Short answer: the Alcons Audio QRP20 on measured sound quality, the JBL COL600 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 COL600 ranks #16, rated 3.3/5, at $386, $3,814 cheaper.
The Alcons Audio QRP20 is the more accurate, deeper-bass choice. A slim ribbon column with high output and a choice of wide horizontal coverage, built for discreet installs. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 3.38 against 2.64 for the JBL COL600. Its bass reaches about 90Hz before falling 3dB, against 106Hz for the JBL COL600. The tradeoff: Bass reaches only 90Hz at -3dB and about 81Hz at -10dB, so it needs a subwoofer for music.
What the JBL COL600 does well: A slim, compact column for restaurants, shops and meeting rooms, with wide coverage and a transformer for distributed systems. The tradeoff: Bass measures 106Hz at -3dB and about 78Hz at -10dB, and output tops out at 111dB, so it is for speech and background music.
Buy the Alcons Audio QRP20 when sound quality outweighs the price for you, and the JBL COL600 when the price outweighs sound quality instead.
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 COL600 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $4,200 Passive | $386.00 Passive |
| Ranked | #9 of 33 in Column and Line Array PA Speakers | #16 of 33 in Column and Line Array PA Speakers |
| Rigging | M10 inserts top and bottom; M6 bracket pattern on back | M6 inserts on top, bottom and sides; wall and L-brackets included |
| Passive | Yes | Yes |
| Configuration | Passive 2-way point-source column (pro-ribbon) | Passive slim column (8 ohm or 70V/100V) |
| Drivers | 1x 4” RBN401 pro-ribbon driver, 4x 5” woofers (sealed) | 2x 5” x 2.25” racetrack woofers, 1x 1” tweeter |
| Frequency Response | 72Hz - 20kHz (±3dB, manufacturer specified) | 70Hz - 20kHz (-10dB, manufacturer specified) |
| Dimensions | 29.2”H x 5.9”W x 5.9”D (742 x 150 x 150 mm) | 23.5”H x 4”W x 3.7”D (598 x 102 x 93 mm) |
| Amplifier Power | Passive speaker; requires external amplification (Alcons Sentinel) | Passive speaker; requires external amplification |
| Maximum SPL | 128dB peak (manufacturer specified) | 111dB peak (manufacturer specified) |
| Coverage | 90° x 15° (120° version available) | 160° x 110°, 10° down-tilt |
| Sensitivity | 99dB (200Hz - 10kHz) | 86dB (2.83V/1m) |
| Impedance | 4 ohms | 8 ohms |
| DSP | No (passive) | No (passive) |
| Weight | 26.5 lbs (12 kg) | 7.7 lbs (3.5 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) | 106Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | about 80.8Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) | about 77.7Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.38 | 2.64 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.69 | 6.11 |
| Power Handling | - | 80W continuous pink noise (320W peak) |
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