Short answer: the Arendal 1723 Bookshelf S THX, if you are buying new. The JBL HDI-1600 measures as well as it (#52 vs #50 of 222 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: A THX certified bookshelf speaker with well controlled sound, strong midbass punch, and clean output for home theater. Watch for: Erin measured only 81.6dB/2.83V/1m sensitivity, so substantial amplifier voltage is required.
The JBL HDI-1600 is the deeper-bass pick. A bookshelf speaker with very flat mids and treble, smooth dispersion, and a slight bass lift that sounds full and natural. Its bass reaches about 55.7Hz before falling 3dB, against 80Hz for the Arendal 1723 Bookshelf S THX. The tradeoff: 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.
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Measured Differences
- Bass depth: the JBL HDI-1600 reaches 55.7 Hz (3 dB down) against 80 Hz for the Arendal 1723 Bookshelf S THX, about half an octave deeper. You hear more of the lowest bass notes and kick drums.
- Efficiency: the JBL HDI-1600 is rated at 85 dB sensitivity against 81.6 dB for the Arendal 1723 Bookshelf S THX, so it plays as loud with roughly half the amplifier power.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Arendal 1723 Bookshelf S THX | JBL HDI-1600 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,499 per pair | $1980 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #50 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #52 of 222 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 |
Where the Ratings Come From
- Arendal 1723 Bookshelf S THX: Spinorama.org measurements and reviews by Erin’s Audio Corner video.
- JBL HDI-1600: Spinorama.org measurements and reviews by Audio Science Review.
This comparison is generated from the ratings, specifications and measurements on each product’s own page, and it updates when that data changes. How we rank explains how each rating is decided.
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