Short answer: the Arendal 1723 Bookshelf S THX. It ranks #33 of 84 bookshelf speakers by sound quality at $1499; the JBL HDI-1600 ranks #34 and costs $1980, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
What the Arendal 1723 Bookshelf S THX offers: Exceptionally controlled radiation for a conventional two-way: Erin found the early-reflections directivity index smooth enough for broad-band EQ, while horizontal coverage remains orderly through the 1.5kHz crossover. Watch for: Erin measured only 81.6dB/2.83V/1m sensitivity, so substantial amplifier voltage is required.
What the JBL HDI-1600 offers: CEA2034 spinorama is very flat in the critical mid-to-upper frequencies, with a slight bass boost that should have a good subjective effect and very smooth early-window directivity. Watch for: A dip appears above 10kHz on-axis.
Buy the Arendal 1723 Bookshelf S THX. It ranks higher for sound quality than the JBL HDI-1600 and costs less, so there is no real case for the other one.
Specifications Side By Side
| Arendal 1723 Bookshelf S THX | JBL HDI-1600 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,499/pair | $1980 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #33 of 84 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #34 of 84 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | ~80Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | - |
| Sensitivity | 81.6dB/2.83V/1m (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 85dB |
| Impedance | 4 ohms nominal | 4 ohms nominal (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Drivers | 6.5-inch woofer; 28mm waveguided soft-dome tweeter | 1" tweeter + 6.5" woofer |
| Enclosure | HDF, sealed/ported | - |
| Discontinued | - | Yes |
| Weight | - | 53.4 lbs / 24.2 kg |
| Dimensions | - | 14.6"H x 9.1"W x 11.4"D (370.0 x 230.0 x 288.9 mm) |
| Woofer Cabinet | - | ported, rear |
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The Two Speakers In Full
Arendal 1723 Bookshelf S THX: $1,499/pair Arendal Sound
Pros: Exceptionally controlled radiation for a conventional two-way: Erin found the early-reflections directivity index smooth enough for broad-band EQ, while horizontal coverage remains orderly through the 1.5kHz crossover. Midbass attack around 120–160Hz is strong, the response is mostly neutral below the treble shelf, and dynamic compression remains under roughly 1dB even near 102dB/1m above the bass. The waveguided 28mm dome and heavy HDF enclosure support clean, cinema-capable output, and sealed/ported flexibility eases subwoofer integration.
Cons: Erin measured only 81.6dB/2.83V/1m sensitivity, so substantial amplifier voltage is required. Anechoic output rolls off around 80Hz and 3% THD is crossed near 80Hz at 96dB, making an 80Hz subwoofer crossover effectively mandatory. The treble sits a couple dB high on-axis and can sound bright; Erin preferred roughly 20° toe-out or a ~2dB high shelf. A vertical cancellation appears above the tweeter axis, so multi-row installations need careful height/aiming.
Full Arendal 1723 Bookshelf S THX review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | ~80Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
|---|---|
| Drivers | 6.5-inch woofer; 28mm waveguided soft-dome tweeter |
| Enclosure | HDF, sealed/ported |
| Impedance | 4 ohms nominal |
| Sensitivity | 81.6dB/2.83V/1m (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
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JBL HDI-1600: $1980 Discontinued Crutchfield
Pros: CEA2034 spinorama is very flat in the critical mid-to-upper frequencies, with a slight bass boost that should have a good subjective effect and very smooth early-window directivity. Predicted in-room response in a simulated average listening room closely tracks the reviewer’s own preferred target curve.
Cons: A dip appears above 10kHz on-axis. Cumulative spectral decay (waterfall) shows some messiness around the crossover along with a 700Hz resonance. Harmonic distortion rises to nearly 2% right at the 1.9kHz crossover point at 96dB SPL/1m. Discontinued.
Full JBL HDI-1600 review and specifications →
| Dimensions | 14.6"H x 9.1"W x 11.4"D (370.0 x 230.0 x 288.9 mm) |
|---|---|
| Discontinued | Yes |
| Drivers | 1" tweeter + 6.5" woofer |
| Impedance | 4 ohms nominal (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Sensitivity | 85dB |
| Weight | 53.4 lbs / 24.2 kg |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons