Short answer: the JBL 308P MKII. It ranks #34 of 119 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 4.4/5, at $287.98; the PreSonus Eris Studio 8 ranks #99, rated 3.9/5, and costs $419.98, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
The case for the PreSonus Eris Studio 8: A budget 8 inch studio monitor with XLR, TRS and RCA inputs and room adjustment controls for a conventional studio desk. It has an adjustable EQ, which the JBL 308P MKII lacks. The tradeoff: The large cabinet requires substantial desk or stand space.
The JBL 308P MKII is the better-sounding pick. Full size studio monitors with accurate sound and real bass from an 8 inch woofer, at a budget price. The catch: Amplifier hiss may be noticeable in quiet, close-range use.
Buy the JBL 308P MKII. It is rated higher for sound quality than the PreSonus Eris Studio 8 and costs less, which makes it the one to get unless you need something the other one does better.
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A budget 8 inch studio monitor with XLR, TRS and RCA inputs and room adjustment controls for a conventional studio desk.
Full size studio monitors with accurate sound and real bass from an 8 inch woofer, at a budget price.
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Specifications Side By Side
| PreSonus Eris Studio 8 | JBL 308P MKII | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $419.98 per pair | $287.98 per pair |
| Ranked | #99 of 119 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #34 of 119 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Dimensions | 16.5”H x 9.8”W x 11.7”D (419.1 x 248.9 x 297.2 mm) | 16.5”H x 10”W x 12.1”D (419.1 x 254 x 307.3 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 35Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 45Hz - 20kHz (+/-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | TRS, XLR, RCA | XLR, 1/4” TRS |
| Weight | 22.3 lbs (10.1 kg) each | 17.9 lbs (8.1 kg) each |
| Drivers | 8” (203mm) woofer | 8” woofer, 1” neodymium tweeter |
| App | No | No |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| EQ | Yes (Room adjustment) | No |
| DSP | No | No |
| Amplifier Power | 140w Per Speaker | 112W total |
| XLR Input | Yes | Yes |
| RCA Input | Yes | No |
| TRS Input | Yes | 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 |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | - | 42.5Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 37.6Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | - | 5.88 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | - | 7.69 |
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