(January 4, 2022) HARMAN Luxury Audio has arrived at CES 2022 with two new JBL speaker designs: a powered studio monitor and a lifestyle subwoofer.
The 4305P Studio Monitor is the first powered product in JBL's Studio Monitor range. Despite being the most compact model in the series, the 4305P packs a serious audio punch with a host of patented JBL acoustic technologies that allow the speaker to play larger than its estimated 7.5" W x 12.5" T x 8" D size.
As a completely self-contained active loudspeaker system, the 4305P boasts 300 Watts RMS total system power built-in, a 24-bit/192kHz high-resolution DAC, and six inputs that can be used with a wide variety of digital and analog audio sources. Additional features include a selectable bass control to compensate for acoustic differences in loudspeaker placement and positioning, and a signal-sensing line-level subwoofer output for connection to an external powered sub. It also carries vintage JBL looks built around a ¾" MDF cabinet with a real wood veneer. Finish choices include Natural Walnut with a blue grille or Black Walnut with a black grille
The speaker's integrated streaming engine provides both wired and wireless network audio capabilities via Ethernet, Google Chromecast Built-in, Apple AirPlay 2, and Bluetooth audio. In addition to premium wireless audio, the 4305P offers several connections for physical sources including asynchronous USB and optical digital inputs, a 3.5mm analog input, and an analog input with combination XLR / ¼-inch TRS phono connectors and a selectable input sensitivity switch for use with balanced or unbalanced signals. The inclusion of this “prosumer-grade” input provides the option for balanced XLR and ¼" TRS (tip/ring/sleeve) or unbalanced TS (tip/sleeve) connections for use with music, video, and podcast content in a home studio setting.
The speaker system finds both speakers carrying their own power supplies and selectable L/R assignment capabilities to suit any installation application. One speaker carries front panel controls for volume, mute, input selection, and Bluetooth pairing, plus all physical inputs on its rear panel. That speaker connects to the other using wireless technology for resolutions up to 96kHz or by a physical tether using the included 2m Digital Link cable for resolutions up to 192kHz.
The 4305P can render MQA audio files and is certified Roon Ready. It's also controllable using the included Bluetooth handheld remote control or the Google Home and Apple Airplay voice control ecosystems.
As with larger Studio Monitor models, the 4305P utilizes patented JBL transducer technologies to achieve impressive levels of acoustic performance not available from traditional designs. A 2410H-2 1" compression driver is mated to a High-Definition Imaging horn for crystal-clear highs and life-like dynamic capabilities. A 5.25" cast frame, fiber-composite cone woofer operates in a bass-reflex configuration with dual front-firing tuned ports. Each of the transducers is powered by an internal Class D amplifier delivering 25 Watts to each compression driver and 125 Watts to each woofer for a total system power of 300 Watts RMS. Frequency response specs haven't been officially revealed, but I'm told the speaker's low-end capabilities are powerful enough to drive a competent 2.0 system.
The JBL 4305P Studio Monitor will be available in the first quarter of 2022 with a retail price of $2,200. Its price includes a 90-day Qobuz trial with a curated playlist of reference songs.
HARMAN also revealed JBL's new SUB80P powered subwoofer. This particular model is a utility product that doesn't fall under any of the brand's current speaker series.
The SUB80P utilizes a down-firing 8" subwoofer driver housed in a compact sealed enclosure and includes features and connectivity ideal for simple integration into Hi-Fi music and multi-channel AV systems. The integrated Class D amplifier delivers 200 Watt RMS system power (400 Watts of dynamic output) with unspecified output capabilities that will like measure in the low 30Hz to high 20Hz range. System connectivity includes both wired and wireless options with the included 2.4GHz wireless transmitter that is small enough to place near audio components or behind a television.
Features and controls include a rear-panel level control, a crossover bypass switch, a phase switch, bass boost, and auto power functions. Rear-panel Left/Right and LFE RCA jack inputs provide simple system connections for wired installations, while an included wireless transmitter kit allows the speaker to be placed in a wide variety of locations. A 3.5mm 12V external trigger input is provided on the back panel of the subwoofer for use in custom installations in lieu of the auto-power functionality.
The SUB80P is finished in a high-gloss black painted finish and will begin shipping in Q1 for a retail price of $599.
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