Short answer: the Polk T50, if you are buying new. The JBL HDI-3800 ranks higher than it (#25 vs #126 of 188 floorstanding speakers, 4.5/5 vs 3.8/5) but is discontinued, so only consider it used; the Polk T50 is still sold new at $374.
The case for the Polk T50: Pretty deep bass for the price. The catch: 5dB peak at 1kHz, 4dB bright top end from 11kHz on up.
The JBL HDI-3800 is the more accurate, deeper-bass choice. 2410H-2 1” Teonex compression driver matched to a custom High-Definition Imaging (HDI) horn geometry achieves exceptional horizontal directivity control, high output capability, and effortless transient response. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 5.62 against 4.14 for the Polk T50. Its bass reaches about 37Hz before falling 3dB, against 47Hz for the Polk T50. Watch for: On-axis frequency response features a narrow upper-frequency elevation around 8-10kHz, performing noticeably smoother when toed out 10-20° off-axis.
Buy the Polk T50 new; the JBL HDI-3800 is no longer sold new, so it only makes sense as a used find.
Still deciding? The full Passive Home rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| Polk T50 | JBL HDI-3800 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $374 per pair | $5,000 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #126 of 188 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers | #25 of 188 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 38Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 28Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 47Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 37Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Impedance | 4 ohms nominal (4.2 ohms minimum, measured by Audio Science Review) | 4 ohms nominal (3.8 ohms minimum, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Drivers | 2x 6.5” bi-laminate paper cone woofers, 1x 1” Terylene dome tweeter + 2x 8” passive bass radiators | 1 in. 2410H-2 Teonex compression driver with HDI horn, triple 8 in. Advanced Aluminum Matrix cone woofers |
| Weight | 75.4 lbs (34.2 kg) | 83.8 lbs (38.0 kg) each |
| Sensitivity | 86.3dB (2.83V/1m, measured by Audio Science Review) | 92dB (measured average, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Dimensions | 40.4”H x 9.3”W x 12.5”D (1026.2 x 235.0 x 317.5 mm) | 43.3”H x 11.8”W x 16.4”D (1100.5 x 300.0 x 417.8 mm) |
| Woofer Cabinet | passive radiator | ported, rear |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.14 | 5.62 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.15 | 7.03 |
| 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
Polk T50: $374 per pair Amazon eBay
Same family: the Polk T15 (bookshelf, rated 1.9/5).
Pros: Pretty deep bass for the price. Distortion at 86dB SPL/1m is reasonably controlled outside a narrow spike around 250Hz. The reviewer notes performance is “not too bad for a budget speaker” once the two main tonal issues are addressed with EQ. Measured bass extension of 47Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 86.3dB.
Cons: 5dB peak at 1kHz, 4dB bright top end from 11kHz on up. Just okay vertical off axis. Impedance and phase show several resonances between 200Hz-1kHz, with a minimum impedance of 4.2 ohms. Distortion rises substantially at 96dB SPL/1m across the midrange, with repeated peaks between 100Hz-2kHz.
Full Polk T50 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 38Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 47Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 40.4”H x 9.3”W x 12.5”D (1026.2 x 235.0 x 317.5 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 6.5” bi-laminate paper cone woofers, 1x 1” Terylene dome tweeter + 2x 8” passive bass radiators |
| Impedance | 4 ohms nominal (4.2 ohms minimum, measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Sensitivity | 86.3dB (2.83V/1m, measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.14 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.15 |
| Weight | 75.4 lbs (34.2 kg) |
| Woofer Cabinet | passive radiator |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
JBL HDI-3800: $5,000 per pair Discontinued eBay
Same family: the JBL HDI-1600 (bookshelf, rated 4.2/5), the JBL HDI-3600 (smaller floorstanding, ranked lower, rated 4.3/5) and the JBL HDI-4500 (center, rated 3.7/5).
Pros: 2410H-2 1” Teonex compression driver matched to a custom High-Definition Imaging (HDI) horn geometry achieves exceptional horizontal directivity control, high output capability, and effortless transient response. Triple 8” Advanced Aluminum Matrix woofers deliver deep, authoritative bass extension down to an F3 of 37Hz and F10 of 28Hz with minimal low-frequency compression. Outstanding sensitivity (92dB SPL at 2.83V/1m) and ultra-low THD/multitone distortion allow extremely high undistorted SPL output in large home theater spaces. Measured bass extension of 37Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 92dB.
Cons: On-axis frequency response features a narrow upper-frequency elevation around 8-10kHz, performing noticeably smoother when toed out 10-20° off-axis. Vertical directivity handoff across the triple woofer layout creates vertical soundstage height tilt depending on listening distance and ear height. Minimum impedance dips to 3.8 ohms, requiring high-current amplifier stability. Substantial cabinet dimensions and 38kg weight require significant room real estate. Discontinued.
Full JBL HDI-3800 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 28Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 37Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 43.3”H x 11.8”W x 16.4”D (1100.5 x 300.0 x 417.8 mm) |
| Drivers | 1 in. 2410H-2 Teonex compression driver with HDI horn, triple 8 in. Advanced Aluminum Matrix cone woofers |
| Impedance | 4 ohms nominal (3.8 ohms minimum, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | 92dB (measured average, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.62 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.03 |
| Weight | 83.8 lbs (38.0 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons