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. 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 2.67 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: A slim column that blends into a wall, with very wide coverage and a transformer option for distributed speech and background music. 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.
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 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) |
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