Short answer: the JBL 705P for better sound quality, the Dayton Audio M4 for the lower price. The JBL 705P ranks #42 of 100 powered bookshelf speakers, rated 3.9/5, at $2,198. The Dayton Audio M4 ranks #52, rated 3.8/5, at $249.98, $1,948.02 cheaper.
The JBL 705P is the deeper-bass option. ASR’s data gives bass reaching -3dB around 48Hz and a 6.71 ideal-subwoofer preference score. Its bass reaches about 47.6Hz before falling 3dB, against 121Hz for the Dayton Audio M4. The tradeoff: The standalone score is 4.70, and a localized cancellation near 750Hz contributes to the large 7.8dB midrange response span.
What the Dayton Audio M4 does well: A compact powered pair with a subwoofer output, useful source connections and a solid cabinet. It keeps a wired aux input, which the JBL 705P lacks. Watch for: Existing listening and output notes describe limited bass, a balance that changes with distance, and distortion rising above roughly 93dB.
Buy the JBL 705P if sound quality is the priority over the price, or the Dayton Audio M4 if the price is the priority over sound quality.
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Specifications Side By Side
| JBL 705P | Dayton Audio M4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $2,198 per pair | $249.98 per pair |
| Ranked | #42 of 100 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #52 of 100 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 47.6Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 121Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 38.9Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points) | 60Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Dimensions | 10.6”H x 5.9”W x 10.8”D (268 x 151 x 274 mm) | 5” x 6.5” x 9.5” (127 x 165 x 241 mm) (W x D x H) |
| Frequency Response | 39Hz - 36kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 40Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Weight | 12.6 lbs (5.7 kg) each | 6.2 lbs (2.81 kg) (active), 5.1 lbs (2.31 kg) (passive) |
| Drivers | 5” woofer, 2409H 1” compression driver | 4” aluminum woofer, 1” silk dome tweeter |
| App | No | No |
| EQ | No | - |
| DSP | No | - |
| Amplifier Power | 500W total (250W woofer, 250W tweeter) | 75W RMS (150W peak) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.70 | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.71 | - |
| Inputs | XLR/TRS combo (analog), XLR AES3 (digital) | RCA, USB-C, Bluetooth |
| XLR Input | Yes | No |
| RCA Input | No | Yes |
| TRS Input | Yes | No |
| Optical Input | No | No |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| USB Input | No | Yes |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | Yes | No |
| Aux Input | No | Yes (RCA) |
| Bluetooth | No | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | - | 5.0 |
| Bluetooth Codecs | - | SBC, aptX |
| Digital Aux Input | - | Yes (USB-C DAC, up to 192kHz/32-bit) |
| Stereo | - | Yes |
| Power Input | - | AC Power cord |
| Outputs | - | Subwoofer (20Hz-200Hz) |
| Subwoofer Output | - | Yes |
Related Speaker Comparisons
How JBL 705P compares with other leading options:
- JBL 705P vs Genelec 8331A
- JBL 705P vs Neumann KH120 MKII
- JBL 705P vs Genelec 8030C
- Neumann KH80 DSP vs JBL 705P
- JBL 705P vs Dynaudio LYD 5
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
Dayton Audio M4: $249.98 per pair Parts Express eBay
Pros: A compact powered pair with a subwoofer output, useful source connections and a solid cabinet. The existing review describes reasonable linearity for the price and a subdued upper treble that avoids an aggressively bright presentation. It is best considered for a close desktop setup. Measured bass extension of 121Hz (-3dB).
Cons: Existing listening and output notes describe limited bass, a balance that changes with distance, and distortion rising above roughly 93dB. The soft treble is a tonal preference, not evidence of reference neutrality; a subwoofer does not establish greater midrange headroom.
Full Dayton Audio M4 review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 75W RMS (150W peak) |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | Yes (RCA) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 60Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 121Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, aptX |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| Digital Aux Input | Yes (USB-C DAC, up to 192kHz/32-bit) |
| Dimensions | 5” x 6.5” x 9.5” (127 x 165 x 241 mm) (W x D x H) |
| Drivers | 4” aluminum woofer, 1” silk dome tweeter |
| Frequency Response | 40Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | RCA, USB-C, Bluetooth |
| Optical Input | No |
| Outputs | Subwoofer (20Hz-200Hz) |
| Power Input | AC Power cord |
| RCA Input | Yes |
| Stereo | Yes |
| Subwoofer Output | Yes |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | Yes |
| Weight | 6.2 lbs (2.81 kg) (active), 5.1 lbs (2.31 kg) (passive) |
| XLR Input | No |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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