SpeakerDecision
  • SPEAKERS by TYPE
    • Passive Bookshelf Speakers
    • Passive Floor-standing Speakers
    • Passive Center Channel Speakers
    • Passive In-wall Speakers
    • All Passive Speakers
    • Powered Subwoofers
    • Powered Stereo Speakers
  • AMPLIFIERS
  • SMART FIND
  1. Home
  2. JBL Speakers
  3. Passive Center Channel Speakers
JBL HDI-4500 Review
JBL HDI-4500

Main Features

  • 1" horn-loaded high-frequency compression Tweeter
  • 4 x 5.25" Advanced Aluminum Matrix cone Woofer
  • 50-30k Hz Frequency Response
  • 90 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 4ohms
  • Power Range: 20-250watts
  • Weight:44.33 lbs / 20.15 kg
  • Dimensions(HxWxD): 7-3/4"x33-1/8"x12-3/16" / 197.0 x 842.0 x 310.0mm
CHECK PRICE

Compare To

x
Add a Speaker for comparison
JBL HDI-4500 Review
JBL HDI-4500 JBL HDI-4500
See at AMAZON

JBL HDI-4500 is a 2-way Passive Bass Reflex Center Channel speaker by JBL. Center channel speaker is an important component of a home theater system set-up as it delivers the listener significant part of the on-screen dialogue from your television. It features a 1" horn-loaded high-frequency compression Tweeter and 4 x 5.25" Advanced Aluminum Matrix cone Woofer. The speaker has a frequency range of 50-30k Hz and a sensitivity of 90 dB. JBL HDI-4500 has an MSRP of 1925$ but can often be found around 1348$ per pair.

Room Size Suitability

The size of the room where you plan to use the JBL HDI-4500 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 RoomPoor
Mid-size RoomGood
Large RoomGood
Very Large RoomAverage

(* 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-4500 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
Compare
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
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-4500 Speaker

JBL HDI-4500 has a Frequency response range of 50-30k Hz at ±3dB and Power Range of 20-250 watts. Here we have a comparison of how HDI-4500's Low and High frequency values compare with the average, max and min Low and High frequency values in its class.

Low Frequency
Center Channel Speakers
JBL HDI-4500
Min
Average
Max
High Frequency
Center Channel Speakers
JBL HDI-4500
Min
Average
Max

Impedance and Sensitivity

JBL HDI-4500's nominal impedance level is 4 ohms and has a sensitivity of 90 dB.

Sensitivity
Center Channel Speakers
JBL HDI-4500
Min
Average
Max

Nominal Impedance of the 4 Ohms means that the JBL HDI-4500 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-4500 with an AVR but use an Integrated Amplifier instead.

Sensitivity

90dB of the JBL HDI-4500 is an average sensitivity for stereo speaker so it is neither easy nor difficult to drive Sensitivity wise.

Check the amplifiers that are in a similar price range to the JBL HDI-4500:

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

Input Type

HDI-4500 features 5-Way post type connectors. Bi-amping and Bi-wiring are not possible.
JBL HDI-4500 Back View
JBL HDI-4500 Back View

JBL HDI-4500 External Dimensions and Weight

JBL HDI-4500 has external dimensions of (Height x Width x Depth) 7-3/4 x 33-1/8 x 12-3/16inch (197.0 x 842.0 x 310.0mm ).

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-4500 is approximately 2610.2cm2 / 404.6inch2.

Weight

The JBL HDI-4500 weighs 20.15kg / 44.3lbs per piece. Here is a comparison of how HDI-4500's weight compares with the average, max and min weights in its class.

Weight
All Center Channel Speakers
JBL HDI-4500
Min
Average
Max
Weight
Center Channel Speakers under $2000
JBL HDI-4500
Min
Average
Max

Cabinet type and Materials

JBL HDI-4500 has a Bass Reflex type cabinet. 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.

Port Position

JBL HDI-4500 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-4500 is available in Walnut.

Does the JBL HDI-4500 come with a Grille?

HDI-4500 comes with 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.

JBL HDI-4500  with Grille
JBL HDI-4500 with Grille

What's in the Box of JBL HDI-4500?

Here are the items that are included inside the box of HDI-4500:
  • Center-channel loudspeaker
  • Grille
  • 2 Jumper-straps (pre-installed)
  • Owners Manual
  • Recommended Accessories

    Here is a list of accessories that we think you may need for the JBL HDI-4500.

    • 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.

    Warranty

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

    JBL HDI-4500 Alternatives in Passive Center Channel Speakers
    Model Type Sensitivity Impedance Frequency
    Klipsch RC-64 III
    Compare
    2-way 99 dB 8 ohms 57-24k Hz
    JBL HDI-3600
    Compare
    2-way 90 dB 4 ohms 38-30k Hz
    JBL HDI-1600
    Compare
    2-way 85 dB 4 ohms 40-30k Hz
    JBL HDI-3800
    Compare
    2-way 92 dB 4 ohms 37-30k Hz
    Klipsch RP-504C II
    Compare
    2-way 96 dB 8 ohms 50-25k Hz
    SVS Ultra Center
    Compare
    3-way 87 dB 8 ohms 45-32k Hz
    Sonus Sonetto Center I
    Compare
    2-way 90 dB 4 ohms 60-25k Hz
    Emotiva Airmotiv C3+
    Compare
    3-way 92 dB 4 ohms 40 Hz – 28 kHz
    Frequently Asked Questions about JBL HDI-4500
    What is the External Dimensions of JBL HDI-4500
    What is the Speaker Sensitivity of JBL HDI-4500
    is the JBL HDI-4500 an easy to drive speaker?

    JBL HDI-4500 Detailed Specifications

    General
    BrandJBL
    Full Model NameJBL HDI-4500
    Speaker Type2-way Center Channel
    Power Range20-250 watts
    Sensitivity90 dB
    Impedance4 ohms
    Frequency Response50-30k Hz
    DRIVERS
    Woofer Size5.25-inch
    Woofer CompositionAdvanced Aluminum Matrix cone
    Tweeter Size1-inch
    Tweeter Typehorn-loaded high-frequency compression
    Midrange SizeN/A-inch
    Port Positionrear

    CONNECTIONS
    Connector Type5-Way post
    Biamp InputsNo
    Port Positionrear
    PHYSICAL SPECS
    Height197.0mm ( 7-3/4-inch)
    Width842.0mm ( 33-1/8-inch)
    Depth310.0mm ( 12-3/16-inch)
    Height197.0mm ( 7-3/4-inch)
    Weight20.15kg ( 44.33 lbs)
    EnclosureBass Reflex
    Available ColorsWalnut
    Mounting BracketNo
    GrilleYes
    Moisture ResistanceNo
    OTHER
    Handheld RemoteNo
    Parts Warranty5 Years
    Labor Warranty5 Years
    LATEST BLOG POSTS

    Klipsch La Scala AL6 and Klipschorn AK7 Speakers are Unveiled
    New Audiolab 6000A MkII with upgraded DAC and new HDMI ARC connection
    Q Acoustics 3000c Series Loudspeakers added to the database
    WiiM VibeLink Amp: A Game-Changer for Budget Hi-Fi in 2025
    KEF Meta and Reference Meta Floorstanding Speaker Size and Specs Comparison
    Triangle Borea Bookshelf and Floorstanding Speaker Size and Specs Comparison


    Latest Passive Center Channel Speakers
    Q Acoustics 3090Ci
    Q Acoustics 3090Ci
    2-way Center Channel | 89 dB | 6 ohms
    Q Acoustics 3090c
    Q Acoustics 3090c
    2-way Center Channel | 92 dB | 6 ohms
    ELAC Debut 3.0 DC63
    ELAC Debut 3.0 DC63
    2-way Center Channel | 87.5 dB | 6 ohms
    ELAC Debut 3.0 DC53
    ELAC Debut 3.0 DC53
    2-way Center Channel | 87.5 dB | 4 ohms
    Monitor Audio Gold C250 6G
    Monitor Audio Gold C250 6G
    3-way Center Channel | 87.5 dB | 4 ohms
    KEF Q6 Meta
    KEF Q6 Meta
    3-way Center Channel | 86 dB | 4 ohms
    JBL Stage 245C
    JBL Stage 245C
    2-way Center Channel | 91 dB | 6 ohms
    Elac Vela 2.0 VCC401.2-GB
    Elac Vela 2.0 VCC401.2-GB
    3-way Center Channel | 88.5 dB | 4 ohms
    Elac Solano 2.0 CC281.2-GB
    Elac Solano 2.0 CC281.2-GB
    3-way Center Channel | 87.5 dB | 4 ohms
    SVS Ultra Evolution Center
    SVS Ultra Evolution Center
    3-way Center Channel | 87 dB | 6 ohms


    Copyright © 2025 by SpeakerDecision
    About Privacy Contact US Camera Decision
    Compare List

      Add a speaker to the List