Short answer: both are discontinued, so this only matters if you are buying used. Used, the JBL 4429 is the better pick: it ranks #145 of 188 bookshelf speakers by sound quality (rated 3.4/5), against #182 (rated 2.3/5) for the JBL 4319. If you want one new, the March Audio Sointuva AWG ranks #5 at $4,150.
What the JBL 4319 does well: High sensitivity around 90dB and controlled bass distortion mean the large 12” woofer plays loud with copious bass and modest amplifier power needs. The catch: CEA2034 spinorama shows a pronounced 800Hz dip and a comb-filtering pattern in the woofer response consistent with a delayed reflected source, plus poor and uneven vertical directivity.
The JBL 4429 is the better-sounding, deeper-bass pick. A large studio monitor with a 12” pure pulp woofer and 2” and 0.75” titanium compression drivers on a SonoGlass horn, with front panel level controls. Its bass reaches about 45.2Hz before falling 3dB, against 58.6Hz for the JBL 4319. The catch: JBL no longer sells it new.
Buy the JBL 4429 only if you find one used in good condition; both are discontinued, and it is the better rated of the two. For a new speaker, start with the March Audio Sointuva AWG instead.
Want more options? Browse the full Passive Home rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL 4319 | JBL 4429 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $4,000 per pair Discontinued | $6,000 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #182 of 188 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #145 of 188 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 58.6Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 45.2Hz (measured, manufacturer data via spinorama.org) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 37.8Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points) | about 32.7Hz (measured, manufacturer data via spinorama.org) |
| Drivers | 12” Differential Drive dual-voice-coil woofer, 5” inverted-dome midrange, 1” compression tweeter (3-way) | 12” pure pulp woofer, 2” titanium compression driver, 0.75” titanium UHF driver on SonoGlass horn |
| Dimensions | 23.5H x 14.25W x 12D in (with grille) | - |
| Weight | 35.9 lbs (16.3 kg) each | - |
| Sensitivity | 89.5dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review) | 91dB (2.83V/1m, manufacturer specified) |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported | - |
| Impedance | 6 ohms nominal | 6 ohms |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.41 (spinorama.org) | 4.46 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.61 (spinorama.org) | 6.23 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Frequency Response | - | 40Hz-45kHz -6dB (manufacturer specified) |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More worthwhile head-to-heads for JBL 4429:
- JBL 4349 vs JBL 4429
- JBL 4309 vs JBL 4429
- JBL 4349 vs JBL 4319
- B&W 805S vs JBL 4319
- JBL 4309 vs JBL 4319
Prices on this page were last checked October 6, 2026 at 10:23 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 4319: $4,000 per pair Discontinued eBay
Pros: High sensitivity around 90dB and controlled bass distortion mean the large 12” woofer plays loud with copious bass and modest amplifier power needs. Impedance dips are well controlled, so it isn’t a hard speaker to drive despite its size. User-adjustable midrange and treble level controls are built into the back panel. Measured bass extension of 58.6Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 89.5dB.
Cons: CEA2034 spinorama shows a pronounced 800Hz dip and a comb-filtering pattern in the woofer response consistent with a delayed reflected source, plus poor and uneven vertical directivity. The reviewer described the sound as “boxy and closed in with some brightness” and could not recommend it “unless you like looking at it more than listening to it.” At 23.5” tall, it’s closer to a small tower than a typical bookshelf speaker. Discontinued.
Full JBL 4319 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 37.8Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 58.6Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 23.5H x 14.25W x 12D in (with grille) |
| Drivers | 12” Differential Drive dual-voice-coil woofer, 5” inverted-dome midrange, 1” compression tweeter (3-way) |
| Impedance | 6 ohms nominal |
| Sensitivity | 89.5dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.41 (spinorama.org) |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.61 (spinorama.org) |
| Weight | 35.9 lbs (16.3 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
JBL 4429: $6,000 per pair Discontinued eBay
Pros: A large studio monitor with a 12” pure pulp woofer and 2” and 0.75” titanium compression drivers on a SonoGlass horn, with front panel level controls. Sensitivity is 91dB. JBL’s measurements show a preference score of 4.46 that reaches 6.23 with an ideal subwoofer, with 0.48 listening window deviation.
Cons: JBL no longer sells it new. Bass reaches 45.2Hz (-3dB) and about 33Hz (-10dB). Discontinued.
Full JBL 4429 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | about 32.7Hz (measured, manufacturer data via spinorama.org) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 45.2Hz (measured, manufacturer data via spinorama.org) |
| DIY Kit | No |
| Drivers | 12” pure pulp woofer, 2” titanium compression driver, 0.75” titanium UHF driver on SonoGlass horn |
| Frequency Response | 40Hz-45kHz -6dB (manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 6 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 91dB (2.83V/1m, manufacturer specified) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.46 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.23 |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons