Short answer: the Infinity Reference R162. It ranks #51 of 100 bookshelf speakers by sound quality at $500; the JBL Studio 630 ranks #56 and costs $699, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
On the Infinity Reference R162 side: CEA2034 spinorama shows good directivity with wide, consistent horizontal and vertical response, and blended early reflections that need little room treatment. Set against that: Elevated output above 3kHz adds brightness, with a resonance around 700Hz and some distortion near the crossover point.
The case for the JBL Studio 630: Excellent directivity linearity: harmonics of the same instrument stay collocated in the soundstage instead of drifting between positions, giving precise. The tradeoff: Noticeable mid-range dip/scoop relative to the higher frequencies - not dramatic, but audibly “missing” something by the second or third track.
Buy the Infinity Reference R162. It ranks higher for sound quality than the JBL Studio 630 and costs less, so there is no real case for the other one.
Specifications Side By Side
| Infinity Reference R162 | JBL Studio 630 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $500 Discontinued | $699 |
| Ranked | #51 of 100 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #56 of 100 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 78Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 58Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | - |
| Discontinued | Yes | - |
| Sensitivity | 87dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review) | 83.2dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner; 85dB manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal | 6 ohms nominal, 4.7 ohms minimum (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Frequency Response | 49Hz - 22kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 45Hz - 40,000Hz (manufacturer specified) |
| Drivers | 1" CMMD tweeter with waveguide, 6.5" CMMD woofer | 6.5" PolyPlas cone woofer, 1" compression driver (2414H-1) with waveguide |
| Weight | 17.6 lbs / 8 kg each | 19.9 lbs each |
| Dimensions | 15.5"H x 7.9"W x 11.2"D (394 x 200 x 285 mm) | 14-13/16"H x 9"W x 11-5/16"D |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported | - |
| Power Handling | - | up to 150W |
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The Two Speakers In Full
Infinity Reference R162: $500 Discontinued Bhphotovideo
Pros: CEA2034 spinorama shows good directivity with wide, consistent horizontal and vertical response, and blended early reflections that need little room treatment. 1” CMMD waveguide tweeter and 6.5” CMMD woofer, 85.5dB sensitivity.
Cons: Elevated output above 3kHz adds brightness, with a resonance around 700Hz and some distortion near the crossover point. EQ or a simple inline tweeter resistor can tame the treble; the reviewer still called it a very enjoyable system for the price. Discontinued.
Full Infinity Reference R162 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 58Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 78Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Dimensions | 15.5"H x 7.9"W x 11.2"D (394 x 200 x 285 mm) |
| Discontinued | Yes |
| Drivers | 1" CMMD tweeter with waveguide, 6.5" CMMD woofer |
| Frequency Response | 49Hz - 22kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal |
| Sensitivity | 87dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Weight | 17.6 lbs / 8 kg each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported |
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JBL Studio 630: $699 Amazon
Pros: Excellent directivity linearity: harmonics of the same instrument stay collocated in the soundstage instead of drifting between positions, giving precise, stable imaging that holds up well into higher frequencies where many speakers start to beam and narrow. Good compression behavior - mid-bass stays taut and controlled from low to high volume without the sound falling apart or distorting as you turn it up. A pleasant, controlled mid-bass bump in the 60-100 Hz range adds punch to kick drums without bleeding into an uncontrolled boom on bass guitar. Horizontal radiation holds steady off-axis (about ±60°), so toe-in isn’t fussy. Compared directly to its predecessor, the JBL Studio 530, the reviewer would pick the 630 - smoother trend line through the upper mids and treble, and likely more dynamic headroom - as long as you’re willing to EQ.
Cons: Noticeable mid-range dip/scoop relative to the higher frequencies - not dramatic, but audibly “missing” something by the second or third track. Some tracks read as forward or aggressive around 2 kHz, like the upper frequencies are jumping out at you rather than sitting in stage depth. Needs EQ to bring the mid-range back up to be fully recommendable; without EQ available, the reviewer says he’d look at a different speaker entirely. Measured sensitivity (about 83.2dB) runs noticeably below the 85dB manufacturer spec, likely a byproduct of the mid-range dip skewing the average downward.
Full JBL Studio 630 review and specifications →
| Dimensions | 14-13/16"H x 9"W x 11-5/16"D |
|---|---|
| Drivers | 6.5" PolyPlas cone woofer, 1" compression driver (2414H-1) with waveguide |
| Frequency Response | 45Hz - 40,000Hz (manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 6 ohms nominal, 4.7 ohms minimum (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Power Handling | up to 150W |
| Sensitivity | 83.2dB (measured, Erin's Audio Corner; 85dB manufacturer specified) |
| Weight | 19.9 lbs each |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
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