Short answer: the JBL 306P MKII. Both are rated 4.1/5 for sound quality (#69 and #70 of 119 powered bookshelf speakers), and the JBL 306P MKII costs $238 against $32,220 for the Sigberg Audio Manta, and with sound quality even, the cheaper one is the better buy.
The case for the Sigberg Audio Manta: Main speakers designed to pair with separate subwoofers, with many analog and digital inputs for a complete high end system. It has an adjustable EQ, which the JBL 306P MKII lacks. Watch for: Separate subwoofers and system setup add cost and occupy more space than the main speakers alone.
The JBL 306P MKII is the more accurate option. A very affordable nearfield studio monitor with useful bass, wide coverage, and simple boundary controls. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 5.06 against 3.39 for the Sigberg Audio Manta. The catch: The 3.4dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz is less even than the JBL 308P MKII’s, with midrange resonances affecting neutrality.
Buy the JBL 306P MKII. Both are rated the same for sound quality, and it costs $31,982 less than the Sigberg Audio Manta.
Still deciding? The full Powered Home rankings cover every ranked option.
Main speakers designed to pair with separate subwoofers, with many analog and digital inputs for a complete high end system.
A very affordable nearfield studio monitor with useful bass, wide coverage, and simple boundary controls.
Prices on this page were last checked October 23, 2026 at 8:27 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.
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
Specifications Side By Side
| Sigberg Audio Manta | JBL 306P MKII | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $32,220.00 for the full system (2 speakers + 2 dedicated subwoofers, built to order) | $238 per pair |
| Ranked | #70 of 119 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #69 of 119 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Enclosure | sealed | - |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 18Hz (manufacturer, with companion subwoofers) | 46.9Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Dimensions | 23.6”H x 14.2”W x 13.8”D (600 x 360 x 350 mm) | 16.1”H x 11.2”W x 12.9”D (408 x 285 x 328 mm) |
| Weight | 55.1 lbs (25.0 kg) each | 13.4 lbs (6.1 kg) each |
| Drivers | 12” midbass, 5.5” coaxial mid/tweeter with 1” silk dome | 6.5” woofer, 1” neodymium tweeter |
| Inputs | XLR, RCA, Optical, Coaxial/SPDIF, AES | XLR, 1/4” TRS |
| Amplifier Power | 600W per speaker | 112W total |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| App | No | No |
| EQ | Yes (9-band parametric, factory presets) | No |
| DSP | Yes | No |
| Country | Norway | - |
| Measurement Source | Manufacturer | - |
| Maximum SPL | 122dB (manufacturer specified) | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.39 | 5.06 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.82 | 6.94 |
| XLR Input | Yes | Yes |
| RCA Input | Yes | No |
| TRS Input | No | Yes |
| Optical Input | Yes | No |
| Coaxial Input | Yes | No |
| USB Input | No | No |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | Yes | No |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Frequency Response | 25Hz - 20kHz (±2.5dB, with subwoofers) (Manufacturer specified) | 39Hz - 24kHz (-10dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 38.6Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points) |
Frequency Response Compared
Both speakers’ spinorama measurements, overlaid. A flatter line is more neutral: peaks sound forward or harsh, dips sound recessed. Each curve is shifted so its average from 300 Hz to 3 kHz sits at 0 dB, so loudness differences between the two are removed and only the shape is compared. The two were measured by different sources, so small differences, especially in the bass, can come from the measurement setup rather than the speakers.
Measurement data: Sigberg Audio Manta (measured by the manufacturer) and JBL 306P MKII (measured by Audio Science Review), via spinorama.org.
Related Speaker Comparisons
More worthwhile head-to-heads for JBL 306P MKII: