Short answer: the JBL 4367 for better sound quality, the Focal Chora 816 for the lower price. The JBL 4367 ranks #11 of 56 floorstanding speakers at $16500. The Focal Chora 816 ranks #13 at $900, $15600 cheaper.
What the JBL 4367 gets right: Three-way design pairing a 15” front-ported woofer with a compression driver on a controlled-dispersion horn/waveguide, crossed over at 700Hz. The catch: At roughly $16,500/pair, this is a major investment - the reviewer recommends buying from a dealer with a liberal return policy.
On the Focal Chora 816 side: CEA2034 spinorama shows a generally even on-axis response with nice bass extension and high sensitivity. Set against that: Some messiness appears between 500Hz-2kHz on-axis, including a dip around 550Hz.
Buy the JBL 4367 if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Focal Chora 816 if the price matters more than sound quality.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL 4367 | Focal Chora 816 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $16500 | $900 used, Discontinued |
| Ranked | #11 of 56 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers | #13 of 56 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 31Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 35Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 43Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 60Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Dimensions | 37.2"H x 22.2"W x 16.8"D (944.9 x 563.9 x 426.7 mm) | 40.7"H x 11.8"W x 15.3"D (1033.8 x 299.7 x 388.6 mm) |
| Impedance | 4 ohms nominal (5.3 ohms minimum above 80Hz, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner) | 8 ohms nominal (3.9 ohms minimum, measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Sensitivity | 92.5dB (measured average, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 91dB (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Drivers | 15" (380mm) 2216Nd-1 Dual Differential Drive® woofer, 3" (75mm) D2430K dual compression tweeter | 6.5" (16.5cm) Slatefiber woofer, 6.5" (16.5cm) Slatefiber midrange, 1" (25mm) TNF Al/Mg inverted dome tweeter |
| Weight | 119 lbs / 54 kg each | 40.8 lbs / 18.5 kg each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, front | ported, front |
| Discontinued | - | Yes |
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- JBL 4367 vs Revel Concerta2 F35
- JBL 4367 vs JBL Studio 698
The Two Speakers In Full
JBL 4367: $16500
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 |
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Focal Chora 816: $900 used, Discontinued
Pros: CEA2034 spinorama shows a generally even on-axis response with nice bass extension and high sensitivity. Predicted in-room response is very good aside from a peak around 8kHz. Horizontal beamwidth of about ±60 degrees is typical and fairly controlled. Distortion is very low at 86dB SPL/1m and still usable at 96dB SPL/1m.
Cons: Some messiness appears between 500Hz-2kHz on-axis, including a dip around 550Hz. Vertical directivity narrows a little, so listening height matters more than with a coincident design. Cumulative spectral decay (waterfall) shows a fair bit of resonances lingering across the midrange. Distortion rises substantially in the 1-2kHz region at 96dB SPL/1m. Minimum impedance dips to about 3.9 ohms. Discontinued.
Full Focal Chora 816 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 35Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 60Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Dimensions | 40.7"H x 11.8"W x 15.3"D (1033.8 x 299.7 x 388.6 mm) |
| Discontinued | Yes |
| Drivers | 6.5" (16.5cm) Slatefiber woofer, 6.5" (16.5cm) Slatefiber midrange, 1" (25mm) TNF Al/Mg inverted dome tweeter |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal (3.9 ohms minimum, measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Sensitivity | 91dB (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Weight | 40.8 lbs / 18.5 kg each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, front |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
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- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons