From The Audio Files

Popular Science Rates the JBL 4305P as the Best Overall Powered Speaker

JBL is no newcomer to powerful speakers, introducing some of the first models as far back as the 1960s. The company’s brand-new 4305P ($2,200/pair) is the first powered model in its consumer Studio Monitor series, which pay homage to the brand’s ’70s-style speakers. This fully loaded speaker features built-in Class D amplification, 24-bit/192 kHz converters, and six audio inputs that can connect to a huge range of digital and analog sources to provide comprehensive, hi-res wired and wireless connectivity.

The 4305P (shown in walnut above with its grille removed) aims to deliver the presence and power of a floorstanding speaker in a standmount form factor, using patented JBL transducer technologies: each speaker features a 2410H-2 1-inch compression driver mated to a High-Definition Imaging horn for crystal-clear highs and lifelike dynamics. A 5.25-inch cast-frame, fiber-composite cone woofer operates in a bass-reflex configuration with dual front-firing tuned ports. An onboard Class D amp delivers 25W to each compression driver and 125W to each woofer for a total system power of 300W rms. Other features include a bass contour control to compensate for acoustic issues introduced by speaker placement close to walls, plus a signal-sensing line-level subwoofer out (which applies a high-pass 80Hz filter when in use to give the cabinets more headroom).

The result is the lively dynamics expected from a horn-guided tweeter presented with punchy authority, especially in its beefy midrange—not surprising for a company with heritage firmly entrenched in both control rooms and live sound reinforcement. Imaging is impressively wide, though the darting transients can get bright. Thankfully, this is accompanied by bass that’s well-etched and impactful, maybe not the deepest, but capable of keeping things balanced. (A powered subwoofer—such as the aesthetically and aurally compatible L10cs, with a 10-inch down-firing polycellulose cone driven by a 250W RMS/500W dynamic built-in amplifier—is needed to really warm things up.) What stands out most about the 4305P’s innate character, perhaps, is the overall speedy response, which never loses its footing at any pace or pressure. The 4305P isn’t a laidback analytical listen and can play far louder (with minimized distortion) than you’d expect from speakers this size.

When it comes to high-res streaming, the 4305P takes quality to the next level thanks to an integrated streaming engine that provides wired and wireless network audio capabilities via Ethernet, Google Chromecast Built-in, Apple AirPlay 2, and Bluetooth 5.1. A high-resolution digital-to-analog converter preserves 24-bit/96 kHz resolution when the speakers connect wirelessly; when they are tethered with the included 2m Digital Link cable, resolution can be extended to 192 kHz. The 4305P can render MQA files (the musical equivalent of a ZIP file, a way to encode and distribute full-spectrum audio in a compressed container) and is set to be Roon Ready, giving you access to a compatible music server while on your local network. As a bonus, JBL has thrown in a 90-day Qobuz trial membership that includes a curated playlist of songs that showcase the speaker’s audio capabilities.

Analog ins include combo XLR and ¼-inch TRS phono connectors and a selectable input-sensitivity switch. This configuration provides the option for balanced XLR and ¼-inch TRS (tip/ring/sleeve) or unbalanced TS (tip/sleeve) connections, which cover both pro and consumer gear. Other I/Os include asynchronous USB and optical digital inputs and a 3.5mm analog in. In addition to front-panel controls, the 4305P includes a Bluetooth handheld remote and can be controlled as part of a Google Home or Apple AirPlay ecosystem.

The 4305P’s enclosure is constructed from 3⁄4-inch MDF with internal bracing. It is finished in wood veneer, styled in Natural Walnut with a blue grille or Black Walnut with a black grille (shown above in Natural Walnut with the grille off). With its pedigree and presence, the 4305P can look as at home flanking a mix console as it does facing your comfiest listening chair. Crave more kick? The 4329P, which debuted at CES 2023 and will ship in Q2, is a similarly self-contained, amplified system that increases the size of the woofer to a JW200P-4 8-inch pure-pulp black paper cone, with 250W delivered there and 50W to the step-up JBL 2409H 1-inch compression driver. That comprehensive connectivity/high-res rendering engine remains intact while receiving a specs bump to Bluetooth 5.3 with aptX Adaptive audio. Of course, larger model means larger price, so expect these to hit the market around $4,500/pair.

See full review here.