Short answer: the Ascend Acoustics Sierra Titan Tower for better sound quality, the JBL Studio 698 for the lower price. The Ascend Acoustics Sierra Titan Tower ranks #17 of 59 floorstanding speakers at $2998. The JBL Studio 698 ranks #18 at $699, $2299 cheaper.
What the Ascend Acoustics Sierra Titan Tower offers: A SEAS Titan dome tweeter and dual 5.25 inch long throw woofers in a bamboo V-LAM tower reach a measured 58.6Hz extension point at a more accessible price than Ascend’s ribbon tweeter ELX line. The catch: Listening window smoothness (0.34) is the roughest of Ascend’s own measured tower lineup in this batch, trailing the pricier ELX Ribbon Tower.
What the JBL Studio 698 gets right: High-Definition Imaging (HDI) horn waveguide paired with a 1” compression driver provides excellent high-frequency directivity control and seamless acoustic handoff to the 6” PolyPlas midrange. Watch for: Measured response exhibits a prominent mid-bass emphasis bump around 80Hz that can sound overly thick or chesty in smaller rooms without DSP EQ.
Buy the Ascend Acoustics Sierra Titan Tower if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the JBL Studio 698 if the price matters more than sound quality.
Specifications Side By Side
| Ascend Acoustics Sierra Titan Tower | JBL Studio 698 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $2,998/pair | $699.00 |
| Ranked | #17 of 59 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers | #18 of 59 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers |
| Enclosure | ported | - |
| Drivers | SEAS Titan dome tweeter, 1x 5.25" midrange (sealed sub-chamber), 2x 5.25" mineral filled polypropylene woofers | 1 in. High-Definition Imaging compression driver, 6 in. PolyPlas midrange, dual 8 in. PolyPlas woofers |
| Dimensions | 43"H x 7.5"W x 10.5"D (1092 x 190 x 267 mm) (43 x 7.5 x 10.5 in) | 41.7"H x 11.8"W x 15.7"D (1058 x 300 x 400 mm) |
| Weight | 45 lbs / 20.4 kg (45 lbs) each | 78.9 lbs / 35.8 kg each |
| Sensitivity | 88dB @ 2.83V/1m in-room (manufacturer) | 90dB (measured average, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal | 6 ohms nominal (4.1 ohms minimum above 80Hz, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Power Output (Watts) | 300W continuous, 500W peak | - |
| Frequency Response | 32-27,000Hz typical in-room (manufacturer) | - |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 58.6Hz (measured, spinorama.org vendor data) | 53Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 34.6Hz (measured, spinorama.org vendor data) | 34Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Warranty | 7 years parts and labor | - |
| Country | United States | - |
| Woofer Cabinet | - | ported, rear |
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The Two Speakers In Full
Ascend Acoustics Sierra Titan Tower: $2,998/pair Ascend Acoustics
Pros: A SEAS Titan dome tweeter and dual 5.25 inch long throw woofers in a bamboo V-LAM tower reach a measured 58.6Hz extension point at a more accessible price than Ascend’s ribbon tweeter ELX line. The bass alignment Q of 0.72 keeps the low end reasonably well controlled. Backed by the same 7 year parts and labor warranty and hand matched +/-1.5dB pairs, each shipped with its own production line frequency response printout.
Cons: Listening window smoothness (0.34) is the roughest of Ascend’s own measured tower lineup in this batch, trailing the pricier ELX Ribbon Tower. Sound power response falls off more steeply above the crossover than the ribbon version, so off axis and in room treble energy rolls off faster. Ascend sells direct only, with no dealer network or third party retailers for an in person audition.
Full Ascend Acoustics Sierra Titan Tower review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 34.6Hz (measured, spinorama.org vendor data) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 58.6Hz (measured, spinorama.org vendor data) |
| Country | United States |
| Dimensions | 43"H x 7.5"W x 10.5"D (1092 x 190 x 267 mm) (43 x 7.5 x 10.5 in) |
| Drivers | SEAS Titan dome tweeter, 1x 5.25" midrange (sealed sub-chamber), 2x 5.25" mineral filled polypropylene woofers |
| Enclosure | ported |
| Frequency Response | 32-27,000Hz typical in-room (manufacturer) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal |
| Power Output (Watts) | 300W continuous, 500W peak |
| Sensitivity | 88dB @ 2.83V/1m in-room (manufacturer) |
| Warranty | 7 years parts and labor |
| Weight | 45 lbs / 20.4 kg (45 lbs) each |
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JBL Studio 698: $699.00 Amazon Crutchfield
Pros: High-Definition Imaging (HDI) horn waveguide paired with a 1” compression driver provides excellent high-frequency directivity control and seamless acoustic handoff to the 6” PolyPlas midrange. Dual 8” PolyPlas woofers deliver robust low-end authority with solid bass extension down to an F3 of 53Hz and F10 of 34Hz. High voltage sensitivity (90dB SPL at 2.83V/1m) and clean power handling provide effortless dynamic headroom and low distortion for home theater and music listening.
Cons: Measured response exhibits a prominent mid-bass emphasis bump around 80Hz that can sound overly thick or chesty in smaller rooms without DSP EQ. Treble response lacks top-octave ‘air’ above 12kHz compared to high-end dome or ribbon tweeters. Physically large, heavy cabinet (35.8 kg per speaker) requires careful room placement and a wide acoustic footprint.
Full JBL Studio 698 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 34Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 53Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Dimensions | 41.7"H x 11.8"W x 15.7"D (1058 x 300 x 400 mm) |
| Drivers | 1 in. High-Definition Imaging compression driver, 6 in. PolyPlas midrange, dual 8 in. PolyPlas woofers |
| Impedance | 6 ohms nominal (4.1 ohms minimum above 80Hz, measured by Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | 90dB (measured average, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Weight | 78.9 lbs / 35.8 kg each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
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- Head-to-Head Comparisons