Short answer: the JBL HDI-3800 for better sound quality, the JBL Studio 590 for the lower price. The JBL HDI-3800 ranks #7 of 71 floorstanding speakers at $5000. The JBL Studio 590 ranks #68 at $2000, $3000 cheaper.
What the JBL HDI-3800 offers: 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. 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. 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.
What the JBL Studio 590 offers: Pretty deep bass. CEA2034 spinorama is flat on-axis at a high level, with high sensitivity around 89-90dB. Predicted in-room response is good aside from a dip between 800Hz-1.5kHz. Distortion at 86dB SPL/1m is good outside of the 8.5kHz resonance. Watch for: 3dB peak at 1.7khz, about a 4dB peak from 8k to 13k, going to be bright up top. Just okay vertical off axis. Really bad resonance at 8.5khz, which shows up as a sharp distortion spike at both 86dB and 96dB SPL/1m. Cumulative spectral decay (waterfall) reveals many fine resonances across the midrange and treble. At 96dB SPL/1m the midrange and treble get notably messier, with broad distortion elevation from 2-8kHz.
Buy the JBL HDI-3800 if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the JBL Studio 590 if the price matters more than sound quality.
If sound quality matters at all to you, skip the JBL Studio 590. It ranks near the bottom of the 71 floorstanding speakers, so look higher up the list instead.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL HDI-3800 | JBL Studio 590 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $5,000.00 Discontinued | $2000 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #7 of 71 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers | #68 of 71 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 28Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 32Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 37Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 48Hz (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) | 49.7"H x 12.7"W x 16.3"D (1263.0 x 322.0 x 413.0 mm) |
| Discontinued | Yes | Yes |
| Impedance | 4 ohms nominal (3.8 ohms minimum, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner) | 6 ohms nominal (5 ohms measured minimum, Audio Science Review) |
| Sensitivity | 92dB (measured average, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 90.3dB (2.83V/1m, measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Drivers | 1 in. 2410H-2 Teonex compression driver with HDI horn, triple 8 in. Advanced Aluminum Matrix cone woofers | 2x 8" (200mm) PolyPlas cone woofers, 1x 1" (25mm) Teonex dome tweeter on Bi-Radial horn (2.5-way) |
| Weight | 83.8 lbs / 38.0 kg each | 107.8 lbs / 48.9 kg |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear | ported, rear |
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The Two Speakers In Full
JBL HDI-3800: $5,000.00 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.
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) |
| Dimensions | 43.3"H x 11.8"W x 16.4"D (1100.5 x 300.0 x 417.8 mm) |
| Discontinued | Yes |
| 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) |
| Weight | 83.8 lbs / 38.0 kg each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Erin’s Audio Corner: JBL HDI-3800 Floorstanding Speaker Review More from Erin’s Audio Corner →
- Erin’s Audio Corner: Choosing the Ultimate Speaker: JBL Studio 698 or HDI-3800?
- Erin’s Audio Corner Website JBL HDI-3800
- Erin’s Audio Corner Measurements (spinorama.org)
- Reddit Search for JBL HDI-3800 Review
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
JBL Studio 590: $2000 Discontinued eBay
Pros: Pretty deep bass. CEA2034 spinorama is flat on-axis at a high level, with high sensitivity around 89-90dB. Predicted in-room response is good aside from a dip between 800Hz-1.5kHz. Distortion at 86dB SPL/1m is good outside of the 8.5kHz resonance.
Cons: 3dB peak at 1.7khz, about a 4dB peak from 8k to 13k, going to be bright up top. Just okay vertical off axis. Really bad resonance at 8.5khz, which shows up as a sharp distortion spike at both 86dB and 96dB SPL/1m. Cumulative spectral decay (waterfall) reveals many fine resonances across the midrange and treble. At 96dB SPL/1m the midrange and treble get notably messier, with broad distortion elevation from 2-8kHz. Discontinued.
Full JBL Studio 590 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 32Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 48Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Dimensions | 49.7"H x 12.7"W x 16.3"D (1263.0 x 322.0 x 413.0 mm) |
| Discontinued | Yes |
| Drivers | 2x 8" (200mm) PolyPlas cone woofers, 1x 1" (25mm) Teonex dome tweeter on Bi-Radial horn (2.5-way) |
| Impedance | 6 ohms nominal (5 ohms measured minimum, Audio Science Review) |
| Sensitivity | 90.3dB (2.83V/1m, measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Weight | 107.8 lbs / 48.9 kg |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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