JBL 306P MkIIFrom real comments

Verdict distilled from 41 mentions across 12 aspects in comments under product review videos.

Positive sentiment38%
PROS 37%
CONS 63%

Rank based on 41 mentions across 12 aspects

View the verdict as

Buy this if...

  • You want affordable, clear-sounding studio monitors for mixing or casual listening
  • You can use balanced XLR connections and a clean power source to minimize hiss
  • You want a middle ground between the bass-light 305P and muddier 308P

What users love

Skip this if...

  • You need a dead-silent noise floor for critical quiet-room listening
  • You're sensitive to a harsh crossover dip in the upper midrange/treble
  • You only have unbalanced connections and can't address ground loop hiss

What users complain about

Compare in seconds

Based on user comments

Best choice
1Premium
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GLM calibration softwareStrong subwoofer synergyExceptional detail and accuracyHigh priceLow-frequency nulls and room interaction issuesRear porting limits placement
Genelec 8351B
GLM calibration software
Strong subwoofer synergy
Exceptional detail and accuracy
High price
Low-frequency nulls and room interaction issues
Rear porting limits placement
2Mid
EVE Audio SC203
Excellent sound quality for the sizeSurprising low end for a small driverAttractive build and controlsPrice seen as high for the sizeWeak bass without a subwooferLogo and knob placement disliked
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Excellent sound quality for the size
Surprising low end for a small driver
Attractive build and controls
Price seen as high for the size
Weak bass without a subwoofer
Logo and knob placement disliked
3Premium
Genelec 8341A
Effective GLM calibration ecosystemPrecise time-aligned imagingImproved clarity via digital AES connectionBoominess near desks or wallsHighs and hi-mids feel lacking versus rivalsQuestionable value versus price for some buyers
Genelec 8341A
Effective GLM calibration ecosystem
Precise time-aligned imaging
Improved clarity via digital AES connection
Boominess near desks or walls
Highs and hi-mids feel lacking versus rivals
Questionable value versus price for some buyers
4Mid
ADAM Audio A7V
Major upgrade from previous speakersSonarworks DSP integrationBalanced, neutral sound signatureSelf-noise and electrical interference concernsBuild/material downgrade concerns versus A7XMissing TRS input option
ADAM Audio A7V
Major upgrade from previous speakers
Sonarworks DSP integration
Balanced, neutral sound signature
Self-noise and electrical interference concerns
Build/material downgrade concerns versus A7X
Missing TRS input option
5Mid
KRK Classic 8
Premium Look & Collector AppealGood Fit for Small RoomsLong-Term Brand TrustLess Detail Than RivalsMuddy Sound at Price PointSome Users Switch Away
KRK Classic 8
Premium Look & Collector Appeal
Good Fit for Small Rooms
Long-Term Brand Trust
Less Detail Than Rivals
Muddy Sound at Price Point
Some Users Switch Away
6Mid
IK Multimedia iLoud MTM
Strong bass extension for the size
IK Multimedia iLoud MTM
Strong bass extension for the size
7Premium
Genelec 8030A
Well-designed internal amplificationLong-term reliabilityAccurate, detailed soundLimited bass extensionSlight tonal colorationHigh price for the size
Genelec 8030A
Well-designed internal amplification
Long-term reliability
Accurate, detailed sound
Limited bass extension
Slight tonal coloration
High price for the size
8Mid
Yamaha HS50
Flat, accurate sound for mixingBi-amplified active designCutoff filter improves mix translationCan cause listening fatiguePrice a stretch for tight budgets
Yamaha HS50
Flat, accurate sound for mixing
Bi-amplified active design
Cutoff filter improves mix translation
Can cause listening fatigue
Price a stretch for tight budgets
9Premium
Genelec 8331A
Neutral, accurate soundExcellent imaging and soundstageGLM room calibration effectivenessHigh price for the categoryCan sound overly clinicalPerceived lack of warmth or bass texture
Genelec 8331A
Neutral, accurate sound
Excellent imaging and soundstage
GLM room calibration effectiveness
High price for the category
Can sound overly clinical
Perceived lack of warmth or bass texture
10Budget
Yamaha HS5
Clear, detailed sound
Yamaha HS5
Clear, detailed sound
You are here
31Mid
JBL 306P MkII
Clear, detailed soundImproves with better source gearGood value for pricePersistent amp hissCrossover dip / harsh trebleGround loop / buzz issues
JBL 306P MkII
Clear, detailed sound
Improves with better source gear
Good value for price
Persistent amp hiss
Crossover dip / harsh treble
Ground loop / buzz issues

Who wins on what

Ranked by what users actually praise

Overall Impression

Sound quality is clear, detailed, and well-imaged for the price. Multiple owners describe the 306P MkII as natural, accurate, and enjoyable, with sharp imaging and strong stereo panning. Users compared them favorably to Kali LP6 and other monitors in A/B tests, citing less listening fatigue and more precise instrument placement. One long-term owner found the combo with a Scarlett 2x2 interface incredible after initially being underwhelmed, suggesting break-in and source quality matter.

Amp hiss is the most repeated complaint across owners. Many commenters report audible hiss or noise floor issues, some describing it as bad enough to abandon critical listening use. Causes cited include ground loop issues, unbalanced cable connections, and cheap driver transistor quality. Several found switching to XLR cables or fixing home wiring/grounding significantly reduced or eliminated the hiss, while others still noticed it even after troubleshooting.

A crossover dip and tuning quirks divide opinion. Several users point to a dip around 1kHz or 1425Hz that makes the treble or upper midrange sound harsh or 'nasty,' with some preferring the 305P's cleaner crossover instead. Others describe the 306P as a happy medium between the bass-light 305P and the muddier 308P. A few also reported intermittent tripping or blinking lights at high volume.

Outdated / Not-accurate data?