Short answer: the JBL Studio 698. It ranks #57 of 188 floorstanding speakers by sound quality, rated 4.3/5, at $1,499.90; the KLH Model Five ranks #104, rated 4.0/5, and costs $2,998, which makes this an easy call rather than a real tradeoff.
What the JBL Studio 698 does well: 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 KLH Model Five is the more accurate option. Exceptionally wide and even horizontal radiation of roughly +/-70-80 degrees gives a spacious soundstage without sacrificing image focus when toed out about 10 degrees. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 4.76 against 4.20 for the JBL Studio 698. The catch: On-axis response is visibly irregular because the wide vintage baffle creates diffraction, and the upper/lower midbass mismatch around 200Hz can sound lean away from the intended wall placement.
Buy the JBL Studio 698. It is rated higher for sound quality than the KLH Model Five and costs less, so only choose the other one for a particular feature it does better.
Want more options? Browse the full Passive Home rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Studio 698 | KLH Model Five | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,499.90 per pair | $2,998.00 per pair |
| Ranked | #57 of 188 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers | #104 of 188 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 34Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 32.2Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 53Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 52Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Dimensions | 41.7”H x 11.8”W x 15.7”D (1058 x 300 x 400 mm) | 26”H x 13.8”W x 11.5”D (660 x 350 x 292 mm) without stand |
| Impedance | 6 ohms nominal (4.1 ohms minimum above 80Hz, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner) | 6 ohms nominal, 3.5 ohms minimum at 140Hz (manufacturer specified) |
| Sensitivity | 90dB (measured average, Erin’s Audio Corner) | About 85dB @ 2.83V/1m (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner; 87.5dB free-field manufacturer specified) |
| Drivers | 1 in. High-Definition Imaging compression driver, 6 in. PolyPlas midrange, dual 8 in. PolyPlas woofers | 10” paper-cone woofer, 4” paper-cone midrange, 1” aluminum-dome tweeter |
| Weight | 78.9 lbs (35.8 kg) each | 44.1 lbs (20 kg) each without stand; 52 lbs (23.6 kg) with stand |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear | sealed acoustic suspension |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.20 | 4.76 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.14 | 6.71 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
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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 |
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KLH Model Five: $2,998.00 per pair Amazon Crutchfield eBay
Same family: the KLH Model Three (bookshelf, estimated 3.8/5), the KLH Model Four (smaller floorstanding, ranked lower, estimated 3.8/5) and the KLH Model Seven (larger floorstanding, ranked lower, estimated 4/5).
Pros: Exceptionally wide and even horizontal radiation of roughly +/-70-80 degrees gives a spacious soundstage without sacrificing image focus when toed out about 10 degrees. Three rear-panel mid/high attenuation settings are genuinely useful for room and placement matching; Erin preferred Low in his room, with the grille fitted and slight toe-out. The sealed 10-inch acoustic-suspension woofer reaches an Erin-measured F3 near 52Hz and integrates gradually with a subwoofer. At 96dB/1m, harmonic distortion stays mostly below 1%, and multitone distortion is also well controlled. Compression is good at ordinary and high listening levels until the most extreme sweep, supporting convincing dynamics. The included slanted stands aim the unusually low tweeter toward seated ear height. Near-wall placement naturally fills the mild 200Hz baffle-step depression, as the manual intends. Measured bass extension of 52Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 85dB.
Cons: On-axis response is visibly irregular because the wide vintage baffle creates diffraction, and the upper/lower midbass mismatch around 200Hz can sound lean away from the intended wall placement. Erin heard a mild 800-900Hz resonance that coincides with a clear impedance blip, plus occasional hardness around the 2-4kHz crossover region at elevated level. Vertical directivity is narrow; the included five-degree slant bases are important because the tweeter otherwise aims below seated ears. The top end rolls off relative to the midrange, producing a warm balance that may not suit listeners seeking maximum air. At the highest test level the tweeter develops substantial compression. Large size, 52lb weight with stand and roughly $2998/pair price are significant commitments, and subwoofers remain necessary for the lowest octave.
Full KLH Model Five review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 32.2Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 52Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 26”H x 13.8”W x 11.5”D (660 x 350 x 292 mm) without stand |
| Drivers | 10” paper-cone woofer, 4” paper-cone midrange, 1” aluminum-dome tweeter |
| Impedance | 6 ohms nominal, 3.5 ohms minimum at 140Hz (manufacturer specified) |
| Sensitivity | About 85dB @ 2.83V/1m (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner; 87.5dB free-field manufacturer specified) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.76 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.71 |
| Weight | 44.1 lbs (20 kg) each without stand; 52 lbs (23.6 kg) with stand |
| Woofer Cabinet | sealed acoustic suspension |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons