JBL LSR308 8" Powered Studio Monitors main image

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JBL LSR308 8" Powered Studio Monitors

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4.5 (54)

2 Critic Reviews

9 Reviews

This product is Vintage or Discontinued

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JBL 308P MKII

$180.00 - $305.00

5.0 (4)

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1 community setup

7 wishlisted

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Page last updated May 19, 2026

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Description

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Elevate your studio setup with the JBL LSR308 8" Powered Studio Monitors, a pair that has garnered praise from industry giants for their meticulous sound reproduction. Crafted for the audiophile in every music maker, these monitors bring the professional studio experience right into your creative space. With a lineage that traces back to the revered M2 Master Reference Monitors, the LSR308s stand out by providing exquisite stereo imaging and fidelity, even at whisper-quiet volumes. Whether you're mixing a fresh track or indulging in your favorite recordings, these monitors ensure every note is heard in crystal-clear detail.

Key Features:

Bi-amped design for detailed sound reproduction
8" Low-Frequency (LF) driver for powerful bass response
1" High-Frequency (HF) driver for crisp, clear highs
XLR and 1/4" TRS balanced inputs for versatile connectivity
Inspired by the M2 Master Reference Monitors for professional-grade performance

Product specs

Brand	JBL
Model	LSR308 8" 2-Way Powered Studio Monitor (Single)
Finish	Black
Year	2010s
Categories	Studio Monitors

FAQs

Are the JBL LSR308 studio monitors suitable for mixing and mastering?: Yes, the JBL LSR308 monitors are designed for accurate sound reproduction, making them suitable for both mixing and mastering in a studio environment.
What type of connectivity options do the JBL LSR308 monitors offer?: The JBL LSR308 monitors feature balanced XLR and 1/4" TRS inputs, allowing for flexible connectivity with various audio interfaces and mixing consoles.
Do the JBL LSR308 monitors require an amplifier?: No, the JBL LSR308 monitors are powered studio monitors, meaning they have built-in amplifiers and do not require an external amplifier.
How does the JBL LSR308 perform in untreated rooms?: The JBL LSR308 includes features like the Image Control Waveguide, which helps maintain accurate sound reproduction even in less-than-ideal acoustic environments.
What is the frequency response range of the JBL LSR308 monitors?: The JBL LSR308 monitors have a frequency response range of 37 Hz to 24 kHz, providing a wide spectrum of sound for detailed audio analysis.

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American Musical Supply

JBL LSR308 Powered Studio Monitor - JBL LSR308

American Musical Supply

Reviews

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PROS

Achieves loud, punchy bass resembling live show experiences
Crystal clear highs and commanding bass above 60hz
Excellent clarity, comparable to higher-end monitors
Wide sweet spot, suitable for diverse music styles
Impressively detailed mid-low to low end
Great for both mixing and casual listening
Superior stereo imaging and response
Versatile for use with various audio sources
Exceptional value in its price range
Enhanced listening experience for movies and music

CONS

Lacks depth in sub-60hz bass frequencies
May require an additional subwoofer for heavy bass music

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about JBL LSR308 8" Powered Studio Monitors.

User experience

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Owners have noted that the JBL 308s perform well down to about 45Hz, providing substantial bass without distortion.
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Owners frequently mention the JBL LSR308s' flat response as ideal for mixing, significantly impacting production quality.
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The JBL LSR308s are reported to have a slightly recessed upper midrange and sometimes exhibit a bit boomy subbass.
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Harshness in upper mids during music playback noted; some users reduce a few dBs in the 1-2k range for better sound.
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Setup and maintenance

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It is suggested to use bass traps and acoustic foam for optimal sound balance when using 8" monitors like the JBL LSR308s.
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Proper placement is crucial; users recommend placing them in an equilateral triangle with the listener's head and away from walls/corners to avoid acoustic issues.
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Tweeters should be at ear level for optimal accuracy; Iso Acoustic desk stands and Gator Frameworks desk clamp stands are recommended for positioning.
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Comparisons

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While Yamaha HS8s can be harsh in the midrange and treble, the JBL LSR308s offer a more balanced and pleasing audio profile.
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The JBL LSR308s are noted for their incredible stereo imaging compared to other monitors in their price range, offering a more natural sound.
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For buyers considering alternatives, the Yamaha HS8, ADAM T8V, and Focal Alpha Evo 80 are also recommended in the same price range.
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The JBL 308s offer slightly more low-end than the JBL 305s, making them a better choice for those needing enhanced bass response.
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Upgraded from LSR308 to Adam A3X noted a significant improvement, though Adams are much pricier (~$1000/pair).
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Use cases and applications

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Some users note that the JBL LSR308s excel in bass-heavy genres like hip-hop and dubstep, providing a substantial low-end response without needing a subwoofer.
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The JBL 308s are noted for translating well to various consumer audio systems, including wireless earbuds and laptop speakers.
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Performs well without a subwoofer, making them a strong choice for amateur guitarists and small studios.
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Build quality

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Some users have expressed dissatisfaction with the front plastic baffle, suggesting it may be a consideration for those focused on aesthetic quality.
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Durable even when cabinet is worn; one owner noted the cabinets had paint/vinyl tearing and mounting holes but performance was unaffected.
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Critic Reviews

JBL LSR308 Review

noaudiophile.com

The JBL LSR308 studio monitors deliver impressive controlled directivity and flat frequency response at a budget-friendly price, making them a solid choice for those seeking limited dispersion. However, their massive size and poor cabinet construction lead to rattling and inconsistent performance, particularly in small spaces. While they excel with certain music genres and benefit from subwoofer support, their inherent design flaws prevent them from achieving perfection. Despite these shortcomings, they remain one of the best living room speakers reviewed, offering value through cutting-edge technology for the price.

neutral

Full Review

JBL LSR305 & LSR308

soundonsound.com

The JBL LSR308 studio monitors bring high-end technology to a budget-friendly package, offering detailed and revealing sound with excellent stereo imaging. The larger LSR308s deliver deeper bass but may suffer slight port 'overhang,' while the smaller LSR305s offer clarity without overwhelming lows. Both models boast a wide sweet spot and more than adequate volume. While the upper mids can sound a tad 'forward,' such minor compromises are forgivable given the price. Overall, these monitors stand out in their price class and are a solid choice for home studios, especially in smaller spaces.

positive

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4.5 out of 5

Based on 9 Reviews and 54 Ratings

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qthj

152

about 11 years ago

Great Sound, Accurate Response, and affordable

For this cost range of Monitors, these are hard to beat. Great Sound and will fill a small-medium sized control room with ease. The LSR308s have a nice midlow-low end which does come through. But throw in the sub if you really want the full pronounced bass (the sub is equally impressive)

adamspade

178

over 8 years ago

I love these.

JBL’s natural sound with a really wide sweet spot. These have a live concert feel to them that I really enjoy. They will work for any style of music. Versatile, and perfect for theater. This is exactly what I need in a monitor while I compose music for films. The matching sub is suggested for theater. Buy what fits your ear, but I can’t see anyone going wrong with these very easily.

doubleshotmaestro

136

about 11 years ago

For $250 a pop, they're untouchable

I compared these with several monitors within their price range (KRK Rokit 8s, Persons Eris, Yamaha HS8, etc..), and each time I use them, I'm blown away. They've certainly raised the bar for budget-range monitors. The sweet-spot is among the widest I've heard in any monitors in any price range, also!