In this review, we will be comparing A130 and RP-400M, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from JBL and Klipsch.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of JBL A130 and Klipsch RP-400M first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
| Key Specs | JBL A130 | Klipsch RP-400M |
|---|
| Brand | JBL
United States · founded 1946 | Klipsch
United States · founded 1946 |
|---|
| Design | 2-way | 2-way |
|---|
| Tweeter | 1" Hard-Dome | 1" Tractrix Horn |
|---|
| Woofer | 5.25" Polycellulose | 4" Cerametallic |
|---|
| Frequency response | 55-40k Hz | 52-25k Hz |
|---|
| Sensitivity | 86 dB | 93 dB |
|---|
| Impedance | 6 ohms | 8 ohms |
|---|
| Power range | 20-125 watts | up to 50 watts |
|---|
| Weight | 5.46kg / 12lbs | 4.10kg / 9lbs |
|---|
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | 12-11/16" x 7-1/2" x 9-13/16"
323.0 x 191.0 x 250.0mm | 11.7" x 5.6" x 7.5"
298.0 x 144.0 x 191.0mm |
|---|
What size room are the JBL A130 and Klipsch RP-400M speakers good for?
The size of the room in which you are planning to use these loudspeakers is an important decision
factor. Here we have compared their suitability to various sizes of environments considering their size
and max power parameters:
| Listening Environment* |
JBL A130 |
Klipsch RP-400M |
| Near-field |
Poor |
Good |
| Small Room |
Average |
Good |
| Mid-size Room |
Good |
Average |
| Large Room |
Average |
Poor |
| Very Large Room |
Poor |
No way |
(* 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.)
The sections below take each area in turn: drivers, frequency response, physical size and what you get in the box.
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Drivers
Both A130 and RP-400M are 2-way speakers.
JBL A130Klipsch RP-400M
TweeterWoofer
Front view, drawn to scale - cabinets and drivers share one scale, so sizes are directly comparable. Hover a driver for its size.
| Driver |
JBL A130 |
Klipsch RP-400M |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 5.25-inch
|
1 x 4-inch
|
A130 features a 1" aluminum Hard-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 5.25" Polycellulose Woofer. On the other hand, the RP-400M features a 1" Tractrix Horn Tweeter and 1 x 4" Cerametallic Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 1500Hz.
Frequency Response
A130 has a frequency range of 55-40k Hz whereas RP-400M has a frequency range of 52-25k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 52Hz, the RP-400M can go slightly deeper then the A130's min frequency of 55Hz.
The graph below depicts how these two speakers compare with the max, min and average Low Frequency values of other speakers in the Bookshelf class in our database.
Low Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
Neither pair reaches down to 20Hz, the usual definition of full-range, which is normal for speakers of this size. If you want the bottom octave for movies or bass-heavy music, add a subwoofer to whichever you choose. Visit our Powered Subwoofers section to find out more about the available options.
Impedance and Sensitivity
A130 is a 6 ohms speaker compared to the RP-400M which has a nominal impedance of 8 ohms.
These two speakers also have different sensitivity levels. A130 sensitivity is rated at 86 dB and the RP-400M's is rated at 93 dB. This 7 dB difference makes the Klipsch RP-400M a more sensitive speaker compared to JBL A130, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.
Sensitivity
Bookshelf Speakers
Power Range
Power
range is the range of input power in watts RMS that a loudspeaker is designed to handle. Staying
within that range gives nominal performance; driving the speaker beyond its maximum wattage can damage it.
A130 can handle a max power of 125 watts RMS, whereas RP-400M has a max power handling value of 50 watts RMS, 75 watts less than the A130.
Note that higher power handling does not make a speaker louder: that depends mainly on
sensitivity and impedance. The calculator below shows how loud each of these actually plays
on a real amplifier.
Which plays louder on your amplifier?
Starting with a popular amplifier — change it to the one you own, or any you are
considering, and watch both numbers move.
Input Type and Bi-Amping / Bi-Wiring
A130 features Single binding posts type posts and RP-400M has a Single binding posts type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
JBL A130's 5-way post terminals
Klipsch RP-400M's Single binding posts terminals
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Both A130 and RP-400M have rear firing ports. Rear ported speakers generally need more room between the backside of the speaker and the wall compared to sealed and front/bottom ported speakers. Placing the speakers too close to the walls may cause the bass to sound boomy.
If you are limited in space and can't get the speakers away from the backwall, check our Speakers with Front Firing Ports page.
Klipsch RP-400M Tractrix horn-shaped Port
Physical Specs
The size of a speaker can sometimes be an important decision factor due to space constraints or in some cases purely for esthetic reasons. In this section, we are going to compare JBL A130's and Klipsch RP-400M's external dimensions. JBL A130 has external dimensions of 323.0 x 191.0 x 250.0mm (12-11/16 x 7-1/2 x 9-13/16inch) whereas Klipsch RP-400M has external dimensions of 298.0 x 144.0 x 191.0mm (11.7 x 5.6 x 7.5inch).
JBL A130 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 47mm wider, 25mm taller and 59mm deeper than Klipsch RP-400M.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of JBL A130 and Klipsch RP-400M in scale.
Comparison image of JBL A130 and Klipsch RP-400M Size and External Dimensions
Base Surface Area Comparison
Base surface area of a loudspeaker may become a determining factor when the space in your room or desk is limited.
The base surface area of the JBL A130 is approximately 477.5cm2 / 74.0inch2 and base area of the Klipsch RP-400M is approximately 275.0cm2 / 42.6inch2. The A130 requires 74% more surface area than the RP-400M which gives it a small disadvantage on placement in tight spaces.
Here is another comparison that shows both speakers on a BDI Octave Media Cabinet, next to a standard size amplifier and turntable in scale:
Size Comparison image of JBL A130 and Klipsch RP-400M on a Media Console
Weight Comparison The weight of a loudspeaker can become an important factor if you need to move and reposition the unit often. Weight of a speaker can also "sometimes" be an indicator of the rigidity of the enclosure and the quality of the internal components used. The JBL A130 weighs 5.46kg / 12lbs and the Klipsch RP-400M weighs 4.10kg / 9lbs. This makes the A130 33% heavier than the RP-400M.
Here is a comparison of how A130 and RP-400M's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Bookshelf class.
Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
What's in the Box of JBL A130?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of A130:
- 2 Bookshelf loudspeakers
- 2 Grilles
- 8 Rubber feet
- Owners Manual
- Warranty Card
What's in the Box of Klipsch RP-400M?
Here are the items that come with the RP-400M:
- 2 Bookshelf loudspeakers
- 2 Grilles (installed)
- 8 Self-adhesive rubber feet
- User Manual
- Important Safety Instructions
- Warranty Information
 Max Input Power |
125 watts
vs
50 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 Woofer Size |
5.25 inches
vs
4 inches
|
Larger woofer |
 High Frequency Response |
40k Hz
vs
25k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Price per pair* |
300USD
vs
399USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Sensitivity |
93 dB
vs
86 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Nominal Impedance |
8 ohms
vs
6 ohms
|
Less selective with amplifiers |
|
Low Frequency Response |
52 Hz
vs
55 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 Mounting Bracket |
Yes
vs
No
|
Allows mounting on walls |
 Height |
298mm
vs
323mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
275cm2
vs
477cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
| General |
JBL Stage A130 |
Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-400M |
| Brand |
JBL |
Klipsch |
| Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
| Power Range |
20-125 watts |
up to 50 watts |
| Sensitivity |
86 dB |
93 dB |
| Impedance |
6 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
55-40k Hz |
52-25k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
5.25" |
4" |
| Woofer Composition |
Polycellulose |
Cerametallic |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
Hard-Dome |
Tractrix Horn |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
n/a |
1500Hz |
| Firing Direction |
rear |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
323.0mm (12.7") |
298.0mm (11.7") |
| Width |
191.0mm (7.5") |
144.0mm (5.7") |
| Depth |
250.0mm (9.8") |
191.0mm (7.5") |
| Weight |
5.46kg (12lbs) |
4.10kg (9lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
MDF, Vinyl |
MDF/Wood-grain vinyl |
| Available Colors |
Black |
Ebony, Walnut, Piano Black |
| Mounting Bracket |
No |
Keyhole |
| Recommended Stand Height |
24-26" |
28-30" |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Biamp Inputs |
No |
No |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
No single best speaker here - they are built to different priorities, and the right one depends on your room, your amplifier and what you listen to.
| Area | Better | Why |
|---|
| Bass | B | Klipsch RP-400M digs deeper - 52Hz against 55Hz. A subwoofer would even that out. |
| Amplifier needs | B | Klipsch RP-400M is more sensitive (93dB vs 86dB), so it goes louder on the same amplifier. |
| Amplifier match | B | Klipsch RP-400M is the easier load at 8 ohms. |
| Headroom | A | JBL A130 takes more power (125W vs 50W) - more in hand in a big room. |
| Size | depends | Klipsch RP-400M is easier to place; JBL A130 is bigger, which usually goes with fuller bass. Your room decides. |
| Expandability | depends | Neither adds bi-amping, a sub output or height drivers. Klipsch RP-400M sits in a wider range (17 models), so a matched surround system is easier later. |
| Price | A | JBL A130 is cheaper - $300 against $399, about 25% less. |
A JBL A130 B Klipsch RP-400M
depends neither is better in the abstract - it turns on your room, your system or how you will use them. Only specs published for both speakers are judged; anything missing on either side is left out rather than guessed.
Which should you choose?
The usual trade-off: Klipsch RP-400M measures better, JBL A130 costs about about 33% more% less. Whether that gap is worth the money is the call only you can make - and in a normal room it is often smaller than the numbers suggest. Match it to your room: we rate JBL A130 the better fit for a mid-size room and a large room, and Klipsch RP-400M for near-field listening and a small room. In a large or open-plan room, JBL A130 has the cabinet volume to fill it more easily; in a small room, near a wall or at desk distance, Klipsch RP-400M is the easier speaker to get right.
And remember what a spec sheet cannot show: how each looks in your room and whether the finish suits it, what dealer support and warranty are like where you live, and how they actually sound to you. If you can hear them first - ideally with your own music - that will tell you more than any number above.