I have several pairs of these JBL Media 4’s which are about 8 years old, they had a manufacturing problem with them and the name was changed after they were fixed to the JBL Control Series. Its virtually the same speaker, certainly the same sound.
There is lots about them I like and lots O don’t like. Once speaker is the amp the other a slave speaker. The volume is stupidly high, good for a small bar or restaurant. Lie I said, I have about 4 pairs, one in my office, one in my home office, one in the closet (used as surround speakers at one time) and one went in the trash because they simply break (remember the manufacturing problem).
Well a second pair just broke in my office last week and I’ve also been looking for a powered speaker.
I have these:
M-Audio BX5’s which aren’t very musical but perfect for surround speakers (which is what they are used for).
Roland MA-12c (about 7 years old) which are nicely detailed (uses a full range driver) and have wonderful midrange but lack bass. Still, by adjusting the EQ the bass can be found which is never boomy.
These are what I used on my desk this week to replace the JBL’s and I’m quite happy with them, the image they create on the desk is remarkable. Each speaker is independent and has ¼’ inputs. I use RCA cables to an adapter.
Roland MA-8’s (about 5 years old) are much cheaper then the MA-12’s but don’t sound all that good. Each of the other speakers mentioned above sound better for music.
I also have the NHT Zero passive monitors and although the amplifier plays a strong roll for their sound, they just don’t’ sound all that great. I have driven them with a vintage Sansui AU-9900 and a 80’s Kyocera amp. They have NO bass.
The JBL’s have an overall great sound, plentiful deep bass, nice midrange and not overly bright highs. I really like the JBL’s. \
However the Roland MA-12 out perform them in the midrange, have a larger soundstage (and I thought the JBL’s sound stage was good) and are nicely musical.
I may still buy another pair with more bass like the JBLs have but the pickings are few. I’ve heard the Mackies and Alesis and I have a pair of KRK RoKits and V8 Series-II but they are all just too large for a desktop and the smallest models for each of these companies aren’t very good for music listening, they are too dry and analytical.
The Rolands can boarder on that line too but are still fairly musical, the JBL’s are definitely musical. Its part of the trade offs.
I’d shop used on eBay and take a chance. You can get a use pair of powered speakers that sold for $200 to $400 for under $100.
