JBL

4329P Powered Studio Monitor Loudspeaker System

£3,499 RRP

A striking new addition to the burgeoning active-powered loudspeaker category is JBL's 4329P. It hails from the company's popular 'Studio Monitor' series, which features both active and traditional speakers, and occupies a position just below the reference 'Summit' line. It sports many patented technologies found in the company's premium offerings.

Designed to be placed on stands or a sturdy bench, each speaker weighs in at 15kg – and looks and feels as robust as you'd expect. Measuring 515x320x322mm [HxWxD], it easily surpasses the dimensions of typical bookshelf speakers. JBL offers the JS-80 stand, which is approximately 460mm tall and provides a 7° tilt-back angle for improved dispersion.

The package comprises a primary and a secondary speaker connected by the supplied 3-metre CAT5e umbilical cable. This is capable of communicating up to 24-bit, 192kHz digital audio between the speakers or wirelessly with a maximum resolution of 24/96. Each speaker is connected to mains power and features built-in power amplifiers. External sources connect to the primary speaker, which can be adjusted to sit on either side of the stereo pair via a small switch.

The 4329P boasts an array of connectivity options, and set-up is straightforward. With an internet connection established, it works as a “completely self-contained amplified loudspeaker system featuring high-resolution streaming audio and prosumer connectivity”, according to JBL. You can choose between Wi-Fi or Ethernet connections for streaming and control the speakers via a dedicated app on your tablet or phone. Streaming media sources can be accessed through Google Chromecast, Apple Airplay, and Bluetooth.

Physical connections include XLR and 6.35mm TRS balanced inputs, a 3.5mm input, a TOSLINK digital input, and a USB-B digital input. While an HDMI ARC and a phono input might have been useful additions, the provided connections are comprehensive. A single RCA subwoofer output is included, featuring an 80Hz high-pass filter when activated, with no provision for connecting extra speakers or separate amplifiers.

The 4329P is a 2-way bass reflex design with two front-facing round reflex ports. The standout feature is the JBL's familiar large horn tweeter, a 25mm compression driver mounted within a High-Definition Imaging (HDI™) horn, designed for large and uniform dispersion. The woofer, with a diameter of 200mm, features a lightweight pure-pulp paper cone with concentric ridges and a central dust cover, all within a cast frame for strength.

The 20mm-thick MDF cabinet is available in Satin Walnut, Black Walnut, or White Aspen wood veneer finishes. The speaker is designed for vertical placement, and at its bottom is a black 9mm thick plate, which has likely been added for weight and rigidity to minimise unwanted resonances. The cabinet has a well-made, solid, and relatively inert construction.

Each speaker houses two Class D power amplifiers, with a claimed 50W for the tweeter and 250W for the woofer, totalling 300W RMS. The crossover frequency between the two drivers is set at 1,675Hz, with DSP employed to control the system. The claimed frequency response is an impressive 28Hz to 25kHz (-6dB).

The Primary speaker is equipped with volume and source dials and coloured lights indicating its status. The supplied Bluetooth remote control features input, volume, and track selection and feels nice to use.

GETTING GOING

Using an Ethernet connection, getting started is simply a case of applying mains power to both speakers and connecting the CAT5e cable; the speakers then pair automatically after a few seconds and are ready to play. The wireless method follows the same process, as pairing has already been done at the factory. A 'Sync' button on each speaker facilitates re-pairing if the association is lost. Wirelessly, the pair can operate up to 9 metres apart, adding versatility to placement options.

While set-up is straightforward with a wired internet connection, it's a bit more fiddly via Wi-Fi as users need to do things via Google Home for Android or Airplay for iOS. While there is no dedicated JBL or Harman app for the 4329P system, the comprehensive Google Home app handles the setup efficiently. Additionally, the speakers can be controlled through Chromecast, Airplay, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Bluetooth, and Roon – this speaker is certified Roon Ready. The Bubble UPnP app was also employed for streaming Qobuz and NAS-based songs, showcasing the system's flexibility.

For listening tests, traditional bookshelf stands were used, as JBL's JS-80 stands were not available. Despite a slight difference in height and angle, the stands provided a wide sound spread from the horn, enhancing the soundstage. The preferred setup involved toeing the speakers inward slightly and positioning them approximately half a metre from the front wall.

THE LISTENING

The 4329P clearly shares JBL's signature sound – meaning it is dynamic, powerful, detailed and musical, with a spacious soundstage. Yet it is more tonally neutral than you might expect, with a nuanced midrange that was evident in Anne Bisson's September in Montreal (Live). Here, the smoothness of piano notes complemented the tight and textured bass and drum combination.

While piano notes were well-balanced with excellent reverb tails, Anne's vocals on the studio track Wake Up! (It's Me!) lacked buttery smoothness. This recording has her using a different microphone technique, and the sound is far more upfront than the live track. This speaker accurately highlighted these tonal and soundstage differences, delivering a clean and precise rendition without the haze associated with artificial warmth. Treble never sounded harsh or overbearing, yet there was a good amount of detail and ambient information.

Bass, of course, depends on how well the speakers are placed in the room, and the closer to a rear wall you get, the more low-end reinforcement you'll have. The Bass Contour switch, with 0dB or -3dB settings, helped fine-tune bass characteristics. Deep bass extension was heard in tracks like Elsaine's Vaporous, showcasing a solid, dynamic, and powerful performance. The electronic DSP prevented clipping or distortion, preserving composure even at higher volumes.

A comparison with Klipsch's The Nines active speakers highlighted the differing approaches of manufacturers, with Klipsch prioritising maximum dynamic slam over tonal accuracy. While The Nines went louder, the JBL system demonstrated a smoother and more detailed presentation, maintaining coherence throughout the frequency range. The 4329P's inherent timing accuracy made for a well-articulated and coherent performance with funky tracks like Brian Culbertson's Midnight. Marcus Miller's bass guitar exhibited depth, heft and weight, providing a pleasing foundation for the track. Playing the speakers wirelessly diminished deep bass extension and emotional engagement, although detail and transparency remained largely unaffected. I suggest using the wired connection whenever possible.

Switching to a balanced XLR source, with the Holo Audio Red Streamer and Holo Audio Spring 3 KTE DAC, brought some improvements. Things sounded more three-dimensional and detailed with a wider soundstage, but it was not night and day. Perhaps the largest improvement was in the definition and extension of the bass. All the same, the internal streamer and DAC performed admirably, underscoring the system's well-sorted design. With no HDMI input, utilising the optical TOSLINK connection from a television provided an enjoyable audio experience for movies and YouTube music, delivering power and control.

THE VERDICT

JBL's 4329Ps is a flexible and powerful speaker package that minimises clutter and cables, and maximises simple sonic fun. Its lively character gives you a taste of the studio monitor sound. It may not be especially affordable, but it's a highly potent package.

If you're not too thrilled about buying separate speakers, amplifiers and wires, this has real appeal.

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