Short answer: the Revel F228Be for a flat on-axis response, the JBL HDI-3800 for its HDI horn and high output capability. The F228Be is essentially flat on-axis with very nice directivity, but its minimum impedance dips to 3.4 ohms with a secondary rise around 2kHz, so it calls for an amplifier comfortable with a demanding load. The HDI-3800’s HDI horn and compression driver bring exceptional horizontal directivity, high output and effortless transients.
Buy the Revel F228Be, since the JBL HDI-3800 is discontinued and only worth hunting down used.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Passive Home rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL HDI-3800 | Revel F228Be | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $5,000 per pair Discontinued | $9,000 per pair |
| Ranked | #14 of 74 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers | #17 of 74 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 28Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 25Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 37Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 61Hz (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) | 50.9”H x 13.5”W x 17.6”D (1292.9 x 342.9 x 447 mm) |
| Impedance | 4 ohms nominal (3.8 ohms minimum, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner) | 8 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 92dB (measured average, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 89.3dB (300Hz-3kHz @ 2.83V/1m, measured by Audio Science Review; 90dB manufacturer specified) |
| Drivers | 1 in. 2410H-2 Teonex compression driver with HDI horn, triple 8 in. Advanced Aluminum Matrix cone woofers | Dual 8” (200mm) Deep Ceramic Composite aluminum cones, with cast frames woofers, 5-1/4” (130mm) Deep Ceramic Composite aluminum cone, with cast frame midrange, 1” (25mm) Beryllium dome, with acoustic lens waveguide tweeter |
| Weight | 83.8 lbs (38.0 kg) each | 112.4 lbs (51 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear | ported, front |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.62 | 6.01 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.03 | 7.51 |
| 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
Revel F228Be: $9,000 per pair Crutchfield eBay
Older model: the Revel F208 (ranked higher, rated 4.5/5).
Pros: CEA2034 spinorama shows an essentially flat on-axis response with very nice directivity. Predicted in-room response is nearly perfect, with a smooth slope down from bass to treble. Horizontal beamwidth of about ±70 degrees is wide and holds up well until narrowing above 8kHz. Vertical directivity offers more degrees of listening-height freedom than a typical bookshelf design, a benefit of this tower’s driver layout. Distortion is extremely low across the full audio range at 86dB SPL/1m and stays comfortable even at 96dB SPL/1m. Near-field measurements of the individual drivers show nice, well-integrated crossover behavior with only low-level resonances. Measured bass extension of 61Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 89.3dB.
Cons: Minimum impedance dips to 3.4 ohms with a secondary rise around 2kHz, calling for an amplifier comfortable with a demanding load. Very expensive and very heavy (51 kg each).
Full Revel F228Be review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 25Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 61Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 50.9”H x 13.5”W x 17.6”D (1292.9 x 342.9 x 447 mm) |
| Drivers | Dual 8” (200mm) Deep Ceramic Composite aluminum cones, with cast frames woofers, 5-1/4” (130mm) Deep Ceramic Composite aluminum cone, with cast frame midrange, 1” (25mm) Beryllium dome, with acoustic lens waveguide tweeter |
| Impedance | 8 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 89.3dB (300Hz-3kHz @ 2.83V/1m, measured by Audio Science Review; 90dB manufacturer specified) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 6.01 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.51 |
| Weight | 112.4 lbs (51 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, front |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons