Short answer: the JBL HDI-3600 if sound quality matters most, the Klipsch RP-5000F II if price matters most. The JBL HDI-3600 ranks #58 of 188 floorstanding speakers, rated 4.3/5, at $3,800. The Klipsch RP-5000F II ranks #105, rated 4.0/5, at $859.98, $2,940.02 cheaper.
What the JBL HDI-3600 does well: 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. The tradeoff: 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 JBL HDI-1600, making it more audible.
The Klipsch RP-5000F II is the more accurate, deeper-bass pick. The most tonally coherent of the RP II floorstander line, with a mild baffle-step dip and treble tilt but no additional coloration issues beyond that. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 5.24 against 4.64 for the JBL HDI-3600. Its bass reaches about 55Hz before falling 3dB, against 78Hz for the JBL HDI-3600. The tradeoff: Bass extension is underwhelming for a floorstander (F3 at 55Hz, F10 at 41Hz) and needs a subwoofer.
Buy the JBL HDI-3600 if sound quality is the priority over the price, or the Klipsch RP-5000F II if the price is the priority over sound quality.
Want more options? Browse the full Passive Home rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL HDI-3600 | Klipsch RP-5000F II | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $3800 per pair | $859.98 per pair |
| Ranked | #58 of 188 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers | #105 of 188 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) | 55Hz (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) | 41Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | 89.5dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review) | 90dB (2.83V/1m, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Impedance | 4 ohms nominal | 8 ohms nominal, 3.3 ohms minimum (measured above 80Hz, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Frequency Response | 38Hz - 30kHz (+/-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 40Hz - 25kHz (+-3dB, Manufacturer specified) |
| Drivers | 2410H-2 1” compression driver, 3x 6.5” Advanced Aluminum Matrix woofers | 1” titanium tweeter with Tractrix horn, dual 5.25” cerametallic woofers |
| Weight | 61.7 lbs (28 kg) each | 38.6 lbs (17.5 kg) |
| Dimensions | 40.5”H x 10.2”W x 13.5”D (1029 x 260 x 343 mm) | 36.1” x 8.1” x 14.8” (917 x 207 x 375 mm) |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, dual rear-firing | ported, rear |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.64 (spinorama.org) | 5.24 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.95 (spinorama.org) | 7.25 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Crossover Frequency | - | 1900Hz |
| Power Handling | - | 100W continuous, 400W peak |
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Prices on this page were last checked October 9, 2026 at 8:01 AM 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 HDI-3600: $3800 per pair Audio Advice eBay
Same family: the JBL HDI-1600 (bookshelf, rated 4.2/5), the JBL HDI-3800 (larger floorstanding, ranked higher, rated 4.5/5) and the JBL HDI-4500 (center, rated 3.7/5).
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 JBL 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
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Klipsch RP-5000F II: $859.98 per pair B&H Photo Video eBay
Same family: the Klipsch RP-500M II (smaller bookshelf, rated 4/5), the Klipsch RP-600M II (larger bookshelf, rated 3.7/5), the Klipsch RP-6000F II (larger floorstanding, ranked lower, rated 3.9/5), the Klipsch RP-8000F II (larger floorstanding, ranked lower, rated 3.9/5), the Klipsch RP-404C II (smallest center, rated 3.7/5), the Klipsch RP-500C II (center, rated 3.9/5) and the Klipsch RP-504C II (largest center, rated 3.8/5).
Pros: The most tonally coherent of the RP II floorstander line, with a mild baffle-step dip and treble tilt but no additional coloration issues beyond that. Precise imaging thanks to the controlled horn/waveguide directivity. Measured bass extension of 55Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 90dB.
Cons: Bass extension is underwhelming for a floorstander (F3 at 55Hz, F10 at 41Hz) and needs a subwoofer. Narrow horizontal dispersion (~50-60 degrees) trades soundstage width for imaging precision. A mild high-frequency tilt and a slight lack of detail around 1-1.5kHz.
Full Klipsch RP-5000F II review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 41Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 55Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Crossover Frequency | 1900Hz |
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 36.1” x 8.1” x 14.8” (917 x 207 x 375 mm) |
| Drivers | 1” titanium tweeter with Tractrix horn, dual 5.25” cerametallic woofers |
| Frequency Response | 40Hz - 25kHz (+-3dB, Manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal, 3.3 ohms minimum (measured above 80Hz, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Power Handling | 100W continuous, 400W peak |
| Sensitivity | 90dB (2.83V/1m, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.24 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.25 |
| Weight | 38.6 lbs (17.5 kg) |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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