Mis à jour le 10 March 2023.
The JBL 4305P wireless speakers are a premium solution for 24-bit/192kHz Bluetooth and WiFi streaming. JBL technologies and high power are combined to provide a precise, detailed and very energetic sound. Analog and digital audio inputs are also included to connect a CD player, a television or a computer.
Sold for €2,500, the JBL 4305P are stepping into the territory of the KEF LS50 Wireless 2s, which are €300 more expensive. Will they manage to compete?
JBL 4305P: packaging & speakers
The JBL 4305Ps each come with a power cable (1.8m). The manufacturer also includes an RJ45 network cable and a remote control.
JBL 4305P: presentation
The JBL 4305P speakers have a bass-reflex design with two front-firing ports. The latter improve the response of the 5-inch driver for extensive and intense bass. Because the ports are on the front panel, these speakers can easily be installed on shelves or next to a wall. A switch allows you to reduce the bass level by -3 dB if needed.
It is a horn-loaded compression driver that is responsible for reproducing the high frequencies. This design allows the speaker to deliver incredibly precise highs without any distortion. In practice, the highs are very smooth and crystal clear. The acoustic horn optimizes the distribution of the high frequencies, ensuring a highly precise stereo image.
These speakers each feature 150 watt class D amplification. They cover a wide frequency range from 45Hz to 25kHz.
The JBL 4305P’s DAC can handle digital audio files up to 24-bit/192kHz. Playback can be done via an optical connection, USB or via the network (WiFi/Ethernet) using Chromecast or AirPlay 2. Consequently, it is possible to listen to the main streaming services, including Hi-Res Audio services (Qobuz, Tidal). You can also listen to files shared over the local network (computer, NAS, audio server). A Bluetooth connection is also possible, but the audio transmission quality isn’t as good.
The JBL 4305P speakers also have a USB-B port for connecting to a computer. There is also a pair of balanced XLR/Speakon connectors and a mini-jack input. Finally, it is possible to connect a subwoofer to these speakers via the dedicated mono RCA connector. The detection of the subwoofer and the activation of the high-pass filter (80Hz) are then triggered automatically.
Note that the left and right channels can be inverted on these speakers. This makes it easier to place the main speaker (the one with all the connectors) near the audio sources. Furthermore, the connection between these two speakers can be wireless or done via an Ethernet cable. In the first case, the reproduction of digital audio files is limited to 24-bit/96kHz. In the second case, they can be reproduced at up to 24-bit/192kHz.
JBL 4305P: key specifications
- Amplifier power: 2 x 150W
- 6” midbass driver
- Horn-loaded compression tweeter
- 24-bit/192kHz DAC
- AirPlay 2, Chromecast, Spotify Connect
- MQA compatible and Roon Ready
- Optical digital input and asynchronous USB-B port
- XLR (balanced) and mini-jack inputs
JBL 4305P: listening conditions
We tested the JBL 4305P speakers in the auditorium of the Nantes Son-Vidéo.com store. First in Bluetooth then in WiFi via the Chromecast protocol to enjoy our Qobuz playlists. We placed them about 2.5 meters apart on JMR Magic Stand II stands. We then connected them to a Panasonic DP-UB820 4K UHD Blu-ray player using an optical cable to test their performance with movie soundtracks.
JBL 4305P: listening impressions
When connected to an Android smartphone via Bluetooth, these JBL speakers were generally very pleasant to listen to. However, we sometimes noticed a slight harshness in the highs, probably due to the compression inherent to Bluetooth transmission.
It was by using the integrated Chromecast feature that we were able to truly measure the qualities of the speakers. The studio monitor-like character of the JBL 4305P speakers was evident from the very first seconds of our listening session. On Ride Across the River (Dire Straits), a vast sound panorama unfolded horizontally and vertically. We appreciated the rigorous placement and the precise outline of each of the instruments, which were easy to locate. The bass was reproduced with depth and nuance, but also with a slight roundness: the epitome of JBL sound… The drums were lively and impactful. The horn-loaded compression tweeter was remarkably accurate. It precisely captured the slightest notes, from the cymbals to Mark Knopfler’s fingers on the guitar’s fret.
Prince’s The Truth confirmed the incisive and relaxed character of the speaker. The artist’s guitar playing was delivered with great subtlety and richness. The JBL offered great clarity, with a slight shine, while maintaining balance and smoothness. We appreciated the very realistic incarnation of Prince’s voice.
With Time ( Hans Zimmer – Inception soundtrack), the bass was deep, articulate and nuanced. The JBLs reproduced this register with a beautiful intensity and a lot of amplitude. The track was offered to us in all its epicness.
On Balthazar’s Fever, the JBL 4305Ps displayed excellent timing without becoming disjointed when the message became more complex. However, we had to be careful not to push them to their limit. Setting the volume above 70%, which is very loud, made the message less precise. But you will probably never need to turn them up that high.
In home theater with a Panasonic 4K Blu-ray player and a BenQ V7000i ultra short-throw projector, the experience was amazing. The Dune soundtrack benefited from a spaciousness and a clarity that honored the work of Hans Zimmer. The depth and intensity of the bass also allowed us to fully enjoy the sound effects and explosions. The attack of the Harkonnen against the Atreides clan on Arrakis revealed the incredible performance of these speakers in the lows. The actors’ voices stood out well against the background sound, preserving the intelligibility of the dialogue.
JBL 4305P: compared to…
KEF LS50 Wireless 2
The little English speaker plays the card of purity and modernity, while the American model rides the vintage wave. Two aesthetics at opposite ends of the spectrum, but two high-performance audio systems with comparable versatility. Chromecast, AirPlay 2, Roon Ready, Bluetooth and analog and digital connectivity are available with both models. No USB-B port on the KEF, unlike the JBL. However, the latter does not have an HDMI ARC port, which is an essential element today.
Soundwise, the KEF speaker generally displays a little more rigor and neutrality. The JBL speaker is warmer in the lows, while remaining extremely precise and incisive at the top of the spectrum. Both excel in the art of extending the soundstage in width and depth. The KEFs are more direct than the JBLs, so careful placement is required.
JBL 4305P: who are they for?
The JBL 4305P wireless speakers are ideal if you like to stream high-resolution music. They’re also great for pairing with a TV to boost the soundtracks of movies and video games. They’ll sound great in a room up to about 25 to 30 square meters.
JBL 4305P: conclusion
The JBL 4305P wireless speakers embody the richness and energy of JBL Studio Monitor sound in a compact package. In addition to their attractive vintage design, they impress with their ability to reproduce music very faithfully. The smoothness and clarity of the message delivered are accompanied by a remarkable spatialization. The generosity of the bass brings warmth to the sound, giving it more soul without distorting it. We really enjoyed these speakers!
We liked
- The iconic design
- The generous bass
- The smooth and precise highs
- The spaciousness of the soundstage
We would have liked
- An HDMI ARC port
- For them to have been more affordable
- For them to have remained precise at high volume
