Overview

The JBL Studio 698 is a 3-way floorstanding loudspeaker featuring JBL’s High Definition Imaging (HDI) waveguide with a 1-inch compression driver (2414H-1), a 6-inch PolyPlas midrange and dual 8-inch PolyPlas woofers in a rear-ported enclosure. Key specs: 36 Hz–40 kHz bandwidth, 90 dB sensitivity (2.83 V/1 m), and 6 Ω nominal impedance. [6]

Price (pair, denominator for CP): 1,998 USD（based on 999 USD each at representative retailer）. [5]

Scientific Validity

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Third-party Klippel NFS data show good overall linearity and output, with a slight high-treble dip and a mid-bass rise around ~80 Hz. Horizontal directivity is well controlled by the HDI waveguide, aiding consistent in-room response; on-axis aiming is recommended, and adding subwoofers improves output below ~50 Hz. These findings are consistent with the catalog sensitivity (90 dB) and bandwidth claims. [1][6]

Technology Level

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A modern compression driver on an HDI waveguide with a dedicated mid and dual woofers is solid, rational engineering focused on controlled directivity and room-friendly dispersion. Execution is competent rather than category-defining.

Cost-Performance

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Target price (pair): 1,998 USD. We searched for the cheapest option with equal-or-better user-facing functions and measured performance. The Polk Reserve R700—a dual-8-inch tower with verified ±≈2 dB listening-window linearity and ~40 Hz F3—lists at 1,099 USD each → 2,198 USD/pair in the US market. Because this exceeds 1,998 USD/pair, no cheaper equivalent exists in USD, so CP = 1.0 (clamped). [1][2][7]

Reliability & Support

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JBL (Harman) provides a 5-year warranty for non-powered speakers and a global support network. The passive 3-way topology and mature driver tech suggest sound long-term reliability. [3]

Rationality of Design Philosophy

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Prioritizing controlled directivity via HDI and a compression driver is a rational path to stable in-room tonality. The measured mild voicing (upper-treble dip, mid-bass lift) trades strict neutrality for fullness—reasonable but not fully “transparent.”

Advice

Toe-in on-axis to the main seat; keep ~60 cm or more from boundaries to temper the ~80 Hz rise. If you want more “air,” a gentle high-shelf EQ can restore top-end energy. For large rooms/cinema, add subwoofers below ~50 Hz. Use an amplifier stable into 4–6 Ω with adequate current. [1]

References

[1] Erin’s Audio Corner – JBL Studio 698 Tower Speaker Review, https://www.erinsaudiocorner.com/loudspeakers/jbl_studio_698/ , accessed 2025-08-27. (Klippel NFS, CTA-2034-A)

[2] Erin’s Audio Corner – Polk Audio Reserve R700 Tower Speaker Review, https://www.erinsaudiocorner.com/loudspeakers/polk_r700/ , accessed 2025-08-27. (Klippel NFS; highlights: ~±2 dB linearity, ~40 Hz F3)

[3] JBL Support – Warranty Information (US), https://support.jbl.com/us/en/customer-service/ , accessed 2025-08-27. (“1 year, 5 years for any non-powered speakers”)

[5] ListenUp – JBL Studio 698 3-way Floorstanding Speaker (Each), https://listenup.com/products/jbl-studio-698-3-way-floorstanding-speaker-each , accessed 2025-08-27. (US retail price 999 USD each)

[6] JBL – Studio 698 Spec Sheet (PDF), https://www.jbl.com/on/demandware.static/-/Sites-masterCatalog_Harman/default/dw2ef454f6/pdfs/JBL_Studio_698_Spec_Sheet_English.pdf , accessed 2025-08-27. (Official specifications)

[7] Polk Audio – Reserve R700 (US official store), https://www.polkaudio.com/en-us/product/home-speakers/floor-standing/reserve-r700/300035.html , accessed 2025-08-27. (Price 1,099 USD each)

(2025.8.27)