JBL 305P MKII or 306P MKII? Which one is better and why? Comparison review

Today we will compare two JBL studio monitors from 3Series MKII line - smaller JBL 305P MKII and bigger JBL 306P MKII. Is bigger better in this case? Or maybe you should save the money and choose smaller 305P? Let's find out!

Build Quality & Features

For the obious reasons this category will be fairly short. The biggest difference between these two models is the physical size, 306P is substantially bigger and more cumbersome to place on typical desk. Other than that the two share similar, questionable looks, thanks to plastic and shiny front panel that cachtes dust and scratches like there is no tomorrow, and with this in mind, smaller 305P wins because there is less of it ;) Both have exactly the same set of features and they both have intrusive, audible hiss that is annnoying while listening in the nearfield on low levels.

Sound Quality

Soundwise, there is more difference between 305P and 306P in the midrange and treble than there is in bass frequencies, which may be suprising. 306P has a narrow advantage over smaller 305P in the clarity and punch in the low ferequencies, but 305P holds its own very well here. 305P reach to around 40Hz realistically, while 306P to around 35Hz and does that with more authority and control in the lowest regions. The difference is narrow but will matter if you are keen on having good control over how the lowest bass really presents.
Difference between 305P and 306P in midrange reproduction is easier to hear though, and 305P sounds more forward and coherent with slight lift in the frequencies between 1.5kHz and 2kHz. This lift gives smaller model an advantage when listetning to vocals as they come slightly forward and have more clatiry. 306P on the other hand has lift in lower mids between 500Hz and 1kHz and a nasty dip around the crossover point (1.5kHz). Vocals on 306P has more body but lack coherence and clarity in upper registers, rendering them more laid back and vailed.
Upper midrange and treble is where 305P and 306P sound have very similar character and quality. Smaller 305P throws more convincing and detailed soundstage than bigger model, both can play very loud but bigger model will be more suitable to high level listening when placed in the mid field in bigger rooms.

Here is the frequency response comparison between 305P and 306P, measured in room at 1meter using UMIK-1 microphone:

Here is a sound comparison video between 305P and 306P on my YouTube channel:

Conclusion

In the end I prefere smaller 305P model and would be a better choice for 90% of users out there wondering which of these should you get. 305P has more clarity and coherence in its sound and the bass advantage of 306P is smaller han one would expect. 306P has more compromises in its sound and its physical size means it is harded to place correctly on desk. 305P is better value for money and is clear winner of this comparison.