Short answer: the JBL 705P. It ranks #42 of 100 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 3.9/5, at $2,198. The Audioengine HD6 ranks #77, rated 3.3/5, at $1,048, $1,150 cheaper, which does not close the gap in sound quality.
The JBL 705P is the better-sounding pick. ASR’s data gives bass reaching -3dB around 48Hz and a 6.71 ideal-subwoofer preference score. Watch for: The standalone score is 4.70, and a localized cancellation near 750Hz contributes to the large 7.8dB midrange response span.
The case for the Audioengine HD6: Analog and optical inputs, RCA output and built-in amplification provide a convenient self-contained stereo setup. It keeps a wired aux input, which the JBL 705P lacks. The catch: Listening impressions describe bass and treble emphasis with a recessed midrange, which may suit casual listening better than neutral monitoring.
Buy the JBL 705P. It is rated higher for sound quality, and saving $1,150 with the Audioengine HD6 does not make up for the sound-quality gap.
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Specifications Side By Side
| JBL 705P | Audioengine HD6 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $2,198 per pair | $1,048.00 per pair |
| Ranked | #42 of 100 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #77 of 100 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 47.6Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 38.9Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points) | - |
| Dimensions | 10.6”H x 5.9”W x 10.8”D (268 x 151 x 274 mm) | 11.7”H x 7.2”W x 10”D (298.4 x 184.1 x 254 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 39Hz - 36kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 45Hz-40kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Weight | 12.6 lbs (5.7 kg) each | 17.4 lbs (7.9 kg) |
| Drivers | 5” woofer, 2409H 1” compression driver | 5.5” (140mm) woofer |
| App | No | No |
| EQ | No | No |
| DSP | No | - |
| Amplifier Power | 500W total (250W woofer, 250W tweeter) | 50w RMS Per Speaker |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.70 | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.71 | - |
| Inputs | XLR/TRS combo (analog), XLR AES3 (digital) | Bluetooth, Aux, RCA Input, Digital Optical |
| XLR Input | Yes | No |
| RCA Input | No | Yes |
| TRS Input | Yes | No |
| Optical Input | No | Yes |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| USB Input | No | No |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | Yes | No |
| Aux Input | No | Yes |
| Bluetooth | No | Yes |
| Outputs | - | RCA variable output (subwoofer) |
| Bluetooth Version | - | 5.0 |
| Bluetooth Codecs | - | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD |
| Subwoofer Output | - | Yes |
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Prices on this page were last checked October 9, 2026 at 8:01 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: $2,198 per pair B&H Photo Video eBay
Same family: the JBL 708P (larger bookshelf, rated 4.2/5).
Pros: ASR’s data gives bass reaching -3dB around 48Hz and a 6.71 ideal-subwoofer preference score. Its waveguided compression driver and dedicated amplification are suited to studio use, and the broad response trend is close to level. It has useful low-frequency reach for a five-inch monitor. Measured bass extension of 47.6Hz (-3dB).
Cons: The standalone score is 4.70, and a localized cancellation near 750Hz contributes to the large 7.8dB midrange response span. A crossover-region rise also prevents reference-flat reproduction. An average flat trend does not erase these features, and amplifier wattage is not a measured clean-SPL rating. The data does not support calling it uniformly flat simply because it shares technology with larger JBL models.
Full JBL 705P review and specifications →
| AES Input | Yes |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 500W total (250W woofer, 250W tweeter) |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 38.9Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 47.6Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| 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) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | XLR/TRS combo (analog), XLR AES3 (digital) |
| Optical Input | No |
| RCA Input | No |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.70 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.71 |
| TRS Input | Yes |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 12.6 lbs (5.7 kg) each |
| XLR Input | Yes |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Audioengine HD6: $1,048.00 per pair Amazon eBay
Same family: the Audioengine HD3 (smaller bookshelf, rated 3.2/5) and the Audioengine HD4 (smaller bookshelf, ranked lower, rated 3.2/5).
Pros: Analog and optical inputs, RCA output and built-in amplification provide a convenient self-contained stereo setup. The cabinet and driver size can be practical for general music listening without assembling a separate amplifier system.
Cons: Listening impressions describe bass and treble emphasis with a recessed midrange, which may suit casual listening better than neutral monitoring.
Full Audioengine HD6 review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 50w RMS Per Speaker |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| Dimensions | 11.7”H x 7.2”W x 10”D (298.4 x 184.1 x 254 mm) |
| Drivers | 5.5” (140mm) woofer |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 45Hz-40kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, Aux, RCA Input, Digital Optical |
| Optical Input | Yes |
| Outputs | RCA variable output (subwoofer) |
| RCA Input | Yes |
| Subwoofer Output | Yes |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 17.4 lbs (7.9 kg) |
| XLR Input | No |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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