Summary
Highlights
The JBL 4329P is an active and streaming loudspeaker that acts as a complete hi-fi system. It supports various streaming protocols including Apex, Bluetooth, Apple AirPlay 2, Tidal Connect, Spotify Connect, Google Chromecast, and operates out-of-the-box with Roon Readiness. The video will provide performance comparisons with three other loudspeakers.
The JBL 4329P features a horn-loaded 1-inch compression tweeter powered by a 50W amplifier and an 8-inch paper cone mid-bass driver powered by a 250W amplifier. Both amps are direct digital with no interceding DAC stage. The primary speaker has XLR inputs for audio sources like a phono stage, which digitizes analog signals upon entry. The speakers can be linked via an Ethernet cable for 24/192 or wirelessly at 24/96, though a longer Ethernet cable is recommended. Other digital inputs include USB-B and Toslink, but HDMI ARC is noted as a missing feature for home listeners.
The JBL 4329P speakers cost €4,000 a pair, with optional JS-8 stands costing an additional €220. These stands help position the tweeter at ear height and tilt the speaker upwards by 7 degrees for improved dispersion, especially in closer listening environments. The reviewer finds the stands' skeletal design and lack of cable routing aesthetically unappealing, but acknowledges the functional benefits of the upward tilt. The plastic Bluetooth remote is also criticized for feeling cheap compared to the speakers' overall quality.
A subwoofer can be connected to the primary speaker via an auto-sensing socket, with signals low-pass filtered at 80Hz for the sub and high-pass filtered at 80Hz for the speakers. The JBL 4329P can remarkably reach 60dB down at 28Hz for its cabinet size, which impresses the reviewer. The reviewer found it necessary to set the bass contour toggle switch to -3dB to prevent the bass from sounding 'overcooked and bloated' in their room. The speakers don't strictly require a subwoofer in a 6m x 5m room, but could still benefit from one.
The JBL 4329P's strongest suit is its dynamics, providing a significant difference between quiet and loud sounds. While not as robust in dynamics as the Zu DWX or as mid-range centric, the JBLs reach deeper into the sub-bass than the Zu. Compared to the Buchardt A500 and Genelec 8341, the JBLs are more dynamically expressive, making them more fun to listen to than the Genelec. They offer great excitement while maintaining composure with complex music. The JBLs also exhibit smoother and better-extended top-end than the Buchardt, and a more revealing mid-range. However, the lower treble can sound a bit strident at very high volumes.
The reviewer highly praises the sound quality of the JBL 4329P, especially in their room, despite the less favorable aesthetics of the stands and remote. The ability to connect a phono stage to one speaker is a significant advantage. For those who appreciate the dynamics and form factor of the Zu DWX but desire a less mid-range-centric sound without the complexity of choosing separate amplifiers, DACs, and streamers, the JBL 4329P is a strong recommendation.