Short answer: the JBL CBT 1000 + CBT 1000E. It ranks #2 of 33 column and line array PA speakers by sound quality, rated 4.3/5, at $4,945; the Kling Freitag PIA M ranks #4, rated 4.1/5, and costs $6,780, which makes this an easy call rather than a real tradeoff.
The JBL CBT 1000 + CBT 1000E is the more accurate, deeper-bass choice. A tall passive column pair with highly accurate sound, wide even coverage, and enough bass to run full range without a subwoofer. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 5.70 against 4.50 for the Kling Freitag PIA M. Its bass reaches about 51.5Hz before falling 3dB, against 95Hz for the Kling Freitag PIA M. Watch for: The measurements are manufacturer supplied and spinorama rates their quality as low.
What the Kling Freitag PIA M does well: A slim, very loud passive column with accurate sound, adjustable vertical coverage, and a cardioid mode that cuts sound behind it. The tradeoff: Bass is limited, at 95Hz for -3dB and about 82Hz for -10dB in bass-reflex mode, so it needs a subwoofer for music.
Buy the JBL CBT 1000 + CBT 1000E. It is rated higher for sound quality than the Kling Freitag PIA M and costs less, which makes it the one to get unless you need something the other one does better.
Still deciding? The full PA & Live Sound rankings cover every ranked option.
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Specifications Side By Side
| JBL CBT 1000 + CBT 1000E | Kling Freitag PIA M | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $4,945.00 Passive | $6,780 Passive |
| Ranked | #2 of 33 in Column and Line Array PA Speakers | #4 of 33 in Column and Line Array PA Speakers |
| Rigging | 14 rear threaded points; 4 on each end-cap; wall bracket included | 2 x M10 inserts in base and lid; 4 x M10 rear inserts |
| Weight | 104.1 lbs (47.2 kg) | 26.9 lbs (12.2 kg) |
| Maximum SPL | 130dB peak (manufacturer specified) | 132dB (manufacturer specified) |
| Passive | Yes | Yes |
| Configuration | Passive 2-way Constant Beamwidth Technology column with matching extension | Passive 3-way column loudspeaker |
| Drivers | CBT 1000: 6x 6.5” woofers, 24x 1” tweeters; CBT 1000E adds a matching extension array | 4x 0.75” compression drivers on adjustable horn, 2x 4” midrange (cardioid chamber), 4x 4” woofers (switchable bass-reflex/cardioid) |
| Frequency Response | 45Hz - 20kHz (-10dB, CBT 1000 alone, manufacturer specified) | 85Hz - 23kHz (±10dB, bass-reflex mode, manufacturer specified) |
| Amplifier Power | Passive speaker; requires external amplification | Passive speaker; requires external amplification |
| Power Handling | 1,500W (6,000W peak), CBT 1000 | 150W nominal / 325W program / 650W peak |
| Coverage | Switchable vertical patterns, wide horizontal | 100° x 5° to 25° (adjustable) |
| Sensitivity | 102dB (highest setting, CBT 1000) | - |
| Impedance | 4 ohms (CBT 1000) | 8 ohms |
| DSP | No (passive) | No (passive) |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| XLR Input | No | No |
| RCA Input | No | No |
| TRS Input | No | No |
| Optical Input | No | No |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| USB Input | No | No |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Microphone Input | No | No |
| Guitar Input | No | No |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 51.5Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) | 95Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | about 39.6Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) | about 81.7Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.70 | 4.50 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.96 | 7.92 |
| Dimensions | - | 47.1”H x 5.5”W x 6.6”D (1196 x 139 x 168 mm) |
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