Short answer: the JBL HDI-3800 for directivity control, the Focal Chora 816 for bass extension and sensitivity. The HDI-3800’s 1-inch Teonex compression driver and HDI horn give exceptional horizontal directivity, high output and effortless transients, though a narrow 8-10kHz elevation means it measures smoother toed out 10-20 degrees. The Chora 816 is even on-axis with good bass extension and high sensitivity, but it gets messy between 500Hz and 2kHz with a dip around 550Hz.
Buy the JBL HDI-3800 or the Focal Chora 816, whichever you find used in better condition; both are discontinued. For a new speaker, start with the MoFi SourcePoint 888 instead.
Want more options? Browse the full Passive Home rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL HDI-3800 | Focal Chora 816 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $5,000 per pair Discontinued | $900 per pair used, Discontinued |
| Ranked | #14 of 74 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers | #15 of 74 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 28Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 35Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 37Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 60Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Dimensions | 43.3”H x 11.8”W x 16.4”D (1100.5 x 300.0 x 417.8 mm) | 40.7”H x 11.8”W x 15.3”D (1033.8 x 299.7 x 388.6 mm) |
| Impedance | 4 ohms nominal (3.8 ohms minimum, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner) | 8 ohms nominal (3.9 ohms minimum, measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Sensitivity | 92dB (measured average, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 91dB (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Drivers | 1 in. 2410H-2 Teonex compression driver with HDI horn, triple 8 in. Advanced Aluminum Matrix cone woofers | 6.5” (16.5cm) Slatefiber woofer, 6.5” (16.5cm) Slatefiber midrange, 1” (25mm) TNF Al/Mg inverted dome tweeter |
| Weight | 83.8 lbs (38.0 kg) each | 40.8 lbs (18.5 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear | ported, front |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.62 | 4.30 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.03 | 6.37 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
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The Two Speakers In Full
JBL HDI-3800: $5,000 per pair Discontinued eBay
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
Focal Chora 816: $900 per pair used Discontinued eBay
Newer model: the Focal Theva N°2. It’s likely to perform similarly, though we don’t have measurements to confirm that yet.
Pros: CEA2034 spinorama shows a generally even on-axis response with nice bass extension and high sensitivity. Predicted in-room response is very good aside from a peak around 8kHz. Horizontal beamwidth of about ±60 degrees is typical and fairly controlled. Distortion is very low at 86dB SPL/1m and still usable at 96dB SPL/1m. Measured bass extension of 60Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 91dB.
Cons: Some messiness appears between 500Hz-2kHz on-axis, including a dip around 550Hz. Vertical directivity narrows a little, so listening height matters more than with a coincident design. Cumulative spectral decay (waterfall) shows a fair bit of resonances lingering across the midrange. Distortion rises substantially in the 1-2kHz region at 96dB SPL/1m. Minimum impedance dips to about 3.9 ohms. Discontinued.
Full Focal Chora 816 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 35Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 60Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 40.7”H x 11.8”W x 15.3”D (1033.8 x 299.7 x 388.6 mm) |
| Drivers | 6.5” (16.5cm) Slatefiber woofer, 6.5” (16.5cm) Slatefiber midrange, 1” (25mm) TNF Al/Mg inverted dome tweeter |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal (3.9 ohms minimum, measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Sensitivity | 91dB (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.30 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.37 |
| Weight | 40.8 lbs (18.5 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, front |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons