JBL 104-BT Review: Compact Studio Monitors Verdict
Punching far above their weight, the JBL Professional 1 Series 104-BT Desktop Reference Monitors earn a solid 8.7/10 from real-world users who found them to be “superbly beat[ing] all expectations” for their price and size, as Reddit user Cinema Sound put it: “They deliver more than they should.” The mix of compact form, accurate sound reproduction, and Bluetooth flexibility has attracted everyone from home producers to traveling engineers.
Quick Verdict: Conditional Buy — Excellent for small studios and portable setups, but not for bass-heavy outputs or power users needing extreme volume.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Clear, detailed sound for their size — “nicely detailed highs and impressive low end” | Startup sound is loud and cannot be disabled |
| Compact footprint ideal for desks | Can distort at higher volumes |
| Multiple inputs including Bluetooth 5.0 | Bass extension stops around 60Hz |
| Balanced audio option for professional rigs | Bluetooth disconnects reported by some users |
| Neutral, accurate mix translation | Some find overall volume output low despite SPL rating |
| Sleek aesthetic in black or white | Slow wake-up from sleep mode frustrates a few owners |
| Affordable relative to similar monitor class | RCA jack fit is poor for most third-party cables due to recessed design |
Claims vs Reality
JBL markets the 104-BT as delivering “the truest, most accurate sound in their class” with 60 watts of Class-D amplification, coaxial driver accuracy, and deep bass down to 60Hz. While studio pros on Sweetwater back much of this, saying they provide “neutral, accurate sound, anywhere,” some everyday users temper the enthusiasm.
The claim of bass depth is a good example. Official specs highlight low frequency extension “down to 60Hz,” but several owners note restrained low-end output. Quora user Eva G. commented, “Little bass, very mid-range… for working with sound, the sound seems to be really honest,” while Reddit’s guitar player praised “impressive low end for their size” — underlining how bass perception varies by listener expectations.
Bluetooth convenience is another selling point. JBL promotes seamless streaming, yet a January 2024 Sweetwater reviewer reported “Bluetooth disconnects… purchase from another brand if you have any respect for your time,” contrasting sharply with others enjoying “easy Bluetooth connection eliminates wires.” The feature works well for many, but is inconsistent across scenarios.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Across Amazon, Reddit, Trustpilot, and Sweetwater, the compact footprint is a major win. Home studio users appreciated how the form factor fitted tight desk spaces without sacrificing clarity. Reddit user American Songwriter noted they’re “small enough to fit into a tight desktop space yet still deliver powerful and excellent sound.” For portable setups, David F. from Bay Area lauded them as “the last missing piece for a truly portable recording studio” during extended travel.
Sound quality — particularly mid and high frequencies — gets consistent applause. Multiple reviewers call the 104-BT “clean, crisp, deep, broad, detailed” compared favorably against Bose or Bang & Olufsen speakers. The coaxial driver’s imaging and wide sweet spot make mix referencing reliable. Curtis Judd’s YouTube review reinforced “best value for the money” sentiments echoed by many.
Input flexibility stands out as a professional-grade perk in a consumer-friendly package. Zebulon from Portland appreciated “the number of inputs they offer and that balanced audio is an option” for integrating with diverse gear like mixing boards, keyboards, or audio interfaces. The front-panel selector and volume control enhance day-to-day workflow without extra cabling fuss.
Common Complaints
A recurring annoyance is the startup sound — loud, unmutable, and disruptive in quiet spaces. One Sweetwater customer described it as “loud and obnoxious” and multiple Quora users echoed similar frustrations. JBL has not offered a fix, leaving owners to work around it.
Volume output mismatches expectations for some. While rated at maximum SPL 104dB, Fakespot feedback includes “no matter how much you crank them the volume is very low.” This affects those using them for casual listening rather than nearfield monitoring, especially in larger or noisier environments.
Bluetooth instability is another pain point. Some report dropouts or lag, which can impede real-time monitoring or smooth playback. The issue doesn’t appear universal but is enough to warrant caution for Bluetooth-dependent workflows.
Divisive Features
Bass response splits opinion sharply. As designed, it’s accurate but not exaggerated — pleasing to mix engineers but underwhelming to bass enthusiasts. Quora’s Stanislaw Grzechnik reminded readers, “After all, they are classified as monitors.”
Sleep mode behavior sparks mixed feelings. Ada Jankowska noted slow wake-up “from 1 to 15 seconds,” which some tolerate while others find it an irritating delay in spontaneous listening. A positive spin from Stani Saw Lewczuk: pressing the source select wakes them instantly.
Trust & Reliability
Trustpilot-like reports and long-term Reddit feedback point to strong build quality, with Sweetwater’s Stephen G. noting “more balanced sound than the other small monitors I’ve tried” and praising customer service when one pair stopped powering up. Most reliability concerns are minor, hardware-related issues resolved under warranty.
However, customer service reputation is split. A January 2024 reviewer warned “JBL has the worst customer service… stay away!” while others found JBL Pro tech support “excellent & knowledgeable.” This disparity suggests a variability in service experiences depending on purchase channel.
Over six months, users generally report consistent performance without tone degradation. Bass and highs remain stable post break-in, supporting JBL’s claims of honest, neutral sound over time.
Alternatives
Few direct competitors in data, but users often measure JBL’s 104-BT against small-format Bose and Bang & Olufsen products. Sweetwater’s September 2024 review found them “superior to Bose or Bang & Olufsen” for clarity and mix accuracy, though Bose wins if consumer-friendly bass emphasis is the priority. Compared to older Roland Micro Monitors, Stephen G. found the JBLs clearer with better bass balance but less raw loudness.
Price & Value
At around $169 on eBay plus shipping, or $189 new, the JBL 104-BT sits in a budget-friendly sweet spot for studio monitors. Price drops as low as $132 appear in B-stock sales. Quora’s Stani Saw Lewczuk called their price-to-performance ratio “the best on the market,” especially given inclusion of both host and extension units.
Resale value is decent — given solid build and brand recognition — but owners may need to lower expectations because startup sound and bass limitations are well-known in used market chatter. Community buying tip: Avoid overpaying; watch Harman Audio’s B-stock events or Amazon Warehouse markdowns.
FAQ
Q: Do the JBL 104-BT monitors have enough bass for music listening?
A: They produce tight, accurate bass down to about 60Hz, which works for mix referencing but may feel light for bass-heavy genres without a subwoofer.
Q: Can the startup sound be disabled?
A: No, multiple owners confirm it’s fixed and unmutable. It’s brief but loud, which some find intrusive.
Q: Is Bluetooth stable enough for studio work?
A: For many users, yes — it’s quick to pair and clear for playback. However, some report occasional disconnects during sessions.
Q: How loud can they get without distortion?
A: Rated up to 104dB peak, they’re fine at typical mixing levels. Playing them near maximum can cause distortion, especially with bass-heavy material.
Q: Are they suitable for travel or portable studios?
A: Yes. Several users bought them specifically for mobile setups, citing compact size, light weight, and input versatility as key advantages.
Final Verdict: Buy if you’re a small studio owner, podcaster, or traveling producer needing neutral, compact monitors with multi-input flexibility. Avoid if you demand subwoofer-level bass or silence at startup. Pro tip from community: For instant wake-up, tap the input selector instead of waiting for sleep mode to time out.
