Short answer: the Alcons Audio QRP20 on measured sound quality, the JBL COL800 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 COL800 ranks #12, rated 3.4/5, at $577, $3,623 cheaper.
The Alcons Audio QRP20 is the more accurate, deeper-bass pick. High-quality manufacturer measurements of the 90° version give preference scores of 3.38 standalone and 6.69 with an ideal subwoofer. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 3.38 against 2.67 for the JBL COL800. Its bass reaches about 90Hz before falling 3dB, against 115Hz for the JBL COL800. Watch for: Bass reaches only 90Hz at -3dB and about 81Hz at -10dB, so it needs a subwoofer for music.
The case for the JBL COL800: Manufacturer measurements give a 6.34 preference score with an ideal subwoofer from a slim 93mm-deep column that blends into a wall. The catch: Bass measures 115Hz at -3dB and about 86Hz at -10dB, and output tops out at 116dB, so it suits speech and background music rather than loud programs.
Buy the Alcons Audio QRP20 when sound quality outweighs the price for you, and the JBL COL800 when the price outweighs sound quality instead.
Still deciding? The full PA & Live Sound rankings cover every ranked option.
High-quality manufacturer measurements of the 90° version give preference scores of 3.38 standalone and 6.69 with an ideal subwoofer.
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Manufacturer measurements give a 6.34 preference score with an ideal subwoofer from a slim 93mm-deep column that blends into a wall.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Alcons Audio QRP20 | JBL COL800 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $4,200 Passive | $577.00 Passive |
| Ranked | #9 of 33 in Column and Line Array PA Speakers | #12 of 33 in Column and Line Array PA Speakers |
| Rigging | M10 inserts top and bottom; M6 bracket pattern on back | M6 inserts on back, 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) | 4x 5” x 2.25” racetrack woofers, 2x 0.8” tweeters |
| Frequency Response | 72Hz - 20kHz (±3dB, manufacturer specified) | 85Hz - 20kHz (-10dB, manufacturer specified) |
| Dimensions | 29.2”H x 5.9”W x 5.9”D (742 x 150 x 150 mm) | 31.5”H x 4”W x 3.7”D (800 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) | 116dB peak (manufacturer specified) |
| Coverage | 90° x 15° (120° version available) | 160° x 60°, 10° down-tilt |
| Sensitivity | 99dB (200Hz - 10kHz) | 88dB (2.83V/1m) |
| Impedance | 4 ohms | 8 ohms |
| DSP | No (passive) | No (passive) |
| Weight | 26.5 lbs (12 kg) | 11.5 lbs (5.2 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) | 115Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | about 80.8Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) | about 85.6Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.38 | 2.67 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.69 | 6.34 |
| Power Handling | - | 150W continuous pink noise (600W peak) |
Frequency Response Compared
Both speakers’ spinorama measurements, overlaid. A flatter line is more neutral: peaks sound forward or harsh, dips sound recessed. Each curve is shifted so its average from 300 Hz to 3 kHz sits at 0 dB, so loudness differences between the two are removed and only the shape is compared.
Measurement data: Alcons Audio QRP20 (measured by the manufacturer) and JBL COL800 (measured by the manufacturer), via spinorama.org.
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