Short answer: the JBL 708P. It ranks #39 of 68 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 4.2/5, at $4,000; the Ocean Way Audio HR5 ranks #68, rated 2.5/5, and costs $5,598, which makes this an easy call rather than a real tradeoff.
The case for the JBL 708P: Erin’s measurements give 43.9Hz -3dB extension and a 6.91 ideal-subwoofer score, with useful bass from a professional active monitor. Watch for: The 2.6dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz includes audible-relevance irregularities, with port-region features and vertical crossover sensitivity.
The case for the Ocean Way Audio HR5: The active format and substantial drivers can supply useful scale in a studio system. Watch for: Scores of 1.78 standalone and 3.86 with an ideal subwoofer reflect substantial response unevenness, including severe upper-treble irregularities.
Buy the JBL 708P. It is rated higher for sound quality than the Ocean Way Audio HR5 and costs less, so it is the default pick unless a specific strength of the other one matters more to you.
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Specifications Side By Side
| JBL 708P | Ocean Way Audio HR5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $4000 per pair | $5,598 per pair |
| Ranked | #39 of 68 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #68 of 68 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 43.9Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 52.7Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 35.6Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points) | 42Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points) |
| Dimensions | 17.2”H x 9.8”W x 11.5”D (438 x 248 x 292 mm) | 12H x 17.5W x 14.5D in |
| Frequency Response | 41Hz - 25kHz (+/-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 45Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Weight | 25.1 lbs (11.4 kg) each | 37.9 lbs (17.2 kg) each |
| Drivers | 8” woofer, 2409H 1” compression driver | 7” low-frequency driver, 1” high-frequency driver (horn/waveguide) |
| App | No | No |
| EQ | No | No |
| DSP | No | No |
| Amplifier Power | 500W total (250W woofer, 250W tweeter) | 215W total (125W LF, 90W HF) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.03 | 1.78 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.91 | 3.86 |
| Inputs | XLR/TRS combo (analog), XLR AES3 (digital) | XLR (analog), XLR AES3 (digital) |
| XLR Input | Yes | Yes |
| RCA Input | No | No |
| TRS Input | Yes | No |
| Optical Input | No | No |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| USB Input | No | No |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | Yes | Yes |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
Related Speaker Comparisons
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- JBL 708P vs Genelec 8341A
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Prices on this page were last checked September 29, 2026 at 3:43 PM 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 708P: $4000 per pair B&H Photo Video eBay
Pros: Erin’s measurements give 43.9Hz -3dB extension and a 6.91 ideal-subwoofer score, with useful bass from a professional active monitor. The waveguide and onboard processing make it a practical choice for a carefully installed studio system. Measured bass extension of 43.9Hz (-3dB).
Cons: The 2.6dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz includes audible-relevance irregularities, with port-region features and vertical crossover sensitivity. High-level distortion remains a constraint. Its professional positioning and amplifier power do not make it automatically more neutral than the cheaper 308P MKII. A port resonance adds a mild rise around 600 to 900Hz, and vertical dispersion is narrower than horizontal, so stay within a few degrees of the tweeter axis.
Full JBL 708P review and specifications →
| AES Input | Yes |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 500W total (250W woofer, 250W tweeter) |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 35.6Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 43.9Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| 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) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | XLR/TRS combo (analog), XLR AES3 (digital) |
| Optical Input | No |
| RCA Input | No |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.03 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.91 |
| TRS Input | Yes |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 25.1 lbs (11.4 kg) each |
| XLR Input | Yes |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Ocean Way Audio HR5: $5,598 per pair Sweetwater eBay
Pros: The active format and substantial drivers can supply useful scale in a studio system. Measured -3dB extension is 52.7Hz, so separate bass support would be appropriate for full-range work. Measured bass extension of 52.7Hz (-3dB).
Cons: Scores of 1.78 standalone and 3.86 with an ideal subwoofer reflect substantial response unevenness, including severe upper-treble irregularities. Narrowing high-frequency coverage further changes the balance across listening positions. Bass support cannot repair those midrange and treble problems, making this difficult to recommend for neutral monitoring.
Full Ocean Way Audio HR5 review and specifications →
| AES Input | Yes |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 215W total (125W LF, 90W HF) |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 42Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 52.7Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| DSP | No |
| Dimensions | 12H x 17.5W x 14.5D in |
| Drivers | 7” low-frequency driver, 1” high-frequency driver (horn/waveguide) |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 45Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | XLR (analog), XLR AES3 (digital) |
| Optical Input | No |
| RCA Input | No |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 1.78 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 3.86 |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 37.9 lbs (17.2 kg) each |
| XLR Input | Yes |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons