In this review, we will be comparing Studio 2 55IW and DI 6.5LCR, two Passive In-wall speakers from JBL and Definitive Technology.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of JBL Studio 2 55IW and Definitive DI 6.5LCR first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
JBL Studio 2 55IW Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1" Hard-Dome Tweeter
- 2 x 5.25" PolyPlas Woofer
- 40-20kHz Frequency Response
- 88 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:up to 120watts
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 359.0" x 6.4375" x 3.3750"( 359.0 x 164.0 x 86.0mm )
Definitive DI 6.5LCR Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1" Hard-Dome Tweeter
- 2 x 6.5" Polymer Woofer
- 26-30kHz Frequency Response
- 90 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:10-275watts
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 412.0" x 7.3125" x 3.6250"( 412.0 x 186.0 x 93.0mm )
What size room are the JBL Studio 2 55IW and Definitive DI 6.5LCR speakers good for?
The size of the room in which you are planning to use these loudspeakers is an important decision
factor. Here we have compared their suitability to various sizes of environments considering their size
and max power parameters:
| Listening Environment* |
JBL Studio 2 55IW |
Definitive DI 6.5LCR |
| Near-field |
Poor |
Poor |
| Small Room |
Average |
Poor |
| Mid-size Room |
Good |
Good |
| Large Room |
Average |
Good |
| Very Large Room |
Poor |
Average |
(* Approximate Room sizes: Small < 100sq. ft / 9 m2,
Mid-size: 100-220 sq. ft / 9-20 m2, Large 220-400 sq. ft / 20-36 m2, Very Large: >
400 sq. ft / 36 m2.
Average Floor Height: 9" / 2.7m. Typical room sizes differ from country to country, and the actual
listening experience changes depending on floor height, room shape, surface materials, listening
position, speaker locations, etc.)
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the JBL Studio 2 55IW and Definitive DI 6.5LCR compare and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one of these loudspeakers is the better choice for you.
**This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking
through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Drivers
Both Studio 2 55IW and DI 6.5LCR are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
JBL Studio 2 55IW |
Definitive DI 6.5LCR |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
2 x 5.25-inch
|
2 x 6.5-inch
|
Studio 2 55IW features a 1" Hard-Dome Tweeter and 2 x 5.25" PolyPlas Woofer . On the other hand, the DI 6.5LCR features a 1" Hard-Dome Tweeter and 2 x 6.5" Polymer Woofer .
Frequency Response
Studio 2 55IW has a frequency range of 40-20kHz whereas DI 6.5LCR has a frequency range of 26-30kHz. With a minimum frequency of 26Hz, the DI 6.5LCR can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the Studio 2 55IW's min frequency of 40Hz.
Below graphs depict how these two speakers compare with the max, min and average values of the Min and Max Frequencies of other speakers in the In-wall class in our database.
Low Frequency
In-wall Speakers
High Frequency
In-wall Speakers
None of these speakers achieves full range experience which is commonly agreed as 20Hz-20kHz. In order to achieve lower lows / deeper bass, we recommend you pair these with a subwoofer. Visit our Powered Subwoofers section to find out more about the available options.
Impedance and Sensitivity
Studio 2 55IW and DI 6.5LCR have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. Studio 2 55IW sensitivity is rated at 88 dB and the DI 6.5LCR's is at 90 dB. This 2 dB difference makes the Definitive DI 6.5LCR a more sensitive speaker compared to JBL Studio 2 55IW, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.
Sensitivity
In-wall Speakers
Power Range
Power
range is the range of input power in watts RMS that a loudspeaker is designed to handle. While using
an amplifier within this range ensures the nominal performance , inputting a power that is higher than the
max wattage can result in a damaged speaker.
Studio 2 55IW can handle a max power of 275 watts RMS from the amp the whereas Studio 2 55IW has a max power handling value of 120 watts RMS , 155 watts less than the DI 6.5LCR.
Keep in mind that a higher max power handling value doesn't necessarily make that a louder speaker
compared to a lower max handling speaker. Loudness or the sound level is also impacted by parameters
such as Impedance, sensitivity and system efficiencies.
Input Type and Bi-Amping / Bi-Wiring
Studio 2 55IW features Spring clip type posts and DI 6.5LCR has a Spring clip type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Physical Specs
Size of a speaker can sometimes become an important decision factor due to space constraints or in some cases purely for esthetic reasons. In this section, we are going to compare JBL Studio 2 55IW's and Definitive DI 6.5LCR's external dimensions. JBL Studio 2 55IW has external dimensions of 359.0 x 164.0 x 86.0mm ( 14.1250-inch x 6.4375-inch x 3.3750-inch) whereas Definitive DI 6.5LCR has external dimensions of 412.0 x 186.0 x 93.0mm ( 16.1875-inch x 7.3125-inch x 3.6250-inch) .
Definitive DI 6.5LCR is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 22mm wider, 53mm taller and 7mm deeper than JBL Studio 2 55IW.
What's in the Box of JBL Studio 2 55IW?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Studio 2 55IW:
In-wall loudspeakerGrilleCloth scrimCut-Out TemplateInstruction Manual
What's in the Box of Definitive DI 6.5LCR?
Here are the items that come with the DI 6.5LCR:
Dual 6.5