Short answer: the Alcons Audio QRP20 on measured sound quality, the JBL CBT 70J-1 on price. The Alcons Audio QRP20 ranks #9 of 33 column and line array PA speakers, rated 3.6/5, at $4,200. The JBL CBT 70J-1 ranks #11, rated 3.4/5, at $1,480, $2,720 cheaper.
The Alcons Audio QRP20 is the deeper-bass option. A slim ribbon column with high output and a choice of wide horizontal coverage, built for discreet installs. Its bass reaches about 90Hz before falling 3dB, against 120.1Hz for the JBL CBT 70J-1. The catch: Bass reaches only 90Hz at -3dB and about 81Hz at -10dB, so it needs a subwoofer for music.
Why pick the JBL CBT 70J-1: A passive column with switchable vertical coverage for long or medium rooms, a speech or music switch, and a wall bracket included. The catch: Bass measures 120Hz at -3dB and about 62Hz at -10dB, and the standalone score is only 2.95, so it needs a subwoofer for music.
Buy the Alcons Audio QRP20 if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the JBL CBT 70J-1 if the price matters more than sound quality.
Want more options? Browse the full PA & Live Sound rankings.
Prices on this page were last checked November 7, 2026 at 7:34 PM 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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Specifications Side By Side
| Alcons Audio QRP20 | JBL CBT 70J-1 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $4,200 Passive | $1,480.00 Passive |
| Ranked | #9 of 33 in Column and Line Array PA Speakers | #11 of 33 in Column and Line Array PA Speakers |
| Rigging | M10 inserts top and bottom; M6 bracket pattern on back | 10 x M6 rear inserts; swivel/tilt wall bracket included |
| Passive | Yes | Yes |
| Configuration | Passive 2-way point-source column (pro-ribbon) | Passive 2-way Constant Beamwidth Technology column |
| Drivers | 1x 4” RBN401 pro-ribbon driver, 4x 5” woofers (sealed) | 4x 5” neodymium woofers, 16x 1” neodymium tweeters |
| Frequency Response | 72Hz - 20kHz (±3dB, manufacturer specified) | 60Hz - 20kHz (-10dB, manufacturer specified) |
| Dimensions | 29.2”H x 5.9”W x 5.9”D (742 x 150 x 150 mm) | 27.3”H x 6.7”W x 9.3”D (694 x 170 x 237 mm) |
| Amplifier Power | Passive speaker; requires external amplification (Alcons Sentinel) | Passive speaker; requires external amplification |
| Maximum SPL | 128dB peak (manufacturer specified) | 131dB peak (narrow, speech mode, manufacturer specified) |
| Coverage | 90° x 15° (120° version available) | Switchable 25° or 45° vertical |
| Sensitivity | 99dB (200Hz - 10kHz) | - |
| Impedance | 4 ohms | 8 ohms |
| DSP | No (passive) | No (passive) |
| Weight | 26.5 lbs (12 kg) | 20.9 lbs (9.5 kg) |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| XLR Input | No | No |
| RCA Input | No | No |
| TRS Input | No | No |
| Optical Input | No | No |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| USB Input | No | No |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Microphone Input | No | No |
| Guitar Input | No | No |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 90Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) | 120.1Hz (measured, Audio Science Review data on spinorama.org) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | about 80.8Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) | about 61.5Hz (measured, Audio Science Review data on spinorama.org) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.38 | 2.95 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.69 | 5.87 |
| Power Handling | - | 500W (2,000W peak) |
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