Short answer: the Kii THREE for better sound quality, the JBL 4329P for the lower price. The Kii THREE ranks #2 of 31 powered bookshelf speakers at $14000. The JBL 4329P ranks #18 at $4500, $9500 cheaper.
What the Kii THREE offers: A genuinely full-range active cardioid monitor. Watch for: The protection limiter becomes evident above approximately 96dB at 1m; bass-heavy material can overdrive the compact woofers with an audible plop even though many tracks exceed 100dB at a four-meter seat.
What the JBL 4329P offers: Genuinely full-range performance for a bookshelf-style speaker - anechoic response extends to 30Hz (measured F3 31Hz), reaching into the low 20s Hz range in-room depending on placement, with strong bass authority rather than a… Watch for: No HDMI input, a real drawback if you want to run these directly off a TV’s ARC.
Buy the Kii THREE if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the JBL 4329P if the price matters more than sound quality.
Specifications Side By Side
| Kii THREE | JBL 4329P | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $14,000/pair | $4,500 |
| Ranked | #2 of 31 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #18 of 31 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 28Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 31Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | Not applicable (active DSP loudspeaker) | 102.2dB (measured at 0.3V/1m, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Drivers | Four 6.5" woofers; 5" midrange; 1" waveguided tweeter | 8" midwoofer, 1" compression driver with JBL High-Definition Imaging horn |
| Amplification | Six Ncore channels, 1,500W total per speaker | - |
| Radiation | DSP-controlled cardioid above approximately 70-90Hz | - |
| Dimensions | 15.7"H x 7.9"W x 15.7"D | 20.3"H x 12.6"W x 12.7"D |
| Weight | 42 lb each | 34.5 lbs (primary), 34.3 lbs (secondary) |
| DSP | Yes; boundary, contour, phase-exact and low-latency modes | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 27Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Frequency Response | - | 30Hz - 20kHz (anechoic, manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | - | USB, Optical, Bluetooth, Analog, 3.5mm, AirPlay 2 |
| Woofer Cabinet | - | ported |
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- Kii THREE vs Buchardt A10
- Kii THREE vs Buchardt A500
The Two Speakers In Full
Kii THREE: $14,000/pair Vintage King
Pros: A genuinely full-range active cardioid monitor. Erin measured a 28Hz F3, and boundary gain in his room kept useful response close to 20Hz. Four side/rear 6.5-inch woofers use DSP delay and cancellation to suppress rearward radiation above roughly 70-90Hz, reducing front-wall and sidewall interaction while the 5-inch midrange and waveguided tweeter maintain exceptionally smooth directivity. Six Ncore amplifier channels provide 1,500W total per cabinet, phase-exact mode offers precise impulse behavior, and Erin found imaging, tonal neutrality and left/right symmetry outstanding.
Cons: The protection limiter becomes evident above approximately 96dB at 1m; bass-heavy material can overdrive the compact woofers with an audible plop even though many tracks exceed 100dB at a four-meter seat. The BXT modules are the appropriate but very expensive solution for more deep-bass headroom. Erin preferred the treble control at -2dB because broad radiation around 3-5kHz could sound sharp. Phase-exact operation adds latency, while low-latency mode trades away some low-frequency correction. System cost, proprietary connectivity and 42-pound cabinets also narrow its audience.
Full Kii THREE review and specifications →
| Amplification | Six Ncore channels, 1,500W total per speaker |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 28Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| DSP | Yes; boundary, contour, phase-exact and low-latency modes |
| Dimensions | 15.7"H x 7.9"W x 15.7"D |
| Drivers | Four 6.5" woofers; 5" midrange; 1" waveguided tweeter |
| Radiation | DSP-controlled cardioid above approximately 70-90Hz |
| Sensitivity | Not applicable (active DSP loudspeaker) |
| Weight | 42 lb each |
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JBL 4329P: $4,500 Amazon
Pros: Genuinely full-range performance for a bookshelf-style speaker - anechoic response extends to 30Hz (measured F3 31Hz), reaching into the low 20s Hz range in-room depending on placement, with strong bass authority rather than a rolled-off, thin low end. Wide, constant horizontal directivity through the midrange and into the treble (about ±60°, wider than most horn-loaded designs which tend to run closer to ±40°) gives a wide, stable stereo image without needing to toe the speakers out and lose top-end energy. The reviewer listened for an hour-long sessions repeatedly without listener fatigue, across two very different rooms, with consistently great results in both. Extensive connectivity: USB, Optical, Bluetooth, analog, 3.5mm, AirPlay 2, and 24-bit/192kHz support; comes with a remote.
Cons: No HDMI input, a real drawback if you want to run these directly off a TV’s ARC. The supplied ethernet link cable between the two speakers is short - workable at close range but not long enough for wider speaker placement, so budget for a longer aftermarket cable if your setup needs it. A dip around 900Hz shows up in the on-axis measurement that the reviewer couldn’t fully explain (ruled out the ports as the cause, suspects cabinet edge diffraction), though it wasn’t something that bothered him in listening. At $4,500/pair, this is a serious investment for a bookshelf-format speaker.
Full JBL 4329P review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 27Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 31Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Dimensions | 20.3"H x 12.6"W x 12.7"D |
| Drivers | 8" midwoofer, 1" compression driver with JBL High-Definition Imaging horn |
| Frequency Response | 30Hz - 20kHz (anechoic, manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | USB, Optical, Bluetooth, Analog, 3.5mm, AirPlay 2 |
| Sensitivity | 102.2dB (measured at 0.3V/1m, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Weight | 34.5 lbs (primary), 34.3 lbs (secondary) |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons