Short answer: the JBL Studio 698 for better sound quality, the Polk Audio XT60 for the lower price. The JBL Studio 698 ranks #21 of 68 floorstanding speakers at $599. The Polk Audio XT60 ranks #43 at $229, $370 cheaper.
What the JBL Studio 698 offers: 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. 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. 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.
What the Polk Audio XT60 offers: 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. Watch for: 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 deviation (nbd_on_axis 0.512) is also the roughest measured figure in the batch. 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.
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.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Studio 698 | Polk Audio XT60 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $599.00 | $229.00 |
| Ranked | #21 of 68 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers | #43 of 68 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 (20 lb) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear | Passive radiator-loaded |
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The Two Speakers In Full
JBL Studio 698: $599.00 Amazon Crutchfield eBay
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.
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) |
| 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) |
| Weight | 78.9 lbs / 35.8 kg each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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Polk Audio XT60: $229.00 Amazon Bhphotovideo Crutchfield eBay
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.
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 deviation (nbd_on_axis 0.512) is also the roughest measured figure in the batch. 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) |
| 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) |
| Weight | 20 lbs / 9.07 kg (20 lb) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | Passive radiator-loaded |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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- Polk Audio XT60 vs Polk Reserve R500
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