In this review, we will be comparing RP-4000F and A170, two Passive Floor-standing speakers from Klipsch and JBL. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Klipsch RP-4000F and JBL Stage A170 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the Klipsch RP-4000F and JBL Stage A170 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:
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the Klipsch RP-4000F and JBL Stage A170 compare and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one of these loudspeakers is the better choice for you.
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Drivers
Both RP-4000F and A170 are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Klipsch RP-4000F |
JBL Stage A170 |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
2 x 4-inch
|
2 x 5.25-inch
|
RP-4000F features a 1" Tractrix Horn Tweeter and 2 x 4" Cerametallic Woofer . On the other hand, the A170 features a 1" aluminum HDI (High Definition Imaging) waveguide Tweeter and 2 x 5.25" Polycellulose Woofer .
Frequency Response
RP-4000F has a frequency range of 37-25k Hz whereas A170 has a frequency range of 44-40k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 37Hz, the RP-4000F can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the A170's min frequency of 44Hz.
Below graphs depict how these two speakers compare with the max, min and average values of the Min and Max Frequencies of other speakers in the Floor-standing class in our database.
Low Frequency
Floor-standing Speakers
High Frequency
Floor-standing Speakers
None of these speakers achieves full range experience which is commonly agreed as 20Hz-20kHz. In order to achieve lower lows / deeper bass, we recommend you pair these with a subwoofer. Visit our Powered Subwoofers section to find out more about the available options.
Impedance and Sensitivity
RP-4000F is a 8 ohms speaker compared to the A170 which has a nominal impedance of 6 ohms.
These two speakers also have different sensitivity levels. RP-4000F sensitivity is rated at 95 dB and the A170's is rated at 89 dB. This 6 dB difference makes the Klipsch RP-4000F a more sensitive speaker compared to JBL Stage A170, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.
Sensitivity
Floor-standing Speakers
Power Range
Power
range is the range of input power in watts RMS that a loudspeaker is designed to handle. While using an amplifier within this range ensures the nominal performance , inputting a power that is higher than the max wattage can result in a damaged speaker.
RP-4000F can handle a max power of 200 watts RMS from the amp the whereas RP-4000F has a max power handling value of 75 watts RMS , 125 watts less than the A170.
Keep in mind that a higher max power handling value doesn't necessarily make that a louder speaker
compared to a lower max handling speaker. Loudness or the sound level is also impacted by parameters
such as Impedance, sensitivity and system efficiencies.
Input Type and Bi-Amping / Bi-Wiring
Both RP-4000F and A170 features dual binding post speaker terminals for bi-amping or bi-wiring.
Physical Specs
Size of a speaker can sometimes become an important decision factor due to space constraints or in some cases purely for esthetic reasons. In this section, we are going to compare Klipsch RP-4000F's and JBL Stage A170's external dimensions. Klipsch RP-4000F has external dimensions of 870.0 x 188.0 x 289.0mm ( 34-1/4 x 7-3/8 x 11-3/8inch) whereas JBL Stage A170 has external dimensions of 977.0 x 267.0 x 331.0mm ( 38-7/16 x 10-1/2 x 13inch) .
JBL Stage A170 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 79mm wider, 107mm taller and 42mm deeper than Klipsch RP-4000F.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Klipsch RP-4000F and JBL Stage A170 in scale.
Comparison image of Klipsch RP-4000F and JBL Stage A170 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 Klipsch RP-4000F is approximately 543.3cm2 / 84.2inch2 and base area of the JBL Stage A170 is approximately 883.8cm2 / 137.0inch2. The RP-4000F requires 39% less surface area than the A170 which gives it a small advantage on placement in tight spaces.
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 Klipsch RP-4000F weighs 13.18kg / 29lbs and the JBL Stage A170 weighs 14.37kg / 31.6lbs. This makes the A170 9% heavier than the RP-4000F.
Here is a comparison of how RP-4000F and A170's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Floor-standing class.
Weight
All Floor-standing Speakers
What's in the Box of Klipsch RP-4000F?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of RP-4000F:
Floorstanding loudspeakerStabilizer feet (installed)Grille (installed)2 Terminal jumpers (installed)User ManualImportant Safety InstructionsWarranty Information
What's in the Box of JBL Stage A170?
Here are the items that come with the A170:
Floorstanding loudspeakerGrille4 Outriggers4 Rubber feet4 Spikes8 Screws2 Terminal jumpers (pre-installed)Owners ManualWarranty Card
 Sensitivity |
95 dB
vs
89 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Nominal Impedance |
8 ohms
vs
6 ohms
|
Less selective with amplifiers |
 Low Frequency Response |
37 Hz
vs
44 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 Height |
870mm
vs
977mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
543cm2 (188x289mm)
vs
883cm2 (267x331mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Max Input Power |
200 watts
vs
75 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* |
600USD
vs
698USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-4000F |
JBL Stage A170 |
| Brand |
Klipsch |
JBL |
| Speaker Type |
Floor-standing speaker |
Floor-standing speaker |
| Power Range |
up to 75 watts |
20-200 watts |
| Sensitivity |
95 dB |
89 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
6 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
37-25k Hz |
44-40k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
2 |
2 |
| Woofer Size |
4" |
5.25" |
| Woofer Composition |
Cerametallic |
Polycellulose |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
Tractrix Horn |
HDI (High Definition Imaging) waveguide |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
rear |
n/a |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
870.0mm (34.3") |
977.0mm (38.5") |
| Width |
188.0mm (7.4") |
267.0mm (10.5") |
| Depth |
289.0mm (11.4") |
331.0mm (13") |
| Weight |
13.18kg (29lbs) |
14.37kg (31.6lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
MDF/Wood-grain vinyl |
MDF, Vinyl |
| Available Colors |
Walnut, Black |
Black |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Biamp Inputs |
Yes |
Yes |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |