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  1. Home
  2. JBL Speakers
  3. Passive Floor-standing Speakers
  4. JBL Studio 690
JBL Studio 690 Review
JBL Studio 690 - Front View

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Main Features

  • 1" compression driver with HDI (High Definition Imaging) waveguide Tweeter
  • 2 x 8" PolyPlas Woofer
  • 36-40k Hz Frequency Response
  • 90 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 6ohms
  • Power Range: up to 250 watts
  • Weight: 64.80 lbs / 29.45 kg
  • Dimensions(HxWxD): 43-1/8"x11-3/4"x15-1/16" / 1096.0 x 299.0 x 383.0mm
MSRP: $749 (list price)
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JBL Studio 690 Review
JBL Studio 690 JBL Studio 690
Check price atAmazon›

Made by JBL · United States · since 1946 · sold through dealers

JBL Studio 690 is a 2-way Passive Bass Reflex Floor-standing speaker by JBL. It was released in 2021. It features a 1" compression driver with HDI (High Definition Imaging) waveguide Tweeter and 2 x 8" PolyPlas Woofer. The speaker has a frequency range of 36-40k Hz and a sensitivity of 90 dB. JBL Studio 690 has an MSRP of 1498$ per pair.

Room Size Suitability

The size of the room where you plan to use the JBL Studio 690 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-fieldBad
Small RoomPoor
Mid-size RoomAverage
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 Studio Series of Loudspeakers

Studio 690 is a member of JBL's Studio series of Passive speakers. The Studio range are JBL's mid-tier home-theatre speakers with horn-loaded tweeters. Below you can see the main specs of these speakers.

See all 10 JBL Studio models compared »

JBL Studio Series Speakers
Model Frequency SensitivityImpedance Woofer
JBL Studio 630
Compare
45-40k Hz 85 dB6Ω 1 x 6.25"
JBL Studio 620
Compare
50-40k Hz 84 dB6Ω 1 x 5.25"
JBL Studio 680
Compare
38-40k Hz 88 dB6Ω 2 x 6.5"
JBL Studio 690
36-40k Hz 90 dB6Ω 2 x 8"
JBL Studio 6 88LCR
Compare
43-20k Hz 96 dB6Ω 2 x 8"
JBL Studio 6 Theater
Compare
65-20k Hz 96 dB6Ω 4 x 5.25"
JBL Studio 2 55IW
Compare
40-20k Hz 88 dB8Ω 2 x 5.25"
JBL Studio 6 66LCR
Compare
45-20k Hz 94 dB6Ω 2 x 6.5"
JBL Studio 6 Architectural 8IW
Compare
43-20k Hz 93 dB6Ω 1 x 8"
JBL Studio 2 8IW
Compare
30-20k Hz 88 dB8Ω 1 x 8"

Frequency Response of the JBL Studio 690 Speaker

JBL Studio 690 has a Frequency response range of 36-40k Hz and Power Range of up to 250 watts. With a minimum frequency of 36 Hz, Studio 690 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.

Here we have a comparison of how Studio 690's Low frequency value compares with the average, max and min Low frequency values in its class.
Low Frequency
Floor-standing Speakers
JBL Studio 690
Min
Average
Median
Thinking about a subwoofer for the JBL Studio 690?
  • Work out the crossover setting - it follows from this speaker's 36 Hz low end
  • Powered subwoofers under $1,500 - a similar price range to these speakers
  • Every powered subwoofer we cover, whatever the budget

Among the speakers in our database with a max MSRP price of 1500$ (Pair), these are the 5 Passive Floor-standing speakers that have the deeper bass levels than the JBL Studio 690's 36Hz:

  • KLH Concord with Low Frequency of 28 Hz (Compare w/ Studio 690)
  • SVS Prime Tower with Low Frequency of 30 Hz (Compare w/ Studio 690)
  • Klipsch RP-280F with Low Frequency of 32 Hz (Compare w/ Studio 690)
  • Jamo C 97 II with Low Frequency of 32 Hz (Compare w/ Studio 690)
  • Monitor Audio Bronze 500 with Low Frequency of 32 Hz (Compare w/ Studio 690)

Impedance and Sensitivity

JBL Studio 690's nominal impedance level is 6 ohms and has a sensitivity of 90 dB.

Sensitivity
Floor-standing Speakers
JBL Studio 690
Min
Average
Median

Nominal Impedance of the 6 Ohms makes the JBL Studio 690 a relatively difficult to drive speaker compared to more frequently found 8 ohms speakers from nominal Impedance perspective.

Sensitivity

90dB of the JBL Studio 690 is an average sensitivity for stereo speaker so it is neither easy nor difficult to drive Sensitivity wise. Work out how loud the JBL Studio 690 plays in your room →

Running more than one pair from a single amplifier? Check the load it would present →

What amplifier does the JBL Studio 690 need?

At normal listening levels in a medium room, about 10–160 W per channel into 6 ohms. Set your own conditions and we will rank every amplifier we cover.

We check power, impedance safety and current delivery - not just watts.

Prefer to browse? Integrated amplifiers under $1,500, or every amplifier we cover.

Input Type

Studio 690 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.

Work out what gauge speaker cable this run needs →

JBL Studio 690 Back View
JBL Studio 690 Back View

JBL Studio 690 External Dimensions and Weight

JBL Studio 690 has external dimensions of (Height x Width x Depth) 43-1/8-inch x 11-3/4-inch x 15-1/16-inch (1096.0 x 299.0 x 383.0mm ).

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 Studio 690 is approximately 1145.2cm2 / 177.5inch2.

To get a better perspective on the real life size of JBL Studio 690, let's compare it with a standard size Compact Disc which has a diameter of 4.7inch (120mm).

JBL Studio 690 Real Life Body Size Comparison
JBL Studio 690 Speaker Size Compared to a Compact Disc

Here we place the JBL Studio 690 virtually next to a standard width amplifier and turntable on a media center to get a better idea about the size.

JBL Studio 690 placed next to a Media Stand
JBL Studio 690 Floor-standing Speaker next to a Media Stand

Find speakers that fit your shelf or alcove →  ·  Work out where they should sit in the room →

Weight

The JBL Studio 690 weighs 29.45kg / 64.8lbs per piece. Here is a comparison of how Studio 690's weight compares with the average, max and min weights in its class.

Weight
All Floor-standing Speakers
JBL Studio 690
Min
Average
Median
Weight
Floor-standing Speakers under $1500
JBL Studio 690
Min
Average
Max

Cabinet type and Materials

JBL Studio 690 has a Bass Reflex type cabinet and a MDF/Wood-grain vinyl 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 Studio 690 comes with 4 Spike 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 Studio 690 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 Studio 690 is available in Wood and Dark Wood.

Does the JBL Studio 690 come with a Grille?

Studio 690 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 Studio 690  with Grille
JBL Studio 690 with Grille

What's in the Box of JBL Studio 690?

Here are the items that are included inside the box of Studio 690:
  • Floorstanding loudspeaker
  • Grille
  • 4 Spike feet
  • 4 Washers
  • 4 Locking-collars
  • 4 Foot-pads
  • 2 Jumper-straps (pre-installed)
  • Owners Manual
  • Warranty Card

Recommended Accessories

Here is a list of accessories that we think you may need for the JBL Studio 690.

  • 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 are our favorite isolators but you may find 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.

Official Product Page

Official manufacturer's product page for the JBL Studio 690 speaker can be found below:
Official Product Page for JBL Studio 690

Warranty

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

JBL Studio 690 Alternatives in Passive Floor-standing Speakers
Model Type Sensitivity Impedance Frequency
Klipsch RP-8000F II
Compare
2-way 98 dB 8 ohms 32-25k Hz
JBL Studio 680
Compare
2-way 88 dB 6 ohms 38-40k Hz
Polk R700
Compare
3-way 88 dB 8 ohms 38-38k Hz
JBL Studio 630
Compare
2-way 85 dB 6 ohms 45-40k Hz
JBL Studio 620
Compare
2-way 84 dB 6 ohms 50-40k Hz
JBL Studio 6 88LCR
Compare
2-way 96 dB 6 ohms 43-20kHz
JBL Studio 6 Theater
Compare
2-way 96 dB 6 ohms 65-20kHz
JBL Studio 6 66LCR
Compare
2-way 94 dB 6 ohms 45-20kHz
Frequently Asked Questions about JBL Studio 690

What amplifier do you need for the JBL Studio 690?

JBL rates the JBL Studio 690 for up to 250 watts of amplifier power. It is a 6-ohm speaker, which most amplifiers and receivers handle without trouble.

Is the JBL Studio 690 easy to drive?

The JBL Studio 690 has a sensitivity of 90 dB. That is high: it goes loud on modest power, so it suits low-powered amplifiers, including valve/tube designs.

Does the JBL Studio 690 need a subwoofer?

The JBL Studio 690 reaches down to 36Hz (full range 36-40k Hz). That is deep enough that many listeners will not feel the need for a subwoofer with music.

What drivers does the JBL Studio 690 use?

The JBL Studio 690 is a 2-way design using a 1" compression driver with HDI (High Definition Imaging) waveguide tweeter and 2 x 8" PolyPlas woofers.

Is the JBL Studio 690 sealed or ported?

The JBL Studio 690 uses a Ported enclosure. A ported design uses a tuned vent to get more low-end output from the same driver, but it wants some breathing room behind it.

Can the JBL Studio 690 be bi-wired or bi-amped?

Yes. The JBL Studio 690 has two sets of terminals, so it can be bi-wired or bi-amped: bi-wiring runs separate cable to the treble and bass sections, bi-amping gives each its own amplifier channel. It uses 5-Way post terminals.

Can the JBL Studio 690 be wall mounted?

The JBL Studio 690 does not include a wall-mount bracket or keyhole, so it is designed to sit on a stand, shelf or the floor.

Does the JBL Studio 690 come with grilles?

Yes. The JBL Studio 690 comes with removable grilles.

How big and heavy is the JBL Studio 690?

The JBL Studio 690 weighs 29.45kg / 64.8lbs each and measures 43-1/8-inch x 11-3/4-inch x 15-1/16-inch (HxWxD).

How much does the JBL Studio 690 cost?

The JBL Studio 690 has a manufacturer's list price (MSRP) of $1,498 per pair.


JBL Studio 690 Detailed Specifications

General
BrandJBL
Full Model NameJBL Studio 690
Speaker Type2-way Floor-standing
Power Rangeup to 250 watts
Sensitivity90 dB
Impedance6 ohms
Frequency Response36-40k Hz
Release Date2021
DRIVERS
Woofer Size8-inch
Woofer CompositionPolyPlas
Woofer SurroundRubber
Tweeter Size1-inch
Tweeter Typecompression driver with HDI (High Definition Imaging) waveguide
Port Positionrear

CONNECTIONS
Connector Type5-Way post
Biamp InputsYes
Port Positionrear
PHYSICAL SPECS
Height1096.0mm ( 43-1/8-inch)
Width299.0mm ( 11-3/4-inch)
Depth383.0mm ( 15-1/16-inch)
Height1096.0mm ( 43-1/8-inch)
Weight29.45 kg (64.8 lbs)
EnclosureBass Reflex
FinishMDF/Wood-grain vinyl
Available ColorsWood, Dark Wood
Mounting BracketNo
GrilleYes
Moisture ResistanceNo
OTHER
Handheld RemoteNo
Parts Warranty5 Years
Labor Warranty5 Years
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