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JBL 1 Series 104 Compact Active Desktop Monitors

JBL 1 Series 104 Compact Active Desktop Monitors

$199.00 Price Tier: Budget

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Page last updated Jun 09, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated June 9, 2026.

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Price

$199.00 1 available New

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Average Price: $199

Budget/Beginner

$300

$801+

Price Tier

In the Active & Passive Monitors category, JBL 1 Series 104 Compact Active Desktop Monitors is priced in the Budget/Beginner range. This is great gear to get started with or for creators on a budget.

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Description

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Designed for musicians and creators seeking an authentic audio experience, the JBL 1 Series 104 Compact Active Desktop Monitors deliver clarity and precision that defy their size. Perfect for home studios or professional environments, these monitors are engineered to provide a neutral soundscape, ensuring that every frequency is accurately represented. Whether you’re mixing tracks, producing podcasts, or simply enjoying your favorite tunes, the JBL 1 Series 104 offers a balanced and immersive listening experience.

These monitors are equipped with coaxial drivers, a specialized design that aligns the high and low frequency drivers into a single unit. This results in a more accurate soundstage and minimizes spatial distortion, allowing you to hear your music as it was intended. The sleek, compact design makes them ideal for small workspaces without compromising on audio quality.

Key Features:

Neutral sound signature for accurate audio representation
Coaxial driver design for precise soundstage
Integrated 60-watt Class D power amplifier
Front-panel volume control for easy adjustments
Multiple input options, including RCA, Aux, and TRS
Compact design ideal for desktop use
Legendary JBL reliability and performance

Product specs

Brand	JBL
Model	1 Series 104 Compact Active Desktop Monitors
Year	2010s
Categories	Studio Monitors
Amplification	Active
Electronics	Analog, Solid State

FAQs

Are the JBL 1 Series 104 monitors suitable for mixing and mastering in a small home studio?: Yes, the JBL 1 Series 104 monitors are designed for accurate sound reproduction, making them suitable for mixing and mastering in small home studio environments.
What are the connectivity options available on the JBL 1 Series 104 monitors?: The JBL 1 Series 104 monitors offer RCA, TRS, and 3.5mm inputs, allowing for versatile connectivity with various audio sources.
Do the JBL 1 Series 104 monitors require an external amplifier?: No, the JBL 1 Series 104 monitors are active speakers, meaning they have built-in amplification and do not require an external amplifier.
How do the JBL 1 Series 104 monitors handle low-frequency sounds?: The JBL 1 Series 104 monitors provide a balanced sound profile with clear low-frequency response, suitable for detailed audio work where accurate bass representation is important.
Can the JBL 1 Series 104 monitors be used with a computer or laptop?: Yes, the JBL 1 Series 104 monitors can be easily connected to a computer or laptop using the available 3.5mm input or appropriate adapters for RCA or TRS inputs.

Videos

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Geekanoids

JBL One Series 104 Reference Monitors Review

Geekanoids

JBL One Series 104

JBL Professional

Unbox the JBL Series 104 Desktop Reference Monitors

Cinema_Sound

Best Studio Monitors for Podcasting - JBL One Series 104 Reference Monitor Speakers

Mike Russell

Reviews

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Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about JBL 1 Series 104 Compact Active Desktop Monitors.

Use cases and applications

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These monitors expose poor recordings, making them sound unlistenable, indicating their unforgiving nature with low-quality audio files.
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The speakers' coaxial design is particularly appreciated for creating a good spatial setup on a 6ft desk with a 32" curved screen.
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The JBL 104s are not recommended for general room use; they excel in a desk setup but lack the capability to fill a room with sound.
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Features and functionality

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The speakers allow seamless switching between devices, thanks to multiple connectivity options like Bluetooth, AUX, RCA, and TRS, with an "ALL" option on the front for easy transitions.
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The rubber bottom effectively prevents sliding on surfaces, such as a large mousepad desktop, adding stability during use.
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A unique spiraled port design is noted at the back, contributing to the overall sound performance without unnecessary aesthetic elements.
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It's been observed that the speakers perform better when elevated or tilted towards the listener, losing sound quality quickly off-axis.
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The speakers require precise positioning, needing to be pointed directly at the listener for optimal imaging, which is noted as their standout feature.
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The speakers have an aggressive standby mode that activates even when a signal is being sent, causing inconvenience for low-volume listening.
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The headphone port on the front is reported to produce a high-pitched noise and is deemed completely useless for use with IEMs.
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Comparisons

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The JBL 1 Series 104s outperform Kanto YU2s and Mackie CR4s in a nearfield setup, especially when positioned within a 3-3.5 ft listening triangle.
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At a price point of $140, other options like Edifiers and Fluance Ai40s may offer better sound quality and value.
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Build quality

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The matte black finish is scratch-resistant, making maintenance easier compared to glossy finishes that show dust and fingerprints.
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The speakers have a hollow sound when tapped on the sides, suggesting no cross bracing, but the design helps reduce unwanted resonances.
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The JBL 104 monitors are described as being heavy for their size, suggesting a substantial magnet rather than just plastic weight.
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User experience

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It's perceived that sound output increases as the speakers warm up, which might be due to speaker cone break-in over time.
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Owners note that the sound improves at volumes above 30%, with optimal performance around 50% power.
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The speakers are best suited for a very close nearfield setup; they distort at high volumes and lack sufficient low-end extension.
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Other

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The speakers exhibit a dip in the midrange, making male vocals sound distant and lacking richness in songs like "Man in the Long Black Coat" by Bob Dylan.
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