Short answer: the JBL HDI-1600 for its very flat spinorama, with the ELAC UBR62 the harder load. The JBL ranks #45 of 134 with a very flat spinorama and smooth early-window directivity, though it dips above 10kHz on axis. The UBR62 costs $1,199, $781 less as a concentric three-way, but Erin measured very low 83dB/2.83V/1m sensitivity, needing the more powerful HINT 6 where a 110W Parasound was insufficient.
Buy the ELAC Uni-Fi Reference UBR62 if you want one new; the JBL HDI-1600 is discontinued, so only look for it used.
Want more options? Browse the full Passive Home rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL HDI-1600 | ELAC Uni-Fi Reference UBR62 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1980 per pair Discontinued | $1,199 per pair |
| Ranked | #45 of 134 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #54 of 134 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 55.7Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 58.6Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 40Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points) | 41.9Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Impedance | 4 ohms nominal (measured, Audio Science Review) | 4 ohms minimum near 50Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | 85dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review) | 83dB/2.83V/1m (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Drivers | 1” tweeter + 6.5” woofer | 1” tweeter coaxial with 4” midrange; 6.5” woofer |
| Weight | 53.4 lbs (24.2 kg) | 23.5 lbs (10.68 kg) each |
| Dimensions | 14.6”H x 9.1”W x 11.4”D (370.0 x 230.0 x 288.9 mm) | 14.1”H x 8.2”W x 13.1”D |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear | ported, dual front slot vents |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.37 (spinorama.org) | 5.44 (measured, spinorama.org) |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.32 (spinorama.org) | 7.7 (measured, spinorama.org) |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Bass Extension | - | 41Hz manufacturer specified; Erin’s response-linearity graph shows limited high-output bass headroom |
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The Two Speakers In Full
JBL HDI-1600: $1980 per pair Discontinued Crutchfield eBay
Pros: CEA2034 spinorama is very flat in the critical mid-to-upper frequencies, with a slight bass boost that should have a good subjective effect and very smooth early-window directivity. Predicted in-room response in a simulated average listening room closely tracks the reviewer’s own preferred target curve. Measured bass extension of 55.7Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 85dB.
Cons: A dip appears above 10kHz on-axis. Cumulative spectral decay (waterfall) shows some messiness around the crossover along with a 700Hz resonance. Harmonic distortion rises to nearly 2% right at the 1.9kHz crossover point at 96dB SPL/1m. Discontinued.
Full JBL HDI-1600 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 40Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 55.7Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 14.6”H x 9.1”W x 11.4”D (370.0 x 230.0 x 288.9 mm) |
| Drivers | 1” tweeter + 6.5” woofer |
| Impedance | 4 ohms nominal (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Sensitivity | 85dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.37 (spinorama.org) |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.32 (spinorama.org) |
| Weight | 53.4 lbs (24.2 kg) |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear |
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ELAC Uni-Fi Reference UBR62: $1,199 per pair Amazon eBay
Pros: True three-way stand-mount using a 1-inch tweeter concentrically mounted in a 4-inch aluminum midrange plus a dedicated 6.5-inch aluminum woofer. Erin found the directivity and overall tonality well controlled, with dual front slot vents minimizing placement sensitivity and cabinet bracing suppressing obvious coloration. The mostly 5-ohm-or-higher load is manageable for a genuinely 4-ohm-capable amplifier, and the coherent concentric upper range supports stable imaging across seats. Measured bass extension of 58.6Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 83dB.
Cons: Erin measured very low 83dB/2.83V/1m sensitivity; his 110W Parasound was insufficient for the high-level test and the more powerful HINT 6 was needed. Impedance reaches 4 ohms near 50Hz (Erin), while woofer excursion and bass output were less capable than expected for the cabinet size. A broad 500-700Hz rise and associated lower/female-vocal coloration were audible, and the slightly subdued listening-window treble is necessary to avoid an overly bright in-room balance rather than evidence of ruler-flat axial tuning.
Full ELAC Uni-Fi Reference UBR62 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension | 41Hz manufacturer specified; Erin’s response-linearity graph shows limited high-output bass headroom |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 41.9Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 58.6Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 14.1”H x 8.2”W x 13.1”D |
| Drivers | 1” tweeter coaxial with 4” midrange; 6.5” woofer |
| Impedance | 4 ohms minimum near 50Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | 83dB/2.83V/1m (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.44 (measured, spinorama.org) |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.7 (measured, spinorama.org) |
| Weight | 23.5 lbs (10.68 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, dual front slot vents |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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