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-8000F II ranks #113, rated 3.9/5, at $1,159.98, $339.92 cheaper, not enough of a saving to outweigh the sound-quality gap.
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-8000F II. 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 Klipsch RP-8000F II is the more accurate choice. Highest sensitivity of the RP II floorstander line (~92dB measured) and the best dynamics/compression behavior of the three under load: the cleanest at high output. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 5.39 against 4.20 for the JBL Studio 698. Watch for: Mid-bass sounds lean despite the dual 8-inch woofers, and bass extension disappointed for its size: expected to reach 50Hz, didn’t get there in-room.
Buy the JBL Studio 698. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $339.92 you would save on the Klipsch RP-8000F II does not close the gap.
Still deciding? The full Passive Home rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Studio 698 | Klipsch RP-8000F II | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,499.90 per pair | $1,159.98 per pair |
| Ranked | #57 of 188 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers | #113 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) | 43.1” x 10.8” x 18.3” (1095 x 275 x 464 mm) |
| Impedance | 6 ohms nominal (4.1 ohms minimum above 80Hz, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner) | 8 ohms nominal (3.7 ohms minimum above 80Hz, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | 90dB (measured average, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 92dB (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 90x90 Tractrix horn, dual 8” cerametallic woofers |
| Weight | 78.9 lbs (35.8 kg) each | 61.3 lbs (27.8 kg) |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear | ported, rear |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.20 | 5.39 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.14 | 7.12 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Frequency Response | - | 35Hz - 25kHz (+-3dB, Manufacturer specified) |
| Crossover Frequency | - | 1630Hz |
| Power Handling | - | 150W continuous, 600W 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-8000F II: $1,159.98 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-6000F II (smaller floorstanding, ranked lower, 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 sensitivity of the RP II floorstander line (~92dB measured) and the best dynamics/compression behavior of the three under load: the cleanest at high output. Dual 8-inch woofers and the highest power handling in the line. Measured bass extension of 67Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 92dB.
Cons: Mid-bass sounds lean despite the dual 8-inch woofers, and bass extension disappointed for its size: expected to reach 50Hz, didn’t get there in-room. Has its own edgy upper-mid bump (2-6kHz) that’s harder to EQ out than the other two models’ issues, since it stems from the vertical horn/woofer offset rather than simple tonal balance. The most placement-critical of the three, with the narrowest horizontal (~40-50 degrees) and vertical (+5/-10 degrees) dispersion.
Full Klipsch RP-8000F II review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 33Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 67Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Crossover Frequency | 1630Hz |
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 43.1” x 10.8” x 18.3” (1095 x 275 x 464 mm) |
| Drivers | 1” titanium tweeter with 90x90 Tractrix horn, dual 8” cerametallic woofers |
| Frequency Response | 35Hz - 25kHz (+-3dB, Manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal (3.7 ohms minimum above 80Hz, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Power Handling | 150W continuous, 600W peak |
| Sensitivity | 92dB (2.83V/1m, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.39 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.12 |
| Weight | 61.3 lbs (27.8 kg) |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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