Short answer: the GR-Research NX-Treme for better sound quality, the JBL Studio 698 for the lower price. The GR-Research NX-Treme ranks #2 of 188 floorstanding speakers, rated 4.8/5, at $9,662. The JBL Studio 698 ranks #57, rated 4.3/5, at $1,499.90, $8,162.10 cheaper.
Why pick 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. The catch: 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 GR-Research NX-Treme is the better-sounding option. Amazing in terms of soundstage and imaging as the speaker can radiate in all directions and not have internal reflections due to there not being a speaker box. The tradeoff: Very tall and will require GR-Research open baffle subwoofers one on each side.
Buy the JBL Studio 698 if the price is the priority over sound quality, or the GR-Research NX-Treme if sound quality is the priority over the price.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Passive Home rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Studio 698 | GR-Research NX-Treme | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,499.90 per pair | $9662 per pair for the kit with subs (assembly required) |
| Ranked | #57 of 188 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers | #2 of 188 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 34Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | - |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 53Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | <20Hz (With GR-Research open baffle subwoofers) |
| Dimensions | 41.7”H x 11.8”W x 15.7”D (1058 x 300 x 400 mm) | 85”H x 17”W x 20”D (2159 x 431.8 x 508 mm) (plus a subwoofer on each side) |
| Impedance | 6 ohms nominal (4.1 ohms minimum above 80Hz, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner) | 8 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 90dB (measured average, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 94.5dB |
| Drivers | 1 in. High-Definition Imaging compression driver, 6 in. PolyPlas midrange, dual 8 in. PolyPlas woofers | Eight 6.5” M165 open baffle woofer, Two 6.5” M165NQ open baffle midrange, GR Neo 3 Magnetic planar open baffle tweeter; Three 12-inch Rythmik Audio servo-controlled subwoofers; Three 12-inch Rythmik Audio servo-controlled subwoofers; Three 12-inch Rythmik Audio servo-controlled subwoofers; Three 12-inch Rythmik Audio servo-controlled subwoofers |
| Weight | 78.9 lbs (35.8 kg) each | (35.3 lbs (16 kg)) |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear | open baffle |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.20 | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.14 | - |
| DIY Kit | No | Yes |
Related Speaker Comparisons
How GR-Research NX-Treme compares with other leading options:
- GR-Research NX-Treme vs KEF Blade Two Meta
- GR-Research NX-Treme vs MoFi SourcePoint V10 Master Edition
- GR-Research NX-Treme vs MoFi SourcePoint 888
- GR-Research NX-Treme vs Revel F328Be
- GR-Research NX-Treme vs Revel Concerta2 F35
Prices on this page were last checked October 9, 2026 at 8:01 AM 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: $1,499.90 per pair Crutchfield eBay
Older model: the JBL Studio 590 (ranked lower, rated 2.8/5).
Same family: the JBL Studio 630 (bookshelf, rated 3.6/5).
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 |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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GR-Research NX-Treme: $9662 per pair for the kit with subs (assembly required) GR Research eBay
Pros: Amazing in terms of soundstage and imaging as the speaker can radiate in all directions and not have internal reflections due to there not being a speaker box. One of the highest sensitivity speakers around. Open baffle mids, highs and bass (using GR-Research Open baffle subs). If you have not heard open baffle bass, you must hear it in person, there’s no going back. Amazing in terms of imaging as the speaker can radiate in all directions and not have internal reflections due to there not being a speaker box. Can easily be driven by tube amps due to the mild impedance. Measured bass extension of <20Hz (-3dB).
Cons: Very tall and will require GR-Research open baffle subwoofers one on each side
Full GR-Research NX-Treme review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | <20Hz (With GR-Research open baffle subwoofers) |
|---|---|
| DIY Kit | Yes |
| Dimensions | 85”H x 17”W x 20”D (2159 x 431.8 x 508 mm) (plus a subwoofer on each side) |
| Drivers | Eight 6.5” M165 open baffle woofer, Two 6.5” M165NQ open baffle midrange, GR Neo 3 Magnetic planar open baffle tweeter; Three 12-inch Rythmik Audio servo-controlled subwoofers; Three 12-inch Rythmik Audio servo-controlled subwoofers; Three 12-inch Rythmik Audio servo-controlled subwoofers; Three 12-inch Rythmik Audio servo-controlled subwoofers |
| Impedance | 8 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 94.5dB |
| Weight | (35.3 lbs (16 kg)) |
| Woofer Cabinet | open baffle |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- No independent measurement review is linked for this model; it is ranked from hands-on listening and comparison against similarly priced speakers.
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- GR-Research NX-Treme vs KEF Blade Two Meta
- GR-Research NX-Treme vs MoFi SourcePoint V10 Master Edition
- GR-Research NX-Treme vs MoFi SourcePoint 888
- GR-Research NX-Treme vs Revel F328Be
- GR-Research NX-Treme vs Revel Concerta2 F35
- GR-Research NX-Treme vs Klipsch Forte IV
- GR-Research NX-Treme vs Polk T50