Overview

The JBL 4305P is a compact, self-contained powered loudspeaker system in JBL’s Studio Monitor line. It combines a 5.25-inch JW130P-4 woofer and a 2410H-2 compression driver on an HDI waveguide with onboard Class-D amplification (125W LF + 25W HF per speaker) and a 24-bit/192kHz DAC. Connectivity covers Chromecast built-in, AirPlay 2, Bluetooth 5.1, USB-B, optical S/PDIF, 3.5mm analog, and a combo XLR/TRS balanced input, plus a sub out with 80Hz high-pass engage [2].

Scientific Validity

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Manufacturer specs state 45Hz–25kHz (-6dB) frequency response and 90°H × 60°V dispersion from 2kHz–20kHz [2]. Third-party Klippel NFS data from Erin’s Audio Corner shows generally well-controlled directivity and a competent on-axis/listening-window response with some irregularity near the ~1.7kHz crossover region [1]. Wireless inter-speaker link supports up to 24-bit/96kHz; USB/S/PDIF accept up to 24-bit/192kHz [2]. Distortion and maximum output are typical for a small two-way powered monitor; the 5.25-inch woofer limits clean SPL versus larger competitors [1]. Net: borderline-transparent behavior for a compact active speaker.

Technology Level

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The design employs JBL’s patented 2410H-2 compression driver and HDI waveguide geometry, finite-element-optimized for controlled directivity [2]. Integration of DSP crossovers, multi-input digital/analog I/O, and mainstream network protocols (Chromecast, AirPlay 2) into a compact powered monitor reflects a high degree of system engineering. While not revolutionary, the in-house horn/driver platform and polished integration merit a high technology score.

Cost-Performance

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Street price is 2200 USD for the pair. The cheapest equivalent-or-better route we could identify is: Kali LP-6 V2 pair (199 USD each; 398 USD pair) providing comparable or better low-frequency extension and neutral response per independent measurements [3][5], plus a WiiM Pro Plus network streamer-DAC (219 USD) that restores integrated streaming/remote functionality with excellent measured line-level performance [4].
Computation: 398 USD + 219 USD = 617 USD.
CP: 617 USD ÷ 2200 USD = 0.28 → 0.3 (rounded to one decimal).
Equivalence note: the combo covers the same user-facing functions (streaming, analog/digital inputs via the streamer, volume/remote) and meets or exceeds the speaker system’s FR/THD envelope for typical nearfield use [3][4].

Reliability & Support

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Retailer-published warranty terms commonly list 5 years for enclosure/drivers and 2 years for electronics on the 4305P, which is industry-average for active monitors [6]. Build uses MDF with real-wood veneer and front ports; electronics add complexity and additional failure points versus passive speakers [2]. No public MTBF data has been disclosed. Overall reliability/support outlook is average.

Rationality of Design Philosophy

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Priorities mix rational elements (HDI directivity control, DSP, all-in-one convenience) with less efficiency-oriented choices (premium cabinetry and vintage styling that do not directly improve measurements). Bundling streaming increases price and reduces modularity versus pairing neutral monitors with a low-cost, high-performance external streamer-DAC. Sound-quality progress is achieved mainly through established horn/DSP practice rather than novel breakthroughs.

Advice

If you want a neat, furniture-grade, streaming-ready monitor system with controlled directivity, the 4305P delivers that experience. If your goal is measured transparency per dollar, a Kali LP-6 V2 pair plus a WiiM Pro Plus streamer-DAC offers equivalent functionality and objectively competitive performance at roughly 28% of the 4305P’s price [3][4][5]. Users needing higher output or deeper bass should consider larger active monitors and/or adding a subwoofer via the 4305P’s autosensing sub out.

References

[1] Erin’s Audio Corner, “JBL 4305P Powered Bookshelf Monitor Review,” https://www.erinsaudiocorner.com/loudspeakers/jbl_4305p/ (2022-05-06). Klippel NFS (CEA-2034), 2.83V/1m, anechoic processing.
[2] JBL (Harman), “JBL 4305P Studio Monitor – Product Spec Sheet v1.2,” https://www.jbl.com/on/demandware.static/-/Sites-masterCatalog_Harman/default/dwa6269940/pdfs/JBL%204305P%20Product%20Spec%20Sheet_v1.2_041822.pdf (accessed 2025-08-26).
[3] Erin’s Audio Corner, “Kali LP-6 V2 (Second Wave) Review,” https://erinsaudiocorner.com/loudspeakers/kali_lp-6v2/ (2021-10-29). Klippel NFS; F3 ≈ 42Hz; neutral on-axis.
[4] Audio Science Review, “WiiM Pro Plus Streamer Review & Measurements,” https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/wiim-pro-plus-streamer-review.50254/ (2023-12-09).
[5] Thomann US, “Kali Audio LP-6 2nd Wave,” https://www.thomannmusic.com/kali_audio_lp_6_2nd_wave.htm (accessed 2025-08-26). Typical street 199 USD each (398 USD pair).
[6] Crutchfield, “JBL 4305P Studio Monitors — Dimensions and Warranty,” https://www.crutchfield.com/p_1094305PWW/JBL-4305P-Studio-Monitors-White.html (accessed 2025-08-26). Warranty commonly listed as 5y (drivers/enclosure) / 2y (electronics).

(2025.8.27)