Short answer: the Revel F206 for a smooth predicted in-room response, the JBL HDI-3800 for output. The F206’s spinorama is fairly even on-axis and its predicted in-room response is excellent with a smooth downward slope, but there is directivity error plus a small peak around 4.5kHz near the 3kHz error. The HDI-3800 leans on its 1-inch Teonex compression driver and HDI horn for exceptional horizontal directivity and high output.
Buy the JBL HDI-3800 or the Revel F206, whichever you find used in better condition; both are discontinued. For a new speaker, start with the MoFi SourcePoint 888 instead.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Passive Home rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL HDI-3800 | Revel F206 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $5,000 per pair Discontinued | $2,000 per pair used, Discontinued |
| Ranked | #14 of 74 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers | #18 of 74 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 28Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 34Hz (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) | 40.3”H x 8.4”W x 12.2”D (1023.6 x 213.4 x 309.9 mm) |
| Impedance | 4 ohms nominal (3.8 ohms minimum, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner) | 4 ohms nominal (3.3 ohms minimum, measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Sensitivity | 92dB (measured average, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 87dB (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Drivers | 1 in. 2410H-2 Teonex compression driver with HDI horn, triple 8 in. Advanced Aluminum Matrix cone woofers | Dual 6.5” (16.5 cm) Aluminum Cone, Cast-frame Woofers, 5.25” (13.3 cm) Aluminum Cone, Cast-frame Midrange, 1” (2.5 cm) Aluminum Tweeter with Acoustic Lens Waveguide |
| Weight | 83.8 lbs (38.0 kg) each | 57.3 lbs (26 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear | ported, front |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.62 | 5.51 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.03 | 7.52 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
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- MoFi SourcePoint 888 vs JBL HDI-3800
- JBL HDI-3800 vs Revel F328Be
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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
Revel F206: $2,000 per pair used Discontinued eBay
Newer model: the Revel F226Be, ranked higher, rated 4.6/5.
Pros: CEA2034 spinorama shows a pretty even on-axis response. Predicted in-room response is excellent, with a smooth downward slope. Horizontal beamwidth of about ±65 degrees is wide, if a bit uneven. Distortion is very nice at 86dB SPL/1m, falling below the frequency range where human hearing is most sensitive, and stays excellent even at 96dB SPL/1m. Near-field measurements of the individual drivers show nice suppression of port and woofer resonances. Really amazing value for the performance. Measured bass extension of 60Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 87dB.
Cons: Some directivity error and a small peak around 4.5kHz show up alongside the directivity error around 3kHz. Vertical directivity means listening position needs to stay within the tweeter axis, though the reviewer notes there is some leeway. Minimum impedance dips to 3.3 ohms, calling for an amplifier comfortable with a demanding load. Discontinued.
Full Revel F206 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 34Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 60Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 40.3”H x 8.4”W x 12.2”D (1023.6 x 213.4 x 309.9 mm) |
| Drivers | Dual 6.5” (16.5 cm) Aluminum Cone, Cast-frame Woofers, 5.25” (13.3 cm) Aluminum Cone, Cast-frame Midrange, 1” (2.5 cm) Aluminum Tweeter with Acoustic Lens Waveguide |
| Impedance | 4 ohms nominal (3.3 ohms minimum, measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Sensitivity | 87dB (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.51 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.52 |
| Weight | 57.3 lbs (26 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, front |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons