In this review, we will be comparing RP-400M and A130, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from Klipsch and JBL.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Klipsch RP-400M and JBL A130 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
| Key Specs | Klipsch RP-400M | JBL A130 |
|---|
| Brand | Klipsch
United States · founded 1946 | JBL
United States · founded 1946 |
|---|
| Design | 2-way | 2-way |
|---|
| Tweeter | 1" Tractrix Horn | 1" Hard-Dome |
|---|
| Woofer | 4" Cerametallic | 5.25" Polycellulose |
|---|
| Frequency response | 52-25k Hz | 55-40k Hz |
|---|
| Sensitivity | 93 dB | 86 dB |
|---|
| Impedance | 8 ohms | 6 ohms |
|---|
| Power range | up to 50 watts | 20-125 watts |
|---|
| Weight | 4.10kg / 9lbs | 5.46kg / 12lbs |
|---|
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | 11.7" x 5.6" x 7.5"
298.0 x 144.0 x 191.0mm | 12-11/16" x 7-1/2" x 9-13/16"
323.0 x 191.0 x 250.0mm |
|---|
What size room are the Klipsch RP-400M and JBL A130 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* |
Klipsch RP-400M |
JBL A130 |
| Near-field |
Good |
Poor |
| Small Room |
Good |
Average |
| Mid-size Room |
Average |
Good |
| Large Room |
Poor |
Average |
| Very Large Room |
No way |
Poor |
(* 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.
**This post contains affiliate links, and we will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking
through our links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Drivers
Both RP-400M and A130 are 2-way speakers.
Klipsch RP-400MJBL A130
TweeterWoofer
Front view, drawn to scale - cabinets and drivers share one scale, so sizes are directly comparable. Hover a driver for its size.
| Driver |
Klipsch RP-400M |
JBL A130 |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 4-inch
|
1 x 5.25-inch
|
RP-400M features a 1" Tractrix Horn Tweeter and 1 x 4" Cerametallic Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 1500Hz. On the other hand, the A130 features a 1" aluminum Hard-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 5.25" Polycellulose Woofer.
Frequency Response
RP-400M has a frequency range of 52-25k Hz whereas A130 has a frequency range of 55-40k 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
RP-400M is a 8 ohms speaker compared to the A130 which has a nominal impedance of 6 ohms.
These two speakers also have different sensitivity levels. RP-400M sensitivity is rated at 93 dB and the A130's is rated at 86 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
RP-400M features 5-way post type posts and A130 has a 5-way post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Klipsch RP-400M's Single binding posts terminals
JBL A130's 5-way post terminals
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Both RP-400M and A130 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 Klipsch RP-400M's and JBL A130's external dimensions. Klipsch RP-400M has external dimensions of 298.0 x 144.0 x 191.0mm (11.7 x 5.6 x 7.5inch) whereas 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).
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 Klipsch RP-400M and JBL A130 in scale.
Comparison image of Klipsch RP-400M and JBL A130 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-400M is approximately 275.0cm2 / 42.6inch2 and base area of the JBL A130 is approximately 477.5cm2 / 74.0inch2. The RP-400M requires 42% less surface area than the A130 which gives it a small advantage 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 Klipsch RP-400M and JBL A130 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 Klipsch RP-400M weighs 4.10kg / 9lbs and the JBL A130 weighs 5.46kg / 12lbs. This makes the A130 33% heavier than the RP-400M.
Here is a comparison of how RP-400M and A130's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Bookshelf class.
Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
What's in the Box of Klipsch RP-400M?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of RP-400M:
- 2 Bookshelf loudspeakers
- 2 Grilles (installed)
- 8 Self-adhesive rubber feet
- User Manual
- Important Safety Instructions
- Warranty Information
What's in the Box of JBL A130?
Here are the items that come with the A130:
- 2 Bookshelf loudspeakers
- 2 Grilles
- 8 Rubber feet
- Owners Manual
- Warranty Card
 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 |
 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) |
| General |
Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-400M |
JBL Stage A130 |
| Brand |
Klipsch |
JBL |
| Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
| Power Range |
up to 50 watts |
20-125 watts |
| Sensitivity |
93 dB |
86 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
6 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
52-25k Hz |
55-40k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
4" |
5.25" |
| Woofer Composition |
Cerametallic |
Polycellulose |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
Tractrix Horn |
Hard-Dome |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
1500Hz |
n/a |
| Firing Direction |
rear |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
298.0mm (11.7") |
323.0mm (12.7") |
| Width |
144.0mm (5.7") |
191.0mm (7.5") |
| Depth |
191.0mm (7.5") |
250.0mm (9.8") |
| Weight |
4.10kg (9lbs) |
5.46kg (12lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
MDF/Wood-grain vinyl |
MDF, Vinyl |
| Available Colors |
Ebony, Walnut, Piano Black |
Black |
| Mounting Bracket |
Keyhole |
No |
| Recommended Stand Height |
28-30" |
24-26" |
| 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 | A | Klipsch RP-400M digs deeper - 52Hz against 55Hz. A subwoofer would even that out. |
| Amplifier needs | A | Klipsch RP-400M is more sensitive (93dB vs 86dB), so it goes louder on the same amplifier. |
| Amplifier match | A | Klipsch RP-400M is the easier load at 8 ohms. |
| Headroom | B | 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 | B | JBL A130 is cheaper - $300 against $399, about 25% less. |
A Klipsch RP-400M B JBL A130
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 Klipsch RP-400M the better fit for near-field listening and a small room, and JBL A130 for a mid-size room and a large 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.