Short answer: the JBL 708P for better sound quality, the JBL 308P MKII for the lower price. The JBL 708P ranks #20 of 40 powered bookshelf speakers at $4000. The JBL 308P MKII ranks #24 at $498, $3502 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 JBL 308P MKII: CEA2034 spinorama shows an essentially flat on-axis response from 45Hz to above 15kHz, with almost no directivity error. The tradeoff: A resonance shows up around 18kHz and a slight dip around 1.4kHz.
Buy the JBL 708P if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the JBL 308P MKII if the price matters more than sound quality.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL 708P | JBL 308P MKII | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $4000 | $498 |
| Ranked | #20 of 40 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #24 of 40 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 82Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 82Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 62Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 60Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Dimensions | 17.2"H x 9.8"W x 11.5"D (438 x 248 x 292 mm) | 16.5"H x 10"W x 12.1"D (419.1 x 254 x 307.3 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 41Hz - 25kHz (+/-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 45Hz - 20kHz (+/-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Weight | 25.1 lbs / 11.4 kg each | not published by manufacturer |
| Drivers | 8" woofer, 2409H 1" compression driver | 8" woofer, 1" neodymium tweeter |
| App | No | No |
| EQ | No | No |
| DSP | No | No |
| Output Power | 500W total (250W woofer, 250W tweeter) | 112W total |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More useful head-to-heads from the same speaker class:
- Neumann KH 310 A vs Adam Audio T8V
- JBL 4329P vs Adam Audio T7V
- JBL 4329P vs Kali Audio LP-6
- Kali Audio IN-8 vs JBL 708P
- Focal Alpha 65 EVO vs JBL 708P
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 |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
JBL 308P MKII: $498 Bhphotovideo
Pros: CEA2034 spinorama shows an essentially flat on-axis response from 45Hz to above 15kHz, with almost no directivity error. Dual 56W Class D amps drive an 8” woofer and 1” tweeter with a smooth, imperceptible crossover transition. Excellent value at $498 per pair.
Cons: A resonance shows up around 18kHz and a slight dip around 1.4kHz. An electronic limiter creates measurable anomalies around 96dB, and maximum clean output tops out around 105dB SPL before heavy limiting kicks in. Some audible tweeter hiss at close range.
Full JBL 308P MKII review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 60Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 82Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| DSP | No |
| Dimensions | 16.5"H x 10"W x 12.1"D (419.1 x 254 x 307.3 mm) |
| Drivers | 8" woofer, 1" neodymium tweeter |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 45Hz - 20kHz (+/-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Output Power | 112W total |
| Weight | not published by manufacturer |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons