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JBL Studio 2 55IW vs Definitive DT8LCR Comparison

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JBL Studio 2 55IW

Passive In-wall | 40-20kHz

JBL Studio 2 55IW
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Definitive DT8LCR

Passive In-wall | 27-30kHz

Definitive Technology DT8LCR
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JBL Studio 2 55IW JBL Studio 2 55IW
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Definitive DT8LCR Definitive DT8LCR
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JBL Studio 2 55IW
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Definitive DT8LCR
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JBL Studio 2 55IW vs Definitive DT8LCR Speaker Comparison

In this review, we will be comparing Studio 2 55IW and DT8LCR, 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 DT8LCR 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 DT8LCR Key Specs

  • 2-way Design
  • 1" Hard-Dome Tweeter
  • 8" Polypropylene Woofer
  • 27-30kHz Frequency Response
  • 89 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 8ohms
  • Power Range:10-100watts
  • Dimensions (H x W x D): 324.0" x 8.7500" x 3.7500"( 324.0 x 223.0 x 96.0mm )

What size room are the JBL Studio 2 55IW and Definitive DT8LCR 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 DT8LCR
Near-field Poor Average
Small Room Average Good
Mid-size Room Good Average
Large Room Average Poor
Very Large Room Poor Bad

(* 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 DT8LCR 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 DT8LCR are 2-way speakers.

Driver JBL Studio 2 55IW Definitive DT8LCR
Driver Setup 2-way 2-way
Tweeter 1-inch 1-inch
Midrange - -
Woofer 2 x 5.25-inch 1 x 8-inch

Studio 2 55IW features a 1" Hard-Dome Tweeter and 2 x 5.25" PolyPlas Woofer . On the other hand, the DT8LCR features a 1" Hard-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 8" Polypropylene Woofer .

Frequency Response

Studio 2 55IW has a frequency range of 40-20kHz whereas DT8LCR has a frequency range of 27-30kHz. With a minimum frequency of 27Hz, the DT8LCR 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

Studio 2 55IW
DT8LCR
Min
Average
Max
High Frequency

In-wall Speakers

JBL Studio 2 55IW
Definitive DT8LCR
Min
Average
Max

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 DT8LCR 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 DT8LCR's is at 89 dB. This 1 dB difference makes the Definitive DT8LCR a more sensitive speaker compared to JBL Studio 2 55IW, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.

Sensitivity

In-wall Speakers

Studio 2 55IW
DT8LCR
Min
Average
Max

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 120 watts RMS from the amp the whereas DT8LCR has a max power handling value of 100 watts RMS, 20 watts less than the Studio 2 55IW.

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 post type posts and DT8LCR has a Spring post 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 DT8LCR'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 DT8LCR has external dimensions of 324.0 x 223.0 x 96.0mm ( 12.7500-inch x 8.7500-inch x 3.7500-inch) .

JBL Studio 2 55IW is 59mm narrower and 10mm less deeper than Definitive DT8LCR but it is also 35mm 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 loudspeaker
  • Grille
  • Cloth scrim
  • Cut-Out Template
  • Instruction Manual
  • What's in the Box of Definitive DT8LCR?

    Here are the items that come with the DT8LCR:
  • In-wall loudspeaker
  • Grille
  • Mounting template
  • Carboard paint shield
  • Owners Guide
  • Online Product Registration Information
  • Important Installation Instructions

  • Reasons to choose JBL Studio 2 55IW over Definitive Technology DT8LCR
    Max Input Power 120 watts vs 100 watts Handle more power from your amplifier
    Number of Woofers 2 vs 1 More woofers
    Base Surface Area 141cm2 vs 214cm2 Takes less floor space

    Reasons to choose Definitive Technology DT8LCR over JBL Studio 2 55IW

    Sensitivity 89 dB vs 88 dB Play louder with same amount of amplification power
    Woofer Size 8 inches vs 5.25 inches Larger woofer
    Low Frequency Response 27 Hz vs 40 Hz Generates deeper bass
    High Frequency Response 30k Hz vs 20k Hz Generates higher frequency
    Height 324mm vs 359mm Easier to fit in smaller spaces
    Price per pair* 558USD vs 600USD costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time)
    JBL Studio 2 55IW vs Definitive DT8LCR Specs Table
    Detailed comparison of specifications
    General JBL Studio 2 55IW Definitive Technology DT8LCR
    Brand JBL Definitive Technology
    Speaker Type Passive In-wall Speaker Passive In-wall Speaker
    Power Range up to 120 watts 10-100 watts
    Sensitivity 88 dB 89 dB
    Impedance 8 ohms 8 ohms
    Frequency Response 40-20kHz 27-30kHz
    Drivers
    Woofer Quantity 2 1
    Woofer Size 5.25" 8"
    Woofer Composition PolyPlas Polypropylene
    Woofer Surround Material Rubber Rubber
    Tweeter Size 1" 1"
    Tweeter Type Hard-Dome Hard-Dome
    Aimable Tweeter Yes Yes
    Midrange Driver N/A" N/A"
    Physical Specs
    Height 359.0mm (14.1") 324.0mm (12.8")
    Width 164.0mm (6.5") 223.0mm (8.8")
    Depth 86.0mm (3.4") 96.0mm (3.8")
    Enclosure In-wall In-wall
    Moisture Resistancy No No
    Connections
    Biamp Inputs No No
    Other
    Parts Warranty 5 Years 5 Years
    Labor Warranty 5 Years 5 Years

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