Short answer: the JBL HDI-3800. It ranks #6 of 56 floorstanding speakers by sound quality at $5000; the Revel F228Be ranks #15 and costs $7000, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
On the JBL HDI-3800 side: 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.
What the Revel F228Be offers: CEA2034 spinorama shows an essentially flat on-axis response with very nice directivity. Watch for: Minimum impedance dips to 3.4 ohms with a secondary rise around 2kHz, calling for an amplifier comfortable with a demanding load.
Buy the JBL HDI-3800. It ranks higher for sound quality than the Revel F228Be and costs less, so there is no real case for the other one.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL HDI-3800 | Revel F228Be | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $5,000.00 Discontinued | $7000 |
| Ranked | #6 of 56 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers | #15 of 56 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) |
| Discontinued | Yes | - |
| 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 |
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More useful head-to-heads from the same speaker class:
- MoFi SourcePoint V10 Master Edition vs Revel F208
- Polk T50 vs Revel F328Be
- Revel F226Be vs Revel F208
- KEF Reference 203 vs Revel F228Be
- Revel F226Be vs JBL HDI-3800
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 F228Be: $7000 Crutchfield
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.
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) |
| 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) |
| Weight | 112.4 lbs / 51 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