Short answer: the Revel F206. It ranks #17 of 56 floorstanding speakers by sound quality at $2000; the JBL HDI-3600 ranks #21 and costs $3800, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
On the Revel F206 side: CEA2034 spinorama shows a pretty even on-axis response. Set against that: Some directivity error and a small peak around 4.5kHz show up alongside the directivity error around 3kHz.
The case for the JBL HDI-3600: CEA2034 spinorama shows a fairly even on-axis response and flat overall frequency response, with high 90dB sensitivity and very low distortion through the midrange. The tradeoff: A wide shelving-down above 2kHz affects the in-room response, and vertical dispersion is a bigger issue than horizontal - the reviewer noted the dip is wider here than on the smaller HDI-1600, making it more audible.
Buy the Revel F206. It ranks higher for sound quality than the JBL HDI-3600 and costs less, so there is no real case for the other one.
Specifications Side By Side
| Revel F206 | JBL HDI-3600 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $2000 used, Discontinued | $3800 |
| Ranked | #17 of 56 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers | #21 of 56 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 34Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 62Hz - the on-axis curve also shows an unusual step/dip around 40-55Hz that may be a near-field-scan artifact for this tower (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 60Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 78Hz - the on-axis curve also shows an unusual step/dip around 40-55Hz that may be a near-field-scan artifact for this tower (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Dimensions | 40.3"H x 8.4"W x 12.2"D (1023.6 x 213.4 x 309.9 mm) | 40.5"H x 10.2"W x 13.5"D (1029 x 260 x 343 mm) |
| Discontinued | Yes | - |
| Impedance | 4 ohms nominal (3.3 ohms minimum, measured by Audio Science Review) | 4 ohms nominal |
| Drivers | Dual 6.5" (16.5 cm) Aluminum Cone, Cast-frame Woofers, 5.25" (13.3 cm) Aluminum Cone, Cast-frame Midrange, 1" (2.5 cm) Aluminum Tweeter with Acoustic Lens Waveguide | 2410H-2 1" compression driver, 3x 6.5" Advanced Aluminum Matrix woofers |
| Sensitivity | 87dB (measured, Audio Science Review) | 89.5dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Weight | 57.3 lbs / 26 kg each | 61.7 lbs / 28 kg each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, front | ported, dual rear-firing |
| Frequency Response | - | 38Hz - 30kHz (+/-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
Related Speaker Comparisons
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- KEF Reference 203 vs Revel Concerta2 F35
- KEF Reference 203 vs JBL Studio 698
- Klipsch Forte IV vs Revel Concerta2 F35
- KEF R5 Meta vs Revel F206
- KEF R11 Meta vs Revel F206
The Two Speakers In Full
Revel F206: $2000 used, Discontinued
Pros: CEA2034 spinorama shows a pretty even on-axis response. Predicted in-room response is excellent, with a smooth downward slope. Horizontal beamwidth of about ±65 degrees is wide, if a bit uneven. Distortion is very nice at 86dB SPL/1m, falling below the frequency range where human hearing is most sensitive, and stays excellent even at 96dB SPL/1m. Near-field measurements of the individual drivers show nice suppression of port and woofer resonances. Really amazing value for the performance.
Cons: Some directivity error and a small peak around 4.5kHz show up alongside the directivity error around 3kHz. Vertical directivity means listening position needs to stay within the tweeter axis, though the reviewer notes there is some leeway. Minimum impedance dips to 3.3 ohms, calling for an amplifier comfortable with a demanding load. Discontinued.
Full Revel F206 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 34Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 60Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Dimensions | 40.3"H x 8.4"W x 12.2"D (1023.6 x 213.4 x 309.9 mm) |
| Discontinued | Yes |
| Drivers | Dual 6.5" (16.5 cm) Aluminum Cone, Cast-frame Woofers, 5.25" (13.3 cm) Aluminum Cone, Cast-frame Midrange, 1" (2.5 cm) Aluminum Tweeter with Acoustic Lens Waveguide |
| Impedance | 4 ohms nominal (3.3 ohms minimum, measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Sensitivity | 87dB (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Weight | 57.3 lbs / 26 kg each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, front |
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JBL HDI-3600: $3800 Audioadvice
Pros: CEA2034 spinorama shows a fairly even on-axis response and flat overall frequency response, with high 90dB sensitivity and very low distortion through the midrange. Triple 6.5” Advanced Aluminum Matrix woofers and a 1” compression driver in JBL’s HDI waveguide.
Cons: A wide shelving-down above 2kHz affects the in-room response, and vertical dispersion is a bigger issue than horizontal - the reviewer noted the dip is wider here than on the smaller HDI-1600, making it more audible. Narrow vertical sweet spot means careful listener-height positioning matters more than usual.
Full JBL HDI-3600 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 62Hz - the on-axis curve also shows an unusual step/dip around 40-55Hz that may be a near-field-scan artifact for this tower (measured, Audio Science Review) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 78Hz - the on-axis curve also shows an unusual step/dip around 40-55Hz that may be a near-field-scan artifact for this tower (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Dimensions | 40.5"H x 10.2"W x 13.5"D (1029 x 260 x 343 mm) |
| Drivers | 2410H-2 1" compression driver, 3x 6.5" Advanced Aluminum Matrix woofers |
| Frequency Response | 38Hz - 30kHz (+/-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 4 ohms nominal |
| Sensitivity | 89.5dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Weight | 61.7 lbs / 28 kg each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, dual rear-firing |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
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