Short answer: the JBL 705P for better sound quality, the Neumi BS5P for the lower price. The JBL 705P ranks #22 of 64 powered bookshelf speakers at $1998. The Neumi BS5P ranks #60 at $150, $1848 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 Neumi BS5P offers: Exceptionally broad connectivity for the price: Bluetooth, optical, coaxial and RCA inputs, remote control and 75W total amplification. The 5-inch fiberglass woofer/1-inch silk-dome platform has generally useful directivity outside port resonances and therefore responds well to corrective EQ. Compact dimensions and ample nearfield volume make it practical for a desk or small room. Watch for: The original firmware Erin reviewed produces a pronounced V-curve—excess midbass and treble with recessed dialogue/midrange—and is a fidelity step backward from the passive BS5. Nearfield treble above 8kHz rises as much as 4dB relative to farfield, distortion is already substantial at 86dB, and compression becomes severe above 96dB. Port resonances further contaminate the response. Erin later measured improved firmware, but buyers must confirm revision. Passive sensitivity and impedance are not applicable.
Buy the JBL 705P if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Neumi BS5P if the price matters more than sound quality.
If sound quality matters at all to you, skip the Neumi BS5P. It ranks near the bottom of the 64 powered bookshelf speakers, so look higher up the list instead.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL 705P | Neumi BS5P | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1998 | $150/pair |
| Ranked | #22 of 64 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #60 of 64 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 80Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 90.8Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 62Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 56.1Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Dimensions | 10.6"H x 5.9"W x 10.8"D (268 x 151 x 274 mm) | - |
| Frequency Response | 39Hz - 36kHz (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Weight | 12.6 lbs / 5.7 kg each | - |
| Drivers | 5" woofer, 2409H 1" compression driver | 1" silk-dome tweeter; 5" fiberglass woofer |
| App | No | - |
| EQ | No | - |
| DSP | No | - |
| Output Power | 500W total (250W woofer, 250W tweeter) | - |
| Bass Extension | - | Erin’s response shows usable midbass but limited deep-bass headroom |
| Sensitivity | - | Not applicable (active DSP loudspeaker) |
| Power | - | 75W total |
| Inputs | - | Bluetooth, optical, coaxial and RCA |
Related Speaker Comparisons
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- IK Multimedia iLoud MTM vs Genelec 8030C
- Genelec 8020D vs IK Multimedia iLoud MTM
- IK Multimedia iLoud MTM vs Dynaudio LYD 5
- Neumann KH120 MKII vs Neumi BS5P
- JBL 705P vs Edifier R1280DB
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
Neumi BS5P: $150/pair Amazon eBay
Pros: Exceptionally broad connectivity for the price: Bluetooth, optical, coaxial and RCA inputs, remote control and 75W total amplification. The 5-inch fiberglass woofer/1-inch silk-dome platform has generally useful directivity outside port resonances and therefore responds well to corrective EQ. Compact dimensions and ample nearfield volume make it practical for a desk or small room.
Cons: The original firmware Erin reviewed produces a pronounced V-curve—excess midbass and treble with recessed dialogue/midrange—and is a fidelity step backward from the passive BS5. Nearfield treble above 8kHz rises as much as 4dB relative to farfield, distortion is already substantial at 86dB, and compression becomes severe above 96dB. Port resonances further contaminate the response. Erin later measured improved firmware, but buyers must confirm revision. Passive sensitivity and impedance are not applicable.
Full Neumi BS5P review and specifications →
| Bass Extension | Erin's response shows usable midbass but limited deep-bass headroom |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 56.1Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 90.8Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Drivers | 1" silk-dome tweeter; 5" fiberglass woofer |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, optical, coaxial and RCA |
| Power | 75W total |
| Sensitivity | Not applicable (active DSP loudspeaker) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons