Short answer: the Genelec 8331A. It ranks #1 of 100 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality (rated 4.8/5) at $5,750 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 keeps a wired aux input, which the Genelec 8331A lacks. The catch: Even with the active system measured properly, scores are only 1.36 standalone and 4.08 with an ideal subwoofer.
The Genelec 8331A is the better-sounding option. Erin’s Klippel measurements support its reference-monitor credentials: a 1.4dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz, low listening-window and predicted-room irregularity, and preference scores of 6.57 standalone and 8.51 with an ideal subwoofer. The catch: Expensive, with studio-oriented XLR connectivity rather than consumer streaming.
Buy the Genelec 8331A. 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 | Genelec 8331A | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $129 per pair Discontinued | $5,750 per pair |
| Ranked | #93 of 100 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #1 of 100 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 45Hz with the amplifier’s DSP bass boost active (measured, Audio Science Review) | 49Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 35Hz with the amplifier’s DSP bass boost active (measured, Audio Science Review) | 39Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Drivers | 4.5” coaxial low-frequency driver, 0.75” soft dome tweeter | Dual 130x65mm woofers; 90mm coaxial mid; 19mm tweeter |
| Dimensions | 9.7H x 6W x 4.9D in (per manufacturer, 104-BT) | 12”H x 7.4”W x 8.3”D (305 x 189 x 212 mm) |
| Weight | 4.5 lbs (2.06 kg) (master), 3.8 lbs (1.73 kg) (slave) | 14.8 lbs (6.7kg) each |
| Frequency Response | 60Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 45Hz - 37kHz (-6dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Amplifier Power | 60W total Class D (30W per speaker) | 72W LF + 36W MF + 36W HF |
| App | No | - |
| EQ | Yes (fixed, amplifier-applied) | - |
| DSP | Yes | - |
| Inputs | 1/4” TRS, RCA, 3.5mm Aux | XLR, AES/EBU |
| XLR Input | No | Yes |
| RCA Input | Yes | No |
| TRS Input | Yes | No |
| Optical Input | No | No |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| USB Input | No | No |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | No | Yes |
| Aux Input | Yes | No |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| Maximum SPL | - | 100dB at 3m before protection (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | - | 6.57 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | - | 8.51 |
Related Speaker Comparisons
How Genelec 8331A compares with other leading options:
- Genelec 8331A vs Neumann KH120 MKII
- Genelec 8331A vs Genelec 8030C
- Genelec 8331A vs Neumann KH80 DSP
- Dynaudio LYD 5 vs Genelec 8331A
- Genelec 8331A vs Genelec 8330A
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 |
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Genelec 8331A: $5,750 per pair B&H Photo Video eBay
Same family: the Genelec 8341A (larger bookshelf, rated 4.8/5), the Genelec 8351B (larger bookshelf, rated 4.8/5), the Genelec 8361A (larger bookshelf, rated 4.8/5) and the Genelec 8381A (floorstanding, estimated 4.9/5).
Pros: Erin’s Klippel measurements support its reference-monitor credentials: a 1.4dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz, low listening-window and predicted-room irregularity, and preference scores of 6.57 standalone and 8.51 with an ideal subwoofer. The coaxial mid/tweeter and concealed woofers maintain coherent radiation as listening position changes. Bass reaches -3dB around 48Hz, and GLM adds level, delay and room-response calibration. Measured bass extension of 49Hz (-3dB).
Cons: Expensive, with studio-oriented XLR connectivity rather than consumer streaming. The compact woofers still limit deep-bass output, and the review reports protection muting when pushed beyond its operating range. GLM calibration hardware is an additional purchase. Its excellent tonal score does not remove the need for a subwoofer or larger monitor at demanding levels.
Full Genelec 8331A review and specifications →
| AES Input | Yes |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 72W LF + 36W MF + 36W HF |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 39Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 49Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| Dimensions | 12”H x 7.4”W x 8.3”D (305 x 189 x 212 mm) |
| Drivers | Dual 130x65mm woofers; 90mm coaxial mid; 19mm tweeter |
| Frequency Response | 45Hz - 37kHz (-6dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | XLR, AES/EBU |
| Maximum SPL | 100dB at 3m before protection (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Optical Input | No |
| RCA Input | No |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 6.57 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 8.51 |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 14.8 lbs (6.7kg) each |
| XLR Input | Yes |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons