Short answer: the JBL 4367 for better sound quality, the Definitive Technology BP-9020 for the lower price. The JBL 4367 ranks #12 of 71 floorstanding speakers at $16500. The Definitive Technology BP-9020 ranks #39 at $500, $16000 cheaper.
What the Definitive Technology BP-9020 offers: Integrated powered 8” side-firing subwoofer with a 150-watt Class D amplifier provides exceptional sub-bass extension down to an F3 of 35Hz and F10 of 29Hz without requiring a standalone subwoofer enclosure. Forward-Focused Bipolar Array technology (dual 3.5” front midrange drivers + 1” annealed aluminum dome tweeter, plus a 3.5” rear-firing midrange driver) creates a remarkably wide, spacious soundstage with broad room envelopment. On-axis frequency response stays smooth and relatively neutral when listened to directly aligned with the tweeter. Measured average sensitivity of 87.7dB SPL (2.83V/1m) allows comfortable drive from standard multi-channel receivers. Watch for: Significant high-frequency boost creates notable treble brightness and noticeable sibilance on vocal s-sounds. Bipolar rear driver radiation creates a diffuse soundstage that compromises razor-sharp imaging focus and pinpoint instrument placement. DSP-based internal limiter aggressively compresses output below 80Hz at higher listening levels, causing lower mid-bass and sub-bass impact to diminish as volume increases. Midrange clarity shows slight ‘cuppiness’ and upper-frequency directivity irregularities due to front/rear driver interaction.
What the JBL 4367 offers: Three-way design pairing a 15” front-ported woofer with a compression driver on a controlled-dispersion horn/waveguide, crossed over at 700Hz. On-axis frequency response is nearly dead flat, holding within about ±1.5dB, with the listening window tracking it closely except right at the crossover. Distortion stays below 1% THD across the entire audible band at both 86dB and 96dB. Compression/dynamic-range linearity is exceptional - within about a quarter of a dB from 76dB to 102dB, among the best the reviewer has measured. High sensitivity (about 92.6dB average) eases the amplifier match despite the speaker’s size. Minimal rear radiation thanks to the 15” woofer’s directivity and front-firing ports - rear energy runs about 20dB down from the primary wavefront, giving it a near-cardioid radiation pattern. Well-controlled horn directivity keeps the soundstage from noticeably shifting in width across the 700Hz crossover region. A natural high-frequency rolloff above about 7-8kHz gives it an easy, non-fatiguing character for extended listening sessions. Watch for: At roughly $16,500/pair, this is a major investment - the reviewer recommends buying from a dealer with a liberal return policy. Vertical response shows dips beyond about ±10-20°, with a larger null further out - an inherent trade-off of mating a 15” woofer to a horn compression driver at a 700Hz crossover, since crossing lower would hurt power handling and dynamic range. Horizontal directivity isn’t perfectly consistent with frequency: narrow (about ±20°) through 200-800Hz, briefly widening to near ±50° above the crossover, then narrowing again at high frequency - an unusual, non-constant pattern. The high-frequency rolloff that gives it an easy-listening character also reduces the sense of air and space in the soundstage when listening from off-center seats. Massive and heavy (about 120 lbs, roughly 36-37” tall) - needs to be raised on a stand to bring the horn to ear level, and isn’t something one person easily moves alone. Only modest EQ adjustment is available on the speaker itself (about ±1-2dB bass/treble trim).
Buy the Definitive Technology BP-9020 if the price matters more than sound quality. Buy the JBL 4367 if sound quality matters more than the price.
Specifications Side By Side
| Definitive Technology BP-9020 | JBL 4367 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $500.00 Discontinued | $16500 |
| Ranked | #39 of 71 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers | #12 of 71 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 29Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 31Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 35Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 43Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Dimensions | 35.3"H x 11"W x 13"D (895.4 x 279.4 x 330.2 mm) | 37.2"H x 22.2"W x 16.8"D (944.9 x 563.9 x 426.7 mm) |
| Discontinued | Yes | - |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal | 4 ohms nominal (5.3 ohms minimum above 80Hz, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | 87.7dB (measured average, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 92.5dB (measured average, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Drivers | 1 in. annealed aluminum dome tweeter, two 3.5 in. BDSS midrange (front), one 3.5 in. BDSS midrange (rear), 8 in. powered subwoofer | 15" (380mm) 2216Nd-1 Dual Differential Drive® woofer, 3" (75mm) D2430K dual compression tweeter |
| Weight | 30 lbs / 13.6 kg each | 119 lbs / 54 kg each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, slot | ported, front |
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The Two Speakers In Full
Definitive Technology BP-9020: $500.00 Discontinued eBay
Pros: Integrated powered 8” side-firing subwoofer with a 150-watt Class D amplifier provides exceptional sub-bass extension down to an F3 of 35Hz and F10 of 29Hz without requiring a standalone subwoofer enclosure. Forward-Focused Bipolar Array technology (dual 3.5” front midrange drivers + 1” annealed aluminum dome tweeter, plus a 3.5” rear-firing midrange driver) creates a remarkably wide, spacious soundstage with broad room envelopment. On-axis frequency response stays smooth and relatively neutral when listened to directly aligned with the tweeter. Measured average sensitivity of 87.7dB SPL (2.83V/1m) allows comfortable drive from standard multi-channel receivers.
Cons: Significant high-frequency boost creates notable treble brightness and noticeable sibilance on vocal s-sounds. Bipolar rear driver radiation creates a diffuse soundstage that compromises razor-sharp imaging focus and pinpoint instrument placement. DSP-based internal limiter aggressively compresses output below 80Hz at higher listening levels, causing lower mid-bass and sub-bass impact to diminish as volume increases. Midrange clarity shows slight ‘cuppiness’ and upper-frequency directivity irregularities due to front/rear driver interaction. Discontinued.
Full Definitive Technology BP-9020 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 29Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 35Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Dimensions | 35.3"H x 11"W x 13"D (895.4 x 279.4 x 330.2 mm) |
| Discontinued | Yes |
| Drivers | 1 in. annealed aluminum dome tweeter, two 3.5 in. BDSS midrange (front), one 3.5 in. BDSS midrange (rear), 8 in. powered subwoofer |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal |
| Sensitivity | 87.7dB (measured average, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Weight | 30 lbs / 13.6 kg each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, slot |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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JBL 4367: $16500 eBay
Pros: Three-way design pairing a 15” front-ported woofer with a compression driver on a controlled-dispersion horn/waveguide, crossed over at 700Hz. On-axis frequency response is nearly dead flat, holding within about ±1.5dB, with the listening window tracking it closely except right at the crossover. Distortion stays below 1% THD across the entire audible band at both 86dB and 96dB. Compression/dynamic-range linearity is exceptional - within about a quarter of a dB from 76dB to 102dB, among the best the reviewer has measured. High sensitivity (about 92.6dB average) eases the amplifier match despite the speaker’s size. Minimal rear radiation thanks to the 15” woofer’s directivity and front-firing ports - rear energy runs about 20dB down from the primary wavefront, giving it a near-cardioid radiation pattern. Well-controlled horn directivity keeps the soundstage from noticeably shifting in width across the 700Hz crossover region. A natural high-frequency rolloff above about 7-8kHz gives it an easy, non-fatiguing character for extended listening sessions.
Cons: At roughly $16,500/pair, this is a major investment - the reviewer recommends buying from a dealer with a liberal return policy. Vertical response shows dips beyond about ±10-20°, with a larger null further out - an inherent trade-off of mating a 15” woofer to a horn compression driver at a 700Hz crossover, since crossing lower would hurt power handling and dynamic range. Horizontal directivity isn’t perfectly consistent with frequency: narrow (about ±20°) through 200-800Hz, briefly widening to near ±50° above the crossover, then narrowing again at high frequency - an unusual, non-constant pattern. The high-frequency rolloff that gives it an easy-listening character also reduces the sense of air and space in the soundstage when listening from off-center seats. Massive and heavy (about 120 lbs, roughly 36-37” tall) - needs to be raised on a stand to bring the horn to ear level, and isn’t something one person easily moves alone. Only modest EQ adjustment is available on the speaker itself (about ±1-2dB bass/treble trim).
Full JBL 4367 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 31Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 43Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Dimensions | 37.2"H x 22.2"W x 16.8"D (944.9 x 563.9 x 426.7 mm) |
| Drivers | 15" (380mm) 2216Nd-1 Dual Differential Drive® woofer, 3" (75mm) D2430K dual compression tweeter |
| Impedance | 4 ohms nominal (5.3 ohms minimum above 80Hz, measured by Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | 92.5dB (measured average, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Weight | 119 lbs / 54 kg each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, front |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons