JBL 104-BT review

Summary

A solid argument can be made for the placement of JBL 104-BT Compact Desktop Reference Monitors with Bluetooth next to your computer if you are searching for superior sound at your desk without spending an exorbitant amount of money.

Although it would be an exaggeration to call it a reference monitor, the speakers provide superior audio quality in comparison to many desktop speakers. In addition to producing a stereo sound that is characterized by rich voices and clear treble, they also disperse the music across the room.

On the other hand, they are not without flaws: the speakers are very large for a desktop set, and they do not have a deep bass. Will the JBL 104-BT desktop speakers provide you with a desktop sound solution that is worth your time? If you want to know, read my whole evaluation.

What is the price of the JBL 104-BT, and is it available?

Currently available for purchase at the following prices: $169, £199, and AU$289Both black and white finishes are available for the JBL 104-BT desktop speakers, which have been available for purchase from the year 2020. In the United States and the United Kingdom, the retail price is $169, which is equivalent to £199 or AU$289, and they can be purchased online from the JBL website. Additionally, you may often get them at a reduced price via online merchants such as Amazon and Best Buy.

Beginning in the year 2020.

A REVIEW OF THE JBL 104-BT: DESIGN?

The 104-BT speakers have a distinctive appearance that makes them stand out on your desk. The egg-shaped speakers have a distinctive appearance and, with dimensions of 9.7 inches by 6.0 inches by 4.9 inches, they are substantial for desktop speakers. The size, on the other hand, is beneficial to the audio quality since it is simpler for larger speakers to produce a larger sound.

A 0.75-inch tweeter and a 4.5-inch woofer, both of which are on the larger side, were found within the hard plastic casing that JBL used. Additionally, a bass port may be found on the rear cover of each speaker.

For a more aesthetically pleasing appearance, the speakers may be purchased in either black or white.

Large design in the form of an egg

You may choose between black and white.

An Evaluation of the JBL 104-BT: Controls and Connectivity?

In the 2.0 system, the right speaker of the pair is equipped with a Class D amplifier that is capable of producing 60 watts of power, which is distributed evenly across all of the speakers. Utilizing the speaker cable that is provided, you will connect the left speaker to the right speaker.

A large number of controls and inputs are located on the right speaker, which also features all of the controls and inputs. On the front of the device, you will discover a knob for the volume, an input selection, a connector for headphones, and an auxiliary input. However, there is no USB-C port on the rear of the speaker. Instead, there are RCA and TRS connections, which are uncommon on desktop speakers and are meant for balanced stereo sources. You may connect it to the headphone socket on your computer by using the RCA-to-3.5mm wire and the 3.5mm-to-3.5mm cord that are included in the package. Wireless connections may also be made via Bluetooth 5.0, which is supported by the speakers.

The volume is the only means to control the sound, and there is no app available for it. There are no other alternatives.

Integrated Class D amplifier with 60 watts of power.
Multiple choices for the input.

WHAT IS THE SOUND QUALITY OF THE JBL 104-BT?

The 104-BT is able to generate a more powerful sound than the majority of desktop speakers that fall within this price range. This is because the speakers and drivers are of a larger size. With rich voices and sharp treble, the sound is expansive and radiates out in all directions.

The distorted guitars and keyboards on St. Vincent’s “Broken Man” showed superb detail, and her vocal sounded full. In fact, her voice sounded broader than the same song did on Bose’s Companion 2 Series III, which is one of our favorite headphones. During the performance of “Texas Hold ‘Em,” Beyonce’s voice was wide and her plucked banjo had a sharp quality.

There is some bass in the 104-BT, but it is not sufficient. During the song “Broken Man,” the pounding drums had a lackluster tone, and the bass did not have any resonance. On Kendrick Lamar’s song “Not Like Us,” the restricted bass was very obvious; the song did not have the deep rumble that it ought to have. It is unfortunate that there is no means to attach a subwoofer in order to provide the low-end that is lacking.

It is a fantastic option for viewing movies and television programs since the speakers have qualities such as easy-to-understand dialogue and sound that travels broadly across the room. However, because the speakers do not have bass, you could miss the rumbling that occurs during action sequences.

The maximum volume setting for the speakers is 98 decibels, which is far higher than what you would most likely need. It is remarkable that the sound did not get distorted at such volume.

a full range of voices and a clear treble.

Not enough bass, although there is some.

VERDICT: WHAT IS THE JBL 104-BT REVIEW?

The JBL 104-BT is an excellent option to consider having on your desk if you are searching for a speaker set that is available at a price that is affordable. The sound quality is above what one would expect for the price, and there is a wide variety of connection choices available.

The system is not inexpensive, coming in at $169, but you won’t find a desktop system that offers greater sound for a lower price. Although the Bose Companion 2 Series III does not have the same level of sound quality, it is much more affordable, and we have seen it go as low as $79 in certain cases. One may, of course, spend more money in order to have a better sound, such as with the Kanto Ora, which costs $349.

It is possible that the size is the most significant disadvantage; it can be difficult to locate a suitable location for it on your desk. For those who are interested in bass, it is likely that they should go elsewhere; a speaker that includes a subwoofer, such as the Klipsch ProMedia 2.1, would be recommended.

provided, on the other hand, you are looking for a middle ground between sound quality and affordability, and provided you have the space available, the 104-BT will be an excellent option for enhancing your desktop.