JBL 308P and 708P

We use the Tune Method to evaluate performance

Moderator: Staff

User avatar
lejonklou
Administrator
Administrator
Posts: 6522
Joined: 2007-01-30 10:38
Location: Sweden
Contact:

Re: JBL 308P and 708P

Post by lejonklou »

FairPlayMotty wrote: 2021-09-07 21:41 Given that the 708p and 708i models seem to differ only by the i model being driven by the user's own amplification has anyone tested a set of 708i with a Linn, Naim or Lejonklou amplifier?

https://jblpro.com/products/708i
We briefly discussed 708i in page 1:
https://www.lejonklou.com/forum/viewtop ... 916#p58916
User avatar
ThomasOK
Very active member
Very active member
Posts: 4358
Joined: 2007-02-02 18:41
Location: United States
Contact:

Re: JBL 308P and 708P

Post by ThomasOK »

markiteight wrote: 2021-09-07 20:07 Thomas, I might be interested in taking you up on your offer depending on shipping costs. I'm really intrigued by these.

One question: Connectivity. It appears these speakers accept either XLR or TRS only. Is there a consensus on the best method for hooking these up? Is the XLR preferred over TRS (or vice-versa)? Are RCA to XLR/TRS adaptors acceptable or is it recommended to solder the appropriate connector directly to the cables of choice?
I have not tried with a TRS connector, possibly others have. I used Linn Silver cables with RCA on one end and XLR on the other end that I had made up for when I had my ATCs. Adaptors have often been used in similar circumstances but I have not tried it.

I'll have to check size and weight of them to see how much shipping/insurance will run.
The LP12 Whisperer
Manufacturer, Distributor, Retailer and above all lover of music.
User avatar
jajo
Active member
Active member
Posts: 213
Joined: 2007-01-19 15:08
Location: Sweden
Contact:

Re: JBL 308P and 708P

Post by jajo »

markiteight wrote: 2021-09-07 20:07 Thomas, I might be interested in taking you up on your offer depending on shipping costs. I'm really intrigued by these.

One question: Connectivity. It appears these speakers accept either XLR or TRS only. Is there a consensus on the best method for hooking these up? Is the XLR preferred over TRS (or vice-versa)? Are RCA to XLR/TRS adaptors acceptable or is it recommended to solder the appropriate connector directly to the cables of choice?
I've tested many RCA->XLR adaptors but ended up with a soldered cable instead, clearly better.
cortina wrote: 2021-09-07 12:38 Is that with or without a ”for the money” condition?
Without, that must be the rejection of the century of Linn speakers as it would/could include any power amp(s) and Linn speakers.

Are you running the 708Ps with subwoofers(s)?
Without a "for the money" condition.

I am not using a subwoofer, it is not really needed with the 708P since they go deep with a fair amount of power. It shakes my couch which the 308 didn't.

The wall behind my speakers is not that wide, so I have no space for an optimal subwoofer placement and that is why I upgraded from 308 to 708P.
Azazello
Very active member
Very active member
Posts: 630
Joined: 2007-01-30 21:59
Location: Stockholm, Sweden

Re: JBL 308P and 708P

Post by Azazello »

jajo wrote: 2021-09-08 00:07 Without a "for the money" condition.

I am not using a subwoofer, it is not really needed with the 708P since they go deep with a fair amount of power. It shakes my couch which the 308 didn't.
Maybe my 3677's won't be staying after all...
cortina
Active Member
Active Member
Posts: 90
Joined: 2011-09-05 05:13

Re: JBL 308P and 708P

Post by cortina »

jajo wrote: 2021-09-08 00:07
Without a "for the money" condition.

I am not using a subwoofer, it is not really needed with the 708P since they go deep with a fair amount of power. It shakes my couch which the 308 didn't.

The wall behind my speakers is not that wide, so I have no space for an optimal subwoofer placement and that is why I upgraded from 308 to 708P.
Very interesting thread and info. Thanks!!

So hypothetically, if you HAD a wide wall, do you think you would have stayed with 308s long term or still ended up with 708Ps and sub(s)?

My experience from many standmounts and sub combos is that they are not able to deliver that ”punch” that I think is crucial. While subs (the ones I tried at least... incl K345) cover and play the low frequencies very well but there’s still something lacking to get that punch/pressure etc.

But it sounds like the 708Ps deliver that? But would 308+sub do really good, powerful low mids plus the lows - or whatever it is that I’m trying to describe (and in my view is crucial) that e.g. Keltiks deliver, as do 3677+4645.
u252agz
Very active member
Very active member
Posts: 786
Joined: 2013-10-03 12:44
Location: UK

Re: JBL 308P and 708P

Post by u252agz »

ThomasOK wrote: 2021-09-07 22:59
markiteight wrote: 2021-09-07 20:07 Thomas, I might be interested in taking you up on your offer depending on shipping costs. I'm really intrigued by these.

One question: Connectivity. It appears these speakers accept either XLR or TRS only. Is there a consensus on the best method for hooking these up? Is the XLR preferred over TRS (or vice-versa)? Are RCA to XLR/TRS adaptors acceptable or is it recommended to solder the appropriate connector directly to the cables of choice?
I have not tried with a TRS connector, possibly others have. I used Linn Silver cables with RCA on one end and XLR on the other end that I had made up for when I had my ATCs. Adaptors have often been used in similar circumstances but I have not tried it.

I'll have to check size and weight of them to see how much shipping/insurance will run.
I would like to go on the reserve list for these speakers - again depending on shipping/insurance to the UK.
Kalla/Sag M/Tun M3/242/LP12/Slip7

Kalla/Giella Pi/JBL308/RS2e

Majik LP12/Boazu/110s
User avatar
jajo
Active member
Active member
Posts: 213
Joined: 2007-01-19 15:08
Location: Sweden
Contact:

Re: JBL 308P and 708P

Post by jajo »

cortina wrote: 2021-09-08 08:24 So hypothetically, if you HAD a wide wall, do you think you would have stayed with 308s long term or still ended up with 708Ps and sub(s)?
The only thing I was unpleased with regarding the 308 was low end extension while watching movies and that they feel a bit compressed when playing really loud. Other than that, I was extremely happy with them, especially the musical performance.

In Sweden, when we buy something online, we have the right to return it in 14 days even if we unpacked and tested it. I read some raving reviews about 708P and decided to buy them unheard with the possibility to send back if I wasn't happy with their performance.

708P solved the bass issues and can play extremely loud. But added to that, they are more musical as a bonus. I probably wouldn't have tried them if it wasn't for my big interest in movies and wanting to hear more of the low end. But after hearing them, I wouldn't consider another speaker in this price range and I would gladly pay their price for the musical improvement alone.
Azazello
Very active member
Very active member
Posts: 630
Joined: 2007-01-30 21:59
Location: Stockholm, Sweden

Re: JBL 308P and 708P

Post by Azazello »

jajo, have you considered the M2?
User avatar
jajo
Active member
Active member
Posts: 213
Joined: 2007-01-19 15:08
Location: Sweden
Contact:

Re: JBL 308P and 708P

Post by jajo »

Azazello wrote: 2021-09-08 23:55 jajo, have you considered the M2?
No.

1) They wouldn't fit in my room
2) Just like 708i, they need EQ in external amps (and if I go for the Crown amps that JBL recommends, they are very big and very noisy)
3) JBL claims that 708p is a smaller version of M2 with same design choices and people I trust say that 708p sounds very similar to M2 in smaller rooms

I don't doubt that M2 is a great speaker but I'm not that interested in speakers.
Azazello
Very active member
Very active member
Posts: 630
Joined: 2007-01-30 21:59
Location: Stockholm, Sweden

Re: JBL 308P and 708P

Post by Azazello »

jajo wrote: 2021-09-09 03:29
Azazello wrote: 2021-09-08 23:55 jajo, have you considered the M2?
No.

1) They wouldn't fit in my room
2) Just like 708i, they need EQ in external amps (and if I go for the Crown amps that JBL recommends, they are very big and very noisy)
3) JBL claims that 708p is a smaller version of M2 with same design choices and people I trust say that 708p sounds very similar to M2 in smaller rooms

I don't doubt that M2 is a great speaker but I'm not that interested in speakers.
Got it! :)
tokenbrit
Very active member
Very active member
Posts: 2038
Joined: 2012-03-22 19:47
Location: New England

Re: JBL 308P and 708P

Post by tokenbrit »

So I could replace Tundra Monos & 3677 with 708P for more music and more bass... and gain back 2 shelves, not to mention more space in the room?!? That's wild.

I'd be interested in some more clips, either comparison with other speakers, or just the 708P JBLs themselves.
Azazello
Very active member
Very active member
Posts: 630
Joined: 2007-01-30 21:59
Location: Stockholm, Sweden

Re: JBL 308P and 708P

Post by Azazello »

tokenbrit wrote: 2021-09-11 16:21That's wild.
Agree
User avatar
ThomasOK
Very active member
Very active member
Posts: 4358
Joined: 2007-02-02 18:41
Location: United States
Contact:

Re: JBL 308P and 708P

Post by ThomasOK »

u252agz wrote: 2021-09-08 08:29
ThomasOK wrote: 2021-09-07 22:59
markiteight wrote: 2021-09-07 20:07 Thomas, I might be interested in taking you up on your offer depending on shipping costs. I'm really intrigued by these.

One question: Connectivity. It appears these speakers accept either XLR or TRS only. Is there a consensus on the best method for hooking these up? Is the XLR preferred over TRS (or vice-versa)? Are RCA to XLR/TRS adaptors acceptable or is it recommended to solder the appropriate connector directly to the cables of choice?
I have not tried with a TRS connector, possibly others have. I used Linn Silver cables with RCA on one end and XLR on the other end that I had made up for when I had my ATCs. Adaptors have often been used in similar circumstances but I have not tried it.

I'll have to check size and weight of them to see how much shipping/insurance will run.
I would like to go on the reserve list for these speakers - again depending on shipping/insurance to the UK.
Send me a PM with your address information and I will see what I can find out about shipping. The shipping to the Western US calculated to $84 for the pair but to the UK I'm sure it would be a fair amount more.
The LP12 Whisperer
Manufacturer, Distributor, Retailer and above all lover of music.
Azazello
Very active member
Very active member
Posts: 630
Joined: 2007-01-30 21:59
Location: Stockholm, Sweden

Re: JBL 308P and 708P

Post by Azazello »

Several pairs of 308 mk 1 can be found on hifishark as well :)
Whatsmynaim
Active member
Active member
Posts: 198
Joined: 2019-10-29 23:55

Re: JBL 308P and 708P

Post by Whatsmynaim »

jajo, you mention that 708P is great for movies so I hope it's ok to ask in this thread. For the last 20 years or so I've been on a hunt for a movie player that sounds awesome in a two speakers setup. So I'm asking. What device or devices exactly are you using when watching movies? And if you have any other information on this subject, that would be nice :) I'm currently using the Oppo BDP-105 and a while it's pretty good it's never been a master of musicality.
User avatar
jajo
Active member
Active member
Posts: 213
Joined: 2007-01-19 15:08
Location: Sweden
Contact:

Re: JBL 308P and 708P

Post by jajo »

Whatsmynaim wrote: 2021-09-12 16:16 jajo, you mention that 708P is great for movies so I hope it's ok to ask in this thread. For the last 20 years or so I've been on a hunt for a movie player that sounds awesome in a two speakers setup. So I'm asking. What device or devices exactly are you using when watching movies? And if you have any other information on this subject, that would be nice :) I'm currently using the Oppo BDP-105 and a while it's pretty good it's never been a master of musicality.
I think the Apple TV is a superb movie player but it very much depends on the DAC in your TV. I have a Philips 65 OLED that has a great built-in DAC that I can connect to my pre-amp with good results.

Apple TV can also play bluray if you rip them and place them on a NAS.
User avatar
V.A.MKD
Very active member
Very active member
Posts: 862
Joined: 2019-10-09 15:33
Location: Skopje / Europe
Contact:

Re: JBL 308P and 708P

Post by V.A.MKD »

Hi Jajo,
Before JBL Pro Line, do you have experience with some other active pro loudspeakers ... Genelec, KRK Studio Monitors, Yamaha, Adam Audio, M Audio ...
Music First ...
Vlado
User avatar
jajo
Active member
Active member
Posts: 213
Joined: 2007-01-19 15:08
Location: Sweden
Contact:

Re: JBL 308P and 708P

Post by jajo »

V.A.MKD wrote: 2021-09-16 14:26 Hi Jajo,
Before JBL Pro Line, do you have experience with some other active pro loudspeakers ... Genelec, KRK Studio Monitors, Yamaha, Adam Audio, M Audio ...
Yes, I have listened to lots of monitors.

When I first discovered the JBL 308 I got excited about the performance and tried many other speakers.
Screenshot 2021-09-17 at 00.56.51.png
These are probably the "second best" after the JBLs that I have tried, Genelec 1029A. Unfortunately they were quite a bit behind the JBLs in both musicality and sound quality so they didn't stay very long. The newer Genelecs (with the typical grey "rounder" boxes) are not my cup of tea with very detailed/analytical sound and weak musicality.

Yamaha never impressed me, neither did Adam Audio (although I know they are very highly rated by many). M Audio is probably the worst of the ones you mention and the models I've tried has performed poorly.

Worth noting is that JBL is no guarantee for quality. The new LSR 306P (MK2) are much less musical than 305P (MK1) and 308P (MK1). Also the 305/308P MK2 are inferior to the MK1.

My recommendation list so far for studio monitors would be 1) JBL 708P 2) JBL 308P MK1 3) JBL 305P MK1 4) JBL 308P MK2 5) JBL 305P MK2 6) Genelec 1029A
You do not have the required permissions to view the files attached to this post.
User avatar
V.A.MKD
Very active member
Very active member
Posts: 862
Joined: 2019-10-09 15:33
Location: Skopje / Europe
Contact:

Re: JBL 308P and 708P

Post by V.A.MKD »

Hi Jajo,

Thank you very much for your prompt and very detailed answer. That is what I want to know ... :-)
Music First ...
Vlado
User avatar
markiteight
Moderator
Moderator
Posts: 834
Joined: 2012-01-13 01:50
Location: Seattle, Wa. USA

Re: JBL 308P and 708P

Post by markiteight »

A bit of 308P action: https://www.lejonklou.com/forum/viewtop ... 249#p59249

Given their price point, the amount of music these things throw out is just plain silly...and oh so much fun!
User avatar
V.A.MKD
Very active member
Very active member
Posts: 862
Joined: 2019-10-09 15:33
Location: Skopje / Europe
Contact:

Re: JBL 308P and 708P

Post by V.A.MKD »

markiteight wrote: 2021-09-22 03:20 A bit of 308P action: https://www.lejonklou.com/forum/viewtop ... 249#p59249

Given their price point, the amount of music these things throw out is just plain silly...and oh so much fun!
Maybe they deserve "Absolute Bargains" as well ... if they are Mk 1 version as was recommended by Fredrik and Jajo.
Music First ...
Vlado
FairPlayMotty
Very active member
Very active member
Posts: 769
Joined: 2018-08-28 11:10
Location: Scotland

Re: JBL 308P and 708P

Post by FairPlayMotty »

The DSP code for the 708 has been hacked. So there's now no requirement to use the Crown amplifiers with the 708i.

https://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=171494.0
Everything is a remix: Copy, Transform, Combine.
User avatar
mrco99
Very active member
Very active member
Posts: 723
Joined: 2009-12-10 17:14
Location: The Netherlands
Contact:

Re: JBL 308P and 708P

Post by mrco99 »

jajo wrote: 2021-09-17 00:03 My recommendation list so far for studio monitors would be 1) JBL 708P 2) JBL 308P MK1 3) JBL 305P MK1 4) JBL 308P MK2 5) JBL 305P MK2 6) Genelec 1029A
Hi Jajo, thanks for your recommendation list.
I would be interested giving the 308P mk1 a try.
How to differentiate the mk1 from mk2 - is this mentioned on the actual model or is mk2 above a certain serial number?

Thanks,

Marco
Distributor of Lejonklou | Aqua | Graham Audio | Klangedang | NOKTable | Ophidian | The Wand
User avatar
ThomasOK
Very active member
Very active member
Posts: 4358
Joined: 2007-02-02 18:41
Location: United States
Contact:

Re: JBL 308P and 708P

Post by ThomasOK »

mrco99 wrote: 2021-09-22 22:44
jajo wrote: 2021-09-17 00:03 My recommendation list so far for studio monitors would be 1) JBL 708P 2) JBL 308P MK1 3) JBL 305P MK1 4) JBL 308P MK2 5) JBL 305P MK2 6) Genelec 1029A
Hi Jajo, thanks for your recommendation list.
I would be interested giving the 308P mk1 a try.
How to differentiate the mk1 from mk2 - is this mentioned on the actual model or is mk2 above a certain serial number?

Thanks,

Marco
It is mentioned on the box and on the back of the speaker. Also the unit has a different look on the front. The easiset tell is that the mark 1 has four visible screws holding in the woofer, on the mark 2 those there is just a smooth plastic ring.
The LP12 Whisperer
Manufacturer, Distributor, Retailer and above all lover of music.
FairPlayMotty
Very active member
Very active member
Posts: 769
Joined: 2018-08-28 11:10
Location: Scotland

Re: JBL 308P and 708P

Post by FairPlayMotty »

mrco99 wrote: 2021-09-22 22:44
jajo wrote: 2021-09-17 00:03 My recommendation list so far for studio monitors would be 1) JBL 708P 2) JBL 308P MK1 3) JBL 305P MK1 4) JBL 308P MK2 5) JBL 305P MK2 6) Genelec 1029A
Hi Jajo, thanks for your recommendation list.
I would be interested giving the 308P mk1 a try.
How to differentiate the mk1 from mk2 - is this mentioned on the actual model or is mk2 above a certain serial number?

Thanks,

Marco
It looks very much like a new model. After the 3677, 308P and 708P I think it's safe to assume that while all JBL speakers aren't necessarily brilliant, JBL have a reasonable track record of producing musical speakers. There are other more expensive models that are acclaimed. At least with the 308P and 708P nobody's calling for the toolkit. Yet :)
Everything is a remix: Copy, Transform, Combine.
Post Reply