JBL 708P vs Edifier R2850DB

Short answer: the JBL 708P for better sound quality, the Edifier R2850DB for the lower price. The JBL 708P ranks #20 of 40 powered bookshelf speakers at $4000. The Edifier R2850DB ranks #32 at $424.99, $3575.01 cheaper.

What the JBL 708P offers: CEA2034 spinorama shows extremely good frequency response both on- and off-axis, with excellent horizontal directivity. Watch for: A port resonance creates a mild rise around 600-900Hz.

The case for the Edifier R2850DB: 3 way speaker. The tradeoff: Quite large and heavy.

Buy the JBL 708P if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Edifier R2850DB if the price matters more than sound quality.

If sound quality matters at all to you, skip the Edifier R2850DB. It ranks near the bottom of the 40 powered bookshelf speakers, so look higher up the list instead.

Specifications Side By Side

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The Two Speakers In Full

JBL 708P: $4000 Bhphotovideo

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

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• Links
  • Official JBL 708P Product Page
• Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
  • Audio Science Review Measurements
  • Reddit Search for JBL 708P Review
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Edifier R2850DB: $424.99 Amazon

Pros: 3 way speaker. Deeper bass and more of a fun listen compared to the neutral sound of the HS8. Shockingly close to the HS8 at half the price.

Cons: Quite large and heavy

Full Edifier R2850DB review and specifications →

App	No
Bluetooth	No
DSP	No
Dimensions	18.1"H x 10.1"W x 12.4"D (459.7 x 256.5 x 315 mm)
Drivers	8" (203mm) woofer
EQ	No
Frequency Response	42Hz-20KHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified)
Inputs	Bluetooth, 2x RCA Input, Digital Optical, Digital Coax
Output Power	75w RMS Per Speaker
Weight	50.7 lbs / 23 kg

As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.

• Links
  • Official Edifier R2850DB Product Page
• Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
  • DSAUDIO.review: DSAUDIO.review Edifier R2850DB vs Yamaha HS8 sound.DEMO
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  • Reddit Search for Edifier R2850DB Review
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