Short answer: the KEF LSX II LT. It ranks #35 of 100 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality (rated 4.0/5) at $699.99 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 KEF LSX II LT is the better-sounding choice. The coincident driver provides useful consistency across listening positions, and the app offers placement and subwoofer adjustments. The catch: The 3.4dB midrange response span and treble-region dips keep it below more neutral monitors.
The JBL One Series 104 is the deeper-bass option. ASR’s powered-system measurement gives -3dB bass around 72Hz, and the compact coaxial layout is convenient for a small desk. Its bass reaches about 45Hz before falling 3dB, against 55Hz for the KEF LSX II LT. It keeps a wired aux input, which the KEF LSX II LT lacks. It has an adjustable EQ, which the KEF LSX II LT lacks. The catch: Even with the active system measured properly, scores are only 1.36 standalone and 4.08 with an ideal subwoofer.
Buy the KEF LSX II LT. It is rated higher for sound quality and still sold new, while the JBL One Series 104 is discontinued.
Still deciding? The full Powered Home rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| KEF LSX II LT | JBL One Series 104 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $699.99 per pair | $129 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #35 of 100 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #93 of 100 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Dimensions | 9.5”H x 6.1”W x 7.1”D (241.3 x 154.9 x 180.3 mm) | 9.7H x 6W x 4.9D in (per manufacturer, 104-BT) |
| Inputs | Wifi, USB-C, HDMI, Optical, Bluetooth | 1/4” TRS, RCA, 3.5mm Aux |
| Outputs | RCA Subwoofer | - |
| Drivers | 115mm (4.5in.) magnesium/aluminium alloy cone woofer, 19mm (0.75in.) aluminium dome tweeter | 4.5” coaxial low-frequency driver, 0.75” soft dome tweeter |
| Weight | 15 lbs (6.8 kg) | 4.5 lbs (2.06 kg) (master), 3.8 lbs (1.73 kg) (slave) |
| App | No | No |
| Bluetooth | Yes | No |
| EQ | No | Yes (fixed, amplifier-applied) |
| Amplifier Power | 100w RMS Per Speaker | 60W total Class D (30W per speaker) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 55Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 45Hz with the amplifier’s DSP bass boost active (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 46Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 35Hz with the amplifier’s DSP bass boost active (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Sensitivity | 84dB (measured at 0.3V/1m, Erin’s Audio Corner) | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.81 | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.03 | - |
| Subwoofer Output | Yes | - |
| XLR Input | No | No |
| RCA Input | No | Yes |
| TRS Input | No | Yes |
| Optical Input | Yes | No |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| USB Input | Yes | No |
| HDMI Input | Yes | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | No | Yes |
| Frequency Response | 54Hz - 28kHz (±3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 60Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| DSP | - | 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
KEF LSX II LT: $699.99 per pair Amazon eBay
Same family: the KEF LSX II (larger bookshelf, estimated 4.1/5), the KEF LS50 Wireless II (larger bookshelf, ranked higher, rated 4.3/5) and the KEF LS60 (floorstanding, rated 4.8/5).
Pros: The coincident driver provides useful consistency across listening positions, and the app offers placement and subwoofer adjustments. Erin’s measurements give preference scores of 4.81 standalone and 7.03 with an ideal subwoofer, with -3dB bass around 56Hz. HDMI and USB connectivity make it convenient for a small TV or desktop system. Horizontal and vertical dispersion both reach about ±60°, giving a broad sweet spot for more than one seat. Measured bass extension of 55Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 84dB.
Cons: The 3.4dB midrange response span and treble-region dips keep it below more neutral monitors. The existing review finds bass compression around 88-92dB/1m and rising distortion at higher levels, so the small drivers suit close listening rather than a large room. This LT version has no analog input; a turntable cannot plug straight into it.
Full KEF LSX II LT review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 100w RMS Per Speaker |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 46Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 55Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| Dimensions | 9.5”H x 6.1”W x 7.1”D (241.3 x 154.9 x 180.3 mm) |
| Drivers | 115mm (4.5in.) magnesium/aluminium alloy cone woofer, 19mm (0.75in.) aluminium dome tweeter |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 54Hz - 28kHz (±3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | Yes |
| Inputs | Wifi, USB-C, HDMI, Optical, Bluetooth |
| Optical Input | Yes |
| Outputs | RCA Subwoofer |
| RCA Input | No |
| Sensitivity | 84dB (measured at 0.3V/1m, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.81 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.03 |
| Subwoofer Output | Yes |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | Yes |
| Weight | 15 lbs (6.8 kg) |
| XLR Input | No |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Erin’s Audio Corner: Transform Your Sound System with the KEF LSX II LT Speaker More from Erin’s Audio Corner →
- Erin’s Audio Corner Website: KEF LSX II LT
- Erin’s Audio Corner Measurements (spinorama.org)
- Jasper Tech: Best Desktop Computer Speakers for Every Budget – 2026 More from Jasper Tech →
- Jasper Tech: Best Bookshelf Speakers For TV & Gaming - 2025
- Jasper Tech: Best Powered Bookshelf Speakers for Every Budget - 2025
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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
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