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
JBL Studio 690 Review
JBL Studio 690

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 250watts
  • 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
CHECK PRICE
CHECK PRICE

Compare To

x
Add a Speaker for comparison
JBL Studio 690 Review

JBL Studio 690 is a 2-way Passive Bass Reflex Floor-standing speaker by JBL. 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.

What size of room is the JBL Studio 690 speaker good for?

The size of the room in which you are planning to use the JBL Studio 690 is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated its suitability to various sizes of environments considering its size and max power parameters:

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.)

What are the speakers in JBL's Studio Series?

Studio 690 is a member of JBL's Studio series of Passive speakers. Below you can see the main specs of these speakers.

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 2 55IW
Compare
40-20k Hz 88 dB8Ω 2 x 5.25"
JBL Studio 6 Theater
Compare
65-20k Hz 96 dB6Ω 4 x 5.25"
JBL Studio 6 88LCR
Compare
43-20k Hz 96 dB6Ω 2 x 8"
JBL Studio 2 8IW
Compare
30-20k Hz 88 dB8Ω 1 x 8"
JBL Studio 6 Architectural 6IW
Compare
45-20k Hz 91 dB6Ω 1 x 6.5"
JBL Studio 2 6IW
Compare
38-20k Hz 86 dB8Ω 1 x 6.5"


**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.

What is the Frequency Response of the JBL Studio 690 speaker?

JBL Studio 690 has a Frequency response range of 36-40k Hz at ±3dB and Power Range of up to 250 watts. At a minimum frequency of 36 Hz, Studio 690 will provide a deep bass that will probably satisfy majority of listeners, especially for music. Movie lovers and music listeners who like to experience a full range response will still benefit from the use of a subwooofer though.

To focus on the subwoofers that are in a similar price range with JBL Studio 690, check out the Powered Subwoofers under $1500. Alternatively, find the Full list of Powered Subwoofers regardless of the price.
Here we have a comparison of how Studio 690's Low and High frequency values compare with the average, max and min Low and High frequency values in its class.
Low Frequency
Floor-standing Speakers
JBL Studio 690
Min
Average
Max
High Frequency
Floor-standing Speakers
JBL Studio 690
Min
Average
Max

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)


What are the Impedance and Sensitivity of the JBL Studio 690? Is it an easy-to-drive speaker?

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
Max

Nominal Impedance of 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 JBL Studio 690 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 Studio 690:

  • Integrated Amps under 1000 USD
  • Integrated Amps under 1500 USD
  • Integrated Amps under 2000 USD
  • All Integrated Amplifiers

Input Type

Studio 690 has 5-Way post type connectors and lets bi-amping/bi-wiring. Bi-wiring can provide improvements in the overall transparency of your loudspeakers by running separate speaker wires to the low & high frequency drivers from a single amplifier. Bi-amping allows the use of separate amplifiers for the high & low frequency drivers of your loudspeaker which may result in greater dynamic range & lower distortion.

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

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
Max
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
  • 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 R-620F
    Compare
    2-way 96 dB 8 ohms 38-21k Hz
    Triangle Borea BR07
    Compare
    3-way 91 dB 8 ohms 44 - 22k Hz
    Klipsch R-820F
    Compare
    2-way 97 dB 8 ohms 35-21k Hz
    Polk S60
    Compare
    2-way 90 dB 8 ohms 26-40k Hz
    Klipsch R-625FA
    Compare
    2-way 96 dB 8 ohms 38-21k Hz
    Klipsch RP-8000F II
    Compare
    2-way 98 dB 8 ohms 32-25k Hz
    Klipsch R-610F
    Compare
    2-way 94 dB 8 ohms 45-21k Hz
    Klipsch RP-6000F
    Compare
    2-way 97 dB 8 ohms 34-25k Hz
    Triangle Borea BR09
    Compare
    3-way 92.5 dB 8 ohms 35 - 22k Hz
    Polk ES60
    Compare
    2-way 90 dB 8 ohms 32-40k Hz
    Frequently Asked Questions about JBL Studio 690
    What is the External Dimensions of JBL Studio 690
    What is the Speaker Sensitivity of JBL Studio 690
    is the JBL Studio 690 an easy to drive speaker?



    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
    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)
    Weight29.45kg ( 64.80 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
    LATEST BLOG POSTS

    In-wall Speakers Added to Our Reviews and Comparisons
    Cambridge Audio CXA61 and CXA81 Amps now available in Black 
    Klipsch Unveils New Reference Premiere Subwoofers
    ELAC Varro Series of Subwoofers are here!
    KEF R7 Meta Review by Steve Guttenberg
    Top 10 Powered Stereo Speakers with HDMI Input for your TV in 2023


    Latest Passive Floor-standing Speakers
    Focal Kanta No.3
    Focal Kanta No.3
    3-way Floor-standing | 91 dB | 8 ohms
    Focal Kanta No.2
    Focal Kanta No.2
    3-way Floor-standing | 91 dB | 8 ohms
    Definitive Technology Dymension DM80
    Definitive Dymension DM80
    3-way Floor-standing | 90 dB | 4 ohms
    Definitive Technology Dymension DM40
    Definitive Dymension DM40
    2-way Floor-standing | 87 dB | 4 ohms
    Definitive Technology Dymension DM60
    Definitive Dymension DM60
    3-way Floor-standing | 88 dB | 4 ohms
    Definitive Technology Dymension DM70
    Definitive Dymension DM70
    3-way Floor-standing | 90 dB | 4 ohms
    KEF Reference 5 Meta
    KEF Reference 5 Meta
    3-way Floor-standing | 88 dB | 4 ohms
    KEF Reference 3 Meta
    KEF Reference 3 Meta
    3-way Floor-standing | 86 dB | 4 ohms
    Focal Vestia No4
    Focal Vestia No4
    3-way Floor-standing | 92 dB | 8 ohms
    Focal Vestia No3
    Focal Vestia No3
    3-way Floor-standing | 92 dB | 8 ohms


    Copyright © 2023 by SpeakerDecision
    About Privacy Camera Decision