These are near field mixing reference speakers. They are flat and great for mixing. The jbl are also considered near field reference, but will have no problem filling a medium sized room, however, jbl has too much low end, coloring the sound too much for mixing and mastering. If your looking for the best mixing reference speakers, these are it at this price. I bought mine for $200 each and they are worth it. They give me the best mix , with good bass. lf you just want to listen to music, then jbl is a great choice. So, I use Yamaha for mixing and mastering and jbl for end product and pleasure. Yamaha, flat, uncolored, perfect. If you use jbl for mix, odds are your mix will lack bass.