Short answer: the JBL 4349. It ranks #88 of 141 bookshelf speakers by sound quality (rated 3.6/5) at $7,500 and is still sold new; the JBL 4319 ranks #135 (rated 2.3/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used.
The JBL 4349 is the better-sounding, deeper-bass option. A high-output studio-monitor design with a large 12-inch woofer, compression driver and front-panel high-frequency controls. Its bass reaches about 51.3Hz before falling 3dB, against 58.6Hz for the JBL 4319. The catch: Large, heavy and costly, with response/directivity imperfections that keep measured preference below less expensive neutral monitors.
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 catch: 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.
Buy the JBL 4349. It is rated higher for sound quality and still sold new, while the JBL 4319 is discontinued.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Passive Home rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL 4349 | JBL 4319 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $7,500 per pair | $4,000 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #88 of 141 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #135 of 141 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Enclosure | 2-way front-ported studio monitor | - |
| Drivers | 1.5-inch compression driver, 12-inch woofer | 12” Differential Drive dual-voice-coil woofer, 5” inverted-dome midrange, 1” compression tweeter (3-way) |
| Frequency Response | 32Hz-25kHz (-6dB) | - |
| Sensitivity | 91dB | 89.5dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Impedance | 4 ohms | 6 ohms nominal |
| Power Handling | 200W | - |
| Dimensions | 29.1H x 17.5W x 13.5D in | 23.5H x 14.25W x 12D in (with grille) |
| Weight | 82.9 lbs (37.6 kg) each | 35.9 lbs (16.3 kg) each |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.32 | 4.41 (spinorama.org) |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.05 | 6.61 (spinorama.org) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 51.3Hz (measured, ASR via spinorama.org) | 58.6Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 37.8Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points) |
| Woofer Cabinet | - | ported |
Related Speaker Comparisons
How JBL 4349 compares with other leading options:
- KEF R3 Meta vs JBL 4349
- KEF Q Concerto Meta vs JBL 4349
- KEF R3 vs JBL 4349
- ELAC Debut 3.0 DB63 vs JBL 4349
- Klipsch RP-600M II vs JBL 4349
Prices on this page were last checked October 4, 2026 at 9:58 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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The Two Speakers In Full
JBL 4349: $7,500 per pair eBay
Pros: A high-output studio-monitor design with a large 12-inch woofer, compression driver and front-panel high-frequency controls. Its local Spinorama scores are 4.32 raw and 6.05 with a subwoofer, with strong 36Hz measured extension. Measured bass extension of 51.3Hz (-3dB).
Cons: Large, heavy and costly, with response/directivity imperfections that keep measured preference below less expensive neutral monitors. Four-ohm impedance and high output capability call for substantial amplification.
Full JBL 4349 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 51.3Hz (measured, ASR via spinorama.org) |
|---|---|
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 29.1H x 17.5W x 13.5D in |
| Drivers | 1.5-inch compression driver, 12-inch woofer |
| Enclosure | 2-way front-ported studio monitor |
| Frequency Response | 32Hz-25kHz (-6dB) |
| Impedance | 4 ohms |
| Power Handling | 200W |
| Sensitivity | 91dB |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.32 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.05 |
| Weight | 82.9 lbs (37.6 kg) each |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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 |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons