Short answer: the JBL HDI-1600 for better sound quality, the Technics SB-C700 for the lower price. The JBL HDI-1600 ranks #39 of 105 bookshelf speakers at $1980. The Technics SB-C700 ranks #49 at $1699, $281 cheaper.
On the JBL HDI-1600 side: 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. Watch for: A dip appears above 10kHz on-axis. Cumulative spectral decay (waterfall) shows some messiness around the crossover along with a 700Hz resonance.
The case for the Technics SB-C700: Distinctive coincident “Phase Precision Driver”: a 1.9cm dome tweeter mounted at the exact acoustic center of a 16cm flat-diaphragm carbon-fiber/honeycomb-sandwich woofer, giving true point-source geometry. The catch: 85dB sensitivity paired with a 4-ohm nominal impedance wants a fairly capable amplifier.
Buy the JBL HDI-1600 if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Technics SB-C700 if the price matters more than sound quality.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL HDI-1600 | Technics SB-C700 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1980 Discontinued | $1,699.00 |
| Ranked | #39 of 105 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #49 of 105 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 70Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 85.0Hz (measured, spinorama.org) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 55Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 40.5Hz (measured, spinorama.org) |
| Impedance | 4 ohms nominal (measured, Audio Science Review) | 4 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 85dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review) | 85dB (2.83V/1m) |
| Drivers | 1" tweeter + 6.5" woofer | Coaxial "Phase Precision Driver": 1.9cm dome tweeter + 16cm flat-diaphragm woofer |
| Discontinued | Yes | - |
| Weight | 53.4 lbs / 24.2 kg | 18.7 lbs / 8.5 kg (18.7 lb) each |
| Dimensions | 14.6"H x 9.1"W x 11.4"D (370.0 x 230.0 x 288.9 mm) | 8.7" x 13.2" x 11.3" (220 x 336 x 286 mm) (8.7 x 13.2 x 11.3 in) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear | Bass reflex |
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The Two Speakers In Full
JBL HDI-1600: $1980 Discontinued Crutchfield
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.
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) | 55Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 70Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Dimensions | 14.6"H x 9.1"W x 11.4"D (370.0 x 230.0 x 288.9 mm) |
| Discontinued | Yes |
| Drivers | 1" tweeter + 6.5" woofer |
| Impedance | 4 ohms nominal (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Sensitivity | 85dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Weight | 53.4 lbs / 24.2 kg |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear |
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Technics SB-C700: $1,699.00 Value Electronics USA Tube Audio
Pros: Distinctive coincident “Phase Precision Driver”: a 1.9cm dome tweeter mounted at the exact acoustic center of a 16cm flat-diaphragm carbon-fiber/honeycomb-sandwich woofer, giving true point-source geometry. Directivity is unusually symmetric front-to-back and top-to-bottom (both horizontal and vertical average exactly 60°) and spdi_stddev (3.09) is tight for the passive-large tier. Die-cast aluminum chassis and a high-gloss convex “Entasis form” cabinet with side panels up to 42mm thick for extra rigidity.
Cons: 85dB sensitivity paired with a 4-ohm nominal impedance wants a fairly capable amplifier. Bass extension is shallow relative to its 6.5”-class woofer at -3dB (85.0Hz), though it reaches a more usable 40.5Hz at -10dB - a fairly steep low-end rolloff shape once past the reference band. At $1,699.99/pair, some in the ASR community have questioned the value proposition against similarly-measuring alternatives at lower prices.
Full Technics SB-C700 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 40.5Hz (measured, spinorama.org) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 85.0Hz (measured, spinorama.org) |
| Dimensions | 8.7" x 13.2" x 11.3" (220 x 336 x 286 mm) (8.7 x 13.2 x 11.3 in) each |
| Drivers | Coaxial "Phase Precision Driver": 1.9cm dome tweeter + 16cm flat-diaphragm woofer |
| Impedance | 4 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 85dB (2.83V/1m) |
| Weight | 18.7 lbs / 8.5 kg (18.7 lb) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | Bass reflex |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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- Technics SB-C700 vs Yamaha NS-800A
- Technics SB-C700 vs ELAC DBR62
- Technics SB-C700 vs ELAC Uni-Fi Reference UBR62
- Technics SB-C700 vs Revel Concerta2 M16
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