Short answer: the Mesanovic CDM65 if sound quality matters most, the JBL 308P MKII if price matters most. The Mesanovic CDM65 ranks #2 of 119 powered bookshelf speakers, rated 4.9/5, at $5,998. The JBL 308P MKII ranks #34, rated 4.4/5, at $287.98, $5,710.02 cheaper.
The Mesanovic CDM65 is the more accurate, deeper-bass option. High end monitors with extremely accurate sound and deep bass, plus a cardioid mode that helps in difficult rooms. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 7.07 against 5.88 for the JBL 308P MKII. Its bass reaches about 36.6Hz before falling 3dB, against 42.5Hz for the JBL 308P MKII. The catch: Cardioid operation and bass tuning affect placement and output, so use the appropriate mode for the room.
The case for the JBL 308P MKII: Full size studio monitors with accurate sound and real bass from an 8 inch woofer, at a budget price. Watch for: Amplifier hiss may be noticeable in quiet, close-range use.
Buy the Mesanovic CDM65 when sound quality outweighs the price for you, and the JBL 308P MKII when the price outweighs sound quality instead.
Still deciding? The full Powered Home rankings cover every ranked option.
High end monitors with extremely accurate sound and deep bass, plus a cardioid mode that helps in difficult rooms.
Full size studio monitors with accurate sound and real bass from an 8 inch woofer, at a budget price.
Prices on this page were last checked October 31, 2026 at 7:11 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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Specifications Side By Side
| Mesanovic CDM65 | JBL 308P MKII | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $5,998 per pair | $287.98 per pair |
| Ranked | #2 of 119 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #34 of 119 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Enclosure | sealed | - |
| Drivers | 1” aluminum dome waveguide tweeter, 5” aluminum cone midrange, 2x 6.5” paper Kevlar side mounted subwoofers | 8” woofer, 1” neodymium tweeter |
| Dimensions | 15”H x 8”W x 14”D (381 x 203 x 356 mm) | 16.5”H x 10”W x 12.1”D (419.1 x 254 x 307.3 mm) |
| Weight | 32 lbs (14.5 kg) each | 17.9 lbs (8.1 kg) each |
| Amplifier Power | 600W total (150W tweeter, 150W midrange, 300W subwoofers combined) | 112W total |
| Frequency Response | 40Hz-20kHz +/-1.0dB | 45Hz - 20kHz (+/-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 36.6Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 42.5Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 29.8Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 37.6Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points) |
| Crossover Frequency | 150Hz, 2,300Hz | - |
| Warranty | 2 years | - |
| Country | United States | - |
| Maximum SPL | 103dB @ 1m (manufacturer specified) | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 7.07 | 5.88 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 8.57 | 7.69 |
| Inputs | XLR (balanced analog), WiSA wireless | XLR, 1/4” TRS |
| XLR Input | Yes | Yes |
| RCA Input | No | No |
| TRS Input | No | Yes |
| Optical Input | No | No |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| USB Input | No | No |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| App | - | No |
| EQ | - | No |
| DSP | - | No |
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