Short answer: the JBL 4367 for better sound quality, the JBL Studio 698 for the lower price. The JBL 4367 ranks #11 of 56 floorstanding speakers at $16500. The JBL Studio 698 ranks #16 at $699, $15801 cheaper.
What the JBL 4367 offers: Three-way design pairing a 15” front-ported woofer with a compression driver on a controlled-dispersion horn/waveguide, crossed over at 700Hz. Watch for: At roughly $16,500/pair, this is a major investment - the reviewer recommends buying from a dealer with a liberal return policy.
On the JBL Studio 698 side: 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. Set against that: 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 JBL 4367 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
| JBL 4367 | JBL Studio 698 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $16500 | $699.00 |
| Ranked | #11 of 56 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers | #16 of 56 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 31Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 34Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 43Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 53Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Dimensions | 37.2"H x 22.2"W x 16.8"D (944.9 x 563.9 x 426.7 mm) | 41.7"H x 11.8"W x 15.7"D (1058 x 300 x 400 mm) |
| Impedance | 4 ohms nominal (5.3 ohms minimum above 80Hz, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner) | 6 ohms nominal (4.1 ohms minimum above 80Hz, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | 92.5dB (measured average, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 90dB (measured average, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Drivers | 15" (380mm) 2216Nd-1 Dual Differential Drive® woofer, 3" (75mm) D2430K dual compression tweeter | 1 in. High-Definition Imaging compression driver, 6 in. PolyPlas midrange, dual 8 in. PolyPlas woofers |
| Weight | 119 lbs / 54 kg each | 78.9 lbs / 35.8 kg each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, front | ported, rear |
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- JBL 4367 vs Focal Chora 816
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The Two Speakers In Full
JBL 4367: $16500
Pros: Three-way design pairing a 15” front-ported woofer with a compression driver on a controlled-dispersion horn/waveguide, crossed over at 700Hz. On-axis frequency response is nearly dead flat, holding within about ±1.5dB, with the listening window tracking it closely except right at the crossover. Distortion stays below 1% THD across the entire audible band at both 86dB and 96dB. Compression/dynamic-range linearity is exceptional - within about a quarter of a dB from 76dB to 102dB, among the best the reviewer has measured. High sensitivity (about 92.6dB average) eases the amplifier match despite the speaker’s size. Minimal rear radiation thanks to the 15” woofer’s directivity and front-firing ports - rear energy runs about 20dB down from the primary wavefront, giving it a near-cardioid radiation pattern. Well-controlled horn directivity keeps the soundstage from noticeably shifting in width across the 700Hz crossover region. A natural high-frequency rolloff above about 7-8kHz gives it an easy, non-fatiguing character for extended listening sessions.
Cons: At roughly $16,500/pair, this is a major investment - the reviewer recommends buying from a dealer with a liberal return policy. Vertical response shows dips beyond about ±10-20°, with a larger null further out - an inherent trade-off of mating a 15” woofer to a horn compression driver at a 700Hz crossover, since crossing lower would hurt power handling and dynamic range. Horizontal directivity isn’t perfectly consistent with frequency: narrow (about ±20°) through 200-800Hz, briefly widening to near ±50° above the crossover, then narrowing again at high frequency - an unusual, non-constant pattern. The high-frequency rolloff that gives it an easy-listening character also reduces the sense of air and space in the soundstage when listening from off-center seats. Massive and heavy (about 120 lbs, roughly 36-37” tall) - needs to be raised on a stand to bring the horn to ear level, and isn’t something one person easily moves alone. Only modest EQ adjustment is available on the speaker itself (about ±1-2dB bass/treble trim).
Full JBL 4367 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 31Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 43Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Dimensions | 37.2"H x 22.2"W x 16.8"D (944.9 x 563.9 x 426.7 mm) |
| Drivers | 15" (380mm) 2216Nd-1 Dual Differential Drive® woofer, 3" (75mm) D2430K dual compression tweeter |
| Impedance | 4 ohms nominal (5.3 ohms minimum above 80Hz, measured by Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | 92.5dB (measured average, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Weight | 119 lbs / 54 kg each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, front |
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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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- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons