Short answer: the JBL 708P for better sound quality, the Adam Audio S2V for the lower price. The JBL 708P ranks #22 of 61 powered bookshelf speakers at $4000. The Adam Audio S2V ranks #43 at $3500, $500 cheaper.
What the JBL 708P offers: CEA2034 spinorama shows extremely good frequency response both on- and off-axis, with excellent horizontal directivity. Bi-amplified 500W design (250W woofer, 250W compression driver) handles an 8” woofer and JBL’s 2409H compression tweeter. Watch for: A port resonance creates a mild rise around 600-900Hz. Vertical dispersion is narrower than horizontal, so staying within a few degrees of the tweeter axis matters. Distortion climbs at 96dB SPL, with the tweeter reaching about 2.5% THD at elevated levels.
What the Adam Audio S2V offers: CEA2034 spinorama shows excellent driver blending through an imperceptible crossover between the 7” woofer and AMT tweeter, with distortion measured 70dB down at 1kHz. The 350W amplifier was the first the reviewer tested that didn’t run out of power on demand, delivering over 120dB SPL per pair. Watch for: An intentional shelving curve creates a dip in the low bass response, roughly 200-500Hz. The rotary-encoder control interface is non-intuitive, and the companion PC app requires serial-number registration with settings that only take effect after a manual “write” step that takes 5-10 seconds and produces audible ticks and pops. Expensive at $3,500 per pair.
Buy the JBL 708P if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Adam Audio S2V if the price matters more than sound quality.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL 708P | Adam Audio S2V | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $4000 | $3500 |
| Ranked | #22 of 61 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #43 of 61 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 82Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 85Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 62Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 62Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Dimensions | 17.2"H x 9.8"W x 11.5"D (438 x 248 x 292 mm) | not published by manufacturer |
| Frequency Response | 41Hz - 25kHz (+/-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 35Hz - 50kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Weight | 25.1 lbs / 11.4 kg each | not published by manufacturer |
| Drivers | 8" woofer, 2409H 1" compression driver | 7" woofer, S-ART AMT tweeter |
| App | No | Yes |
| EQ | No | No |
| DSP | No | Yes |
| Output Power | 500W total (250W woofer, 250W tweeter) | 350W total (300W woofer Class D, 50W tweeter Class A/B) |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More useful head-to-heads from the same speaker class:
- Klipsch The Nines vs Genelec 8341A
- Genelec 8341A vs Klipsch The Sevens
- Yamaha HS8 vs Genelec 8341A
- Neumann KH 150 vs JBL 708P
- PSI Audio A21-M vs JBL 708P
Prices on this page were last checked August 24, 2026 at 6:53 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.
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
The Two Speakers In Full
JBL 708P: $4000 Bhphotovideo eBay
Pros: CEA2034 spinorama shows extremely good frequency response both on- and off-axis, with excellent horizontal directivity. Bi-amplified 500W design (250W woofer, 250W compression driver) handles an 8” woofer and JBL’s 2409H compression tweeter.
Cons: A port resonance creates a mild rise around 600-900Hz. Vertical dispersion is narrower than horizontal, so staying within a few degrees of the tweeter axis matters. Distortion climbs at 96dB SPL, with the tweeter reaching about 2.5% THD at elevated levels.
Full JBL 708P review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 62Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 82Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| DSP | No |
| Dimensions | 17.2"H x 9.8"W x 11.5"D (438 x 248 x 292 mm) |
| Drivers | 8" woofer, 2409H 1" compression driver |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 41Hz - 25kHz (+/-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Output Power | 500W total (250W woofer, 250W tweeter) |
| Weight | 25.1 lbs / 11.4 kg each |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Adam Audio S2V: $3500 Bhphotovideo eBay
Pros: CEA2034 spinorama shows excellent driver blending through an imperceptible crossover between the 7” woofer and AMT tweeter, with distortion measured 70dB down at 1kHz. The 350W amplifier was the first the reviewer tested that didn’t run out of power on demand, delivering over 120dB SPL per pair.
Cons: An intentional shelving curve creates a dip in the low bass response, roughly 200-500Hz. The rotary-encoder control interface is non-intuitive, and the companion PC app requires serial-number registration with settings that only take effect after a manual “write” step that takes 5-10 seconds and produces audible ticks and pops. Expensive at $3,500 per pair.
Full Adam Audio S2V review and specifications →
| App | Yes |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 62Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 85Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| DSP | Yes |
| Dimensions | not published by manufacturer |
| Drivers | 7" woofer, S-ART AMT tweeter |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 35Hz - 50kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Output Power | 350W total (300W woofer Class D, 50W tweeter Class A/B) |
| Weight | not published by manufacturer |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons