JBL vs Klipsch | same song, same setup [4K]

JBL 4367 vs Klipsch Cornwall IV sound comparison (kindly requested by many subscribers)
Listening through reference headphones is recommended
Focus on timbre, texture and tonality of the 2 loudspeakers
Associated equipment:
McIntosh Mc1.25Kw Power Amplifiers
McIntosh C53 Preamplifier
AURALiC Altair G2.1 Digital Audio Streamer
Rack by Bassocontinuo
Song: Moonlight Serenade by Diana Panton
At IL TEMPIO DEL SUONO International Hifi Store, Lissone (MB), Milan, Italy
#SoundSommelier
#JBL
#Klipsch

[@jpaleas]

Great presentation! It’s really a preference between different audiences ear demands! Both sets sound great, but for my ears it’s Klipsch all the way!

[@marekb.7835]

I dont like Klipsch but they are far far better than JBL. Mcintosh is also defenitley not my type. I hate them in fact.

[@Encourageable]

Marek, you have bad taste in components and speakers LOL

[@igaldins]

The cornwalls are forward and a bit harsh. Maybe not the best for long listening sessions but they sound so present and so real that I'll take the cornwalls no doubt. The grills can reduce the harshnes if needed.

[@dlfrestoration]

I know that klipsch is a hash overly bright speaker not a fan at all but in this set up it's slightly more detailed. And that's only in part to the amps in reality the person buying either of these won't buy such good amps to power them.

[@zackw4941]

I thought the Klipsch had a slightly sweeter tonality, which I appreciate. However, they are ultimately too bright and the JBLs sounded a lot more correct. If I close my eyes listening to the JBL, I'm there, at the club, enjoying the performance. I can almost smell the room. On the Klipsch, I'm there, at the club, but the sound guy got the levels wrong and I'm trying to decide if I shove napkins in my ears or not.

[@wongwave7112]

More than one year after this video was posted, just walked by and listened. It took me sinking back into the sound of the old American ported speakers in 70's. Thanks. Great speakers and song selected. Enjoy so much, again.

[@briankita2044]

Very interesting. Great song selection. I listened a/b them, about 10x with my eyes closed. I have no pony in the race on this one. The Klipsch sounded like she was in the room there, singing; the JBLs sound like she was coming through a speaker. I can really hear the difference on the "t" in the word moonlight. Thanks for this.

[@denniswade4998]

Totally agree! Even though we were listening thru KZbin , the difference was very obvious. The Cornwallis were alive! I actually wish I hadn't heard this, because now I'm lusting after a pair!

[@timh4886]

Overall, I would agree and full disclosure I am biased I have Fortes, so I was comparing those to the Cornwalls. My minor critique with Klipsch(s) and never a deal breaker for me, there fantastic audiophile speakers, a smidgen bright in the treble region, where as to me the JBL's came across smoother. Of course understand trying to compare using audio via KZbin.

[@charliechan529]

With that type of music, the strength & authority of the JBL at low frequency did not shine but instead it sounded like the recording was made with a microphone without a foam filter etc. The Klipsch wins and matches the music with it's prominent clarity however, when you play a huskier male voice i think it's another game!

[@negswa4127]

@@timh4886 not sure I agree, the klipsch were clearer and smoother to the ear.

[@interesting7906]

@@denniswade4998 JBL low freq reproduction is much better to me. The Klipsch lows are muddy and sloppy. The voice and image are clearly far superior from the Ks. I think we can't call this based on one song though.

[@rsundar1973]

Any setup in this room sounds great. Shows how much room acoustics matters.

[@jandmbooks]

Nicely done. Thanks for the comparison vid.

[@raysonsr9050]

I had auditioned both. Found the JBL cleaner and clearer but the Cornwall 4 more presence and more lively in its presentation’ Both are fantastic speakers! I bought the Cornwall 4 and absolutely love it!

[@stayin91degrees]

feels like the difference between a high quality but sharpened photo vs experiencing the real thing

[@asplmn]

@@stayin91degrees which one is the "real deal" in this analogy? Lol Also, how does the bass "impact" differ between the two? Like feeling the kick drum in your chest.

[@stayin91degrees]

@@asplmn klipsch sounds more natural/realistic... although if you had to ask, and bass impact is high on your list, you may be more satisfied by looking for a cheaper system with a sub (or subs) :)

[@ralfwindte5986]

Exactly my impression from this video when compared directly to the original. The voice of over the JBL sounds more like the original while over the Cornwalls it sounds more present.

[@johnvanduser4531]

JBL sounds mor intimate (small room) while the Klipsch sounds more like a club. I like the JBL.

[@kenhiett5266]

Jbl's sound like the more refined/cleaner speakers to my ear. I'm getting a very holographic sound from the Klipsch, but still very nice. It's amazing how well this recording is translated through my headphones. Didn't expect that.

[@BongLeach]

Holographic, great way to put it! Same for myself.

[@mikeformato8655]

I have read a lot of comments and FINALLY I found one that I agree with! I'm not being biased but I do own a pair of JBLS. While they're great, they are not quite as refined as my Phase technology Tower speakers. but I love them both for different reasons.

[@cmgaudiochannel]

Sommelier you are the best, thank you for the comparison.

[@garyjones101]

Thanks for the demo! You can certainly understand how speakers are the place to start your system. If you like how they sound at the dealer, then you know you can get the sound you want at home by adding the components (over time if necessary) to get to your sound.

[@hardystein114]

Careful there , with that assumption. Your room , at home could well be the deciding factor. Many homes have terrible acoustics.

[@westernet1471]

I'm an old fart nearly 70 so take my opinion with a grain of salt... I've owned JBL L65 Jubal loudspeakers since 1974 or thereabout and I have enjoyed their "rock the house," abilities. They have what was considered to be at the time a, "West Coast" sound. That meant they had a bass bump around 50Hz and a little extra lift in the treble as well. I don't think I would give them the "smile" curve in totality but something similar. A past neighbor of mine had the Klipsch Cornwal of a couple generations past and we listened to each others systems fairly often. I enjoyed his system if for no other reason than just to listem to something different from mine. It was a good sounding stereo. He was driving his Klipsch with the big Adcom's of the day and I with an integrated McIntosh. He had a Dual auto turntable and I a Phillips manual, both of us using a Pickering cart. So some differences but still comparable. His stereo always presented the midrange as forward compared to mine. Vocals were accentuated but not so much as to be over-the-top but attention getting none the less. The Klipsch midrage horn gave the vocals a "present in the room" quality I appreciated. My JBLs did not even try to do the same. Where they shined was when the bass beat matched up with the bump in their output. Lots of rock songs have a matching sound, especially the classic songs of those days such as Led Zep, Stones, Pink Floyd... I can't say I liked the Klipsch as much as the JBL on that music. Enough Reminiscing, old farts do a lot of that... that was just to say I've experienced something similar as is presented in todays video. On to the speakers under review today. I haven't heard either of these exact models so you might wonder what is that I could be commenting on. The audio journey I have travelled has educated me in ways that I would never have believed as a much younger man. The one thing I noticed when listening to the audio/video presented here has what I would consider a major flaw in the comparison. It may well have been addressed by the presenter but in an nonobvious way. He says the two presentations are given with the intention of addressing timber, texture and tonality, he doesn't mention the fact that the two speakers are not of equal sensitivity and made no attempt to equalize the volume between the speakers output. My own experience in the matter indicates most listeners will prefer the louder speaker. At the very beginning of the Klipsch I noticed it was several decibels louder wich prompted me to check the level with my decible meter. The Cornwall played over all at least 2db and up to 8db higher than the JBL. The difference in sensitivity betwen the specs of the speakers is 94 for the JBL and 102 for the Klipsch. I suspect the Klipsch is less than flat through the frerquency range the mid-horm covers as well. None of the above means the klipsch is flawed or the JBL is in any way better, it just means it is possibly the reason a majority of the commentors expressed a bias for the Cornwall. Unlike most people, I have retained ownership of nearly every speaker I have ever purchased. Even tho my Jubals are well back in the pack these days, they are currently undergoing a revitalization of new surrounds and will be back to audition status soon. I currently rotate Martin Logan Quest z, Polk Audio LSiM 707, DCM, Bob Carver, Jamo, Polk Audio LSim 703, Polk Audio Monitor 70 and KRK monitors, with many others that I have given to family members, Infinity, Cerwin Vega and Yamaha just to name a few more. Every one of these speakers require a change in the volume setting to play at the same level. They don't all compare favorably with one another at any volume but using the same volume is the only true way to do any comparison between competitors for your consideration. That being said, if the volume was equalized in this video, one of the greatest differences between them would have been disguised. That would have been a disservice as well, because it has always been a Klipsch advantage that should not be overlooked. I thoughly enjoyed the comparison and would like to see another match between them equalizing the volume difference to see if the comments remained in favor of the Klipsch. I hope I didn't burn anyones ears off with my long post... Thanks for reading Rick

[@mkaa05]

Your system sounds SOO AMAZING!! Beautiful!!❤

[@stifoli]

Hearing this trough my Cornwall 4’s and Luxman lx380……pure heaven !!! Great comparison👍👍👍

[@1966roadking]

Nice setup, both sound fantastic!

[@robertowens7771]

I like the second pair, they sound so live just like a live performance bravo bravo bravo

[@RobGordon35]

Brilliant shoot-out! Many thanks! I think I'd go for the Klipsch!

[@bobbya8622]

That is so beautiful!

[@Mcrichalot12]

Really something special about the Cornwalls. So much more presence and "live-ness". Hard to explain, sounds much more open and free. More human.

[@Mcrichalot12]

Like the singer is in your brain!

[@dzmitrysidarau7161]

Klipsch sounds more emotional .... JBL more neutral

[@ralfwindte5986]

Easy to explain: it is all due to a non-linear frequency response with pronounced mid-range.

[@nativochileno7091]

EXCELENTE TRABAJO MUCHAS GRACIAS UN FUERTE ABRAZO DESDE SANTIAGO DE CHILE

[@stevewarner8686]

Nice clean sound with JBL... luv the blue speaker accents matches the leds

[@cykkatt1]

Both are amazing

[@JamesWilliams-gf8gm]

Wow thanks for the trouble. Great video!

[@ChrisDIYerOklahoma]

Great video and demo. My 2.1 system -- Old school (and recently refurbished) JBL Model L96's and a new Klipsch SPL-120 powered subwoofer. The sound is all there.

[@mr_jarble]

Thanks for the videos as always

[@cadiehl1]

Wow!! It’s like she’s standing right in the room with those Klipsch’s!! I’ve always loved the Klipsch sound. All I’ve ever owned. For a reason. The JBL’s are awesome as well. No real winner when it’s all individual taste. I’d take either in a split second and not look back.

[@mwsfly4644]

Super sound ! 😁👍

[@sympacool8873]

Nice demo. Both great speakers

[@kenntks]

I like the JBL warmer more laid back sound. The klipsch is great but a tad too forward to me. Thanks for the great videos. SS. Really appreciate you hifi videos.

[@Tonetwisters]

JBLs sound great. But those Cornwalls! What incredible vocal presence!! I sold them in the early 80s, and they were my favorites in the Klipsch line ...

[@craigschepers714]

what album what year???

[@bryanjennings7821]

Couldnt choose between them. Both awesome

[@kadirskadirs]

Love the sound and the song.... calming me down...♥️

[@leetingler619]

Having worked in a stereo store decades ago. I had the pleasure of hearing both brands. Three way speakers have always had more openness and definition. This is due to a mid range speaker or horn. Though 2way speakers are very good also. It comes down to what your ears 👍 like.

[@headshotpros888]

"Three way speakers have always had more openness and definition" yes, agreed!

[@SuppressiveSquirrel]

Thank you @leetingler , speakers and audiophiles is all about personal preference. Personally, you’re listening to a speaker through a speaker, in my case, an iPad, but the JBL ( to me) sounded better,cleaner. Bad song to compare though since there’s little bass and treble non-existent.

[@chrislawrence5113]

Nice demo. Both great speakers. Given what I hear (and I wish I was there), I prefer the sound of the Cornwalls on this song. I have to agree with Bill Armstrong's comments. He nailed it. Would like to hear something that gives them a more thorough workout.

[@larrysmith4918]

Something about the JBL's that liked thru my system. It makes a huge difference if the system that your listener's are hearing this thru can't keep up... Excellent content

[@tagcasa8566]

wow, JBL i LOVED, sound wonderful, ufffffffff, great presentation, thanks

[@Freedom89984]

This type of speakers have that holographic live sound that touches your emotional brain like no other speaker can. Very nice, both of them.

[@don7680]

Very nice setup! Listening on my TV through NAD amplification and ADS speakers, the Cornwall's definitely sound more open top to bottom. Especially in the midrange. Both are beauties, but love those Cornwall's!

[@mycowboyways915]

Love the live performance sound of the Cornwall IV speakers. Beautiful.

[@techno_magnus9616]

Awesome.

[@slidetek]

Surprisingly, I prefer the Klipsch. The JBL sound rather bloated and directional. That horn gets kind of hot in places. Klipsch just sound nice and open, I really get a sense of the space. I've owned a few pair of JBL's back in the 70's including L100 Centuries. Never owned Klipsch though. I think this type of recording best shows off the horn systems, but I'd guess this setup can rock like nobody's business. Thanks for posting!

[@jstoli996c4s]

The Cornwall IV’s absolutely rock. I heard them for the first time a few weeks ago playing some live Frank Zappa, it was very impressive, literally a front row experience.

[@Oldgoat912]

Why is your conclusion surprising? The Cornwalls are quite a bit less expensive. As a long-time Cornwall owner, I agree with your assessment.

[@westernartifact580]

Surprised because of widespread prejudice maybe.

[@donegan2comcast]

Back when they were the hottest ticket, I had a pair of JBL L100's and loved them (loved them). I now have a pair of old, old (old) Klipschorns and I am constantly amazed by the 'in the room with me' phenomena. I believe that JBL's imbue a bit of JBL-ness to music played through them, the Kiipsch just convey the music. IMHO.

[@bidenneedshisbuttwiped]

I pick both!..Thank you very much!

[@MarkasTZM]

Yay. A comparison video I actually enjoyed. Subbed.

[@mikepaul2372]

Great setup and comparison. Would be happy with either. Klipsch sound a bit brighter and more forward. JBL a bit muffled in comparison but both outstanding at this price point. Thank you for providing this great comparison.

[@AudioElectronicsChicago]

I love both brands, if I have to pick, I will go with the Klipsch

[@halmetzger8429]

Hello, another video well done sir! They both really do sound very good but if I had to live with one or the other I believe I would choose the Klipsch! With the (Klipsch) her voice seemed more life like sounding and more in the room with you. The Klipsch seems to sound more spacious a larger soundstage and notes seemed to hang in the air longer and in general smoother sounding! But that’s just my humble opinion and we know everyone’s got their own opinion. That’s why they make chocolate, strawberry and vanilla!! Thank you again for your time and effort you spend making these wonderful videos! Keep spinning those tunes and happy listening 🔊 🔊

[@74milesey]

I love both of these speakers. The JBLs should be turned up a bit as they are not as efficient as the Cornwalls. I have the 4367s and I love them with all kinds of music. I have a soft spot for the Klipsch high end heritage speaker range. Whether it is the LaScalas or the Cornwalls, they do sound and looks so well. Great video, thanks for posting. Also the McIntosh gear looks great.

[@TheTruthTeller1111]

You need to audition a pair of ESS speakers...

[@BobTrainor]

Both sound great! But the Klipsch sound is a live sound. Say what you will about neutrality but at the end of the day, I want that live sound. It’s like you’re in a jazz club. I’m almost expecting to hear the sound of ice in a cocktail glass. Live events play through PA systems and the Klipsch sound captures that and puts it in your listing space like no other. Sure it’s flawed, it’s colored, it can be nasally, it can be bright, but it can be magic too. The Klipsch sound makes it sound just real enough to trick you sometimes. I have a pair of Heresy IVs, not as good as those Cornwalls but they make me keep listing, track after track and that’s what HiFi is all about for me. Listening to music and getting pulled in track after track. I’d love a pair of Cornwalls, but they’re huge! Thanks for the Demo!

[@joshuapeters3603]

Awesome demo!!! I really like the JBL’s they sound so true and smooth. I’m sure the Macintosh’s have a lot do with it. I can’t do the sibilant Cornwall thought they just make any s or t so blown out of proportion it’s distracting.

[@hardystein114]

I tend to agree. Still , it may come down to how they sound at home. The klipsch are certainly more " foreward" , aren`t they ?

[@alejandrosantos3]

Great speakers comparison. I ‘d like you keep making this kínd of videos. Also want to ask an audiovector R3 comparison, because there’s very few videos about them.

[@klaymoon1]

They are both lovely. I think JBL may have a slight more personality I like, but they both surely produce lovely sounds.

[@peterw2714]

I haven’t even listened to it with headphones yet and on my iPad I can tell the difference in vocals that’s for sure. JBL sounds like she’s singing through a PA system and with the Cornwall she sounds like the singer is actually in the room.

[@skip741x3]

thats a hell of a demo! great choice of vocals to show off the speakers..I can hear the breath of the singer between notes....I gotta give it to the jbl as they sounded more natural and Live in reproduction, more Airy sounding... the klipsches have a slight midrange coloration , those tweeters are running hot compared to the jbls...they come across to me as almost Too much...for a long listen those klipsch horns would get to me..

[@CarloBerlin2023]

stupendo; tanti saluti da Berlino - Carlo & mySoundbook Team

[@boltingskyline5234]

Both are powerhouses for speakers that anyone would be proud of owning. Klipsch for me have more in the higher frequencies, while both perform equally well in the lower frequencies. Of course it's never going to be as good as actually being there but the difference for me is perceptible enough to notice at the higher end and they both sound equal coming through my Sunfire XTEQ-12 in the lower end. Those Mac amps are beautiful! Nice video. 👍

[@mgsee]

The Klipsch is to me more immediately appealing in this setup (and over KZbin). The vocals are more expressive and the overall sound is more engaging. However, I do wonder if the sound of the JBLs would be improved if they are lifted off the floor on stands, especially as they sound smoother and more refined at the top end, compared to the brighter sounding Klipsch.

[@marct9587]

At first, I picked JBL, but upon more listening, the Cornwall seems better, with a more real sounding reproduction of her vocals.

[@Ale55andr082]

so sibilants "s" are a "realistic sound" ... I didn't know that 😀

[@elvincuevas1727]

@@Ale55andr082 I have heard women speaking and singing next to me with no speakers or microphone that have actually sibilants "s" in real life.

[@dae711moe5]

They both were amazing.

[@larryboles629]

The difference is very easy to hear. Maybe because I have a decent TV sound bar as my computer speaker. I notice within the first 3 seconds of the Klipsch playing that the was more lower midrange and sounded warm. After going back and forth a couple hundred times (at least 5 times) I realized that my first impression was wrong. The Klipsch have more lows period and what I was thinking warm, was in reality presents. The Klipsch put me more in the Club than the JBLs. Great comparison, thanks for your effort. Be happy, be safe

[@keithchua5840]

The jbl sounds cleaner and sharper on the vocal like a live performance. The Klipsch sounded more warm and leaning towards a sense of old record setting.

[@DougMen1]

The JBL sounds pretty amazing too, but it can't compare to the "you are there" warmth and presence of the Cornwall, which is so rich and natural that it sounds like the vocalist and musicians are right there in the room. The La Scalas have that same presence. I should be so lucky to own any of these magnificent speakers, or a room big enough to accomodate them

[@billiondollarbaby3276]

Dont need a large room for the Cornwalls at all. I know somebody that has them in his 9x13 room and they work fine. My room is 13x15 No issues at all. Its a myth that all larger speakers need large rooms

[@ricmech9128]

@@billiondollarbaby3276 My room is 15X18 with my listening position 9 feet from my Cornwall III's. I have owned them and use them daily for almost 5 years now. I'm still amazed how good they sound and really love them. I think you could absolutely use these in a smaller room with no issues.

[@adrianomarchesini627]

I had La Scala's for many yrs in a 13x17 room and the speakers filled the room without any constrains

[@el34glo59]

@@billiondollarbaby3276 wow. Maybe I should go Cornwall

[@Pepe-dq2ib]

The Cornwall is too peaky for my taste, i prefer something more warm and slow with the JBL. Thats why i still rock the 4345 and 4350.

[@clnna6288]

nice，thanks

[@mrpositive8664]

Nice!

[@johngutmanis3580]

I listened on a McIntosh c50 preamp, Carver Crimson 275 amp, streamed video via an iPad with Audio quest cobalt dragonfly DAC and Klipsch Hersey IV speakers and REL Tzero subs. To my ears the Cornwall’s are more open, you are there in the room sounding. The JBL’s are more smooth and speaker like. Both are great speakers, but my preference is the Cornwall’s. They put you in the auditorium, like attending a live performance.

[@AldoSchmedack]

WOWSA! What a nice setup! Lovely song and voice. Both are good. Klipsch is a bit bright, JBL more bass. But I have always preferred Klipsch, owned several of both. But you have to have the right setup besides that to match to the Klipsch. It's all about a system. Any one thing can change things. IMHO I love Martin-Logan & Krell, I just can't afford it. Klipsch are my go to until 'one day.' Man I can't wait for that day!

[@user-wl6wi5qd3o]

Many thx for your sound comparison... :)) ...best regards from good old germany 👋

[@YannickSchwarz]

Les Klipsch sans contestation pour mes oreilles, plus de vie, de présence avec un beau médium et à la moitié du prix des JBL (enfin ici en Europe) ! Merci pour cette comparaison.

[@stephenstevens6573]

Klipsch, heads and shoulders over the JBL... yes...both have horns, but the jbls are overly harsh...the Klipsch sound much smoother...warmer...thank uou for the comparison!

[@ljbrandt500]

Funny, I thought just the opposite. I very much enjoyed the extra "energy" from the Klipsch however

[@albertmanzo9510]

JBL and McIntosh are one great combination. Fantastic sound demo with the best stereo amp in the world!!!

[@ArJuna22]

stereo?

[@Psychedelic-Playground]

BTW. u totally nailed the timing here, showing both speakers from the same position. 1:50 and 6:38

[@terrysnyder967]

both are incredible sounding. t The JBLs are more laid back while the Klipsch has a forward presence with more lifelike voice presentation. I just ordered the Cornwall 4s so hoping they perform as heard here and described elsewhere in reviews.

[@herrtrigger7220]

I have never liked Klipsch much but in this great sounding video they really do outclass what I thought were my dream speakers in the 4367.

[@Atelieravence]

Despite a pick up of sound off-center, more front the right speaker, I prefer the listening session with the pair of JBL 4367 speakers. The voice and the guitar climb towards the trebles without cutting and without hissing and it is appreciable, as they are on my active 3-way monitors with AMT tweeter. But, it's true that, for over 40 years, my ears have a preference for the West Coast sound over the American Midwest or East Coast sounds.

[@mhu9343]

When I listen this song on my CW4s it is less harsh and totally smooth in the highs but still very detailed. I am really astounded about this fact, as I am running them with a budget friendly Cayin MT34. I think it really depends on the lineup in the system and the placement. I would not use my CWs any other way, than flat on walls. Thats what they are made for. I like the JBL too but I am clearly missing details and for this price, there are better options. I checked the part of the guitar solo and her coming back with singing, there one can hear clearly missing details unlike the CWs. Since this setup is so much more expensive, it makes me not want to upgrade my amp. Thanks for this very well made comparison!

[@ryshask]

these speakers sing.. it's the 3rd driver I think... smaller speakers... speakers with 2 drivers etc... no replacement for driver displacement.

[@acboone7]

The Klipsch make it sound like the singer is live in the room with you! ❤

[@oscardansso6578]

For me "Warm" is the my ears target. in this particular case JBL for me. Great PRESENTATION!

[@mjuman]

I love your videos, Klipsch over here sound more open and spacious, JBL kind of laid back and boomy, can you please play a Hindi/ Bollywood modern musical song on your great setup. any effort will be much appreciated by millions.

[@jstoli996c4s]

Two fantastic speakers 🔊 Comes down to personal preference. ZZ Top’s “La Grange” back to back on these would be interesting.

[@artureff3046]

la grange is good on just anything 🍾

[@AldoSchmedack]

Any speaker can blare music, and I love ZZ too, but speakers are about subtle differences. Jazz, ambient or the like are better ways to test than hard rock. Not that you shouldn't do both!

[@jamescox4823]

@@AldoSchmedack I disagree any decent speaker will make Jazz(boring) sound good, it takes some complexity to tell the true difference.

[@sana-cm7oc]

Cool video. Quite the difference. Both sound great. I prefer the Klipsch because that's what I grew up listening to. Slight distortion on the mic at 06:19

[@Coolguy-xo3cj]

Very nice comparison 💪💪👍👍 assuming the klipsh are less in price .. would choose

[@robjones8733]

Wow, I have never listened to any of these horn type speakers, I'm impressed by the Klipsch's. Big difference, the Special K is noticeably more transparent with the vocals. 😳

[@ralfwindte5986]

Yes it is but only because the tonality is wrong. I think the midrange is louder which gives the voice a greater presence but this doesn't have to do anything with reality. At least this is my take from comparing the title directly.

[@westensanchez9483]

The Klipsch are noticably clearer and reveal more detail. When it switched to the Klipsch, I could hear the sound of her lips moving and her breath. There was definitely more coloration from the horn with the jbl speakers.

[@seasterl]

Great comparison. I have the Klipsch Forte IV, but have been considering this JBL wondering if it might sound more alive (more presence). My Forte IV sound a little dark! I’d like to hear your CW4 and JBL comparison with the well-recorded Heart Magic Man.

[@lui8104]

che meraviglia!

[@ceaget7252]

Klipsch sounds much more forward and a touch sibilant on the highs. JBL sounds warmer, more natural without the exaggerated highs. I suspect for long term listening and musicality, the JBL should be easier on the ears.

[@bobo-si3kw]

Exactly.

[@timw2407]

i also agree with this, the Klipsch's sound a little more thin, not as warm as the JBL's

[@TheParabolik]

Bravo! You are absolutely right!

[@vespass225]

Agreed. Klipsch does in this case sound as if they were intended to impress and to be spectacular, which make them a little too forward and annoying, while the JBL:s are just perfectly balanced and sweet as candy.

[@scottyo64]

To me the Klipsch sound far more realistic. I have them and these are non fatiguing unlike my RF7 IIs.

[@BinhNguyen-gh3hg]

for me personally, JBL has a more accurate presentation, while the Cornwall has a fuller/warmer delivery especially the midrange. I feel like I would enjoy the Klipsch more for a longer listening session. Both are fantastic speakers nonetheless that money can buy, wish I have that kind of money tho :(

[@lincolnbliss6046]

I have many products from both sides and they are both phenomenal its impossible to pick a favorite I feel that the klipsch is a little more natural sounding but I also like jbls signature sound

[@vatromet1]

JBL is JBL

[@sherlockholmes2010]

Try to find some second Hand klipsch heritage. Much cheaper and similar Sound. I can recommend the klipsch quartets. Size between fourtey and heresey. Sounds great. + clean Bass passive radiator.

[@davevolz6138]

“It only hertz for a little while” - Dave Wilson.- These arent that expensive compared to some.

[@ga6541]

​@@vatromet1And Klipsch is Klipsch... 😂

[@dodihartawanmatofanichanne3016]

The Melody Too,Clearance.

[@timmotel5804]

5/2024: I've saved this comparison and listen to it from time to time. I even bought her CD, to listen on my Klipsch book shelf speakers. Both pairs of speakers sound wonderful. I still prefer the JBL but they both are close, in my opinion. Price wise, the JBL would require a second mortgage on my house to purchase. I do love the Klipsch also, and based on price alone, they win. This is a perfect video. Thanks

[@keithmoriyama5421]

I liked the forward voicing in the Klipsch. A 3way always sounds like a 3way, especially with a compression driver. The Klipsch was also louder in the mix.

[@al1engreyassh0le4]

both sound fantastic

[@johnnyquest6115]

When young I was into CV and JBL's but I've grown out of them. Klipsch and B&W sound better as I age.

[@DougMen1]

There's good and bad models from all brands, but, IMO, the very best from CV, JBL, and Klipsch can stand on their own against anything B&W has, and usually for far less money. B&W's offerings since Laurence Dickie left have gone downhill more and more. They always had a midrange dip and hot tweeter, but now they've taken those attributes to extremes, making them sound like the world's most overpriced boombox, with its graphic EQ set for a smiley face. Many of the cheaper Klipsch speakers have the same smiley face voicing, but the big legacy ones, like the K'horns, La Scala, Cornwall, and Forte IV are as good as it gets

[@timothyjuetten9485]

Coin toss preference both have good points. Both very awesome!. Played them through my marantz/advents

[@user-uy2qo3yp3t]

eargasm ...♡

[@stormsdarwin8767]

Definitely a difference in the midrange presence. I much preferred the Cornwall in this demo.

[@gotchagoing8843]

Absolutely.

[@adalbertojosebrasaca9697]

Me too...

[@paulgyro]

Impossible to judge based on a recording...

[@fanclub670]

I prefer the Klipsch Cornwall IV : the sound is more live, natural...

[@bienramos7587]

The Klipsch is a 3 way..JBL is 2 way..that's why Klipsch are more clarity in midrange...

[@Larwiz]

They both sound pretty good. I think the differences that I noticed were that the JBL's sound more relaxed and balanced. The Klipsch sound more bright, and a little louder. I would have to do more A/B testing to give you a winner. I'm tempted to go with the JBL's, but admittedly, I'm biased, as I have JBL speakers (paired with a Klipsch sub! Lol). But they both definitely sound high quality!

[@BongLeach]

Bingo

[@DavidKasan]

You have done the best putting into words, the difference in these pairs of very fine speakers. I love the way Cornwalls reproduce brass on jazz, but for my everyday go to, I will take the James B Lansing. For complete transparency, I own a pair of 4412's.

[@Larwiz]

@@DavidKasan Ha! So you're a little biased too! Lol

[@clarencerainey8979]

A Wonderful Demo, Coming From A True Klipsch Fan...And Owning A Couple Of Heritage Klipsch...And My Home Theater Setup is Still Klipsch....But Those JBL'S Sound Very Good...Either One Is A Great Choice 👍🏾

[@lokerola]

Thanks for posting this. For me it was Klipsch, all the way.

[@David-kf5gk]

Klipsch speakers sounds more natural 👍 JBL speakers on the high end of the vocal sounds like she is singing through a hand held horn speaker like in the olden days. Thank You.✌️

[@radosawkuczmierczyk9467]

EXACLY ! Regards !

[@johnchildress6133]

wow! good demo. and I have to say, I prefer the Klipsch, I found the vocals muddy on the JBL's; could be my hearing.

[@rodrogers7553]

A comparison video like this one between the Klipsch Cornwall and the Tannoy Arden would be VERY interesting!!

[@greggb681]

Those Klipsch's sound so smooth and beautiful!