Short answer: both are discontinued, so this only matters if you are buying used. Used, the JBL HDI-1600 is the better pick: it ranks #53 of 214 bookshelf speakers by sound quality (rated 4.2/5), against #180 (rated 3.0/5) for the KEF Q350. If you want one new, the KEF Q3 Meta replaces the KEF Q350 and is rated 3.4/5 at $899.99.
What the KEF Q350 does well: CEA2034 spinorama shows a reasonably flat on-axis response with excellent directivity, aided by the coaxial Uni-Q driver. The catch: Two resonances at 700Hz and 1.2kHz show up on-axis, alongside an upper-bass boost.
The JBL HDI-1600 is the better-sounding, deeper-bass option. CEA2034 spinorama is very flat in the critical mid-to-upper frequencies, with a slight bass boost that should have a good subjective effect and very smooth early-window directivity. Its bass reaches about 55.7Hz before falling 3dB, against 70Hz for the KEF Q350. The catch: A dip appears above 10kHz on-axis.
Buy the JBL HDI-1600 only if you find one used in good condition; both are discontinued, and it is the better rated of the two. For a new speaker, buy the KEF Q3 Meta, which replaces the KEF Q350.
Still deciding? The full Passive Home rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| KEF Q350 | JBL HDI-1600 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $699.00 per pair Discontinued | $1980 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #180 of 214 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #53 of 214 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 38Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 40Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 70Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 55.7Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Impedance | 4 ohms | 4 ohms nominal (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Sensitivity | 86dB (measured, Audio Science Review) | 85dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Drivers | 25mm tweeter + 165mm woofer | 1” tweeter + 6.5” woofer |
| Weight | 29.5 lbs (13.4 kg) | 53.4 lbs (24.2 kg) |
| Dimensions | 14.1”H x 8.3”W x 12”D (358.0 x 210.0 x 306.0 mm) | 14.6”H x 9.1”W x 11.4”D (370.0 x 230.0 x 288.9 mm) |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear | ported, rear |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.25 (spinorama.org) | 5.37 (spinorama.org) |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.12 (spinorama.org) | 7.32 (spinorama.org) |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
Related Speaker Comparisons
How JBL HDI-1600 compares with other leading options:
- KEF R3 Meta vs JBL HDI-1600
- KEF Q Concerto Meta vs JBL HDI-1600
- MoFi SourcePoint 8 vs JBL HDI-1600
- Dynaudio Heritage Special vs JBL HDI-1600
- Wharfedale Linton 85 vs JBL HDI-1600
Prices on this page were last checked October 9, 2026 at 8:01 AM 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.
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
The Two Speakers In Full
KEF Q350: $699.00 per pair Discontinued Amazon eBay
Newer model: the KEF Q3 Meta, ranked higher, rated 3.4/5. See every KEF Q Series generation.
Same family: the KEF Q150 (smaller bookshelf, rated 3.7/5), the KEF Q250c (smaller center, rated 3.9/5) and the KEF Q650c (larger center, rated 3.7/5).
Pros: CEA2034 spinorama shows a reasonably flat on-axis response with excellent directivity, aided by the coaxial Uni-Q driver. Vertical directivity is better than most non-coaxial two-way speakers, another benefit of the concentric design. Measured bass extension of 70Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 86dB.
Cons: Two resonances at 700Hz and 1.2kHz show up on-axis, alongside an upper-bass boost. Predicted in-room response looks a bit boomy as a result. Distortion climbs substantially in the 100Hz-1kHz range at 96dB SPL/1m, with a distinct resonance-driven peak around 900Hz-1kHz at both test levels. Discontinued.
Full KEF Q350 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 38Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 70Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 14.1”H x 8.3”W x 12”D (358.0 x 210.0 x 306.0 mm) |
| Drivers | 25mm tweeter + 165mm woofer |
| Impedance | 4 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 86dB (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.25 (spinorama.org) |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.12 (spinorama.org) |
| Weight | 29.5 lbs (13.4 kg) |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
JBL HDI-1600: $1980 per pair Discontinued Crutchfield eBay
Same family: the JBL HDI-3600 (smaller floorstanding, rated 4.3/5), the JBL HDI-3800 (larger floorstanding, rated 4.5/5), the JBL HDI-4500 (center, rated 3.7/5) and the JBL HDI-1200P (subwoofer, rated 3.9/5).
Pros: CEA2034 spinorama is very flat in the critical mid-to-upper frequencies, with a slight bass boost that should have a good subjective effect and very smooth early-window directivity. Predicted in-room response in a simulated average listening room closely tracks the reviewer’s own preferred target curve. Measured bass extension of 55.7Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 85dB.
Cons: A dip appears above 10kHz on-axis. Cumulative spectral decay (waterfall) shows some messiness around the crossover along with a 700Hz resonance. Harmonic distortion rises to nearly 2% right at the 1.9kHz crossover point at 96dB SPL/1m. Discontinued.
Full JBL HDI-1600 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 40Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 55.7Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 14.6”H x 9.1”W x 11.4”D (370.0 x 230.0 x 288.9 mm) |
| Drivers | 1” tweeter + 6.5” woofer |
| Impedance | 4 ohms nominal (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Sensitivity | 85dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.37 (spinorama.org) |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.32 (spinorama.org) |
| Weight | 53.4 lbs (24.2 kg) |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- JBL HDI-1600 vs Aalto Speakers Aalto 3 Passive
- JBL HDI-1600 vs Arendal 1723 Bookshelf S THX
- JBL HDI-1600 vs ELAC Debut 3.0 DB63
- JBL HDI-1600 vs Emotiva Airmotiv XB2
- JBL HDI-1600 vs Revel Concerta2 M16
- JBL HDI-1600 vs ELAC Uni-Fi Reference UBR62
- JBL HDI-1600 vs ELAC VELA BS 403
- JBL HDI-1600 vs Revel M126Be
- See all 29 comparisons