Klipsch The Nines vs JBL 306P MKII

Short answer: the Klipsch The Nines, narrowly, because the JBL’s 1.6kHz dip is the one blemish. The 306P MKII at $398 against $999.99 has a nice, smooth on-axis response with very good directivity control for a compact 6.5” monitor, though a narrow but noticeable dip around 1.6kHz appears on-axis and in the listening window. The Nines are Erin’s favorite Klipsch speaker he has heard, needing only a -2dB tweeter trim.

Buy the Klipsch The Nines if sound quality is the priority over the price, or the JBL 306P MKII if the price is the priority over sound quality.

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Specifications Side By Side

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The Two Speakers In Full

Klipsch The Nines: $999.99 per pair Crutchfield eBay

Pros: The 1.7dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz supports even mids, and measured -3dB extension is 42.5Hz. Extensive consumer connections and app adjustment make it convenient for TV and music, while the horn provides a focused listening presentation. Erin called it his favorite Klipsch speaker. Measured bass extension of 42.5Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 82.5dB.

Cons: The 6.90 ideal-subwoofer score reflects limitations beyond the narrow midband span. Horizontal coverage is relatively focused, so placement matters for multiple seats. The reviewer preferred reduced treble, and bass limiting at higher playback levels means the large woofer is not a guarantee of unlimited output. The app’s flat setting leaves treble elevated; Erin preferred a -2dB tweeter trim.

Full Klipsch The Nines review and specifications →

AES Input	No
Amplifier Power	240W total (480W peak; 100W LF + 20W HF per powered speaker)
App	Klipsch Connect (bass/mid/treble EQ)
Aux Input	Yes
Bass Extension (-10dB)	31Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	42.5Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bluetooth	Yes, 5.0
Bluetooth Codecs	SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD
Coaxial Input	No
Dimensions	19.13”H x 9.5”W x 13.38”D
Drivers	8” high-excursion fiber-composite woofer, 1” titanium LTS vented tweeter with Tractrix horn
Frequency Response	34Hz - 25kHz +/-3dB (manufacturer specified)
HDMI Input	Yes
Inputs	HDMI ARC, Bluetooth 5.0, phono/line RCA, 3.5mm, USB, optical
Maximum SPL	115dB at 1m (stereo pair, manufacturer specified)
Optical Input	Yes
Outputs	Subwoofer
RCA Input	Yes
Sensitivity	82.5dB (measured at 0.30V/1m, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Spinorama Preference Score	5.32
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	6.90
Subwoofer Output	Yes
TRS Input	No
USB Input	Yes
Weight	28.4 lbs (12.9 kg) primary, 26.9 lbs (12.2 kg) secondary
Woofer Cabinet	rear-ported bass reflex
XLR Input	No

• Links
  • Official Klipsch The Nines Product Page
• Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
  • Erin’s Audio Corner: Klipsch The Nines Really Impressed Me. More from Erin’s Audio Corner →
  • Erin’s Audio Corner Website: Klipsch The Nines
  • Erin’s Audio Corner Measurements (spinorama.org)
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JBL 306P MKII: $398 per pair B&H Photo Video eBay

Pros: A 6.94 ideal-subwoofer score and 46.9Hz measured -3dB extension make this a useful affordable nearfield monitor. The waveguide supports broad horizontal listening coverage, and basic boundary controls help with setup. Measured bass extension of 46.9Hz (-3dB).

Cons: The 3.4dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz is less even than the 308P MKII’s, with midrange resonances affecting neutrality. Hiss can matter at a quiet desk, while bass distortion limits demanding playback. A subwoofer improves bandwidth but does not remove the midrange irregularities. A narrow dip around 1.6kHz shows in the on-axis and listening-window curves.

Full JBL 306P MKII review and specifications →

AES Input	No
Amplifier Power	112W total
App	No
Aux Input	No
Bass Extension (-10dB)	38.6Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	46.9Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bluetooth	No
Coaxial Input	No
DSP	No
Dimensions	16.1”H x 11.2”W x 12.9”D (408 x 285 x 328 mm)
Drivers	6.5” woofer, 1” neodymium tweeter
EQ	No
Frequency Response	39Hz - 24kHz (-10dB) (Manufacturer specified)
HDMI Input	No
Inputs	XLR, 1/4” TRS
Optical Input	No
RCA Input	No
Spinorama Preference Score	5.06
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	6.94
TRS Input	Yes
USB Input	No
Weight	13.4 lbs (6.1 kg) each
XLR Input	Yes

• Links
  • Official JBL 306P MKII Product Page
• Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
  • Audio Science Review Measurements More from Audio Science Review →
  • Audio Science Review Measurements (spinorama.org)
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