Short answer: the JBL CBT 1000. Both are rated 4.1/5 for sound quality (#3 and #4 of 33 column and line array PA speakers), and the JBL CBT 1000 costs $3,075 against $6,780 for the Kling Freitag PIA M, and with sound quality even, the cheaper one is the better buy.
Why pick the JBL CBT 1000: A passive column speaker with accurate, even sound across a wide audience and switchable vertical coverage for long rooms. The catch: The measurements are manufacturer supplied and spinorama rates their quality as low.
The Kling Freitag PIA M is the deeper-bass pick. A slim, very loud passive column with accurate sound, adjustable vertical coverage, and a cardioid mode that cuts sound behind it. Its bass reaches about 95Hz before falling 3dB, against 115Hz for the JBL CBT 1000. Watch for: 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. Both are rated the same for sound quality, and it costs $3,705 less than the Kling Freitag PIA M.
Still deciding? The full PA & Live Sound rankings cover every ranked option.
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Specifications Side By Side
| JBL CBT 1000 | Kling Freitag PIA M | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $3,075.00 Passive | $6,780 Passive |
| Ranked | #3 of 33 in Column and Line Array PA Speakers | #4 of 33 in Column and Line Array PA Speakers |
| Rigging | 14 x M8 rear inserts; 4 x M8 top and bottom; wall bracket included | 2 x M10 inserts in base and lid; 4 x M10 rear inserts |
| Maximum SPL | 130dB peak (manufacturer specified) | 132dB (manufacturer specified) |
| Passive | Yes | Yes |
| Configuration | Passive 2-way Constant Beamwidth Technology column | Passive 3-way column loudspeaker |
| Drivers | 6x 6.5” neodymium woofers, 24x 1” neodymium tweeters | 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, manufacturer specified) | 85Hz - 23kHz (±10dB, bass-reflex mode, manufacturer specified) |
| Dimensions | 40.2”H x 9.8”W x 13.6”D (1020 x 250 x 345 mm) | 47.1”H x 5.5”W x 6.6”D (1196 x 139 x 168 mm) |
| Amplifier Power | Passive speaker; requires external amplification | Passive speaker; requires external amplification |
| Power Handling | 1,500W (6,000W peak) | 150W nominal / 325W program / 650W peak |
| Coverage | Switchable vertical patterns, wide horizontal | 100° x 5° to 25° (adjustable) |
| Sensitivity | 102dB (highest setting) | - |
| Impedance | 4 ohms | 8 ohms |
| DSP | No (passive) | No (passive) |
| Weight | 54 lbs (24.5 kg) | 26.9 lbs (12.2 kg) |
| 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) | 115Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) | 95Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | about 48.3Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) | about 81.7Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.67 | 4.50 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 8.13 | 7.92 |
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