In this review, we will be comparing Studio 2 55IW and DI 5.5BPS, 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 5.5BPS first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the JBL Studio 2 55IW and Definitive DI 5.5BPS 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:
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the JBL Studio 2 55IW and Definitive DI 5.5BPS compare and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one of these loudspeakers is the better choice for you.
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Drivers
Both Studio 2 55IW and DI 5.5BPS are 2-way speakers.
Driver |
JBL Studio 2 55IW |
Definitive DI 5.5BPS |
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
Woofer
|
2 x 5.25-inch
|
1 x 5.5-inch
|
Studio 2 55IW features a 1" Hard-Dome Tweeter and 2 x 5.25" PolyPlas Woofer . On the other hand, the DI 5.5BPS features a 1" Hard-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 5.5" Polymer Woofer .
Frequency Response
Studio 2 55IW has a frequency range of 40-20kHz whereas DI 5.5BPS has a frequency range of 28-30kHz. With a minimum frequency of 28Hz, the DI 5.5BPS 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 5.5BPS 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 5.5BPS's is at 89 dB. This 1 dB difference makes the Definitive DI 5.5BPS 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 225 watts RMS from the amp the whereas Studio 2 55IW has a max power handling value of 120 watts RMS , 105 watts less than the DI 5.5BPS.
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 5.5BPS 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 5.5BPS'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 5.5BPS has external dimensions of 321.0 x 174.0 x 99.0mm ( 12.6250-inch x 6.8125-inch x 3.8750-inch) .
JBL Studio 2 55IW is 10mm narrower and 13mm less deeper than Definitive DI 5.5BPS but it is also 38mm taller.
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 5.5BPS?
Here are the items that come with the DI 5.5BPS:
Bipolar surround in-wall speakerWhite grille (paintable)Four mounting screws (installed)Cut-out templateOwners ManualOnline Product Registration card