Short answer: the JBL 4329P for better sound quality, the JBL 308P MKII for the lower price. The JBL 4329P ranks #19 of 40 powered bookshelf speakers at $4500. The JBL 308P MKII ranks #24 at $498, $4002 cheaper.
What the JBL 4329P offers: 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. Watch for: No HDMI input, a real drawback if you want to run these directly off a TV’s ARC.
On the JBL 308P MKII side: CEA2034 spinorama shows an essentially flat on-axis response from 45Hz to above 15kHz, with almost no directivity error. Set against that: A resonance shows up around 18kHz and a slight dip around 1.4kHz.
Buy the JBL 4329P if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the JBL 308P MKII if the price matters more than sound quality.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL 4329P | JBL 308P MKII | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $4,500 | $498 |
| Ranked | #19 of 40 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #24 of 40 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Drivers | 8" midwoofer, 1" compression driver with JBL High-Definition Imaging horn | 8" woofer, 1" neodymium tweeter |
| Dimensions | 20.3"H x 12.6"W x 12.7"D | 16.5"H x 10"W x 12.1"D (419.1 x 254 x 307.3 mm) |
| Weight | 34.5 lbs (primary), 34.3 lbs (secondary) | not published by manufacturer |
| Sensitivity | 102.2dB (measured at 0.3V/1m, Erin’s Audio Corner) | - |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 31Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 82Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 27Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 60Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Frequency Response | 30Hz - 20kHz (anechoic, manufacturer specified) | 45Hz - 20kHz (+/-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | USB, Optical, Bluetooth, Analog, 3.5mm, AirPlay 2 | - |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported | - |
| App | - | No |
| EQ | - | No |
| DSP | - | No |
| Output Power | - | 112W total |
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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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JBL 308P MKII: $498 Bhphotovideo
Pros: CEA2034 spinorama shows an essentially flat on-axis response from 45Hz to above 15kHz, with almost no directivity error. Dual 56W Class D amps drive an 8” woofer and 1” tweeter with a smooth, imperceptible crossover transition. Excellent value at $498 per pair.
Cons: A resonance shows up around 18kHz and a slight dip around 1.4kHz. An electronic limiter creates measurable anomalies around 96dB, and maximum clean output tops out around 105dB SPL before heavy limiting kicks in. Some audible tweeter hiss at close range.
Full JBL 308P MKII review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 60Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 82Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| DSP | No |
| Dimensions | 16.5"H x 10"W x 12.1"D (419.1 x 254 x 307.3 mm) |
| Drivers | 8" woofer, 1" neodymium tweeter |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 45Hz - 20kHz (+/-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Output Power | 112W total |
| Weight | not published by manufacturer |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons