JBL 4319 vs Yamaha NS-6490

Short answer: the JBL 4319 for better sound quality, the Yamaha NS-6490 for the lower price. The JBL 4319 ranks #93 of 100 bookshelf speakers at $4000. The Yamaha NS-6490 ranks #100 at $129.95, $3870.05 cheaper.

The case for the JBL 4319: High sensitivity around 90dB and controlled bass distortion mean the large 12” woofer plays loud with copious bass and modest amplifier power needs. The tradeoff: 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.

What the Yamaha NS-6490 offers: Attractive industrial design with a large 8-inch woofer for the price. Watch for: Amir found the woofer runs essentially full-range with only a capacitor separating the mid and tweeter, letting all three drivers bleed into each other’s range and causing “rising amplitude” across the response.

Buy the JBL 4319 if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Yamaha NS-6490 if the price matters more than sound quality.

If sound quality matters at all to you, skip both of these and look higher up the 100 bookshelf speakers instead.

Specifications Side By Side

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The Two Speakers In Full

JBL 4319: $4000 Discontinued

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.

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. Discontinued.

Full JBL 4319 review and specifications →

Bass Extension (-10dB)	64Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	80Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Dimensions	23.5H x 14.25W x 12D in (with grille)
Discontinued	Yes
Drivers	12" Differential Drive dual-voice-coil woofer, 5" inverted-dome midrange, 1" compression tweeter (3-way)
Sensitivity	89.5dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review)
Weight	35.9 lbs / 16.3 kg each
Woofer Cabinet	ported

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• Links
  • Owner’s Manual
• Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
  • Audio Science Review Measurements
  • Reddit Search for JBL 4319 Review
• Head-to-Head Comparisons
  • JBL 4319 vs Yamaha NS-10

Yamaha NS-6490: $129.95 Amazon

Pros: Attractive industrial design with a large 8-inch woofer for the price. Simple direct-driven woofer with capacitor-only mid/tweeter crossovers keeps the design straightforward.

Cons: Amir found the woofer runs essentially full-range with only a capacitor separating the mid and tweeter, letting all three drivers bleed into each other’s range and causing “rising amplitude” across the response. Extensive narrow peaking indicates numerous cabinet resonances - Amir noted, “we have more of them than I have ever seen.” Distortion is high across the measurement range, and directivity is highly variable, particularly vertically. With a 1.6 preference score, Amir concluded, “I just can’t recommend it,” noting that extensive EQ would not fix the underlying resonance issues.

Full Yamaha NS-6490 review and specifications →

Dimensions	16.2H x 10.5W x 13.2D in
Drivers	8" woofer, 4" midrange cone, 7/8" balanced dome tweeter (3-way, acoustic suspension)
Frequency Response	45Hz - 23kHz (Manufacturer specified)
Impedance	8 ohms
Output Power	70W nominal, 140W max
Sensitivity	89.6dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review)
Weight	13.2 lbs / 6 kg each

As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.

• Links
  • Official Yamaha NS-6490 Product Page
• Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
  • Audio Science Review Measurements
  • Reddit Search for Yamaha NS-6490 Review
• Head-to-Head Comparisons
  • Yamaha NS-6490 vs Yamaha NS-10