Short answer: the Audioengine HD4. It ranks #83 of 100 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality (rated 3.2/5) at $429 and is still sold new; the JBL One Series 104 ranks #93 (rated 2.8/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used.
The case for the JBL One Series 104: ASR’s powered-system measurement gives -3dB bass around 72Hz, and the compact coaxial layout is convenient for a small desk. It has an adjustable EQ, which the Audioengine HD4 lacks. The tradeoff: Even with the active system measured properly, scores are only 1.36 standalone and 4.08 with an ideal subwoofer.
The Audioengine HD4 is the better-sounding pick. Compact powered cabinets, analog input options and RCA output can simplify a desktop stereo system. The tradeoff: The compact cabinets suit close desktop listening rather than a large-room system.
Buy the Audioengine HD4. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the JBL One Series 104 is discontinued, so it is only available used.
Want more options? Browse the full Powered Home rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL One Series 104 | Audioengine HD4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $129 per pair Discontinued | $429.00 per pair |
| Ranked | #93 of 100 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #83 of 100 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 45Hz with the amplifier’s DSP bass boost active (measured, Audio Science Review) | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 35Hz with the amplifier’s DSP bass boost active (measured, Audio Science Review) | - |
| Drivers | 4.5” coaxial low-frequency driver, 0.75” soft dome tweeter | 4” (102mm) woofer |
| Dimensions | 9.7H x 6W x 4.9D in (per manufacturer, 104-BT) | 9”H x 5.5”W x 6.5”D (228.6 x 139.7 x 165.1 mm) |
| Weight | 4.5 lbs (2.06 kg) (master), 3.8 lbs (1.73 kg) (slave) | 7.3 lbs (3.3 kg) |
| Frequency Response | 60Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 60 Hz-20 kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Amplifier Power | 60W total Class D (30W per speaker) | 50w RMS Per Speaker |
| App | No | No |
| EQ | Yes (fixed, amplifier-applied) | No |
| DSP | Yes | - |
| Inputs | 1/4” TRS, RCA, 3.5mm Aux | Bluetooth, Aux, RCA Input |
| XLR Input | No | No |
| RCA Input | Yes | Yes |
| TRS Input | Yes | No |
| Optical Input | No | No |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| USB Input | No | No |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth | No | Yes |
| Outputs | - | RCA variable output (subwoofer) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | - | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD |
| Subwoofer Output | - | Yes |
Related Speaker Comparisons
How Audioengine HD4 compares with other leading options:
- Neumann KH120 MKII vs Audioengine HD4
- Genelec 8030C vs Audioengine HD4
- Neumann KH80 DSP vs Audioengine HD4
- Dynaudio LYD 5 vs Audioengine HD4
- Genelec 8320A vs Audioengine HD4
Prices on this page were last checked October 9, 2026 at 8:01 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 One Series 104: $129 per pair Discontinued eBay
Pros: ASR’s powered-system measurement gives -3dB bass around 72Hz, and the compact coaxial layout is convenient for a small desk. Its internal equalization is part of the working speaker and should be included when assessing it, rather than judging the passive drivers with that correction bypassed. Measured bass extension of 45Hz (-3dB).
Cons: Even with the active system measured properly, scores are only 1.36 standalone and 4.08 with an ideal subwoofer. The 4.9dB midrange span and a high-frequency cancellation around 7.4kHz indicate significant unevenness; the review also found some vocals bright and irritating. These are results for the original 104, not a verification of the later 104-BT. Discontinued.
Full JBL One Series 104 review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 60W total Class D (30W per speaker) |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 35Hz with the amplifier’s DSP bass boost active (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 45Hz with the amplifier’s DSP bass boost active (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| DSP | Yes |
| Dimensions | 9.7H x 6W x 4.9D in (per manufacturer, 104-BT) |
| Drivers | 4.5” coaxial low-frequency driver, 0.75” soft dome tweeter |
| EQ | Yes (fixed, amplifier-applied) |
| Frequency Response | 60Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | 1/4” TRS, RCA, 3.5mm Aux |
| Optical Input | No |
| RCA Input | Yes |
| TRS Input | Yes |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 4.5 lbs (2.06 kg) (master), 3.8 lbs (1.73 kg) (slave) |
| XLR Input | No |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- JBL One Series 104 vs Edifier R1280T
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- JBL One Series 104 vs Edifier R1280DB
- JBL One Series 104 vs Edifier R1700BT
- JBL One Series 104 vs Kali Audio IN-UNF
- JBL One Series 104 vs Edifier S1000MKII
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Audioengine HD4: $429.00 per pair Amazon eBay
Same family: the Audioengine HD3 (smaller bookshelf, rated 3.2/5) and the Audioengine HD6 (larger bookshelf, ranked higher, rated 3.3/5).
Pros: Compact powered cabinets, analog input options and RCA output can simplify a desktop stereo system. Its modest footprint is useful where larger studio monitors are impractical.
Cons: The compact cabinets suit close desktop listening rather than a large-room system. A separate subwoofer adds cost and space if deeper bass is a priority.
Full Audioengine HD4 review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 50w RMS Per Speaker |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| Dimensions | 9”H x 5.5”W x 6.5”D (228.6 x 139.7 x 165.1 mm) |
| Drivers | 4” (102mm) woofer |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 60 Hz-20 kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, Aux, RCA Input |
| Optical Input | No |
| Outputs | RCA variable output (subwoofer) |
| RCA Input | Yes |
| Subwoofer Output | Yes |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 7.3 lbs (3.3 kg) |
| XLR Input | No |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Audioengine HD4 vs Edifier R1700BT
- Audioengine HD4 vs Kali Audio IN-UNF
- Audioengine HD4 vs Edifier S1000MKII
- Audioengine HD4 vs Edifier S1000W
- Audioengine HD4 vs Edifier R1280DB
- Audioengine HD4 vs Edifier R2000DB
- Audioengine HD4 vs Edifier R1280T
- Audioengine HD4 vs Audioengine HD6
- See all 45 comparisons