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 Klipsch RP-6000F II ranks #115, rated 3.9/5, at $999.98, $499.92 cheaper, which does not close the gap in sound quality.
The JBL Studio 698 is the better-sounding, deeper-bass option. 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. Its bass reaches about 53Hz before falling 3dB, against 67Hz for the Klipsch RP-6000F II. The tradeoff: 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 Klipsch RP-6000F II is the more accurate option. Highest power handling and clean, well-behaved compression at typical volumes. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 5.74 against 4.20 for the JBL Studio 698. The catch: Worse baffle-step coloration than the smaller RP-5000F II (3-4dB swing vs 2dB), plus a sibilance issue the 5000F doesn’t have: a real regression in tonal balance despite the higher price.
Buy the JBL Studio 698. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $499.92 saving on the Klipsch RP-6000F II is not enough to make up the difference.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Passive Home rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Studio 698 | Klipsch RP-6000F II | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,499.90 per pair | $999.98 per pair |
| Ranked | #57 of 188 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers | #115 of 188 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 34Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 33Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 53Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 67Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Dimensions | 41.7”H x 11.8”W x 15.7”D (1058 x 300 x 400 mm) | 39.6” x 9.3” x 17.6” (1006 x 236 x 446 mm) |
| Impedance | 6 ohms nominal (4.1 ohms minimum above 80Hz, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner) | 8 ohms nominal (3.7 ohms minimum, measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | 90dB (measured average, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 90dB (2.83V/1m, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Drivers | 1 in. High-Definition Imaging compression driver, 6 in. PolyPlas midrange, dual 8 in. PolyPlas woofers | 1” titanium tweeter with Tractrix horn, dual 6.5” cerametallic woofers |
| Weight | 78.9 lbs (35.8 kg) each | 49.4 lbs (22.4 kg) |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear | ported, rear |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.20 | 5.74 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.14 | 7.47 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Frequency Response | - | 38Hz - 25kHz (+-3dB, Manufacturer specified) |
| Crossover Frequency | - | 1770Hz |
| Power Handling | - | 125W continuous, 500W peak |
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Prices on this page were last checked October 7, 2026 at 9:25 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: $1,499.90 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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Klipsch RP-6000F II: $999.98 per pair Amazon eBay
Same family: the Klipsch RP-500M II (smaller bookshelf, rated 4/5), the Klipsch RP-600M II (larger bookshelf, rated 3.7/5), the Klipsch RP-5000F II (smaller floorstanding, ranked higher, rated 4/5), the Klipsch RP-8000F II (larger floorstanding, ranked higher, rated 3.9/5), the Klipsch RP-404C II (smallest center, rated 3.7/5), the Klipsch RP-500C II (center, rated 3.9/5) and the Klipsch RP-504C II (largest center, rated 3.8/5).
Pros: Highest power handling and clean, well-behaved compression at typical volumes. Precise imaging from the controlled horn directivity. Measured bass extension of 67Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 90dB.
Cons: Worse baffle-step coloration than the smaller RP-5000F II (3-4dB swing vs 2dB), plus a sibilance issue the 5000F doesn’t have: a real regression in tonal balance despite the higher price. Bass extension is mixed (less deep at -3dB (67Hz) than the 5000F) and needs a subwoofer regardless. Narrow horizontal dispersion (~50-60 degrees).
Full Klipsch RP-6000F II review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 33Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 67Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Crossover Frequency | 1770Hz |
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 39.6” x 9.3” x 17.6” (1006 x 236 x 446 mm) |
| Drivers | 1” titanium tweeter with Tractrix horn, dual 6.5” cerametallic woofers |
| Frequency Response | 38Hz - 25kHz (+-3dB, Manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal (3.7 ohms minimum, measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Power Handling | 125W continuous, 500W peak |
| Sensitivity | 90dB (2.83V/1m, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.74 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.47 |
| Weight | 49.4 lbs (22.4 kg) |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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