Short answer: the JBL 705P for better sound quality, the Audioengine HD4 for the lower price. The JBL 705P ranks #22 of 64 powered bookshelf speakers at $1998. The Audioengine HD4 ranks #54 at $429, $1569 cheaper.
What the JBL 705P offers: CEA2034 spinorama shows flat response with excellent directivity, similar to its larger 708P sibling. Bi-amplified 500W design (250W woofer, 250W compression driver) into a 5” woofer and JBL’s 2409H compression tweeter. Watch for: A cancellation around 750Hz (likely port-related) and a bit of boosted response at the 1.75kHz crossover show up in the on-axis curve. Sits right around the ear’s most sensitive hearing range near 100Hz, so that region is partially audible even at modest levels.
What the Audioengine HD4 offers: Rated 3.3 in the SpeakerRanking database. Watch for: Not a great sounding speaker for the high price.
Buy the JBL 705P if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Audioengine HD4 if the price matters more than sound quality.
If sound quality matters at all to you, skip the Audioengine HD4. It ranks near the bottom of the 64 powered bookshelf speakers, so look higher up the list instead.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL 705P | Audioengine HD4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1998 | $429.00 |
| Ranked | #22 of 64 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #54 of 64 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 80Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 62Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | - |
| Dimensions | 10.6"H x 5.9"W x 10.8"D (268 x 151 x 274 mm) | 9"H x 5.5"W x 6.5"D (228.6 x 139.7 x 165.1 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 39Hz - 36kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 60 Hz-20 kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Weight | 12.6 lbs / 5.7 kg each | 7.3 lbs / 3.3 kg |
| Drivers | 5" woofer, 2409H 1" compression driver | 4" (102mm) woofer |
| App | No | No |
| EQ | No | No |
| DSP | No | - |
| Output Power | 500W total (250W woofer, 250W tweeter) | 50w RMS Per Speaker |
| Inputs | - | Bluetooth, Aux, RCA Input |
| Outputs | - | RCA Output |
| Bluetooth | - | No |
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Prices on this page were last checked August 25, 2026 at 6:19 AM 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 705P: $1998 Bhphotovideo eBay
Pros: CEA2034 spinorama shows flat response with excellent directivity, similar to its larger 708P sibling. Bi-amplified 500W design (250W woofer, 250W compression driver) into a 5” woofer and JBL’s 2409H compression tweeter.
Cons: A cancellation around 750Hz (likely port-related) and a bit of boosted response at the 1.75kHz crossover show up in the on-axis curve. Sits right around the ear’s most sensitive hearing range near 100Hz, so that region is partially audible even at modest levels.
Full JBL 705P review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 62Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 80Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| DSP | No |
| Dimensions | 10.6"H x 5.9"W x 10.8"D (268 x 151 x 274 mm) |
| Drivers | 5" woofer, 2409H 1" compression driver |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 39Hz - 36kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Output Power | 500W total (250W woofer, 250W tweeter) |
| Weight | 12.6 lbs / 5.7 kg each |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Audioengine HD4: $429.00 Amazon eBay
Cons: Not a great sounding speaker for the high price.
Full Audioengine HD4 review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Bluetooth | No |
| Dimensions | 9"H x 5.5"W x 6.5"D (228.6 x 139.7 x 165.1 mm) |
| Drivers | 4" (102mm) woofer |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 60 Hz-20 kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, Aux, RCA Input |
| Output Power | 50w RMS Per Speaker |
| Outputs | RCA Output |
| Weight | 7.3 lbs / 3.3 kg |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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