Premium soundbars have rapidly grown in popularity for home theaters, as consumers demand ever greater audio immersion for movies, music, and more. Soundbar global unit sales increased 12% year-over-year in 2022 to over 30 million units according to Futuresource, and are projected to top 35 million by 2025. With innovative leaders like JBL and Klipsch pushing the envelope in acoustic engineering, soundbars now rival dedicated surround systems for engulfing 3D spatial sound.
In this comprehensive technical guide from an audio expert perspective, we’ll conduct an in-depth feature-by-feature comparison of JBL and Klipsch soundbars across key metrics:
- Sound Quality & Performance
- Industrial Design Factors
- Connectivity Considerations
- Configuration Implications
- Immersive Surround Sound Support
- Voice Assistant Integration Advancements
- Plus: Specific Model Breakdowns
Analyzing the engineering specifications, components, and capabilities at an expert level reveals how JBL and Klipsch achieve premium home theater audio in decidedly unique ways. Let’s explore the innovations driving the future of soundbars forward.
Sound Quality Showdown: JBL vs Klipsch Acoustic Engineering
Sound quality sits at the absolute core of evaluating any soundbar. Both brands make excellent options, but with measurable differences audio experts can discern:
| Metric | JBL Soundbars | Klipsch Soundbars |
|---|---|---|
| Frequency Range | 40Hz – 20kHz | 28Hz – 20kHz |
| Total Harmonic Distortion | <1% | <0.5% |
| Power Output | 100W – 650W | 80W – 800W |
Frequency range determines a soundbar’s capacity to reproduce the lowest bass and highest treble tones without distortion or rolloff. The numbers above indicate both can cover the full spectrum, though Klipsch extends deeper into powerful sub-bass territory.
Total harmonic distortion quantifies sound clarity – the lower the better. Klipsch wins out with nearly undetectable levels below 0.5%, spanning dynamic ranges with precision. JBL still provides extremely clean output under 1%.
For power output, JBL and Klipsch vary widely across individual models. Entry units may offer 100 watts for smaller spaces, while high-end configurations can achieve 650+ watts for room-filling immersive surround in larger home theaters. More power directly enables higher maximum volumes too.
In practice, even entry level models from both companies outperform built-in TV speakers. But moving up the product stack brings better components and acoustic engineering.
JBL favors a powerful, bass-forward signature implementing multiple upward-firing drivers plus dedicated amplifier channels and DSP for the integrated subwoofer. This provides incredible thump without muddiness. Vocals remain clear thanks to dedicated center speakers on 3.1+ models.
Comparatively, Klipsch soundbars focus on natural tonal balance with excellent dynamics across the board. Proprietary horn-loaded tweeters act as precise high-frequency piston drivers for smooth, detailed treble without harshness. Non-fatiguing sound makes Klipsch a fantastic choice for critical music listening and vocal-centric content.
There’s no definitively superior option when it comes to sound quality. Personal taste plays a major role. Media consumption also impacts decisions – JBL provides thrilling explosions for movies, Klipsch may better suit audiophiles.
Design & Build Quality Considerations
Beyond sound capabilities, a soundbar‘s physical design affects both aesthetics and durability:
JBL soundbars adopt very clean, contemporary stylings withminimalist black or silver color schemes. This enables them to disappear visually into living spaces with ease. Premium materials like aluminum and steel provide superb structural rigidity without adding resonance. Stringent durability testing ensures resilience.
Klipsch soundbars make bolder visual statements with copper trim accents and striking angles. They command attention rather than fading into the background. The all-wood cabinets avoid using plastic to achieve stellar acoustic properties with beautiful natural grain. This does require some maintenance to maintain over decades. The hand-built craftsmanship is evident.
Both companies engineer soundbars to excel in real-world home environments. JBL leans particularly hard into dustproofing and water resistance, with specialized drivers and seamless enclosures preventing damage in kitchens or outdoor patios. Klipsch opts for more elegant cabinetry benefiting audio fidelity, assuming proper indoor placement away from spilled drinks and debris.
The average consumer will be very well served by either approach. Consider visual goals and intended positioning when deciding between JBL and Klipsch.
Connectivity Considerations: HDMI, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth & Beyond
Modern soundbars serve as the central hub for home theaters, requiring robust wired and wireless connectivity to source components like TVs, disc players, streaming devices, and music services:
HDMI leads in importance – ARC, eARC, and CEC protocols allow a single cable to handle high resolution video passthrough and multi-channel lossless surround audio from media devices. JBL and Klipsch support HDMI 2.1/4K/Dolby Vision for future-proofing as 8K content emerges. Some cheaper competing brands still rely on legacy optical inputs, severely limiting quality.
Both companies offer 1-3 ports for connecting players, game consoles etc. New 2023 models even integrate 8K graphics chips for lag-free big-screen gaming without a standalone receiver.
Regarding wireless specs, Wi-Fi 5 throughput rates differ somewhat:
- JBL utilizes 2×2 MIMO for faster steaming from Spotify Connect or via Airplay 2 from Apple devices
- Klipsch currently supports 802.11ac networks without MIMO extensions. Reliable, but lagging behind bleeding edge routers.
For Bluetooth, codecs and latency metrics are excellent on both – AAC and aptX support ensures faithful rendering from mobile devices. Auto input switching makes moving between sources frustration-free.
While wireless specs lean JBL currently, Klipsch offsets with luxury phono preamps on some models for connecting turntables. Playing vinyl records directly through the soundbar unlocks another world of audio, no receiver required.
Overall, buyers will thrive thanks to standardized ports and robust chipsets tightly integrated with modern TV ecosystems. Future firmware updates will provide ongoing enhancements as well.
Soundbar Configuration Breakdown: Channel Counts, Satellite Speakers, Subwoofers & More
Soundbar capabilities vary widely by model – everything from stereo 2.0 setups to elaborate 7.1 surround systems exists. More speakers and dedicated amplification generally equates to bigger, more immersive sound – at the cost of complexity and price. Let‘s explore configurations offered by JBL and Klipsch:
| Configuration | JBL Lineup | Klipsch Lineup |
|---|---|---|
| 2.0 Soundbars | Entry models for smallest spaces | N/A |
| 2.1 Soundbars | Very popular for adding sub-bass | Entry models for smaller spaces |
| 3.1 Soundbars | Adds clarity with center channel | Mid-tier models |
| 5.1 Systems | Great immersion via surrounds | High-end models |
| 7.1+ Systems | Ultimate 3D spaciousness | Flagship models |
JBL spans a wider gamut, starting with 2.0 stereo to keep costs low for consumers needing only slight improvements over TV audio. Klipsch eschews this, recognizing cinema demands more channels.
Both feature 2.1 and 3.1 options enhancing TV shows via dedicated bass and vocal channels – perfect for most buyers looking for better audio than stock TV speakers.
Stepping up to 5.1 and 7.1 home theater tiers brings the need for rear surrounds to accurately place effects – bullets whizzing by, vehicles driving past, etc. Wireless satellite speakers provide flexibility, while built-in arrays simplify setup. More powerful 8”+ subwoofers also come on board.
JBL uniquely offers 9.1 systems with front height channels including Dolby Atmos ceiling bounce effects for fully spherical spacial sound. Object-oriented mixing places audio anywhere in 3D space – above, beside, behind. It‘s incredible.
Matching soundbar capabilities to room size and desired immersion level is key. Fortunately wide model ranges exist. Expert calibration tuning dials things in further.
Voice Assistant Showdown: Alexa, Google Assistant & Proprietary Platforms
With premium smart soundbars like JBL Bar 5.1, users can control critical functions entirely hands-free using integrated mics:
- "Hey Google, play Stranger Things on Netflix”
- “Alexa, maximum volume!”
- “JBL, Bluetooth connect to my phone”
This convenience does require acoustic engineering for microphone arrays optimally capturing commands from afar, plus advanced signal processing and machine learning powering the assistant backends.
JBL leverages close partnerships with key platforms:
- Google Assistant models tap into vast Google knowledge graph data and smart home device ecosystems
- Alexa soundbars connect with Amazon’s commerce and entertainment services
- Dedicated JBL apps provide complementary control plus value-added capabilities like automatic EQ tuning based on room analysis
By comparison, Klipsch relies on users connecting separate smart speakers in order to access assistants. This provides flexibility to use existing Echo, Nest, or other mic-enabled devices without duplication. The downside depends on additional equipment and setup. Dongles help mitigate.
Both brands enable robust voice control yet take different approaches. For utmost convenience opt for built-in support on select JBL bars. Otherwise leverage expandable options from Klipsch by merging separate mic and speaker devices you may already own.
Best-In-Class Model Spotlight
Truly pushing premium home theater sound quality forward, the 2022 JBL Bar 9.1 soundbar packages effective 600W power alongside groundbreaking wireless surround speaker implementation:
- The main unit contains left, right, center channels plus four upfiring drivers for Dolby Atmos height effects. This creates an incredibly immersive front soundstage.
- The 300W wireless subwoofer uses a 10-inch transducer for earthquake-like bass – adding tremendous impact to films and music.
- Included wireless battery-powered surround speakers feature integrated amps so they can operate untethered from power cables. Users simply place anywhere behind the seating position. Their balanced profile aids wall mounting too. You effectively get a 9.1 channel surround system from a single expandable bar.
Rounding out the package, integrated Chromecast makes wireless music streaming simple. Physical connectivity includes 3x HDMI IN ports plus eARC HDMI out with Dolby Vision passthrough. And integrated microphones provide always-on Google Assistant access.
Put simply, no other soundbar on the market achieves wireless surround capability quite like the JBL Bar 9.1 thanks to clever engineering. It sits atop best-of lists across the web. Check the latest price on Amazon here.
Best Overall: Klipsch Cinema 1200 5.1 Surround Soundbar
The Klipsch Cinema 1200 raises the bar for premium 5.1 home theater configurations. Upfiring drivers add Dolby Atmos height channels to the traditional left, center, right front array, while a huge 12-inch wireless subwoofer delivers earth-shattering low-end. Two surround speakers integrate seamlessly to complete the enveloping experience.
But what really sets this system apart is its 8K HDMI-switching capabilities. The latest HDMI 2.1 ports enable lag-free next-gen gaming up to 4K/120Hz through the bar itself, no separate AVR required. EARC ensures lossless Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio playback from Blu-ray players. And video passthrough keeps up with 8K/60Hz inputs as more TV set owners upgrade to these cutting-edge displays over the next few years.
Beyond blazing connectivity, a robust 600 watt amplifier section supplies the muscle necessary to drive all channels to reference levels cleanly. 100W sub amplification means even blockbuster action scenes won‘t distort.
While carrying an upper-tier price tag, the Klipsch Cinema 1200 sets a new benchmark for just how much technology can fit into a singular soundbar. It earns our Best Overall award. View latest pricing on Amazon here.
Conclusion: Key Considerations When Choosing JBL vs Klipsch Soundbars
After conducting in-depth analysis from an engineering perspective, both JBL and Klipsch prove more than capable of delivering best-in-class immersive surround soundbars for home theaters. Key variables influence which brand may suit specific consumers and environments better:
JBL tends to excel based on powerful, dynamic sound tuned especially for movies and music spanning all genres. Their focus on hardware durability also pays dividends for kitchen or outdoor positioning. Voice assistant and multiroom audio integrations cater nicely to smart homes.
Comparatively, Klipsch leverages high-end audiophile components like proprietary tweeters and woofers to achieve reference-level acoustic accuracy. Their partnerships with Dolby for advanced Atmos and DTS decoding ensures precision playback. And they target more premium decors rather than disappearing visually.
Of course personal listening tastes play a major role – some prefer JBL’s lively bass while others thrive thanks to Klipsch smooth mids. And particular use cases like gaming or vinyl phono integration may dictate choices.
Fortunately with versatile model lineups at multiple price points, both companies allow home theater shoppers incredible choice. We hope breaking down key engineering considerations aids your buying journey!
