Short answer: the KEF R5 Meta. It ranks #8 of 56 floorstanding speakers by sound quality at $3999.99; the JBL 4367 ranks #11 and costs $16500, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
On the KEF R5 Meta side: 12th generation 5” Uni-Q coaxial driver array with Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT) delivers remarkably smooth, controlled horizontal (±50°) and vertical directivity with near-identical off-axis tracking. Set against that: Low-frequency extension (F3 of 52Hz, F10 of 38Hz) requires pairing with a dedicated subwoofer crossed over at 80Hz for high-output home theater or bass-heavy music performance.
The case for the JBL 4367: Three-way design pairing a 15” front-ported woofer with a compression driver on a controlled-dispersion horn/waveguide, crossed over at 700Hz. The tradeoff: At roughly $16,500/pair, this is a major investment - the reviewer recommends buying from a dealer with a liberal return policy.
Buy the KEF R5 Meta. It ranks higher for sound quality than the JBL 4367 and costs less, so there is no real case for the other one.
Specifications Side By Side
| KEF R5 Meta | JBL 4367 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $3,999.99 Discontinued | $16500 |
| Ranked | #8 of 56 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers | #11 of 56 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 38Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 31Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 52Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 43Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Dimensions | 42.2"H x 10.7"W x 13.6"D (1073 x 273 x 346 mm) | 37.2"H x 22.2"W x 16.8"D (944.9 x 563.9 x 426.7 mm) |
| Discontinued | Yes | - |
| Impedance | 4 ohms nominal | 4 ohms nominal (5.3 ohms minimum above 80Hz, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | 86dB (measured average, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 92.5dB (measured average, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Drivers | 1 in. vented aluminum dome tweeter with MAT, 5 in. aluminum cone midrange, two 5.25 in. hybrid aluminum cone woofers | 15" (380mm) 2216Nd-1 Dual Differential Drive® woofer, 3" (75mm) D2430K dual compression tweeter |
| Weight | 54 lbs / 24.5 kg each | 119 lbs / 54 kg each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear | ported, front |
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- Revel F228Be vs Revel F328Be
- Revel F328Be vs Revel F226Be
- Revel F226Be vs PS Audio Aspen FR10
- JBL 4367 vs KEF R11 Meta
- JBL HDI-3800 vs JBL 4367
The Two Speakers In Full
KEF R5 Meta: $3,999.99 Discontinued
Pros: 12th generation 5” Uni-Q coaxial driver array with Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT) delivers remarkably smooth, controlled horizontal (±50°) and vertical directivity with near-identical off-axis tracking. Exceptional frequency response linearity through the midrange and treble that takes extremely well to minor parametric EQ adjustments. Constrained Layer Damping cabinet construction and flexible rear ports minimize enclosure resonances and port turbulence. Deliberately tuned low-frequency roll-off profile permits boundary-adjacent room placement near front walls without boomy acoustic buildup.
Cons: Low-frequency extension (F3 of 52Hz, F10 of 38Hz) requires pairing with a dedicated subwoofer crossed over at 80Hz for high-output home theater or bass-heavy music performance. High-frequency radiation above 7kHz shows a mild on-axis taper (1-2dB downward slope), performing best when listened to 10-20° off-axis. Moderate sensitivity (~86dB SPL average) requires a clean, robust 4-ohm capable amplifier to drive high dynamic peaks without clipping. Discontinued.
Full KEF R5 Meta review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 38Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 52Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Dimensions | 42.2"H x 10.7"W x 13.6"D (1073 x 273 x 346 mm) |
| Discontinued | Yes |
| Drivers | 1 in. vented aluminum dome tweeter with MAT, 5 in. aluminum cone midrange, two 5.25 in. hybrid aluminum cone woofers |
| Impedance | 4 ohms nominal |
| Sensitivity | 86dB (measured average, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Weight | 54 lbs / 24.5 kg each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear |
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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 |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
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