Short answer: the JBL HDI-3800 for better sound quality, the Revel F206 for the lower price. The JBL HDI-3800 ranks #7 of 59 floorstanding speakers at $5000. The Revel F206 ranks #19 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. Set against that: On-axis frequency response features a narrow upper-frequency elevation around 8-10kHz, performing noticeably smoother when toed out 10-20° off-axis.
The case for the Revel F206: CEA2034 spinorama shows a pretty even on-axis response. Predicted in-room response is excellent, with a smooth downward slope. The catch: Some directivity error and a small peak around 4.5kHz show up alongside the directivity error around 3kHz.
Buy the JBL HDI-3800 if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Revel F206 if the price matters more than sound quality.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL HDI-3800 | Revel F206 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $5,000.00 Discontinued | $2000 used, Discontinued |
| Ranked | #7 of 59 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers | #19 of 59 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) |
| Discontinued | Yes | Yes |
| 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 |
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- JBL HDI-3800 vs Revel F208
The Two Speakers In Full
JBL HDI-3800: $5,000.00 Discontinued
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 |
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Revel F206: $2000 used, Discontinued
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.
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) |
| Dimensions | 40.3"H x 8.4"W x 12.2"D (1023.6 x 213.4 x 309.9 mm) |
| Discontinued | Yes |
| 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) |
| Weight | 57.3 lbs / 26 kg each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, front |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons