Short answer: the JBL Studio 630 for better sound quality, the Revel Performa M22 for the lower price. The JBL Studio 630 ranks #61 of 105 bookshelf speakers at $699. The Revel Performa M22 ranks #73 at $600, $99 cheaper.
The case for the JBL Studio 630: Excellent directivity linearity: harmonics of the same instrument stay collocated in the soundstage instead of drifting between positions, giving precise, stable imaging that holds up well into higher frequencies where many speakers start to beam and narrow. Set against that: Noticeable mid-range dip/scoop relative to the higher frequencies - not dramatic, but audibly “missing” something by the second or third track.
What the Revel Performa M22 gets right: Very flat frequency response from 200hz to 10khz. Distortion is well controlled through most of the range, with only a modest crossover-region bump around 2-4kHz. The tradeoff: 3dB bass boost around 100hz. On-axis response also droops below 150Hz and peaks above 4kHz, which the reviewer thought may sound a bit bright/light.
Buy the JBL Studio 630 if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Revel Performa M22 if the price matters more than sound quality.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Studio 630 | Revel Performa M22 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $699 | About $600 used |
| Ranked | #61 of 105 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #73 of 105 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Drivers | 6.5" PolyPlas cone woofer, 1" compression driver (2414H-1) with waveguide | 25mm tweeter + 200mm woofer |
| Dimensions | 14-13/16"H x 9"W x 11-5/16"D | 14.5"H x 8.6"W x 11.9"D (368.3 x 219.1 x 301.6 mm) |
| Weight | 19.9 lbs each | 41.7 lbs / 18.9 kg |
| Impedance | 6 ohms nominal, 4.7 ohms minimum (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 4 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 83.2dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner; 85dB manufacturer specified) | 85dB |
| Frequency Response | 45Hz - 40,000Hz (manufacturer specified) | - |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 54.2Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 58Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 37.0Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 40Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Power Handling | up to 150W | - |
| Woofer Cabinet | - | ported, rear |
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The Two Speakers In Full
JBL Studio 630: $699 Amazon
Pros: Excellent directivity linearity: harmonics of the same instrument stay collocated in the soundstage instead of drifting between positions, giving precise, stable imaging that holds up well into higher frequencies where many speakers start to beam and narrow. Good compression behavior - mid-bass stays taut and controlled from low to high volume without the sound falling apart or distorting as you turn it up. A pleasant, controlled mid-bass bump in the 60-100 Hz range adds punch to kick drums without bleeding into an uncontrolled boom on bass guitar. Horizontal radiation holds steady off-axis (about ±60°), so toe-in isn’t fussy. Compared directly to its predecessor, the JBL Studio 530, the reviewer would pick the 630 - smoother trend line through the upper mids and treble, and likely more dynamic headroom - as long as you’re willing to EQ.
Cons: Noticeable mid-range dip/scoop relative to the higher frequencies - not dramatic, but audibly “missing” something by the second or third track. Some tracks read as forward or aggressive around 2 kHz, like the upper frequencies are jumping out at you rather than sitting in stage depth. Needs EQ to bring the mid-range back up to be fully recommendable; without EQ available, the reviewer says he’d look at a different speaker entirely. Measured sensitivity (about 83.2dB) runs noticeably below the 85dB manufacturer spec, likely a byproduct of the mid-range dip skewing the average downward.
Full JBL Studio 630 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 37.0Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 54.2Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Dimensions | 14-13/16"H x 9"W x 11-5/16"D |
| Drivers | 6.5" PolyPlas cone woofer, 1" compression driver (2414H-1) with waveguide |
| Frequency Response | 45Hz - 40,000Hz (manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 6 ohms nominal, 4.7 ohms minimum (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Power Handling | up to 150W |
| Sensitivity | 83.2dB (measured, Erin's Audio Corner; 85dB manufacturer specified) |
| Weight | 19.9 lbs each |
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- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- JBL Studio 630 vs Behringer B2030P
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Revel Performa M22: About $600 used
Pros: Very flat frequency response from 200hz to 10khz. Distortion is well controlled through most of the range, with only a modest crossover-region bump around 2-4kHz.
Cons: 3dB bass boost around 100hz. On-axis response also droops below 150Hz and peaks above 4kHz, which the reviewer thought may sound a bit bright/light. Distortion rises substantially below 100Hz when driven hard.
Full Revel Performa M22 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 40Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 58Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Dimensions | 14.5"H x 8.6"W x 11.9"D (368.3 x 219.1 x 301.6 mm) |
| Drivers | 25mm tweeter + 200mm woofer |
| Impedance | 4 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 85dB |
| Weight | 41.7 lbs / 18.9 kg |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
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