Short answer: the Audioengine HD6. It ranks #77 of 100 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality (rated 3.3/5) at $1,048 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.
What the JBL One Series 104 does well: 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 HD6 lacks. The catch: Even with the active system measured properly, scores are only 1.36 standalone and 4.08 with an ideal subwoofer.
The Audioengine HD6 is the better-sounding choice. Analog and optical inputs, RCA output and built-in amplification provide a convenient self-contained stereo setup. Watch for: Listening impressions describe bass and treble emphasis with a recessed midrange, which may suit casual listening better than neutral monitoring.
Buy the Audioengine HD6. It is rated higher for sound quality; the JBL One Series 104 is no longer sold new.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Powered Home rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL One Series 104 | Audioengine HD6 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $129 per pair Discontinued | $1,048.00 per pair |
| Ranked | #93 of 100 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #77 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 | 5.5” (140mm) woofer |
| Dimensions | 9.7H x 6W x 4.9D in (per manufacturer, 104-BT) | 11.7”H x 7.2”W x 10”D (298.4 x 184.1 x 254 mm) |
| Weight | 4.5 lbs (2.06 kg) (master), 3.8 lbs (1.73 kg) (slave) | 17.4 lbs (7.9 kg) |
| Frequency Response | 60Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 45Hz-40kHz (-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, Digital Optical |
| XLR Input | No | No |
| RCA Input | Yes | Yes |
| TRS Input | Yes | No |
| Optical Input | No | Yes |
| 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 Version | - | 5.0 |
| Bluetooth Codecs | - | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD |
| Subwoofer Output | - | Yes |
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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
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Audioengine HD6: $1,048.00 per pair Amazon eBay
Same family: the Audioengine HD3 (smaller bookshelf, rated 3.2/5) and the Audioengine HD4 (smaller bookshelf, ranked lower, rated 3.2/5).
Pros: Analog and optical inputs, RCA output and built-in amplification provide a convenient self-contained stereo setup. The cabinet and driver size can be practical for general music listening without assembling a separate amplifier system.
Cons: Listening impressions describe bass and treble emphasis with a recessed midrange, which may suit casual listening better than neutral monitoring.
Full Audioengine HD6 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 |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| Dimensions | 11.7”H x 7.2”W x 10”D (298.4 x 184.1 x 254 mm) |
| Drivers | 5.5” (140mm) woofer |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 45Hz-40kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, Aux, RCA Input, Digital Optical |
| Optical Input | Yes |
| Outputs | RCA variable output (subwoofer) |
| RCA Input | Yes |
| Subwoofer Output | Yes |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 17.4 lbs (7.9 kg) |
| XLR Input | No |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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