Short answer: the Definitive Technology BP-9020 if you want deep bass without a subwoofer. Its powered 8-inch side-firing subwoofer and 150-watt Class D amplifier reach an F3 of 35Hz and F10 of 29Hz, and it costs $500 against the JBL HDI-3600’s $3,800, though a high-frequency boost brings brightness and sibilance. The HDI-3600 is the flatter, lower-distortion speaker with high 90dB sensitivity, but it shelves down above 2kHz.
Buy the JBL HDI-3600. It is rated higher for sound quality and still sold new, while the Definitive Technology BP-9020 is discontinued.
Want more options? Browse the full Passive Home rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL HDI-3600 | Definitive Technology BP-9020 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $3800 per pair | $500 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #31 of 74 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers | #52 of 74 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 78Hz - the on-axis curve also shows an unusual step/dip around 40-55Hz that may be a near-field-scan artifact for this tower (measured, Audio Science Review) | 35Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 62Hz - the on-axis curve also shows an unusual step/dip around 40-55Hz that may be a near-field-scan artifact for this tower (measured, Audio Science Review) | 29Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | 89.5dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review) | 87.7dB (measured average, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Impedance | 4 ohms nominal | 8 ohms nominal |
| Frequency Response | 38Hz - 30kHz (+/-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Drivers | 2410H-2 1” compression driver, 3x 6.5” Advanced Aluminum Matrix woofers | 1 in. annealed aluminum dome tweeter, two 3.5 in. BDSS midrange (front), one 3.5 in. BDSS midrange (rear), 8 in. powered subwoofer |
| Weight | 61.7 lbs (28 kg) each | 30 lbs (13.6 kg) each |
| Dimensions | 40.5”H x 10.2”W x 13.5”D (1029 x 260 x 343 mm) | 35.3”H x 11”W x 13”D (895.4 x 279.4 x 330.2 mm) |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, dual rear-firing | ported, slot |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.64 (spinorama.org) | 5.08 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.95 (spinorama.org) | 6.53 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
Related Speaker Comparisons
How JBL HDI-3600 compares with other leading options:
- JBL HDI-3600 vs KEF Blade Two Meta
- MoFi SourcePoint V10 Master Edition vs JBL HDI-3600
- JBL HDI-3600 vs MoFi SourcePoint 888
- JBL HDI-3600 vs Revel F328Be
- Radiant Acoustics Clarity 66 vs JBL HDI-3600
Prices on this page were last checked October 3, 2026 at 10:26 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.
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
The Two Speakers In Full
JBL HDI-3600: $3800 per pair Audio Advice eBay
Pros: CEA2034 spinorama shows a fairly even on-axis response and flat overall frequency response, with high 90dB sensitivity and very low distortion through the midrange. Triple 6.5” Advanced Aluminum Matrix woofers and a 1” compression driver in JBL’s HDI waveguide. Measured bass extension of 78Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 89.5dB.
Cons: A wide shelving-down above 2kHz affects the in-room response, and vertical dispersion is a bigger issue than horizontal: the reviewer noted the dip is wider here than on the smaller HDI-1600, making it more audible. Narrow vertical sweet spot means careful listener-height positioning matters more than usual.
Full JBL HDI-3600 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 62Hz - the on-axis curve also shows an unusual step/dip around 40-55Hz that may be a near-field-scan artifact for this tower (measured, Audio Science Review) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 78Hz - the on-axis curve also shows an unusual step/dip around 40-55Hz that may be a near-field-scan artifact for this tower (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 40.5”H x 10.2”W x 13.5”D (1029 x 260 x 343 mm) |
| Drivers | 2410H-2 1” compression driver, 3x 6.5” Advanced Aluminum Matrix woofers |
| Frequency Response | 38Hz - 30kHz (+/-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 4 ohms nominal |
| Sensitivity | 89.5dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.64 (spinorama.org) |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.95 (spinorama.org) |
| Weight | 61.7 lbs (28 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, dual rear-firing |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Definitive Technology BP-9020: $500 per pair Discontinued eBay
Pros: Integrated powered 8” side-firing subwoofer with a 150-watt Class D amplifier provides exceptional sub-bass extension down to an F3 of 35Hz and F10 of 29Hz without requiring a standalone subwoofer enclosure. Forward-Focused Bipolar Array technology (dual 3.5” front midrange drivers + 1” annealed aluminum dome tweeter, plus a 3.5” rear-firing midrange driver) creates a remarkably wide, spacious soundstage with broad room envelopment. On-axis frequency response stays smooth and relatively neutral when listened to directly aligned with the tweeter. Measured average sensitivity of 87.7dB SPL (2.83V/1m) allows comfortable drive from standard multi-channel receivers. Measured bass extension of 35Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 87.7dB.
Cons: Significant high-frequency boost creates notable treble brightness and noticeable sibilance on vocal s-sounds. Bipolar rear driver radiation creates a diffuse soundstage that compromises razor-sharp imaging focus and pinpoint instrument placement. DSP-based internal limiter aggressively compresses output below 80Hz at higher listening levels, causing lower mid-bass and sub-bass impact to diminish as volume increases. Midrange clarity shows slight ‘cuppiness’ and upper-frequency directivity irregularities due to front/rear driver interaction. Discontinued.
Full Definitive Technology BP-9020 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 29Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 35Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 35.3”H x 11”W x 13”D (895.4 x 279.4 x 330.2 mm) |
| Drivers | 1 in. annealed aluminum dome tweeter, two 3.5 in. BDSS midrange (front), one 3.5 in. BDSS midrange (rear), 8 in. powered subwoofer |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal |
| Sensitivity | 87.7dB (measured average, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.08 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.53 |
| Weight | 30 lbs (13.6 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, slot |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Definitive Technology BP-9020 vs SVS Ultra Evolution Pinnacle
- Definitive Technology BP-9020 vs Klipsch RP-6000F II
- Definitive Technology BP-9020 vs Dynaudio Emit 30
- Definitive Technology BP-9020 vs Polk T50
- Definitive Technology BP-9020 vs Klipsch RP-8000F II
- Definitive Technology BP-9020 vs Focal Aria Evo X N°2
- Definitive Technology BP-9020 vs Klipsch RP-5000F II
- Definitive Technology BP-9020 vs Polk Audio XT60
- See all 36 comparisons