Short answer: the Revel F328Be for better sound quality, the JBL Studio 698 for the lower price. The Revel F328Be ranks #7 of 56 floorstanding speakers at $13600. The JBL Studio 698 ranks #16 at $699, $12901 cheaper.
The case for the Revel F328Be: CEA2034 spinorama shows a quite flat on-axis response with superb directivity and efficiency above 90dB. The tradeoff: Vertical directivity is asymmetric - the reviewer recommends staying between -20 and +40 degrees relative to the tweeter axis, reflecting the driver layout of this three-way tower.
What the JBL Studio 698 gets right: 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.
Buy the Revel F328Be if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the JBL Studio 698 if the price matters more than sound quality.
Specifications Side By Side
| Revel F328Be | JBL Studio 698 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $13600 | $699.00 |
| Ranked | #7 of 56 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers | #16 of 56 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 39Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 34Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 74Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 53Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Dimensions | 50.9"H x 13.5"W x 17.6"D (1292.9 x 342.9 x 447 mm) | 41.7"H x 11.8"W x 15.7"D (1058 x 300 x 400 mm) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal (3 ohms minimum, measured by Audio Science Review) | 6 ohms nominal (4.1 ohms minimum above 80Hz, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Drivers | Three 8" (200mm) Deep Ceramic Composite aluminum cones, with cast frames woofer, 5-1/4" (130mm) Deep Ceramic Composite aluminum cone, with cast frame midrange, 1" (25mm) Beryllium dome, with acoustic lens waveguide tweeter | 1 in. High-Definition Imaging compression driver, 6 in. PolyPlas midrange, dual 8 in. PolyPlas woofers |
| Sensitivity | 91dB (measured, Audio Science Review) | 90dB (measured average, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Weight | 112.4 lbs / 51 kg each | 78.9 lbs / 35.8 kg each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear | ported, rear |
Related Speaker Comparisons
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- Revel F226Be vs JBL HDI-3800
- Revel F328Be vs Focal Chora 816
- Revel Concerta2 F35 vs Revel F328Be
The Two Speakers In Full
Revel F328Be: $13600 Crutchfield
Pros: CEA2034 spinorama shows a quite flat on-axis response with superb directivity and efficiency above 90dB. Predicted in-room response is extremely accurate, with a smooth ~5dB downward slope from bass to treble that suits typical rooms without correction. Early reflections sum very nicely with the direct sound. Horizontal beamwidth of about ±70 degrees is wide and quite smooth. At 96dB SPL/1m distortion stays easily below the reviewer’s audibility threshold across nearly the whole range.
Cons: Vertical directivity is asymmetric - the reviewer recommends staying between -20 and +40 degrees relative to the tweeter axis, reflecting the driver layout of this three-way tower. Impedance dips to a minimum of 3 ohms with an additional resonance-driven phase swing, calling for an amplifier comfortable with a demanding load. Very expensive and very heavy (51 kg each).
Full Revel F328Be review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 39Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 74Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Dimensions | 50.9"H x 13.5"W x 17.6"D (1292.9 x 342.9 x 447 mm) |
| Drivers | Three 8" (200mm) Deep Ceramic Composite aluminum cones, with cast frames woofer, 5-1/4" (130mm) Deep Ceramic Composite aluminum cone, with cast frame midrange, 1" (25mm) Beryllium dome, with acoustic lens waveguide tweeter |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal (3 ohms minimum, measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Sensitivity | 91dB (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Weight | 112.4 lbs / 51 kg each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear |
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JBL Studio 698: $699.00 Amazon Crutchfield
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 |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
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- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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