Harman Introduces JBL 4305P Studio Monitor Powered Bookshelf Loudspeakers

January 4 2022, 00:55
Harman's Luxury Audio division unveiled a series of new products at CES 2022, among which is the new JBL 4305P Studio Monitor – the first powered product in the brand's consumer Studio Monitor range and also the most compact model in the series. The JBL 4305P combines a host of patented acoustic technologies perfected by the Northridge, California-based company over the years. The result are bookshelf speakers that sound like large floorstanding loudspeakers, available with wired and wireless connectivity features.

As a completely self-contained active loudspeaker system, the JBL 4305P Studio Monitors have 300W 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 contour 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 subwoofer.
 
For many modern listeners who don't know (or don't care) how to connect a computer, or dedicated audio streamer or content server, to a pair of powered speakers, building streaming audio options and a 24-bit/192kHz high-resolution DAC directly into the speakers provides an easy and convenient access to an entire world of music streaming services. The JBL 4305P shines in this regard, even if these streaming options might very well be obsolete in less than two years. The 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 provides a number of connections for physical sources including asynchronous USB and optical digital inputs, and a 3.5mm analog input. Elevating its capabilities even higher, the 4305P includes an analog input with combination XLR/1/4" 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 1/4" TRS (tip/ring/sleeve) or unbalanced TS (tip/sleeve) connections for use in home studio applications for music, video, and podcast creation. Hence the designation "Studio Monitor".
 

Due to the inclusion of the built-in DAC and streaming module, which doesn't need to be duplicated, the JBL 4305P Studio Monitor system consists of a primary and secondary loudspeaker with selectable L/R assignment capability to suit one's personal placement preference. The primary loudspeaker includes front panel controls for volume, mute, input selection, and Bluetooth pairing, plus all physical inputs on its rear panel. In addition to the front panel controls, the 4305P includes a Bluetooth handheld remote control and can be controlled as part of a Google Home or Apple Airplay ecosystem. 

When operating with a wireless connection between the primary and secondary speakers, the system delivers audio resolutions up to 96kHz. When tethered with the included 2 meter Digital Link cable, audio resolution can be extended to 192kHz to extract the highest possible quality from available content. The JBL 4305P system can even decode and render MQA audio files and is certified Roon Ready.
 
As with the larger models in the Studio Monitor range, the 4305P utilizes patented JBL transducer technologies to achieve its levels of acoustic performance - followers of JBLs recent generation products will recognize common elements with the company's range of professional studio monitors. Inside each JBL 4305P is a 2410H-2 1-inch compression driver mated to a High-Definition Imaging horn. A 5.25-inch 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 25W to each compression driver and 125W to each woofer for a total available system power of 300W rms as a pair.
 
"The 4305P Studio Monitor has everything you need for a completely self-contained, high-performance audio system," says Jim Garrett, Senior Director, Product Strategy and Planning, Harman Luxury Audio. "The sound we are able to deliver from such a small enclosure simply must be heard to be believed."
 
To allow customers to fully realize the quality of sound from their 4305P Studio Monitor system, JBL is including a 90-day trial of high-resolution streaming audio service Qobuz, along with a curated playlist of songs that highlight the audio quality available.
 
As the foundation for good sound, the enclosure of the 4305P is made with 3/4-inch MDF with internal bracing, and features a real wood veneer finish in a choice of natural Walnut with a blue grille or Black Walnut with a black grille. The JBL 4305P Studio Monitor will be available in the first quarter of 2022 with a retail price of $2,200.
www.jbl.com/specialtyaudio
www.harman.com
 
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