Short answer: the JBL Studio 698. It ranks #62 of 226 floorstanding speakers by sound quality, rated 4.3/5, at $1,499.90. The Polk Reserve R600 ranks #90, rated 4.2/5, at $1,438, $61.90 cheaper, not enough of a saving to outweigh the sound-quality gap.
Why pick the JBL Studio 698: 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.
Why pick the Polk Reserve R600: Slim floorstanding tower in Polk’s flagship Reserve series combining a 1-inch Pinnacle ring radiator tweeter with dual 6.5-inch molded Turbine Cone woofers. The catch: Rating estimated from measured Reserve series siblings (Polk R200, Polk Reserve R500, and Polk Audio Reserve R700).
Buy the JBL Studio 698. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $61.90 saving on the Polk Reserve R600 is not enough to make up the difference.
Worth knowing: the Polk Reserve R600 has not been measured yet. Its rating is estimated from related models, with a likely range of 4.0 to 4.4, so treat this verdict as provisional.
Want more options? Browse the full Passive Home rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Studio 698 | Polk Reserve R600 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,499.90 per pair | $1,438 per pair Passive |
| Ranked | #62 of 226 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers | #90 of 226 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers Estimated |
| 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) | 41.9” x 11.1” x 15” (1064 x 281 x 382 mm) |
| Impedance | 6 ohms nominal (4.1 ohms minimum above 80Hz, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner) | 4 ohms (4-8 ohm compatible) |
| Sensitivity | 90dB (measured average, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 87.5dB (2.83V @ 1m) |
| Drivers | 1 in. High-Definition Imaging compression driver, 6 in. PolyPlas midrange, dual 8 in. PolyPlas woofers | 1” Pinnacle ring radiator tweeter, two 6.5” Turbine Cone woofers |
| Weight | 78.9 lbs (35.8 kg) each | 47.4 lbs (21.5 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.20 | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.14 | - |
| DIY Kit | No | - |
| Crossover Frequency | - | 2.7kHz |
| Frequency Response | - | 38Hz - 38kHz (±3dB) |
| Passive | - | Yes |
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Prices on this page were last checked October 11, 2026 at 4:59 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
Same family: the JBL Studio 630 (bookshelf, rated 3.6/5) and the JBL Studio 690 (smaller floorstanding, ranked lower, estimated 3.8/5). See every JBL Studio generation.
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 →
| Released | 2019 (7 years ago) |
|---|---|
| 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 |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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Polk Reserve R600: $1,438 per pair Passive Estimated Amazon eBay
Same family: the Polk Reserve R100 (smaller bookshelf, rated 3.4/5), the Polk R200 (larger bookshelf, rated 3.2/5), the Polk Reserve R500 (smaller floorstanding, ranked higher, rated 4.2/5), the Polk Audio Reserve R700 (larger floorstanding, ranked higher, rated 4.3/5), the Polk Audio Reserve R300 (smallest center, estimated 3.6/5), the Polk Audio Reserve R350 (center, rated 3.7/5) and the Polk Audio Reserve R400 (largest center, estimated 3.8/5).
Pros: Slim floorstanding tower in Polk’s flagship Reserve series combining a 1-inch Pinnacle ring radiator tweeter with dual 6.5-inch molded Turbine Cone woofers. Leverages Polk’s patented down-firing Power Port 2.0 and Cross-Bracing cabinet tuning for smooth low-frequency extension down to 38Hz without port chuffing. Exceptional listening-window linearity and controlled high-frequency dispersion inherited from the comprehensively measured Polk R200, Polk Reserve R500, and Polk Audio Reserve R700 lineup siblings.
Cons: Rating estimated from measured Reserve series siblings (Polk R200, Polk Reserve R500, and Polk Audio Reserve R700). 4-ohm nominal impedance with dips into low-impedance territory requires an amplifier capable of supplying solid current during demanding dynamic passages.
Full Polk Reserve R600 review and specifications →
| Released | 2021 (5 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Crossover Frequency | 2.7kHz |
| Dimensions | 41.9” x 11.1” x 15” (1064 x 281 x 382 mm) |
| Drivers | 1” Pinnacle ring radiator tweeter, two 6.5” Turbine Cone woofers |
| Frequency Response | 38Hz - 38kHz (±3dB) |
| Impedance | 4 ohms (4-8 ohm compatible) |
| Passive | Yes |
| Sensitivity | 87.5dB (2.83V @ 1m) |
| Weight | 47.4 lbs (21.5 kg) each |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- No independent measurement review is linked for this model; it is ranked from hands-on listening and comparison against similarly priced speakers.
- Head-to-Head Comparisons