Short answer: the JBL 705P for better sound quality, the Edifier MR4 for the lower price. The JBL 705P ranks #18 of 42 powered bookshelf speakers at $1998. The Edifier MR4 ranks #23 at $169.99, $1828.01 cheaper.
What the JBL 705P gets right: CEA2034 spinorama shows flat response with excellent directivity, similar to its larger 708P sibling. The catch: 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.
What the Edifier MR4 offers: More balanced than the R1280DB. Watch for: No Bluetooth unlike other Edifier models.
Buy the JBL 705P if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Edifier MR4 if the price matters more than sound quality.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL 705P | Edifier MR4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1998 | $169.99 |
| Ranked | #18 of 42 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #23 of 42 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 80Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 109Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 62Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 58Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| 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 7.6"D (228.6 x 139.7 x 193 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 39Hz - 36kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 60 Hz-20 kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Weight | 12.6 lbs / 5.7 kg each | 9.9 lbs / 4.5 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) | 42w RMS Per Speaker |
| Inputs | - | TRS Balanced, RCA, Aux |
| Outputs | - | Headphone |
| Bluetooth | - | No |
| Sensitivity | - | 78dB (measured at 0.3V/1m, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
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The Two Speakers In Full
JBL 705P: $1998 Bhphotovideo
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 |
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- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Edifier MR4: $169.99 Amazon
Pros: More balanced than the R1280DB. The value king. Impressively deep, flat bass down to 70Hz for such a small speaker, and its waveguide gives it unusually wide, consistent horizontal directivity for the price. Balanced XLR/TRS inputs are rare this cheap.
Cons: No Bluetooth unlike other Edifier models. Distortion climbs sharply above 86dB SPL, breaking into audible squealing near 96dB, and there’s a dip in the lower treble that needs a bit of EQ or the rear HF control to smooth out. Playback volume is limited with bass-heavy material - pushing it loud brings audible clicking/static.
Full Edifier MR4 review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 58Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 109Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Dimensions | 9"H x 5.5"W x 7.6"D (228.6 x 139.7 x 193 mm) |
| Drivers | 4" (102mm) woofer |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 60 Hz-20 kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | TRS Balanced, RCA, Aux |
| Output Power | 42w RMS Per Speaker |
| Outputs | Headphone |
| Sensitivity | 78dB (measured at 0.3V/1m, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Weight | 9.9 lbs / 4.5 kg |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Erin’s Audio Corner Review Measurements
- Audio Science Review Measurements
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