Short answer: the Arendal 1723 Bookshelf S THX, if you are buying new. The JBL HDI-1600 measures as well as it (#45 vs #43 of 131 bookshelf speakers, 4.2/5 vs 4.2/5) but is discontinued, so only consider it used; the Arendal 1723 Bookshelf S THX is still sold new at $1,499.
The case for the Arendal 1723 Bookshelf S THX: 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 does well: 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. The catch: A dip appears above 10kHz on-axis.
Buy the Arendal 1723 Bookshelf S THX new; the JBL HDI-1600 is no longer sold new, so it only makes sense as a used find.
Still deciding? The full Passive Home rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| Arendal 1723 Bookshelf S THX | JBL HDI-1600 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,499 per pair | $1980 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #43 of 131 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #45 of 131 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | ~80Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 55.7Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 44.6Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 40Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points) |
| Sensitivity | 81.6dB/2.83V/1m (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 85dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review) |
| 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 | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.89 | 5.37 (spinorama.org) |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.68 | 7.32 (spinorama.org) |
| Dimensions | 15.2”H x 9.6”W x 12.6”D (385 x 245 x 320 mm) | 14.6”H x 9.1”W x 11.4”D (370.0 x 230.0 x 288.9 mm) |
| Weight | 32 lbs (14.5 kg) each | 53.4 lbs (24.2 kg) |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Woofer Cabinet | - | ported, rear |
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The Two Speakers In Full
Arendal 1723 Bookshelf S THX: $1,499 per pair Arendal Sound eBay
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. Measured bass extension of ~80Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 81.6dB.
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 (-10dB) | 44.6Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | ~80Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 15.2”H x 9.6”W x 12.6”D (385 x 245 x 320 mm) |
| 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) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.89 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.68 |
| Weight | 32 lbs (14.5 kg) each |
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JBL HDI-1600: $1980 per pair Discontinued Crutchfield eBay
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. Measured bass extension of 55.7Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 85dB.
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 →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 40Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 55.7Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 14.6”H x 9.1”W x 11.4”D (370.0 x 230.0 x 288.9 mm) |
| Drivers | 1” tweeter + 6.5” woofer |
| Impedance | 4 ohms nominal (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Sensitivity | 85dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.37 (spinorama.org) |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.32 (spinorama.org) |
| Weight | 53.4 lbs (24.2 kg) |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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