Short answer: the JBL Studio 698 on measured sound quality, the Polk Audio XT60 on price. The JBL Studio 698 ranks #57 of 188 floorstanding speakers, rated 4.3/5, at $1,499.90. The Polk Audio XT60 ranks #147, rated 3.5/5, at $370, $1,129.90 cheaper.
The JBL Studio 698 is the better-sounding pick. 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 Polk Audio XT60 is the more accurate, deeper-bass option. Passive-radiator-loaded design (6.5” woofer plus two 6.5” passive radiators) gives deeper bass than the driver size alone would suggest: 43.9Hz at -3dB / 38.1Hz at -10dB, genuinely competitive extension for a budget tower. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 5.19 against 4.20 for the JBL Studio 698. Its bass reaches about 43.9Hz before falling 3dB, against 53Hz for the JBL Studio 698. The tradeoff: Bass alignment Q (lfq 0.96) is the highest, least-controlled figure in this entire batch, consistent with owner reports of a slightly loose, boomy low end at higher volumes.
Buy the JBL Studio 698 if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Polk Audio XT60 if the price matters more than sound quality.
Want more options? Browse the full Passive Home rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Studio 698 | Polk Audio XT60 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,499.90 per pair | $370 per pair |
| Ranked | #57 of 188 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers | #147 of 188 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 34Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 38.1Hz (measured, spinorama.org) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 53Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 43.9Hz (measured, spinorama.org) |
| Dimensions | 41.7”H x 11.8”W x 15.7”D (1058 x 300 x 400 mm) | 19.05 x 92.5 x 23.09cm (7.5 x 36.4 x 9.09 in) each |
| Impedance | 6 ohms nominal (4.1 ohms minimum above 80Hz, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner) | 4/8-ohm compatible |
| Sensitivity | 90dB (measured average, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 86dB (1W/1m) |
| Drivers | 1 in. High-Definition Imaging compression driver, 6 in. PolyPlas midrange, dual 8 in. PolyPlas woofers | 1” Terylene dome tweeter, 6.5” bilaminate polypropylene woofer, 2x 6.5” passive radiators |
| Weight | 78.9 lbs (35.8 kg) each | 20 lbs (9.07 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear | Passive radiator-loaded |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.20 | 5.19 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.14 | 7.13 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
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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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Polk Audio XT60: $370 per pair Amazon B&H Photo Video Crutchfield eBay
Same family: the Polk Audio XT15 (smaller bookshelf, rated 3.7/5), the Polk Monitor XT20 (larger bookshelf, rated 3.4/5), the Polk Audio XT70 (larger floorstanding, ranked higher, rated 3.6/5), the Polk Audio XT30 (smaller center, rated 3.6/5), the Polk Audio XT35 (larger center, rated 4.1/5), the Polk Audio Monitor XT10 (smaller subwoofer, estimated 3.1/5) and the Polk Audio Monitor XT12 (larger subwoofer, estimated 3.3/5).
Pros: Passive-radiator-loaded design (6.5” woofer plus two 6.5” passive radiators) gives deeper bass than the driver size alone would suggest: 43.9Hz at -3dB / 38.1Hz at -10dB, genuinely competitive extension for a budget tower. Hi-Res Audio certified, Dolby Atmos/DTS:X compatible, and works with either 4- or 8-ohm amplifier outputs. Measured bass extension of 43.9Hz (-3dB).
Cons: Bass alignment Q (lfq 0.96) is the highest, least-controlled figure in this entire batch, consistent with owner reports of a slightly loose, boomy low end at higher volumes. On-axis response is also relatively uneven, with narrow-band deviation of about 0.51dB. The vinyl-wrapped (not wood veneer) cabinet reads as budget up close per owner reviews, and at least one owner reported blowing a driver under sustained heavy bass: some caution is warranted with bass-heavy source material at volume.
Full Polk Audio XT60 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 38.1Hz (measured, spinorama.org) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 43.9Hz (measured, spinorama.org) |
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 19.05 x 92.5 x 23.09cm (7.5 x 36.4 x 9.09 in) each |
| Drivers | 1” Terylene dome tweeter, 6.5” bilaminate polypropylene woofer, 2x 6.5” passive radiators |
| Impedance | 4/8-ohm compatible |
| Sensitivity | 86dB (1W/1m) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.19 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.13 |
| Weight | 20 lbs (9.07 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | Passive radiator-loaded |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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