I recently explored the JBL 104-BT, part of JBL’s One Series of desktop monitors, to understand why it’s gathering interest among audio enthusiasts and professionals alike. As an active monitor, the JBL 104-BT offers users an amalgamation of convenience and quality, with its Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity broadening the scope of its utility. Moreover, its range of inputs including RCA, aux, and balanced TRS caters to a variety of audio sources, ensuring flexibility in a multitude of setups.
With my experience in reviewing audio equipment, I’ve found that the form factor of a speaker can often belie its performance capabilities. The JBL 104-BT, with its compact and robust design, provides a surprisingly clear and detailed sound for its size. Each monitor integrates a coaxial 4.5-inch (118 mm) woofer and a 0.75-inch (19 mm) soft dome tweeter, allowing it to deliver a coherent and precise soundstage. The master speaker’s built-in amplification for both units underscores JBL’s commitment to delivering professional-grade sound quality in the realm of desktop monitors.
Design and Build Quality
In my experience with JBL’s 104-BT active monitor speakers, their design and build quality stand out as strong suits. These reference monitors not only fulfill their sound reproduction purpose but do so with a distinctive physical presence.
Physical Aesthetics
The JBL One Series 104-BT features a unique ovoid shape, departing from the typical rectangular form factor of many speakers. The design is bold and modern, which I find suits a variety of settings from professional studios to home offices. The monitors are available in black or white finishes, catering to different aesthetic preferences. Each unit is equipped with a 4.5-inch (12cm) low-frequency driver and a 0.75-inch (19mm) soft-dome tweeter, confidently exposed by the design of the grilles. Their visual appeal is matched by their solidity, indicating a build that is meant to last.
Compactness and Portability
Considering their robust build, these monitors are impressively compact. This facilitates easy placement on desks and in tight spaces, which is crucial for users with limited room. The 104-BT’s dimensions and design factor in the need for portability, allowing for relocation without hassle. Additionally, the inclusion of an AUX input, RCA inputs, and Bluetooth connectivity enhances the versatility of these compact speakers, freeing them from the constraints of cables and enabling seamless integration into a user’s audio setup. Despite their small size, they don’t compromise on functionality, a testament to JBL’s thoughtful engineering.
Sound Performance
When I discuss the JBL 104-BT, I focus on the fine balance it maintains between offering robust sound quality and precise audio reproduction across different frequencies.
Overall Sound Quality
The JBL 104-BTs are active monitors designed to deliver a high-fidelity audio experience that feels both vibrant and accurate. With an in-built Bluetooth 5.0, they provide a seamless wireless connectivity option, ensuring the sound quality isn’t compromised over wireless streams. My listening tests reveal that the monitors have a well-tuned EQ, which contributes to a balanced sound where no single frequency overshadows another.
Bass and Low Frequency Response
In terms of bass, the JBL 104-BT’s low-frequency response is substantial for its size. The compact monitors sport a coaxial 118 mm woofer that is capable of delivering punchy and tight bass. While they won’t match the rumble of larger systems with dedicated subwoofers, they handle bass levels adeptly within their performance bracket.
Midrange and Vocals
The midrange on these speakers is where they truly shine. Vocals are clear and detailed, and the monitors manage to maintain a rich presence in the midrange frequencies. This is crucial, as the midrange often carries the core of most music, and the JBL 104-BT’s ensure that instruments and vocals are represented with clarity and depth.
Highs and Treble
The highs are taken care of by a 19 mm soft dome tweeter, which offers a crisp and extensive high-frequency response. The detail in the treble range is impressive for speakers of this size and price point, and there is no lack of sensitivity or accuracy. Even at higher volume levels, the treble remains distinct without introducing harshness, keeping the listening experience comfortable within its sweet spot.
Connectivity and Controls
In this section, I’ll guide you through the various connectivity features and control options of the JBL 104-BT, ensuring you have a comprehensive understanding of how you can interact with these speakers.
Bluetooth and Wireless Capabilities
The JBL 104-BT is equipped with Bluetooth 5.0, providing a stable and efficient wireless connection. This advanced version of Bluetooth enables me to pair my device swiftly and maintain a reliable signal. It’s ideal for streaming audio without the clutter of cables.
Input Option Variety
When it comes to wired connections, the variety is impressive. The speakers offer a range of input options including RCA, aux, and balanced TRS inputs. This versatility allows me to connect various audio sources, from mixing consoles to smartphones, ensuring that the JBL 104-BT serves as a versatile speaker system in different settings.
- RCA Input: Common for DJ equipment and traditional audio devices.
- Aux Input: Great for portable devices like smartphones.
- Balanced TRS Input: Perfect for professional audio equipment to minimize noise.
Ease of Use
The master speaker houses all of the controls, which are intuitive and accessible. The volume control is straightforward, allowing me to easily adjust the output level. Additionally, the speakers feature a headphone jack, permitting private listening sessions. When headphones are plugged in, the onboard headphone output automatically mutes the speaker output, a nifty feature for late-night mixing or practicing. The connectivity between the master and slave units is handled by a standard speaker wire, which is included, ensuring a simple setup right out of the box.
Usability
My experience with the JBL 104-BT desktop speakers has shown that they’re highly suited for personal and professional workspaces, offering flexible connectivity options and convenient controls.
Desktop Friendliness
I’ve found that the compact dimensions of the 104s make them particularly desktop-friendly. Their small footprint allows them to fit comfortably alongside a laptop or monitor without cluttering the workspace. What stands out to me is their design, which is not only aesthetically pleasing but also practical—the front-facing volume control makes it easy to adjust sound levels without reaching around the back of the speaker.
Integration with Existing Setups
Integrating the JBL 104-BT desktop speakers into an existing setup is straightforward. With Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity, it’s simple to pair them with a variety of devices including laptops and smartphones. The 104s aren’t just limited to wireless, however; they also include multiple wired inputs—RCA, aux, and balanced TRS—making them versatile for different audio setups. As computer speakers, they can serve as primary desktop reference monitors, or they can complement headphones for a more rounded audio experience. Integrating these speakers into my setup was an effortless process, enhancing my overall audio experience without requiring any complex adjustments.
Price and Value Proposition
When assessing the JBL One Series 104-BT speakers, I consider both their price point and the value they offer in the realm of desktop monitors.
Cost Comparison with Competing Products
In my observations, the JBL 104-BT is often priced around $129-$150, offering a competitive edge in the budget-friendly market segment. Here’s how this price compares to other active monitors:
- JBL One Series 104-BT: $129-$150
- Competing Product A: $200-$250
- Competing Product B: $100-$120
This price bracket places the JBL 104-BT in a sweet spot, where it competes against both slightly higher-priced options, which may offer additional features or branding, and lower-priced alternatives that might not match the sound quality and build of the JBL.
The reviews corroborate that despite its affordability, the JBL 104-BT does not compromise on connectivity and sound quality, featuring Bluetooth 5.0, RCA, aux and balanced TRS inputs.
Investment Worthiness
I’ve found that investing in the JBL One Series 104-BT is a sound decision for budget-conscious consumers seeking quality speakers. They strike an impressive balance between cost efficiency and sonic performance. The integrated coaxial woofer and soft dome tweeter in each speaker produce a reliable audio experience with clear separation of sound. Moreover, the multifaceted connectivity options add significant value, accommodating various audio sources without requiring additional investments in adapters or interfaces.
Given the durable build and the consistent positive feedback found in reviews, the JBL One Series 104-BT speakers embody a prudent investment for both entry-level users and seasoned audiophiles who need a compact, yet capable, desktop monitor.
Frequently Asked Questions
In this section, I’ll address some of the most common inquiries about the JBL 104 BT studio monitors to help you understand their features and performance in various conditions.
How does the sound quality of the JBL 104 BT compare to other studio monitors in its price range?
The sound quality of the JBL 104 BT is impressive for its price range. They provide clear, well-balanced audio with good detail, making them competitive with other monitors in a similar price bracket.
What are the main differences between the JBL 104 and the JBL 104-BT?
The main difference between the JBL 104 and the JBL 104-BT is the inclusion of Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity in the BT model, allowing for wireless audio streaming from compatible devices.
Can the JBL 104-BT be used for professional mixing and mastering?
While the JBL 104-BT monitors can be used for mixing and mastering, especially in budget or space-constrained setups, they may not meet the exacting standards required by high-end professional studios.
Are there any common connectivity issues with the JBL 104-BT’s Bluetooth feature?
Users generally find the Bluetooth feature reliable, but as with any wireless technology, occasional interference or connectivity problems can occur. Line-of-sight and proximity to the source can enhance stability.
What are users’ opinions on the build quality and durability of the JBL 104 BT speakers?
User experiences suggest the JBL 104 BT speakers have a solid build quality for their price point. However, some users report that the white paint may be prone to chipping or peeling with heavy use.
How do the JBL 104-BT speakers perform in terms of bass response and clarity?
The JBL 104-BT monitors provide a relatively clear and detailed sound, but some users feel the bass response is lacking compared to larger monitors. They perform well within their size and design constraints.
I’m Marcus Bextor, a seasoned software engineer passionate about demystifying technology. With over a decade in the tech industry, my journey began with a Computer Science degree, evolving through various roles in software development, system architecture, and project management. At MWTA, I leverage my expertise to provide in-depth, unbiased reviews of the latest tech products, from smartphones to smart homes. My blogs aim to be accessible to all, breaking down complex jargon into simple language. Besides reviews, I share insights on tech trends and practical tips. Connect with me for questions and suggestions as we explore the tech world together.