JBL 4367 vs LALS Speakers: Which 15 inch Two-Way Horn Speaker is Right for You?

When it comes to high-end two-way horn speakers, the JBL 4367 and LALS Classical Series are both top contenders. While JBL has long been a dominant force in the audio industry, LALS offers a competitive, more budget-friendly alternative with its expertly crafted horn speakers. In this comparison, we'll take a deep dive into the features, performance, and value of these two giants. Whether you're an audiophile or a home theater enthusiast, this guide will help you make the right choice.

JBL 4367 Floorstanding Horn Speaker: $16,500 per pair.

The 4367 is a renowned two-way speaker designed for studio and high-end home use from the long-established JBL. Featuring a 15-inch woofer and a 3-inch diaphragm compression driver, it delivers deep, controlled bass and crystal-clear highs. The use of JBL’s patented D2 dual diaphragm and dual voice coil compression driver ensures reduced distortion and extended high-frequency response.

LALS 15SE Floorstanding Horn Speaker: $14,999 per pair (including international shipping)

The LALS Classical 15SE is a high-end two-way speaker system that mirrors the design philosophy of JBL 4367. It features a 15-inch woofer and a 50mm titanium diaphragm compression driver with a 46cm wooden horn, delivering robust low frequencies and clear, detailed highs. The speaker's high sensitivity of 98dB allows for efficient performance, even with lower-powered amplifiers.

LALS 15EX Bookshelf Horn Speaker (with stands): $15,999 per pair (including international shipping)

The LALS Classical 15EX is the bookshelf version (comes with stands) of the Classical 15SE with larger wooden horn at 55cm. Ideal for enthusiasts drawn to the iconic TAD studio monitor look, a compact aesthetic prevalent in the recording studios. Featuring the same 15-inch woofer and 50mm titanium compression driver, the 15EX delivers rich, impactful bass and finely detailed treble with the same high sensitivity at 98dB.

Quick Comparison Table

1. Craftsmanship

1.1 Cabinet Material: MDF vs Plywood

JBL 4367

The JBL 4367 features a cabinet constructed from Medium-Density Fiberboard (MDF), a standard material in high-quality speaker construction. MDF is chosen for its stability and ability to reduce unwanted vibrations, providing a solid foundation for accurate sound reproduction. While MDF is a reliable and effective material, it is commonly used in the industry and does not particularly distinguish the JBL 4367 from other speakers in terms of cabinet material.

According to Stereophile, the appearance of the JBL 4367 reflects a conflicted purpose. While impressively constructed, their "furniture-grade walnut veneer wood finish" does not evoke the image of fine furniture and would seem more appropriate in a mastering studio. "They looked less at home in my loft than any speaker I can recall," the reviewer notes, pointing out that the design is not focused on blending into typical domestic decor. The JBL 4367 offers choice of Satin Walnut or Black Walnut wood veneers. This limited selection simplifies the decision for buyers.

LALS Classical Series

The LALS Classical Series emphasizes superior craftsmanship with its cabinets made from Russian Birch Plywood. Russian Birch Plywood is renowned for its exceptional strength, durability, and fine acoustic properties. The layered construction of plywood minimizes resonance and enhances structural integrity, resulting in a cabinet that not only looks elegant but also contributes to clearer and more accurate sound reproduction.

Different wood veneers options of the LALS Classical 12SE-G

The LALS Classical series features both natural wood veneer and engineered wood veneer. For those unfamiliar with engineered wood veneer, it is a type of artificial wood veneer made from natural wood that undergoes a process where thin layers of wood are sliced, recomposed, and pressed to create uniform patterns, offering greater consistency and durability compared to natural wood veneer. In contrast, natural wood veneer showcases the unique grain of each piece of wood, making every finish slightly different and uneven, with a more distinctive touch. The available veneer patterns for LALS include walnut, ebony, rosewood, teak, and white ash, providing a range of aesthetic options.

1.2 The Horn: Plastic vs Plywood

Horn of JBL 4367 on the left and LALS Classical Series on the right

The angle and shape of the horns on sophisticated horn speakers are carefully calculated to match the compression drivers, ensuring optimal sound dispersion and clarity. Both the JBL 4367 and LALS models share the meticulous design, providing a high-fidelity listening experience with their precisely engineered horn systems.

Apart from the horn shape, the material is also important. Horns would have resonances. The horn of the JBL 4367 is made of polycarbonate, and the light weight plastic generates more high-frequency resonances due to the lightweight nature of the material, resulting in sharper, more pronounced highs, shouty to some users. In contrast, wooden horns, like those used on LALS models, offer a warmer, more natural resonance, especially in the mid and low frequencies.

In audio applications, wood resonance is generally considered more pleasant than plastic resonance. Wood has natural acoustic properties that produce a warmer, richer sound. 

2. Drivers

2.1 Compression drivers for the horn: Dual Polymer vs Titanium

Compression driver of JBL 4367 on the left and LALS Classical Series on the right

The JBL 4367 equipped with the D2430K compression driver for delivering the highs. The driver has two lightweight Annular Polymer Diaphragms, providing the same radiating area as a typical 3-inch(75mm) single-diaphragm compression driver for a lower mass-to-motor force ratio. JBL called the Dual Diaphragm Dual Voice Coil technology to be the D2 system D2 and that helps smooth and extend the response and improve power handling. 

LALS compression driver on Classical 15SE and 15EX uses a 50mm Titanium diaphragm, having a round ball shape and gold appearance. The internal jet tunnels are designed to further enhance the low-end extension, resulting in deeper, fuller sound. Because of the toxicity of Beryllium, LALS choose to use Titanium diaphragms for producing the compression driver. The ultra-thin 0.04mm diaphragm thickness surpasses the 0.05mm thickness found in JBL's flagship DD67000, as well as the 0.06mm diaphragms on more ordinary horn speakers, demonstrating LALS's commitment to precision and superior metal manufacturing.

2.2 Woofers drivers for the horn: Both made of Paper Pulp

Woofer of JBL 4367 on the left and LALS Classical Series on the right

The JBL 4367 features the 2216Nd-1 woofer to deliver powerful, articulate bass. This 15-inch (380mm) cast-frame woofer uses an Aquaplas-treated Pure Pulp cone and is powered by JBL's Differential Drive® motor system. The dual voice coils and dual gap design provide high efficiency and superior control over moving parts, resulting in reduced distortion compared to conventional woofers. With its advanced neodymium magnet system and lowered resonant frequency, the 2216Nd-1 is perfectly tuned to the JBL 4367 cabinet, producing well-defined bass while minimizing power compression and heat buildup.

LALS features a newly designed 15-inch woofer with a distinctive cloth surround and paper cone. The paper diaphragm is handcrafted using 80 grams of pulp, embossed with concentric ripples to strengthen its rigidity. This design minimizes unwanted resonance, allowing for a more natural, neutral sound. The cloth surround, superior to foam or rubber, offers quicker bass response due to its shorter stroke, contributing to the speaker’s agility. Additionally, the damper from Japan further enhances sensitivity and improves bass performance, producing a deeper and fuller sound. LALS opted for custom-made ferrite magnets over neodymium or AlNiCo, citing better control and consistency in the bass response. The precisely designed magnetic gap, narrower than most speakers on the market, optimizes electromagnetic efficiency for superior performance. This, combined with a lightweight aluminum flat wire voice coil, ensures a highly linear movement, resulting in tight, well-controlled bass.

3. Crossover Network and Power Handling

3.1 Both Utilize Low Crossover Points for Enhanced Midrange Handling 

Crossover of JBL 4367 on the left and LALS Classical Series on the right

The JBL 4367’s crossover is carefully designed with a single frequency point, strategically positioned outside the most sensitive range of human hearing. This simple yet effective system delivers a compact acoustic focus and excellent off-axis control. Each transducer has its own crossover board, separated within the enclosure to prevent cross-talk. The crossover uses high-quality components, including air-core inductors and polypropylene capacitors, to ensure linear performance and minimal distortion.

LALS crossover components are meticulously chosen. Instead of commonly used air-core inductors, LALS opts for silicon steel inductors, which have lower resistance and higher efficiency, addressing issues of high internal loss often seen in air-core designs. The crossover uses non-inductive resistors and capacitors produced by Solen’s OEM factory with Japanese-made thin films and silver wire conductors. LALS tested more expensive components like MCap and found them incompatible with the LALS design philosophy. Additionally, LALS crossovers feature a notch filter to flatten response peaks caused by the horn-loaded compression drivers in the 1k-3kHz range, ensuring smooth, balanced sound.

Both JBL 4367 and LALS speakers utilize a two-way crossover system, with JBL crossing over at 700Hz and LALS at 800Hz. In both designs, the horns handle a significant portion of the midrange frequencies, while avoiding the most sensitive 3kHz region for human hearing, resulting in smoother listening experience. 

3.2 High-Frequency Attenuators: Broader Adjustment Range on LALS

Attenuator of JBL 4367 on the left and LALS Classical Series on the right

The JBL 4367 is equipped with front-panel controls for high-frequency and ultra-high-frequency independent adjustments. Each from -1dB to +1dB, default at 0dB, allowing tuning to better suit the system and room acoustics. 

LALS horn speakers come equipped with a high-frequency attenuator that allows continuous adjustment from 0dB to -20dB, and even infinite attenuation (complete high-frequency shutdown). This feature allows users to fine-tune the high-frequency response according to their room acoustics and listening preferences.

Compared to the JBL 4367’s finer adjustment range of -1dB to +1dB, LALS offers a much broader range for volume control. With its continuous adjustment from 0dB to -20dB, LALS allows users to significantly reduce high-frequency output, giving more flexibility in tailoring the sound to match a room with challenging acoustics.

3.3 Power Handling and Efficiency: Higher SPL on LALS

The JBL 4367 handles 300 watts with a sensitivity of 94dB, while LALS supports up to 500 watts with a higher sensitivity of 98dB. For audiophiles, this difference means that LALS can be paired with more powerful amplifiers, produce louder sound with less power, offering greater dynamic range and a more expansive soundstage, achieving higher maximum sound pressure levels. This is particularly beneficial in larger listening spaces or for music genres with wide dynamic ranges, where the extra power can enhance the overall sound quality and experience, providing a more impactful and realistic listening experience.

4. Sound

4.1 JBL 4367 Sound Signature

The JBL 4367 delivers a powerful and dynamic sound with a clear focus on precision. According to the review on High Fidelity, the JBL 4367 has an excellent sense of rhythm and tonal balance, with remarkable clarity in the midrange and treble. Its D2 dual diaphragm compression driver offers crisp, airy highs, and the bass is firm yet controlled, resulting in an immersive and grand soundstage. This makes it particularly suited for large rooms where the spaciousness of the sound can be fully appreciated.

In Erin’s Audio Corner, the reviewer highlights the speaker's incredibly low distortion and controlled directivity, leading to a highly accurate sound. The 15-inch woofer provides tight, impactful bass, while the compression driver maintains consistent high-frequency response even at higher volumes, making the JBL 4367 ideal for both studio and home environments.

Stereophile describes the JBL 4367 as a speaker with exceptional power and detail, able to produce a vast soundstage with precise imaging. The reviewer notes its ability to handle both dynamic range and subtle details, delivering a refined sound that balances deep bass with clean treble, all while maintaining control over complex musical passages.

According to the LB Tech Review, the JBL Synthesis 4367 is a speaker that excels in both power and clarity. Its dynamic range is described as exceptional, handling everything from soft acoustic details to full orchestral blasts with ease. The 4367’s compression driver horn and 15-inch woofer allow it to reproduce music with great impact and authority, particularly in the lower frequencies, where the bass is deep and punchy without overwhelming the rest of the spectrum.

4.2 LALS Classical 15SE Sound Signature

The LALS Classical 15SE delivers a sound that captivates listeners with its natural tonal balance and remarkable bass performance. According to the U-Audio review, the 15SE has made significant improvements in low-frequency extension and detail compared to earlier models like the Classic 15M. 

Deep Bass Clarity: Bass & Bass by Kiyoshi Sugimoto and Yoshio Suzuki

The low-frequency response is particularly impressive on tracks like Bass & Bass by Kiyoshi Sugimoto and Yoshio Suzuki. The double bass is portrayed with stunning clarity, allowing listeners to hear the natural tension and release of the strings with a lifelike, vivid resonance. The 15SE’s bass is not only deeper but also more substantial and detailed, making it sound exceptionally realistic compared to most speakers in its class.

Dynamic Drum Performance: Drum Poetry by Yan Xue-Min

The 15SE excels in reproducing dynamic percussion performances, such as Drum Poetry by Yan Xue-Min. The reviewer highlights the speaker’s ability to handle a variety of drum types—snare drums, mid-range toms, and deep bass drums—with exceptional precision. The sharp, high-pitched sound of the snare drum contrasts with the resonant thud of the bass drum, which comes through with powerful clarity. The reviewer compares the bass performance to that of the Wilson Audio Alexia 2, noting that the LALS 15SE’s bass is faster, denser, and more controlled. While the Alexia 2 is known for its impressive low end, the 15SE surpasses it in terms of speed and precision, producing bass that is remarkably clean and detailed without lingering resonances.

Explosive Orchestral Performance: 1812 Overture by Tchaikovsky

When playing Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture, the LALS Classical 15SE showcases its impressive ability to handle dynamic, large-scale orchestral works. The cannon blasts in the final section are reproduced with remarkable sharpness and definition, delivering a clean, impactful sound that feels lifelike and thrilling. The reviewer notes that this level of dynamic performance is typically found only in much more expensive speaker systems. Specifically, they mention that while they have heard the 1812 Overture on other high-end systems, such as the Elac Concentro paired with Linear Acoustic electronics and the Kharma Exquisite Grand with Orpheus Heritage components, the LALS 15SE managed to either match or, in some aspects, surpass these far more expensive setups. The 15SE’s combination of its compression driver horn and pleated-surround woofer allows it to handle the piece’s dynamic swings with exceptional clarity and force, giving the cannon blasts a level of sharpness and precision that is typically hard to achieve without a much higher price tag.

Rebecca Pidgeon’s Vocals

On tracks like Grandmother by Rebecca Pidgeon, the LALS 15SE showcases its ability to deliver intimate, natural vocals. Pidgeon’s voice is rendered with exceptional warmth and detail, capturing every subtle inflection with ease. The high sensitivity of the speaker paired with the warmth of its tonal balance allows her voice to stand out, creating a relaxed and emotionally engaging performance. The midrange clarity ensures that Pidgeon’s vocals remain prominent without overpowering the accompanying instruments, providing a well-rounded and harmonious listening experience.

John Coltrane’s Saxophone

When playing They Say It’s Wonderful by John Coltrane, the 15SE demonstrates its ability to handle brass instruments with richness and warmth. Coltrane’s saxophone is presented with a golden, full-bodied tone that feels both smooth and resonant. The sax’s projection remains consistent, even when played at lower volumes, thanks to the 15SE’s compression driver horn, which allows the instrument’s finer details to shine through. The smoothness of the saxophone’s sound, paired with the warmth of the LALS’ natural resonance, makes for a highly engaging listening experience that draws the listener into the performance.

Anne-Sophie Mutter’s Violin

The violin performance in Zigeunerweisen by Anne-Sophie Mutter is another standout moment for the LALS 15SE. The speaker handles the delicate bowing techniques and subtle dynamics of Mutter’s playing with precision, bringing out the expressiveness and emotion in the performance. The violin’s higher frequencies are smooth and vibrant, while the lower tones retain their warmth and fullness. The LALS 15SE captures the full range of the violin, making every note feel alive and engaging, whether in the softer, more delicate passages or the louder, more dramatic sections.

5. Price Comparison

JBL 4367: $16,500 per pair

At $16,500, the JBL 4367 is positioned as a premium offering, delivering studio-grade performance with advanced technologies like the D2 compression driver and Differential Drive motor system. However, its higher price tag may be prohibitive for some.

LALS Classical 15SE & 15EX: $14,999 and $15,999 per pair (includes international shipping)

The LALS Classical series offers comparable performance at a slightly lower price point, particularly when factoring in the inclusion of international shipping and wooden box protection. For audiophiles looking for value, the LALS speakers present a more accessible option without compromising on sound quality.

Final Verdict: JBL 4367 or LALS?

The choice between the JBL 4367 and LALS largely comes down to your preferences, compared to speakers with ridiculous price tags in the high-end audio industry, both JBL 4367 and the LALS speakers provide good value for money when one prioritize sound over other factors. The JBL 4367 is an industry-leading speaker known for its impeccable sound quality and studio-level performance and comes with a higher price with less sophisticated studio look. Meanwhile, the LALS Classical 15SE and 15EX offer comparable sonic performance at a more budget-friendly price and superb wooden craftsmanship. 

If you've never experienced the charm of classic horn speakers, never encountered the unique combination of a compression driver paired with a cloth surround paper cone woofer, and didn't realize that a Taiwanese manufacturer could craft horn speakers as excellent as TAD or JBL, the LALS Classical 15SE or 15EX will truly surprise you.

Interested in LALS?

Our LALS speakers are priced to include worldwide shipping, even to regions with high shipping rates. If you're interested in exploring the LALS line further, feel free to check out the full collection or provide us with your shipping address to see if we can offer an even better price.