Short answer: the Mesanovic CDM65 if sound quality matters most, the JBL 308P MKII if price matters most. The Mesanovic CDM65 ranks #2 of 67 powered bookshelf speakers at $5998. The JBL 308P MKII ranks #22 at $249, $5749 cheaper.
What the Mesanovic CDM65 offers: Erin’s measurements show a very even 1.1dB span from 300Hz to 5kHz and an 8.08 ideal-subwoofer preference score, strong evidence for natural tonal balance. Measured -3dB bass extension is 36.6Hz. Switchable cardioid operation offers useful control of rearward radiation; an optional WiSA hub adds wireless system integration. Watch for: Cardioid operation and bass tuning affect placement and output, so use the appropriate mode for the room. A subwoofer is still useful for deep bass at high levels. These are substantial, roughly 14.5kg cabinets, and the optional hub adds cost rather than being necessary for wired playback.
What the JBL 308P MKII offers: A 1.8dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz and 6.89 ideal-subwoofer score support unusually good tonal balance for an accessible studio monitor. Measured -3dB extension of 42.5Hz supplies useful musical bass, and the waveguide helps maintain consistent horizontal coverage. Watch for: Amplifier hiss may be noticeable in quiet, close-range use. Bass distortion and output limits matter when playing loudly, despite the 8-inch woofer. Keep the tweeter near ear height; vertical crossover behavior is less forgiving than the best coaxial designs.
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.
Specifications Side By Side
| Mesanovic CDM65 | JBL 308P MKII | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $5,300 per pair | $498 per pair |
| Ranked | #2 of 67 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #22 of 67 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 | not published by manufacturer |
| 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) | 82Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 29.8Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) | 60Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Crossover Frequency | 150Hz, 2,300Hz | - |
| Warranty | 2 years | - |
| Country | United States | - |
| Maximum SPL | 103dB @ 1m (manufacturer specified) | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 6.58 | 5.08 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 8.08 | 6.89 |
| App | - | No |
| EQ | - | No |
| DSP | - | No |
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Prices on this page were last checked September 16, 2026 at 12:41 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
Mesanovic CDM65: $5,300 per pair Front End Audio eBay
Pros: Erin’s measurements show a very even 1.1dB span from 300Hz to 5kHz and an 8.08 ideal-subwoofer preference score, strong evidence for natural tonal balance. Measured -3dB bass extension is 36.6Hz. Switchable cardioid operation offers useful control of rearward radiation; an optional WiSA hub adds wireless system integration. Measured bass extension of 36.6Hz (-3dB).
Cons: Cardioid operation and bass tuning affect placement and output, so use the appropriate mode for the room. A subwoofer is still useful for deep bass at high levels. These are substantial, roughly 14.5kg cabinets, and the optional hub adds cost rather than being necessary for wired playback.
Full Mesanovic CDM65 review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 600W total (150W tweeter, 150W midrange, 300W subwoofers combined) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 29.8Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 36.6Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Country | United States |
| Crossover Frequency | 150Hz, 2,300Hz |
| Dimensions | 15"H x 8"W x 14"D (381 x 203 x 356 mm) |
| Drivers | 1" aluminum dome waveguide tweeter, 5" aluminum cone midrange, 2x 6.5" paper Kevlar side mounted subwoofers |
| Enclosure | sealed |
| Frequency Response | 40Hz-20kHz +/-1.0dB |
| Maximum SPL | 103dB @ 1m (manufacturer specified) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 6.58 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 8.08 |
| Warranty | 2 years |
| Weight | 32 lbs (14.5 kg) each |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
JBL 308P MKII: $498 per pair B&H Photo Video eBay
Pros: A 1.8dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz and 6.89 ideal-subwoofer score support unusually good tonal balance for an accessible studio monitor. Measured -3dB extension of 42.5Hz supplies useful musical bass, and the waveguide helps maintain consistent horizontal coverage. Measured bass extension of 82Hz (-3dB).
Cons: Amplifier hiss may be noticeable in quiet, close-range use. Bass distortion and output limits matter when playing loudly, despite the 8-inch woofer. Keep the tweeter near ear height; vertical crossover behavior is less forgiving than the best coaxial designs.
Full JBL 308P MKII review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 112W total |
|---|---|
| App | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 60Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 82Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| DSP | No |
| Dimensions | 16.5"H x 10"W x 12.1"D (419.1 x 254 x 307.3 mm) |
| Drivers | 8" woofer, 1" neodymium tweeter |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 45Hz - 20kHz (+/-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.08 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.89 |
| Weight | not published by manufacturer |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons