JBL 4367 vs JBL Studio 698

Last updated: October 1, 2026

Short answer: the JBL Studio 698 if you can use EQ, the 4367 if budget is not the constraint. The 698’s HDI horn and 1” compression driver give excellent high-frequency directivity and a seamless handoff to its 6” PolyPlas midrange, but the measured response has a prominent mid-bass bump around 80Hz that sounds thick or chesty in small rooms without DSP EQ. The 4367 is the costlier horn-loaded three-way at about $16,500 per pair.

JBL 4367 vs JBL Studio 698

Buy the JBL Studio 698, since the JBL 4367 is discontinued and only worth hunting down used.

Looking for alternatives? See the complete Passive Home rankings.

Specifications Side By Side

JBL 4367 JBL Studio 698
Price$16,500 per pair Discontinued$1,499.90 per pair
Ranked#11 of 74 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers#30 of 74 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)
Dimensions37.2”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)
Impedance4 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)
Sensitivity92.5dB (measured average, Erin’s Audio Corner)90dB (measured average, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Drivers15” (380mm) 2216Nd-1 Dual Differential Drive® woofer, 3” (75mm) D2430K dual compression tweeter1 in. High-Definition Imaging compression driver, 6 in. PolyPlas midrange, dual 8 in. PolyPlas woofers
Weight119 lbs (54 kg) each78.9 lbs (35.8 kg) each
Woofer Cabinetported, frontported, rear
Spinorama Preference Score5.074.20
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub6.886.14
DIY KitNoNo

How JBL 4367 compares with other leading options:

Prices on this page were last checked October 2, 2026 at 10:18 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.

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The Two Speakers In Full

JBL 4367: $16,500 per pair Discontinued eBay

JBL 4367 ranking card

Newer model: the JBL 4369. It’s likely to perform similarly, though we don’t have measurements to confirm that yet.

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. Measured bass extension of 43Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 92.5dB.

Cons: At roughly $16500/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). Discontinued.

Bass Extension (-10dB)31Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)43Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
DIY KitNo
Dimensions37.2”H x 22.2”W x 16.8”D (944.9 x 563.9 x 426.7 mm)
Drivers15” (380mm) 2216Nd-1 Dual Differential Drive® woofer, 3” (75mm) D2430K dual compression tweeter
Impedance4 ohms nominal (5.3 ohms minimum above 80Hz, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner)
Sensitivity92.5dB (measured average, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Spinorama Preference Score5.07
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub6.88
Weight119 lbs (54 kg) each
Woofer Cabinetported, front

JBL Studio 698: $1,499.90 per pair Crutchfield eBay

JBL Studio 698 ranking card

Older model: the JBL Studio 590 (ranked lower, rated 2.8/5).

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. Measured bass extension of 53Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 90dB.

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.

Bass Extension (-10dB)34Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)53Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
DIY KitNo
Dimensions41.7”H x 11.8”W x 15.7”D (1058 x 300 x 400 mm)
Drivers1 in. High-Definition Imaging compression driver, 6 in. PolyPlas midrange, dual 8 in. PolyPlas woofers
Impedance6 ohms nominal (4.1 ohms minimum above 80Hz, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner)
Sensitivity90dB (measured average, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Spinorama Preference Score4.20
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub6.14
Weight78.9 lbs (35.8 kg) each
Woofer Cabinetported, rear