JBL Studio 698 Review: Ranked #30 of 73

Last updated: September 26, 2026

The JBL Studio 698 ranks #30 out of 73 total Large Size Floorstanding Speakers for sound quality. See all Passive Home rankings for every top pick.

Brand: JBL

Prices on this page were last checked September 28, 2026 at 4:33 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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JBL Studio 698 - ranked #30 of 73 Large Size Floorstanding Speakers · Editor's rating 4.3/5
Check price at Crutchfield ($1,398 per pair) →

#30 JBL Studio 698: $1,398 per pair Crutchfield eBay

Older model: the JBL Studio 590 (ranked lower, rated 2.8/5).

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.

Related speakers: JBL Studio 530, JBL Studio 590, JBL Studio 630.

How it compares: Just above it: Magico A5 - $23300 more, 2Hz lower bass extension (-3dB). Just below it: JBL HDI-3600 - $2300 more, 0.5Hz lower bass extension (-3dB).

Bass Extension (-10dB)34Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)53Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
DIY KitNo
Dimensions41.7”H x 11.8”W x 15.7”D (1058 x 300 x 400 mm)
Drivers1 in. High-Definition Imaging compression driver, 6 in. PolyPlas midrange, dual 8 in. PolyPlas woofers
Impedance6 ohms nominal (4.1 ohms minimum above 80Hz, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner)
Sensitivity90dB (measured average, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Spinorama Preference Score4.20
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub6.14
Weight78.9 lbs (35.8 kg) each
Woofer Cabinetported, rear
Check current price at Crutchfield ($1,499.90) →Search eBay for JBL Studio 698 →

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