Short answer: the JBL 4329P for better sound quality, the Focal Solo6 ST6 for the lower price. The JBL 4329P ranks #20 of 48 powered bookshelf speakers at $4500. The Focal Solo6 ST6 ranks #23 at $1499, $3001 cheaper.
What the JBL 4329P gets right: 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. The tradeoff: No HDMI input, a real drawback if you want to run these directly off a TV’s ARC.
The case for the Focal Solo6 ST6: Beryllium inverted-dome tweeter over a 6.5” ‘W’ composite sandwich-cone woofer - a low-mass, low-distortion driver combination rarely found below far pricier monitors. The catch: Bass alignment Q is on the higher side, which can correlate with a touch of extra bass fullness/looseness versus a more critically-damped alignment.
Buy the JBL 4329P if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Focal Solo6 ST6 if the price matters more than sound quality.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL 4329P | Focal Solo6 ST6 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $4,500 | $1,499.00 |
| Ranked | #20 of 48 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #23 of 48 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Drivers | 8" midwoofer, 1" compression driver with JBL High-Definition Imaging horn | 1" Beryllium inverted-dome tweeter, 6.5" "W" composite sandwich-cone woofer |
| Dimensions | 20.3"H x 12.6"W x 12.7"D | 24.6 x 33.4 x 29.5cm (9.7 x 13.1 x 11.6 in) each, 13kg (28.6 lb) each |
| Weight | 34.5 lbs (primary), 34.3 lbs (secondary) | - |
| Sensitivity | 102.2dB (measured at 0.3V/1m, Erin’s Audio Corner) | - |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 31Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 46.9Hz (measured, spinorama.org) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 27Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 38.1Hz (measured, spinorama.org) |
| Frequency Response | 30Hz - 20kHz (anechoic, manufacturer specified) | - |
| Inputs | USB, Optical, Bluetooth, Analog, 3.5mm, AirPlay 2 | - |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported | - |
| Maximum Output | - | 110dB peak at 1m |
| Amplification | - | 130W total, bi-amped (80W Class G LF + 50W Class AB HF) |
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- JBL 4305P vs JBL 708P
- JBL 708P vs Focal Twin6 Be
- Genelec 8040B vs JBL 708P
- Neumann KH 310 A vs Focal Solo6 ST6
- JBL 4329P vs Klipsch The Nines
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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Focal Solo6 ST6: $1,499.00 B&H Photo Sweetwater
Pros: Beryllium inverted-dome tweeter over a 6.5” ‘W’ composite sandwich-cone woofer - a low-mass, low-distortion driver combination rarely found below far pricier monitors. Directivity control is the tightest of this entire batch (directivity_spdi_stddev 2.87), and the listening-window response is smooth (smoothness_listening_window 0.380). Bi-amped 130W total (80W Class G woofer + 50W Class AB tweeter), each driver on its own amplifier. ‘Focus Mode’ switches the cabinet to a single-driver full-range reference signature for a second mix-translation check without extra hardware. Bass reaches 46.9Hz at -3dB / 38.1Hz at -10dB, solid for a 6.5” driver.
Cons: Bass alignment Q (lfq 0.826) is on the higher side, which can correlate with a touch of extra bass fullness/looseness versus a more critically-damped alignment. XLR-only balanced input, no unbalanced/TRS or digital connectivity. No automatic DSP room correction - tuning is limited to fixed analog shelving/high-pass switches. At $1,499 each ($2,998/pair), it’s a meaningful step up from typical prosumer active monitors.
Full Focal Solo6 ST6 review and specifications →
| Amplification | 130W total, bi-amped (80W Class G LF + 50W Class AB HF) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 38.1Hz (measured, spinorama.org) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 46.9Hz (measured, spinorama.org) |
| Dimensions | 24.6 x 33.4 x 29.5cm (9.7 x 13.1 x 11.6 in) each, 13kg (28.6 lb) each |
| Drivers | 1" Beryllium inverted-dome tweeter, 6.5" "W" composite sandwich-cone woofer |
| Maximum Output | 110dB peak at 1m |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons