.
Full JBL 4305P review and specifications →
| Amplification | 300W system: 125W LF + 25W HF per speaker |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 40.5Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 45Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Dimensions | 13.2H x 8.3W x 8.8D inches |
| Drivers | 5.25-inch pulp woofer; 1-inch annular compression driver |
| Maximum Output | ~93dB at 2m in-room before limiting (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | Not applicable (active DSP loudspeaker) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Edifier R2850DB: $424.99 Amazon eBay
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 |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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