Short answer: the Vanatoo Transparent One Encore Plus. It ranks #19 of 100 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality (rated 4.3/5) 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 Vanatoo Transparent One Encore Plus is the better-sounding pick. Erin’s Klippel data combines a small 1.7dB midrange response span with a -3dB point around 44Hz. Watch for: A mild 4-6kHz edge and a smaller 1-2kHz recession were audible in the review, so its smooth midrange summary does not mean there is nothing to improve with EQ.
What the JBL One Series 104 does well: ASR’s powered-system measurement gives -3dB bass around 72Hz, and the compact coaxial layout is convenient for a small desk. It keeps a wired aux input, which the Vanatoo Transparent One Encore Plus 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 Vanatoo Transparent One Encore Plus. It is rated higher for sound quality; the JBL One Series 104 is no longer sold new.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Powered Home rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Vanatoo Transparent One Encore Plus | JBL One Series 104 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $699.99 per pair | $129 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #19 of 100 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #93 of 100 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Drivers | 5.25” aluminum-cone woofer with XBL motor, 5.25” passive radiator (rear), 1” aluminum dome tweeter with waveguide and phase plug | 4.5” coaxial low-frequency driver, 0.75” soft dome tweeter |
| Amplifier Power | 240W total (100W + 20W Class D amplifiers per enclosure) | 60W total Class D (30W per speaker) |
| Inputs | USB, Optical, Coax, Analog, Bluetooth | 1/4” TRS, RCA, 3.5mm Aux |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD | - |
| Dimensions | 10” x 6.5” x 8” (254 x 165 x 203 mm) | 9.7H x 6W x 4.9D in (per manufacturer, 104-BT) |
| Weight | 10.8 lbs (4.9 kg) (passive unit), 12.1 lbs (5.5 kg) (active unit) | 4.5 lbs (2.06 kg) (master), 3.8 lbs (1.73 kg) (slave) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 42Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 45Hz with the amplifier’s DSP bass boost active (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 34Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 35Hz with the amplifier’s DSP bass boost active (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Frequency Response | 48Hz - 20kHz ±3dB (manufacturer specified, Flat mode) | 60Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.57 | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.38 | - |
| Subwoofer Output | Yes | - |
| Outputs | RCA subwoofer | - |
| XLR Input | No | No |
| RCA Input | No | Yes |
| TRS Input | No | Yes |
| Optical Input | Yes | No |
| Coaxial Input | Yes | No |
| USB Input | Yes | No |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | No | Yes |
| Bluetooth | Yes | No |
| App | - | No |
| EQ | - | Yes (fixed, amplifier-applied) |
| DSP | - | Yes |
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Prices on this page were last checked October 7, 2026 at 9:25 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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The Two Speakers In Full
Vanatoo Transparent One Encore Plus: $699.99 per pair Amazon eBay
Older model: the Vanatoo Transparent One Encore (ranked lower, rated 3.9/5).
Pros: Erin’s Klippel data combines a small 1.7dB midrange response span with a -3dB point around 44Hz. Scores of 5.57 standalone and 7.38 with an ideal subwoofer make it an attractive standalone system as well as a subwoofer partner. Remote tone controls, multiple digital and analog inputs, and automatic subwoofer crossover engagement simplify setup. Measured bass extension of 42Hz (-3dB).
Cons: A mild 4-6kHz edge and a smaller 1-2kHz recession were audible in the review, so its smooth midrange summary does not mean there is nothing to improve with EQ. No HDMI ARC. Deep bass and louder playback still benefit from a subwoofer; amplifier wattage alone does not establish clean room-filling output.
Full Vanatoo Transparent One Encore Plus review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 240W total (100W + 20W Class D amplifiers per enclosure) |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 34Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 42Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD |
| Coaxial Input | Yes |
| Dimensions | 10” x 6.5” x 8” (254 x 165 x 203 mm) |
| Drivers | 5.25” aluminum-cone woofer with XBL motor, 5.25” passive radiator (rear), 1” aluminum dome tweeter with waveguide and phase plug |
| Frequency Response | 48Hz - 20kHz ±3dB (manufacturer specified, Flat mode) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | USB, Optical, Coax, Analog, Bluetooth |
| Optical Input | Yes |
| Outputs | RCA subwoofer |
| RCA Input | No |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.57 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.38 |
| Subwoofer Output | Yes |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | Yes |
| Weight | 10.8 lbs (4.9 kg) (passive unit), 12.1 lbs (5.5 kg) (active unit) |
| XLR Input | No |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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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
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