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JBL HDI-1600 Review
JBL HDI-1600

Main Features

  • 1" Horn-Loaded Tweeter
  • 6.5" Aluminum Woofer
  • 40-30k Hz Frequency Response
  • 85 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 4ohms
  • Power Range: 15-200watts
  • Weight:21.96 lbs / 9.98 kg
  • Dimensions(HxWxD): 15-1/16"x9-1/8"x11-3/8" / 383.0 x 232.0 x 289.0mm
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JBL HDI-1600 Review
JBL HDI-1600 JBL HDI-1600
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JBL HDI-1600 is a 2-way Passive Bass Reflex Bookshelf speaker by JBL. It features a 1" Horn-Loaded Tweeter and 1 x 6.5" Aluminum Woofer. The speaker has a frequency range of 40-30k Hz and a sensitivity of 85 dB. JBL HDI-1600 has an MSRP of 1980$ per pair.

Room Size Suitability

The size of the room where you plan to use the JBL HDI-1600 is a crucial factor in your decision. We have assessed its suitability for various room sizes based on its dimensions and maximum power output:

Listening Environment* Suitability
Near-fieldPoor
Small RoomAverage
Mid-size RoomGood
Large RoomAverage
Very Large RoomPoor

(* 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.)

JBL's HDI Series of Loudspeakers

HDI-1600 is a member of JBL's HDI series of Passive speakers. Below you can see the main specs of these speakers.

JBL HDI Series Speakers
Model Frequency SensitivityImpedance Woofer
JBL HDI-1600
40-30k Hz 85 dB4Ω 1 x 6.5"
JBL HDI-3600
Compare
38-30k Hz 90 dB4Ω 3 x 6.5"
JBL HDI-3800
Compare
37-30k Hz 92 dB4Ω 3 x 8"
JBL HDI-4500
Compare
50-30k Hz 90 dB4Ω 4 x 5.25"


**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.

Frequency Response of the JBL HDI-1600 Speaker

JBL HDI-1600 has a Frequency response range of 40-30k Hz at ±3dB and Power Range of 15-200 watts. With a minimum frequency of 40 Hz, HDI-1600 delivers deep bass that will likely satisfy most listeners, especially those who enjoy music. However, movie enthusiasts and music fans who prefer a full range of sound may still benefit from adding a subwoofer.

To focus on the subwoofers that are in a similar price range with JBL HDI-1600, check out the Powered Subwoofers under $2000. Alternatively, find the Full list of Powered Subwoofers regardless of the price.
Here we have a comparison of how HDI-1600's Low and High frequency values compare with the average, max and min Low and High frequency values in its class.
Low Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
JBL HDI-1600
Min
Average
Max
High Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
JBL HDI-1600
Min
Average
Max

Impedance and Sensitivity

JBL HDI-1600's nominal impedance level is 4 ohms and has a sensitivity of 85 dB.

Sensitivity
Bookshelf Speakers
JBL HDI-1600
Min
Average
Max

Nominal Impedance of the 4 Ohms means that the JBL HDI-1600 is a difficult to drive speaker from nominal Impedance perspective, make sure that you choose an amplifier than can provide 4 Ohms for this speaker.
Many AVRs (audio/video receiver) in the market may have difficulty when the speakers dip below the 4 Ohms levels (this may cause clipping or even physical damage), so we recommend to not pair the JBL HDI-1600 with an AVR but use an Integrated Amplifier instead.

Sensitivity

With a sensitivity level of only 85 dB, JBL HDI-1600 is a difficult to drive speaker from Sensitivity perspective, make sure to choose an amplifier with a high output if you like listening to your music at high volume levels. You may especially have a hard time using Tube amplifiers which are traditionally very low power compared to Class A/B or Class D amps.

Check the amplifiers that are in a similar price range to the JBL HDI-1600:

  • Integrated Amps under 1500 USD
  • Integrated Amps under 2000 USD
  • Integrated Amps under 3000 USD
  • All Integrated Amplifiers

Input Type

HDI-1600 has 5-way post type connectors and lets bi-amping/bi-wiring. Bi-wiring can enhance the overall transparency of your loudspeakers by using separate speaker wires for the low and high-frequency drivers from a single amplifier. Bi-amping, on the other hand, involves using separate amplifiers for the high and low-frequency drivers, potentially resulting in a greater dynamic range and reduced distortion.

JBL HDI-1600 Back View
JBL HDI-1600 Back View

JBL HDI-1600 External Dimensions and Weight

JBL HDI-1600 has external dimensions of (Height x Width x Depth) 15-1/16 x 9-1/8 x 11-3/8inch (383.0 x 232.0 x 289.0mm ).

Base Surface Area
Base surface area of a loudspeaker may become a determining factor when the space in your room or desk is limited. The base area of JBL HDI-1600 is approximately 670.5cm2 / 103.9inch2.

To get a better perspective on the real life size of JBL HDI-1600, let's compare it with a standard size Compact Disc which has a diameter of 4.7inch (120mm).

JBL HDI-1600 Real Life Body Size Comparison
JBL HDI-1600 Speaker Size Compared to a Compact Disc

Here we place the JBL HDI-1600 virtually next to a standard width amplifier and turntable on a BDI Octave Media Cabinet to get a better idea about the size.

JBL HDI-1600 placed next to an amplifier and turntable
JBL HDI-1600 Speaker next to an amplifier and turntable

Weight

The JBL HDI-1600 weighs 9.98kg / 22lbs per piece. Here is a comparison of how HDI-1600's weight compares with the average, max and min weights in its class.

Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
JBL HDI-1600
Min
Average
Max
Weight
Bookshelf Speakers under $2000
JBL HDI-1600
Min
Average
Max

Cabinet type and Materials

JBL HDI-1600 has a Bass Reflex type cabinet and a MDF/Wood-veneer finish. Bass Reflex type loudspeakers (aka Ported, Vented or Reflex Port) have enclosures that uses a port, hole or vent cut into the cabinet. Ported designs are generally more efficient than the Sealed designs.

Speaker Feet

JBL HDI-1600 comes with 4 Self-adhesive rubber feet which you can use to secure your loudspeaker on the surface that you are putting on.

It is always recommended to use some kind of feet under all types of speakers. Besides limiting the movement of the speakers, it also compensates for non-flat surfaces and limits the contact surface area of the speaker. Rubber based feet also help isolating the vibrations within certain frequency ranges.

Port Position

JBL HDI-1600 is a rear-firing port speaker so you have to make sure you leave enough space between the back of the speaker and wall or bookshelf so that it has room to breathe.

Available colors

JBL HDI-1600 is available in Walnut, Black and Oak.

Wall Mounting

HDI-1600 doesn't sport any built-in mounting bracket, so you need an external structure to mount it on walls.

Does the JBL HDI-1600 come with a Grille?

HDI-1600 comes with magnetic grilles. The purpose of the grille is to protect the delicate driver elements from external impacts while still allowing the sound to pass as clearly as possible. Since the included grille of the HDI-1600 is magnetic type, it is very easy to put it on and off.

What's in the Box of JBL HDI-1600?

Here are the items that are included inside the box of HDI-1600:
  • Bookshelf loudspeaker
  • Grille
  • 2 Jumper-straps (pre-installed)
  • 4 Self-adhesive rubber feet
  • Owner's Manual
  • Recommended Accessories

    Here is a list of accessories that we think you may need for the JBL HDI-1600.

    • Speaker Cable and Connectors
      • Speaker Cables with Banana Plugs: If you know the lenght of the cable you need, this is the easier option to connect your speakers with your amp.
      • Speaker Cables without Connectors: If you are not sure about the lenght or need longer than standard cables with plugs, choose this option.
      • Banana Connectors and Plugs: If you chose the cables without connectors option or already have some cable around, pick the banana plugs separately.
    • Vibration Isolators: IsoAcoustics isolators more affordable options too.
    • Acoustic Panels and Treatments: Your room is as important as your stereo equipment so acoustic treatments goes a long way in improving the overall performance.
    • Speaker Stands: Stands bring your bookshelf speakers to ideal height (rule of thumb is to have the tweeter level with your ear in your listening position), helps stability and acoustical isolation.

    Warranty

    5 Years of parts warranty and 5 Years of labor warranty is generally provided by the manufacturer.

    JBL HDI-1600 Alternatives in Passive Bookshelf Speakers
    Model Type Sensitivity Impedance Frequency
    JBL Studio 630
    Compare
    2-way 85 dB 6 ohms 45-40k Hz
    Klipsch RP-600M
    Compare
    2-way 96 dB 8 ohms 45-25k Hz
    KEF R3
    Compare
    3-way 87 dB 8 ohms 52-28k Hz
    B&W 606
    Compare
    2-way 88 dB 8 ohms 52-28k Hz
    JBL HDI-3600
    Compare
    2-way 90 dB 4 ohms 38-30k Hz
    KEF R3 Meta
    Compare
    3-way 87 dB 4 ohms 58-28k Hz
    JBL L82 Classic
    Compare
    2-way 88 dB 8 ohms 44-40k Hz
    JBL HDI-3800
    Compare
    2-way 92 dB 4 ohms 37-30k Hz
    Frequently Asked Questions about JBL HDI-1600
    What is the External Dimensions of JBL HDI-1600
    What is the Speaker Sensitivity of JBL HDI-1600
    is the JBL HDI-1600 an easy to drive speaker?

    JBL HDI-1600 Detailed Specifications

    General
    BrandJBL
    Full Model NameJBL HDI-1600
    Speaker Type2-way Bookshelf
    Power Range15-200 watts
    Sensitivity85 dB
    Impedance4 ohms
    Frequency Response40-30k Hz
    DRIVERS
    Woofer Size6.5-inch
    Woofer CompositionAluminum
    Woofer SurroundRubber
    Tweeter Size1-inch
    Tweeter TypeHorn-Loaded
    Port Positionrear

    CONNECTIONS
    Connector Type5-way post
    Biamp InputsYes
    Port Positionrear
    PHYSICAL SPECS
    Height383.0mm ( 15-1/16-inch)
    Width232.0mm ( 9-1/8-inch)
    Depth289.0mm ( 11-3/8-inch)
    Height383.0mm ( 15-1/16-inch)
    Weight9.98kg ( 21.96 lbs)
    EnclosureBass Reflex
    FinishMDF/Wood-veneer
    Available ColorsWalnut,Black,Oak
    Mounting BracketNo
    Recommended Stand Height22-26
    GrilleYes
    Moisture ResistanceNo
    OTHER
    Handheld RemoteNo
    Parts Warranty5 Years
    Labor Warranty5 Years
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