Short answer: the JBL 4319 for higher sensitivity and controlled bass; the Yamaha NS-6490 is the bigger design compromise, though neither ranks well in its class. The 4319 is sensitive at around 90dB with controlled bass distortion from its 12-inch woofer, though it has a pronounced 800Hz dip and poor vertical directivity. Amir found the NS-6490’s woofer runs essentially full-range with only a capacitor separating the mid and tweeter. Both are rated below 3.0/5 among the 134 bookshelf speakers; for better sound, the March Audio Sointuva AWG ranks #5 at $4,150.
Buy the JBL 4319 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 | Yamaha NS-6490 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $4,000 per pair Discontinued | $129.95 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #128 of 134 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #134 of 134 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 58.6Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 37.8Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points) | 54.4Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Drivers | 12” Differential Drive dual-voice-coil woofer, 5” inverted-dome midrange, 1” compression tweeter (3-way) | 8” woofer, 4” midrange cone, 7/8” balanced dome tweeter (3-way, acoustic suspension) |
| Dimensions | 23.5H x 14.25W x 12D in (with grille) | 16.2H x 10.5W x 13.2D in |
| Weight | 35.9 lbs (16.3 kg) each | 13.2 lbs (6 kg) each |
| Sensitivity | 89.5dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review) | 89.6dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported | - |
| Impedance | 6 ohms nominal | 8 ohms |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.41 (spinorama.org) | 2.17 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.61 (spinorama.org) | 5.05 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Frequency Response | - | 45Hz - 23kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Power Handling | - | 70W nominal, 140W max |
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- ELAC Debut 3.0 DB63 vs Yamaha NS-6490
- Yamaha NS-10 vs Yamaha NS-6490
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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 |
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- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Yamaha NS-6490: $129.95 per pair Discontinued eBay
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. Measured bass extension of 54.4Hz (-10dB), with a measured sensitivity of 89.6dB.
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. Discontinued and no longer sold new.
Full Yamaha NS-6490 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 54.4Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
|---|---|
| DIY Kit | No |
| 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 |
| Power Handling | 70W nominal, 140W max |
| Sensitivity | 89.6dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 2.17 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 5.05 |
| Weight | 13.2 lbs (6 kg) each |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons