Short answer: both are discontinued, so this only matters if you are buying used. Used, the JBL HDI-3800 is the better pick: it ranks #25 of 188 floorstanding speakers by sound quality (rated 4.5/5), against #187 (rated 1.9/5) for the Bose 901 Series V. If you want one new, the KEF Blade One Meta ranks #1 at $34,999.98.
Choose the JBL HDI-3800 for 2410H-2 1” Teonex compression driver matched to a custom: Watch for: on-axis frequency response features a narrow upper-frequency elevation around 8-10kHz, performing noticeably smoother when toed out 10-20° off-axis.
Choose the Bose 901 Series V for historically distinctive direct/reflecting architecture uses eight: Watch for: even with the required EQ, Erin measured only about 81dB sensitivity, grossly non-flat response, numerous impedance/resonance irregularities and very high distortion.
Buy the JBL HDI-3800 only if you find one used in good condition; both are discontinued, and it is the better rated of the two. For a new speaker, start with the KEF Blade One Meta instead.
Still deciding? The full Passive Home rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL HDI-3800 | Bose 901 Series V | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $5,000 per pair Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Ranked | #25 of 188 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers | #187 of 188 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 28Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 34.5Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 37Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 55.8Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Dimensions | 43.3”H x 11.8”W x 16.4”D (1100.5 x 300.0 x 417.8 mm) | 21”H x 21”W x 12.6”D (533.4 x 533.4 x 320.7 mm) |
| Impedance | 4 ohms nominal (3.8 ohms minimum, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner) | 6.2 ohms minimum (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | 92dB (measured average, Erin’s Audio Corner) | Approximately 81dB/2.83V/1m with tested EQ setting (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Drivers | 1 in. 2410H-2 Teonex compression driver with HDI horn, triple 8 in. Advanced Aluminum Matrix cone woofers | Nine full-range drivers: eight rear-firing, one front-firing |
| Weight | 83.8 lbs (38.0 kg) each | 35.3 lbs (16 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.62 | 0.43 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.03 | 2.11 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Bass Extension | - | Strongly dependent on supplied active equalizer and room (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| DSP | - | External analog active equalizer required |
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The Two Speakers In Full
JBL HDI-3800: $5,000 per pair Discontinued eBay
Same family: the JBL HDI-1600 (bookshelf, rated 4.2/5), the JBL HDI-3600 (smaller floorstanding, ranked lower, rated 4.3/5) and the JBL HDI-4500 (center, rated 3.7/5).
Pros: 2410H-2 1” Teonex compression driver matched to a custom High-Definition Imaging (HDI) horn geometry achieves exceptional horizontal directivity control, high output capability, and effortless transient response. Triple 8” Advanced Aluminum Matrix woofers deliver deep, authoritative bass extension down to an F3 of 37Hz and F10 of 28Hz with minimal low-frequency compression. Outstanding sensitivity (92dB SPL at 2.83V/1m) and ultra-low THD/multitone distortion allow extremely high undistorted SPL output in large home theater spaces. Measured bass extension of 37Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 92dB.
Cons: On-axis frequency response features a narrow upper-frequency elevation around 8-10kHz, performing noticeably smoother when toed out 10-20° off-axis. Vertical directivity handoff across the triple woofer layout creates vertical soundstage height tilt depending on listening distance and ear height. Minimum impedance dips to 3.8 ohms, requiring high-current amplifier stability. Substantial cabinet dimensions and 38kg weight require significant room real estate. Discontinued.
Full JBL HDI-3800 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 28Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 37Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 43.3”H x 11.8”W x 16.4”D (1100.5 x 300.0 x 417.8 mm) |
| Drivers | 1 in. 2410H-2 Teonex compression driver with HDI horn, triple 8 in. Advanced Aluminum Matrix cone woofers |
| Impedance | 4 ohms nominal (3.8 ohms minimum, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | 92dB (measured average, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.62 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.03 |
| Weight | 83.8 lbs (38.0 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Bose 901 Series V Discontinued eBay
Pros: Historically distinctive direct/reflecting architecture uses eight rear-firing and one front-firing full-range drivers to create a very large, room-filling presentation. Erin measured a benign 6.2-ohm minimum impedance, so the raw electrical load is easier than many modern four-ohm speakers. The supplied active equalizer offers user-adjustable tonal balance and is integral to obtaining usable bandwidth. Measured bass extension of 55.8Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 81dB.
Cons: Even with the required EQ, Erin measured only about 81dB sensitivity, grossly non-flat response, numerous impedance/resonance irregularities and very high distortion. Output above roughly 90-95dB at his seat became audibly poor; multitone testing reached only about 98dB before the distortion limit. The reflection-dominant radiation prevents precise imaging and makes results strongly room-dependent. It requires the proprietary equalizer and substantial amplifier power despite its benign impedance. Discontinued.
Full Bose 901 Series V review and specifications →
| Bass Extension | Strongly dependent on supplied active equalizer and room (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 34.5Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 55.8Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| DIY Kit | No |
| DSP | External analog active equalizer required |
| Dimensions | 21”H x 21”W x 12.6”D (533.4 x 533.4 x 320.7 mm) |
| Drivers | Nine full-range drivers: eight rear-firing, one front-firing |
| Impedance | 6.2 ohms minimum (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | Approximately 81dB/2.83V/1m with tested EQ setting (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 0.43 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 2.11 |
| Weight | 35.3 lbs (16 kg) each |
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