Short answer: the JBL M2 Master Reference Monitor for better sound quality, the Klipsch The Nines for the lower price. The JBL M2 Master Reference Monitor ranks #56 of 113 powered bookshelf speakers, rated 4.3/5, at $15,000. The Klipsch The Nines ranks #63, rated 4.2/5, at $999.99, $14,000.01 cheaper.
Why pick the Klipsch The Nines: The 1.7dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz supports even mids, and measured -3dB extension is 42.5Hz. It keeps a wired aux input, which the JBL M2 Master Reference Monitor lacks. The tradeoff: The 6.90 ideal-subwoofer score reflects limitations beyond the narrow midband span.
The JBL M2 Master Reference Monitor is the deeper-bass choice. A high-output specialist: Erin’s low-distortion and compression tests support considerable dynamic capability, beyond what a single preference score captures. Its bass reaches about 34Hz before falling 3dB, against 42.5Hz for the Klipsch The Nines. Watch for: Its 4.1dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz and 6.58 ideal-subwoofer score do not support a top tonal-accuracy ranking.
Buy the Klipsch The Nines when the price outweighs sound quality for you, and the JBL M2 Master Reference Monitor when sound quality outweighs the price instead.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Klipsch The Nines | JBL M2 Master Reference Monitor | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $999.99 per pair | $15,000 per pair |
| Ranked | #63 of 113 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #56 of 113 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Drivers | 8” high-excursion fiber-composite woofer, 1” titanium LTS vented tweeter with Tractrix horn | 15” 2216Nd woofer; D2 compression driver in Image Control Waveguide |
| Amplifier Power | 240W total (480W peak; 100W LF + 20W HF per powered speaker) | External two-channel amplification and JBL DSP tuning required |
| Inputs | HDMI ARC, Bluetooth 5.0, phono/line RCA, 3.5mm, USB, optical | None (passive cabinet driven by a matched Crown amplifier via speaker-level connection) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD | - |
| Dimensions | 19.13”H x 9.5”W x 13.38”D | 49.4”H x 20”W x 14”D (1256 x 508 x 355.6 mm) |
| Weight | 28.4 lbs (12.9 kg) primary, 26.9 lbs (12.2 kg) secondary | 130.1 lbs (59 kg) each |
| Sensitivity | 82.5dB (measured at 0.30V/1m, Erin’s Audio Corner) | - |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 42.5Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 34Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 31Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 21.0Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Frequency Response | 34Hz - 25kHz +/-3dB (manufacturer specified) | 20Hz - 40kHz (±3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| App | Klipsch Connect (bass/mid/treble EQ) | - |
| Woofer Cabinet | rear-ported bass reflex | - |
| Maximum SPL | 115dB at 1m (stereo pair, manufacturer specified) | 123dB manufacturer specified |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.32 | 5.74 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.90 | 6.58 |
| Subwoofer Output | Yes | - |
| Outputs | Subwoofer | - |
| XLR Input | No | No |
| RCA Input | Yes | No |
| TRS Input | No | No |
| Optical Input | Yes | No |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| USB Input | Yes | No |
| HDMI Input | Yes | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | Yes | No |
| Bluetooth | Yes | No |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 | - |
| Crossover Frequency | - | 800Hz active DSP |
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Prices on this page were last checked October 9, 2026 at 8:01 AM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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The Two Speakers In Full
Klipsch The Nines: $999.99 per pair Crutchfield eBay
Newer model: the Klipsch The Nines II, ranked higher, estimated 4.3/5.
Same family: the Klipsch The Fives (smaller bookshelf, rated 4.3/5) and the Klipsch The Sevens (smaller bookshelf, ranked lower, rated 3.7/5).
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 |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 |
| 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
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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JBL M2 Master Reference Monitor: $15,000 per pair JBL Professional Dealer Locator eBay
Pros: A high-output specialist: Erin’s low-distortion and compression tests support considerable dynamic capability, beyond what a single preference score captures. Measured -3dB extension is 33.7Hz. The large woofer and waveguide are particularly useful for greater listening distances. Measured bass extension of 34Hz (-3dB).
Cons: Its 4.1dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz and 6.58 ideal-subwoofer score do not support a top tonal-accuracy ranking. It requires the correct external amplification and DSP rather than a simple built-in amplifier. The very large cabinet, installation cost and possible amplifier fan noise make it impractical for most desks.
Full JBL M2 Master Reference Monitor review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | External two-channel amplification and JBL DSP tuning required |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 21.0Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 34Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| Crossover Frequency | 800Hz active DSP |
| Dimensions | 49.4”H x 20”W x 14”D (1256 x 508 x 355.6 mm) |
| Drivers | 15” 2216Nd woofer; D2 compression driver in Image Control Waveguide |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz - 40kHz (±3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | None (passive cabinet driven by a matched Crown amplifier via speaker-level connection) |
| Maximum SPL | 123dB manufacturer specified |
| Optical Input | No |
| RCA Input | No |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.74 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.58 |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 130.1 lbs (59 kg) each |
| XLR Input | No |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- JBL M2 Master Reference Monitor vs Genelec 8040B
- JBL M2 Master Reference Monitor vs JBL 708P
- JBL M2 Master Reference Monitor vs JBL 4329P
- JBL M2 Master Reference Monitor vs JBL 4305P
- JBL M2 Master Reference Monitor vs Genelec 8050B
- JBL M2 Master Reference Monitor vs Kali Audio IN-8 V2
- JBL M2 Master Reference Monitor vs Kali Audio LP-6 V2
- JBL M2 Master Reference Monitor vs Yamaha HS8
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