Short answer: the JBL Studio 698 on measured sound quality, the Emotiva Airmotiv T2+ on price. The JBL Studio 698 ranks #30 of 74 floorstanding speakers, rated 4.3/5, at $2,999.80. The Emotiva Airmotiv T2+ ranks #35, rated 4.2/5, at $999, $2,000.80 cheaper.
The case for the JBL Studio 698: High-Definition Imaging (HDI) horn waveguide paired with a 1” compression driver provides excellent high-frequency directivity control and seamless acoustic handoff to the 6” PolyPlas midrange. Watch for: Measured response exhibits a prominent mid-bass emphasis bump around 80Hz that can sound overly thick or chesty in smaller rooms without DSP EQ.
The case for the Emotiva Airmotiv T2+: High-value three-way tower with strong output and unusually deep usable sealed-room bass for the price. The catch: The nominal 4-ohm system approaches 3 ohms near 100Hz in Erin’s measurement, so a high-current amplifier is preferable.
Worth knowing: the Emotiva Airmotiv T2+ is discontinued, though it still ranks #35 of 74 floorstanding speakers by sound quality, so a used unit beats most of what is still sold new.
Buy the JBL Studio 698 if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Emotiva Airmotiv T2+ if the price matters more than sound quality.
Still deciding? The full Passive Home rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Studio 698 | Emotiva Airmotiv T2+ | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,398 per pair | $999 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #30 of 74 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers | #35 of 74 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 34Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 32Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 53Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 62Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Dimensions | 41.7”H x 11.8”W x 15.7”D (1058 x 300 x 400 mm) | 42.7”H x 12.2”W x 12.3”D |
| Impedance | 6 ohms nominal (4.1 ohms minimum above 80Hz, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner) | Approximately 3 ohms minimum near 100Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | 90dB (measured average, Erin’s Audio Corner) | Approximately 89.5dB/2.83V/1m (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Drivers | 1 in. High-Definition Imaging compression driver, 6 in. PolyPlas midrange, dual 8 in. PolyPlas woofers | 32mm folded-ribbon tweeter; 5.25” midrange; dual 8” woofers |
| Weight | 78.9 lbs (35.8 kg) each | 56.9 lbs (25.8 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear | ported, rear |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.20 | 5.56 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.14 | 7.14 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
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Prices on this page were last checked September 30, 2026 at 2:57 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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The Two Speakers In Full
JBL Studio 698: $1,398 per pair Crutchfield eBay
Older model: the JBL Studio 590 (ranked lower, rated 2.8/5).
Pros: High-Definition Imaging (HDI) horn waveguide paired with a 1” compression driver provides excellent high-frequency directivity control and seamless acoustic handoff to the 6” PolyPlas midrange. Dual 8” PolyPlas woofers deliver robust low-end authority with solid bass extension down to an F3 of 53Hz and F10 of 34Hz. High voltage sensitivity (90dB SPL at 2.83V/1m) and clean power handling provide effortless dynamic headroom and low distortion for home theater and music listening. Measured bass extension of 53Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 90dB.
Cons: Measured response exhibits a prominent mid-bass emphasis bump around 80Hz that can sound overly thick or chesty in smaller rooms without DSP EQ. Treble response lacks top-octave ‘air’ above 12kHz compared to high-end dome or ribbon tweeters. Physically large, heavy cabinet (35.8 kg per speaker) requires careful room placement and a wide acoustic footprint.
Full JBL Studio 698 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 34Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 53Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 41.7”H x 11.8”W x 15.7”D (1058 x 300 x 400 mm) |
| Drivers | 1 in. High-Definition Imaging compression driver, 6 in. PolyPlas midrange, dual 8 in. PolyPlas woofers |
| Impedance | 6 ohms nominal (4.1 ohms minimum above 80Hz, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | 90dB (measured average, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.20 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.14 |
| Weight | 78.9 lbs (35.8 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear |
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Emotiva Airmotiv T2+: $999 per pair Discontinued Emotiva eBay
Newer model: the Emotiva Airmotiv XT2. It’s likely to perform similarly, though we don’t have measurements to confirm that yet.
Pros: High-value three-way tower with strong output and unusually deep usable sealed-room bass for the price. Erin measured F3 at 62Hz and F10 at 32Hz, with sensitivity just under 90dB/2.83V/1m. Dual 8-inch woven-fiber woofers relieve the 5.25-inch midrange, and the 32mm folded-ribbon tweeter provides broad horizontal coverage. Approximately +/-2.5dB response linearity, solid cabinet bracing and low compression allow substantial playback levels; the gradual low-frequency roll-off integrates well with either room gain or a subwoofer. Measured bass extension of 62Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 89.5dB.
Cons: The nominal 4-ohm system approaches 3 ohms near 100Hz in Erin’s measurement, so a high-current amplifier is preferable. Horizontal and especially vertical directivity through the midrange/tweeter transition is less uniform than the best waveguided or coaxial designs; listener height and nearby reflections matter, and EQ cannot correct the narrowing mismatch. The large rear-ported cabinet needs placement clearance, and its deep F10 should not be confused with flat 30Hz output at cinema levels. Discontinued.
Full Emotiva Airmotiv T2+ review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 32Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 62Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 42.7”H x 12.2”W x 12.3”D |
| Drivers | 32mm folded-ribbon tweeter; 5.25” midrange; dual 8” woofers |
| Impedance | Approximately 3 ohms minimum near 100Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | Approximately 89.5dB/2.83V/1m (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.56 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.14 |
| Weight | 56.9 lbs (25.8 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Emotiva Airmotiv T2+ vs PSB Imagine T65
- Emotiva Airmotiv T2+ vs ELAC Debut 3.0 DF63
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