Short answer: the JBL 4329P for better sound quality, the Edifier R2850DB for the lower price. The JBL 4329P ranks #19 of 40 powered bookshelf speakers at $4500. The Edifier R2850DB ranks #32 at $424.99, $4075.01 cheaper.
On the JBL 4329P side: Genuinely full-range performance for a bookshelf-style speaker - anechoic response extends to 30Hz (measured F3 31Hz), reaching into the low 20s Hz range in-room depending on placement. Set against that: No HDMI input, a real drawback if you want to run these directly off a TV’s ARC.
What the Edifier R2850DB offers: 3 way speaker. Watch for: Quite large and heavy.
Buy the JBL 4329P 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 4329P | Edifier R2850DB | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $4,500 | $424.99 |
| Ranked | #19 of 40 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #32 of 40 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Drivers | 8" midwoofer, 1" compression driver with JBL High-Definition Imaging horn | 8" (203mm) woofer |
| Dimensions | 20.3"H x 12.6"W x 12.7"D | 18.1"H x 10.1"W x 12.4"D (459.7 x 256.5 x 315 mm) |
| Weight | 34.5 lbs (primary), 34.3 lbs (secondary) | 50.7 lbs / 23 kg |
| Sensitivity | 102.2dB (measured at 0.3V/1m, Erin’s Audio Corner) | - |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 31Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 27Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | - |
| Frequency Response | 30Hz - 20kHz (anechoic, manufacturer specified) | 42Hz-20KHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | USB, Optical, Bluetooth, Analog, 3.5mm, AirPlay 2 | Bluetooth, 2x RCA Input, Digital Optical, Digital Coax |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported | - |
| App | - | No |
| Bluetooth | - | No |
| EQ | - | No |
| DSP | - | No |
| Output Power | - | 75w RMS Per Speaker |
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- Buchardt A10 vs Focal Alpha 65 EVO
- JBL 708P vs Yamaha HS8
- Buchardt A10 vs Klipsch The Sevens
- Kali Audio LP-6 V2 vs JBL 4329P
- JBL 4329P vs JBL 308P MKII
The Two Speakers In Full
JBL 4329P: $4,500 Amazon
Pros: Genuinely full-range performance for a bookshelf-style speaker - anechoic response extends to 30Hz (measured F3 31Hz), reaching into the low 20s Hz range in-room depending on placement, with strong bass authority rather than a rolled-off, thin low end. Wide, constant horizontal directivity through the midrange and into the treble (about ±60°, wider than most horn-loaded designs which tend to run closer to ±40°) gives a wide, stable stereo image without needing to toe the speakers out and lose top-end energy. The reviewer listened for an hour-long sessions repeatedly without listener fatigue, across two very different rooms, with consistently great results in both. Extensive connectivity: USB, Optical, Bluetooth, analog, 3.5mm, AirPlay 2, and 24-bit/192kHz support; comes with a remote.
Cons: No HDMI input, a real drawback if you want to run these directly off a TV’s ARC. The supplied ethernet link cable between the two speakers is short - workable at close range but not long enough for wider speaker placement, so budget for a longer aftermarket cable if your setup needs it. A dip around 900Hz shows up in the on-axis measurement that the reviewer couldn’t fully explain (ruled out the ports as the cause, suspects cabinet edge diffraction), though it wasn’t something that bothered him in listening. At $4,500/pair, this is a serious investment for a bookshelf-format speaker.
Full JBL 4329P review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 27Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 31Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Dimensions | 20.3"H x 12.6"W x 12.7"D |
| Drivers | 8" midwoofer, 1" compression driver with JBL High-Definition Imaging horn |
| Frequency Response | 30Hz - 20kHz (anechoic, manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | USB, Optical, Bluetooth, Analog, 3.5mm, AirPlay 2 |
| Sensitivity | 102.2dB (measured at 0.3V/1m, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Weight | 34.5 lbs (primary), 34.3 lbs (secondary) |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported |
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- 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
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