If you are an audiophile, you must be familiar with JBL and Klipsch. The battle between JBL and Klipsch is a tough one since both brands have been consistently introducing high quality products into the market. This review is an attempt to identify six pairs of JBL and Klispch soundbars and speakers and identify which one particularly performs better. Without further ado, let’s look at the differences between the performance of JBL and Klipsch audio devices.
Klipsch Heresy iv vs JBL l100 Classic
The Klipsch Heresy iv are outstanding 3-way speakers that have a wide frequency range and efficient audio performance. The JBL L100 Classic are colorful and fun 3-way speakers that stand out from others with its impressive stereo dynamics. Both speakers are great but which one is better? The table below shows the specifications at a glance.
Design and build
Weighing at 45 lbs, these classy speakers have a compact three-way design that utilizes horn-loaded compression drivers and radiating 12 inch woofers. The speakers are meticulously handcrafted with high quality wood veneers. The construction of the speakers includes a one-inch Tractrix horn loaded tweeter composed of titanium which offers a smooth treble response with enhanced stereo imaging and powerful audio dynamics. The midrange detailed thanks to the 1.75-inch polyimide diaphragm Tractrix horn loaded driver. Lastly, it includes a 12-inch fiber composite cone woofer that helps to deliver smooth and efficient bass response. The rear Tractrix port has custom designed inner flared ports which help to ensure minimal distortion due to air turbulence. Hence the output is more efficient lower frequencies and a cleaner, powerful bass. The design also includes dual posts so that the speakers can be bi-amped or bi-wired.
The JBL L100 gives off a classic vibe with its a walnut cabinet and signature Quadrex foam grille. The L100 is also a three-way loudspeaker, which means that it has three types of drivers. This three-way design includes a one-inch titanium dome tweeter, a 5.25 inch polymer-coated pure-pule cone midrange driver and a 12 inch pure-pulp cone bass woofer. All these drivers work effectively to provide a full range and dynamic audio response. The design of the speakers includes a bass reflex enclosure with a front-firing port. The finishing of the enclosure has been done using walnut veneer. The speakers also include gold-plated, binding-post speaker terminals which can accept a wide range of connectors.
Audio Performance
Although the Klipsch Heresy iv includes a 305 mm driver, the bass response seemed a bit underwhelming. The bass is satisfactory and clean. The audio response offers excellent tonal balance. The speaker sounds amazing when it comes to midrange. It offers incredible vocal clarity in this region. The high frequency response is crisp, sharp and do not become edgy in higher volumes.
The JBL L100 Classic offers a really deep and impactful bass thanks to the combination of large bass driver and generous cabinet. There are beautiful textures across the frequency range. The midrange is crisp and the treble is crystal clear. It offers an expansive soundstage with impressive stereo imaging.
Pros and Cons
To understand the differences between the speakers better, let us look at the pros and cons.
Klipsch Heresy iv
Pros
- High Efficiency & Low Distortion
- Wide Dynamic Range
- Flat Frequency Response
- Dual Binding Post Speaker Terminals
- Midrange and treble clarity
Cons
- Boxy speaker design
JBL l100
Pros
- Punchy and dynamic bass response
- Expansive soundstage
- Tower speaker sound in a stand-mount speaker
- Impressive stereo dynamics
Cons
- Too big for a traditional bookshelf speaker yet too small for a floor-standing speaker
Which one to choose?
It is of no doubt that both the speakers are very great options individually. But when compared, we see some gaps in their audio performance that sets them apart.
Whilst the JBL 100 has a more fun design, it might not always match with the audio room. There are more color variations that the heresy iv offers. The heresy iv is also lighter than the JBL L100. Seeing from the specifications, it is obvious that Klipsch is better. The Klipsch Heresy iv has a wider frequency range, greater sensitivity and better impedance. The sound performance is really engaging and most importantly, the speaker is more efficient and offers low distortion.
In terms of additional speakers, the Klipsch Heresy iv also includes more features than the JBL l100 Classic. Therefore, the Klipsch wins the battle for this one.
Klipsch Cinema 600 vs JBL Bar 5.1
The Klispch cinema 600 are outstanding 3.1 channel soundbar that offers dolby digital decoding with a variety of soundmodes for audio customization. The JBL Bar 5.1 are loud and stylish soundbars that offer audio with impressive dialogue clarity. Let’s compare both the soundbars specifications:
Design and build
The Klipsch cinema 600 is a 3.1 soundbar that has a standard design with great build quality for easy functioning. The soundbar is composed of a wooden enclosure and its surface is covered with a cloth-lined grille. Underneath the surface of the soundbar seven total number of drivers are hidden. These include three one-inch soft dome tweeters with Tractric horns, four three-inch oval fiber composite cone woofers and one ten-inch wireless subwoofer. The Tractrix horns lie on either sides of the soundbar, standing out and giving it a futuristic and alien outlook. The cinema 600 can be mounted to the wall. Above the tweeter there are controls for power, volume adjustments and a display. At the back of the soundbar are HDMI arc, optical and 3 mm aux cable inputs. It also includes a port for power cable and a subwoofer output.
The JBL Bar 5.1 are 5.1 channel soundbars has a charcoal colored exterior which blends nicely with most home theaters. The front and sides of the bar 5.1 are covered with metallic grilles giving it a sleek and classic edge. The soundbar has a sturdy plastic body with good build quality. The structure of the soundbar consists of five racetrack-style drivers and two side-firing 1.25-inch tweeters. It also includes a 10-inch wireless subwoofer that comes separately. At the top surface is the JBL logo and basic touch controls. At the back, there are ports for HDMI, HDMI ARC (TV), optical and USB.
Audio Performance
Although the Klipsch cinema 600 does not have enough feature, it does stand out in terms of audio performance. The seven drivers are designed to work effectively with each other, resulting in an incredible audio output. The center speaker results in impressive dialogue clarity. The woofers and tweeters allow a wide range of frequency whilst the subwoofer delivers deep and tight bass. The width of the soundbar ensures a wide soundstage that offers and immersive audio experience. The inclusion of surround mode ensures that the three channels have greater emphasis on the audio. Whilst the Dialogue mode allows the listener to hear every detail in the audio with ease.
The JBL Bar 5.1 produces a rich audio response. The vocals are quite easily heard thanks to the impressive dialogue clarity that these soundbars have to offer. The audio response of these soundbars are quite different from those of other soundbars. These are quite mild at low and miss bass levels but they are very harsh and powerful in the treble region. The bar 5.1 handles both music and movie audio quite well. Even though it does not support Atmos, it delivers a punchy and dynamic bass.
Pros and Cons
Pros and cons of the two soundbars:
Klipsch Cinema 600
Pros
- Linear Travel Suspension (LTS) soft-dome tweeters with Tractrix horn
- Dolby Digital Decoding with Sound Modes
- Built-in Bluetooth
- IR remote control
- Klipsch Connect App compatibility
- Powerful audio performance with deep bass response
Cons
- No user-adjustable EQ
JBL Bar 5.1
Pros
- Loud and punchy bass response
- Impressive dialogue clarity
- HDMI 2.0 Connectivity
- AirPlay 2 with Siri
- Chromecast Built-in
- Bluetooth compatibility
- Remote control
- Auto On + Standby feature
Cons
- Does not support Atmos
- Only two EQ presets
Which one to choose?
From the review made, it can be seen that both soundbars are different from a very important aspect, one has 3.1 channel configuration whilst the other has 5.1 channel configuration. However, leaving that specification aside, in terms of audio response there is a clear better performer.
The Klipsch cinema 600 delivers a wider frequency range than the jbl bar 5.1 and offers a more powerful audio response. The klipsch soundbar provides a more extended bass than the bar 2.1, it has a better soundstage and it gets louder at higher volumes. Nevertheless, the JBL coundbar has a better build quality and more wireless playback options.
If you are someone who values sound over other features, then the Klipsche cinema 600 is a way better soundbar to go with.
JBL Studio 530 vs Klipsch RP600m
Whilst the JBL Sudio 530 offers powerful bass response with articulate midrange and treble, the Klipsch RP600m rocks with its high quality construction. Which bookshelf speaker is the better option? The specifications show a glimpse of their performance:
Design
The JBL Studio 530 are two-way bookshelf speakers that have a retro bass-reflex design with a rear facing bass port for extended bass. The speakers come in two different color variations- black and cherry with wood grain vinyl finishing. It has a rigid and a heavily braced enclosure with non-parallel surfaces which helps in the reduction of resonance. The design also includes a detachable grille and self-adhesive rubber feet for added protection. The Studio 530 features a 1-inch high frequency compression driver with neodymium magnet which offers wider dynamic range and limits distortion. The 5.25″ low-frequency PolyPlas cone woofer provides articulate bass with reduced resonance. The bookshelf speaker is also included with two sets of gold-plated 5-way binding posts connected by gold-plated jumpers.
The Klipsch RP600m has a bass reflex design with a rear-firing Tractrix port. These bookshelf speakers come in three different colors- walnut, ebony and piano black. They have a classy exterior with a vinyl finish for scratch resistant properties. The enclosure is composed of MDF cabinet to ensure that resonance is reduced and sonic accuracy is improved. The design also includes a removable and magnetic cloth lined grille for a streamlined look. The loudspeaker features a 1″ Titanium LTS Vented Tweeter with a Hybrid Tractrix Horn which offers exceptional treble response. It also includes a 6.5″ Klipsch Proprietary Cerametallic woofer which can efficiently produce maximum bass response. The rear tractric port is designed in such a way as to minimize air turbulence. The speaker also has five binding posts.
Audio Performance
The JBL Studio 530 has an overall rich and balanced audio response with a wide frequency range of 45 hertz to 45k hertz. The bass response of these speakers are warm and especially punchy when it is pushed thanks to the Symmetrical Field Geometry (SFG) magnet assembly. The midrange and treble sounds crisp and clear. The glass-filled ABS Bi-Radial high-frequency horn ensures that the audio being reproduced is of highest quality. The Studio 530 also provides an expansive soundstage with a lot of depth and spaciousness.
The Klispch RP60m has a bouncy and colorful audio response. It’s sensitivity rating of 96 dB shows that it can go very loud without requiring much power. Although the lower bass sounds a little dull, there is some warmth in the upper bass section. The treble can be a bi bright sometimes which can surprise listeners. The vocals are natural and articulate. Overall, the bookshelf speakers have a wide soundstage with rich upper bass response.
Pros and Cons
Let’s look at the pros and cons of the two audio devices:
JBL Studio 530
Pros
- Powerful bass response and focused midrange and treble
- One-piece Teonex diaphragm with voice coils offers vocal articulation
- Glass-filled ABS Bi-Radial high-frequency horn eliminates audio distortion
- Symmetrical Field Geometry (SFG) magnet assembly results in pristine bass
- Low-loss, two-way crossover network for clean transition
Cons
- Design is not for everyone
Klipsch RP600m
Pros
- High quality build at reasonable price
- High sensitivity rating for louder audio response
- Bi-wire and bi-amplification compatible
- Linear Travel Suspension technology for low audio distortion
- Anti-resonance and scratch resistant MDF cabinet
Cons
- Treble can be a bit bright
- Only wired connections, with no digital audio or Bluetooth connectivity.
Which one to choose?
If you are looking for a fresh new look to complete your sound system, the JBL Studio 530 would be a breath of fresh air. The Klipsch RP 600m has more of a standard design that anyone would eventually come to like.
The JBl Studio 530 has a wider frequency range compared to its competitor. Nevertheless,the Klispch Rp 600m sounds louder thanks to its high sensitivity rating. Both speakers have unique technology incorporated in them for a better audio response. However, the JBL Studio 530 has a more powerful bass response with a clear, natural tonal balance. Hence if audio is your number one concern, then the JBL Studio 530 wins the battle.
Klipsch Cinema 400 vs JBL bar 2.1
The Klipsch Cinema 400 and JBL bar 2.1 are high performing and stylish 2.1 channel soundbar. But which one is better? This review might clear up the confusion.
Design
The Klipsch Cinema 400 is a two channel soundbar with four built-in speakers. It is constructed of great quality wood and has a stylish exterior. On the left and right ends of the soundbar, there are two 90° × 90° Tractrix horn tweeters which offer efficient, extended bass response. There are also oval 3-inch composite fiber woofers one both ends adjacent to the horn tweeter. Both the tweeters and woofers are bi-amplified and they use a DPS controlled crossover network. Like most soundbars, it includes a basic control panel at the top. At the back of the soundbar are connectivity ports for optical (toslink) digital input, 3.5 mm analogue AUX input and HDMI ARC. The soundbar measures less than 3 inches so they can quite easily fit beneath any television setting. However, the soundbars also allow wall mounting options for versatility.
The JBL Bar 2.1 is a sleek and modern two channel soundbar that blends in nicely with most home theaters. The soundbar is composed mostly of plastic, with top and entire front panel covered with metallic grille. There are four touch sensitive buttons for audio adjustments at the top of the glossy soundbar which can catch fingerprints. Underneath the metallic grille are re four racetrack-style 2.25-inch drivers and two 1.25-inch tweeters. At the back of the soundbar, there are ports for optical output, HDMI in and out, and HDMI ARC. There is also a USB connector to ensure software updates. The soundbar comes with a remote control and also allows Bluetooth connectivity.
Audio Performance
The Klipsch Cinema 400 is a very detail oriented soundbar that offers frequency range within 35 hertz to 20000 hertz. The soundbars are capable of delivering room shaking, powerful bass response. The subwoofer can be used as an addition for a more thunderous bass performance. However, the soundbar does not have a dedicated center channel. The soundbar features virtual surround sound and Dolby Digital decoding. There are a variety of sound modes that can be selected for a more customized audio response.
The JBL Bar 2.1 is a powerful 2.1 channel soundbar that upgrades the audio response of your television to new heights. The soundbar offers deep and impactful bass which changes according to the acoustics of the room. With a sensitivity rating of 99 dB, these soundbars can perform at very high volumes, offer a loud and dynamic audio response. The midrange has a good volume and quite satisfactory balance. The soundbar really shines in high frequencies, the treble is full of life. The Bar 2.1 utilized JBLs surround and sound shift technology to deliver three dimensional stereo performance.
Pros and Cons
To understand the differences between the two soundbars, let’s look at the pros and cons:
Klipsch Cinema 400
Pros
- The Linear Travel Suspension (LTS) soft-dome tweeters for minimized distortion
- Wireless powered subwoofer
- Surround, Dialogue, Night sound modes
- Built-in Bluetooth
- Remote control
- Klipsch Connect App
- Flexible placement and mounting options
Cons
- Does not support eARC
- Does not have Wi-Fi
JBL bar 2.1
Pros
- JBL Surround Technology with six distinctive sound modes
- Audio Sync features ensures audio is in sync with the visuals
- JBL SoundShift Technology allows quick transition from TV sound to Bluetooth sound
- Bluetooth audio streaming
- IR remote control for wireless streaming
- High sensitivity rating for loud audio response
- Auto On + Standby
Cons
- No DTS support
- Not enough EQ settings
Which one to choose?
Although design is a matter of perspective, the JBL bar 2.1 looks better in my opinion. The Tractrix horn at both ends in the klipsch bar 400 feels a bit distracting and tacky.
When it comes to audio performance, the cinema 400 exhibits a wider frequency range than that of bar 2.1. Nevertheless, the JBL bar 2.1 offers distinctive sound modes for a customized audio experience and also flaunts a higher sensitivity rating. These soundbars are quite loud and powerful. Although a difficult choice between the two, the JBL 2.1 performs a bit better than the klipsch cinema 400.
JBL Studio 590 vs Klipsch RP 8000f
The JBL Studio 590 are 2 way floor standing speakers that deliver great bass response. The Klipsch Rp 8000f have a sleek design and incorporate Klipsch’s linear suspension technology for a pleasurable audio performance. Both floorstanding speakers are great but one stands out better.
Design
The JBL Studio 590 are two-way dual woofer floorstanding speakers. These huge speakers really draw some attention with their mighty size and weight. They have a very unique design that gives off an alien-ish vibe. JBL shies away from the boring rectangular box design and offers an exciting design incorporating non parallel surfaces and MDF cabinet. The speakers come in two color variations: cherry and black. The bass reflex design is combined with dual gold-plated speaker binding posts and port tube inserts for extended, impactful and immersive bass response. Inside the speaker is a 1″ compression driver with neodymium magnet and one-piece Teonex® diaphragm on a glass-filled ABS Bi-Radial® horn and dual 8″ PolyPlas™ cast aluminum frame woofers with symmetrical field geometry (SFG) magnet structures and rubber surrounds.
The Klipsch RP 8000f are large tower speakers that come in three different color options- ebony, walnut and piano black. These speakers have quite a standard design- they look like most loudspeakers with their textured surface and tweeters. Nevertheless, the simplicity of the speakers gives it sheer elegance. The construction of the speakers resemble sandalwood and the surface is scratch resistant. The speaker features a pair of cerametallic woofers in diameters of 8 inches. It also includes a one-inch titanium dome Tractrix horn loaded tweeter. This efficient design helps in airflow and reduces turbulence to provide a smooth audio response. The RP 8000f consists of aluminum feet to minimize contact with floor and therefore minimize sound distortion at higher volumes.
Audio Performance
The JBL Studio 590 offers a powerful audio response. These speakers have incredible bass response and you wouldn’t normally require to pair them up with subwoofers because the bass it produces feels impactful and deep. Almost all genre of music sounds amazing with these speakers. The midrange is musical and has a neutral tonal balance. Although the midrange isn’t as prominent, it sure is clean and accurate. The vocals sound crystal clear and every detail is left for the ears to explore. The high frequencies sound intricate with details and extended without any coloration. The front stage is expansive with great extension.
The Klipsch RP 8000f are really great sound systems that make your ordinary home theater sound quite similar to the cinema. The loudspeakers exhibit high quality bass response. It has an excellently structured bass that is both articulate and deep. The speakers deliver dialogue with precision and clarity. The audio response is neutral and accurate, and the frequency is widely dispersed over a large range. At 98 dB sensitivity rating, the speakers are capable of going quite loud when the volume is increased. For a better and more optimized audio experience, the speakers can be positioned slightly inward. Overall, they performance great in terms of audio.
Pros and Cons
The pros and cons of the klipsh and JBL speakers are as follows:
JBL Studio 590
Pros
- Great bass response, detailed midrange and expressive treble audio production
- No distortion in high volumes
- Glass-Filled ABS B-Radial High-Frequency Horn optimizes treble response
- Symmetrical Field Geometry (SFG) Magnet Assembly offers clear bass response
- Low-Loss, Two-Way Crossover Network for clean audio transition
- Magnetically Shielded design for reduced distortion
Cons
- Build quality would have been better for the large size
Klipsch RP 8000f
Pros
- Sleek design
- Linear Travel Suspension technology
- Hybrid Tractrix Horn Technology
- Rear Tractrix Port designed for minimum distortion
- Dual binding posts for bi wiring
- Cast Aluminum Stabilizer Feet
Cons
- Does not support digital Atmos
Which one to choose?
Both the JBL and Klipsch speakers are very tall. They look pretty similar in terms of design so there isn’t a judgement to make.
The JBL speaker definitely performs better in terms of audio response. It has a better bass response, a clearer midrange and incredible treble response. If you are looking for a quality audio performance, the JBL Studio 590 are a better option.
Klipsch Heritage Groove vs JBL charge 4
The beautifully crafted Klipsch Heritage Groove speaker sounds as wonderful as it looks with its full range aluminum drivers and passive bass radiators working in sync to deliver outstanding audio response. The JBL Charge 4 is a more cheerful and colorful Bluetooth speaker that seem to be the perfect companion for loud outdoor parties. Let’s learn a bit more about them.
| Specification | Klipsch Heritage Groove | JBL Charge 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Product type | Portable Bluetooth speaker | Portable Bluetooth speaker |
| Color/ Finish | Matte Black, Walnut | Blue, Pink, Grey, Forest green, teal, red, black |
| Weight | 2.2 lbs | 2.12 lbs |
| Dimensions | 6 x 5 x 2.6 inches | 8.7 x 3.7 x 3.7 inches |
| Driver | 1 x 3” aluminum full-range high excursion 2 passive bass radiators | 2" x 3-1/2" transducer with two passive bass radiators to reinforce low frequencies |
| Frequency Range | 65 Hz to 22 khz | 60Hz–20kHz |
| Impedance | - | - |
| Sensitivity | 97 dB | - |
| Power handling | 20 W Peak | 30W RMS |
| Price | Check the latest price on amazon | Check the latest price on amazon |
Design
The Klipsch Heritage Groove has a unique boxy appearance with its rectangular shape and textured body. The speaker is made up of a wooden cabinet on the top and bottom panels whilst the other four sides are covered with an elegant fabric available in two different variations- heather grey or checkered. On one side of the fabric, the brand name is beautifully displayed on a metal plate. At the center of the top panel is the is an aluminum plate that includes all the control buttons and a high sensitivity microphone used for phone calls. The speaker consists of a 3” aluminum cone full-range driver loaded in a sealed cabinet. The driver is paired up with two passive radiators which ensure extended bass response. At the back of the Heritage Groove are connections for Bluetooth and a 3.5 mm aux input.
The JBL Charge 4 is a Bluetooth speaker that features a rough build for dynamic audio performance. It has a cylindrical shape which is hardly round give that it comes with some chunky rubber feet to keep it from sliding. The front of the speaker is made up of mostly cloth and metallic grille. Inside the speaker are racetrack-style driver and side-firing passive radiators. At the top of the Charge 4 is the control panel. There are controls for power, volume adjustments, play/ pause and forward track controls. A JBL connect+ button is also included. The greatest thing about the JBL Charge 4 is that it is a really well built speaker. It has a rating of IPX7 rating which means that it is able to resistant hard weather conditions and it is also waterproof.
Audio Performance
Despite its compact size, the Klipsch Heritage Groove is able produce high volumes of audio. The speaker is able to deliver a punchy and snappy bass. However, at higher volumes the bass can get a bit distorted. Nevertheless, for the size of the speaker, there isn’t much to expect. The Heritage Groove really stands out in the mids and highs region. The midrange is detailed and clear whereas the treble is bright and focused. The speaker can use some improvement in terms of stereo separation. Overall, the audio response is loud and clear.
The JBL Charge 4 is not at all disappointing in terms of bass response. In fact, it delivers powerful and deep bass response which sounds extremely clear even at higher volumes. The mids are great for vocal clarity and the highs are also well balanced. Since the highs are balanced to meet the mids, the speakers might not sound as natural as some would like them to sound. The Bluetooth speaker is quite surprisingly loud for its compact size. It performs exceptionally well in an indoor room but it is also loud enough to satisfy your ears outdoor. Overall, the Charge 4 has great resolution.
Pros and Cons
JBL and Klipsch Bluetooth speakers Pros and Cons:
Klipsch Heritage Groove
Pros
- Beautiful vintage design with excellent build quality
- Powerful audio response for compact size
- 8-hour battery life for long playtime
- Built-in microphone for phone calls
- Allows micro USB charging
- Bluetooth compatibility
Cons
- Expensive
- Bass response can use some improvement
JBL charge 4
Pros
- Loud audio response
- Balanced and powerful sound
- IPX7 waterproof
- Bluetooth 4.2
- Rechargeable battery
- LED indicators
Cons
- Long charge time
- No microphone
Which one to choose?
In terms of design, the Klipsch Heritage Groove definitely looks better and is built with greater craftsmanship. On the other hand, if you are someone who is looking for a colorful and fun experience, the JBL Charge 4 would be a better choice.
In terms of audio response, both speakers perform quite well. Nevertheless, the JBL Charge 4 has a better bass response since it can go much lower. The audio also does not get distorted at higher volumes unlike the Groove speakers. Whilst the Charge 4 requires long charging time, it has a longer battery life. It is waterproof and dustproof and has 20 W more power.
To break it down, the Groove is a wonderful choice if you want to listen to audio indoors. To pump up your audio experience, you should go for JBL Charge 4.
Conclusion
JBL and Klipsch are two of the best known brands in the audio industry. With both brands manufacturing high quality products for the audiophiles over the years, it’s quite difficult to put them in a ranking. Both brands are great but when it comes to separate audio devices, you should always consider a few things such as their specifications, features and connectivity options before making the purchase.
Freelance tech journalist & author soundboxlab.com Read More
