Short answer: the Alcons Audio QRP40 on measured sound quality, the JBL COL800 on price. The Alcons Audio QRP40 ranks #8 of 33 column and line array PA speakers, rated 3.7/5, at $7,500. The JBL COL800 ranks #12, rated 3.4/5, at $577, $6,923 cheaper.
The Alcons Audio QRP40 is the more accurate, deeper-bass choice. High-quality manufacturer measurements give preference scores of 3.80 standalone and 6.67 with an ideal subwoofer. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 3.80 against 2.67 for the JBL COL800. Its bass reaches about 73Hz before falling 3dB, against 115Hz for the JBL COL800. The tradeoff: A 4.22 directivity-index deviation means off-axis tone varies more than its Alcons Audio QR24 sibling, and it needs a subwoofer below about 70Hz.
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. Watch for: 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 QRP40 if sound quality is the priority over the price, or the JBL COL800 if the price is the priority over sound quality.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete PA & Live Sound rankings.
High-quality manufacturer measurements give preference scores of 3.80 standalone and 6.67 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 QRP40 | JBL COL800 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $7,500 Passive | $577.00 Passive |
| Ranked | #8 of 33 in Column and Line Array PA Speakers | #12 of 33 in Column and Line Array PA Speakers |
| Passive | Yes | Yes |
| Configuration | Passive 2-way point-source column (pro-ribbon) | Passive slim column (8 ohm or 70V/100V) |
| Drivers | 1x 12” RBN1203 pro-ribbon driver, 8x 5” woofers (sealed) | 4x 5” x 2.25” racetrack woofers, 2x 0.8” tweeters |
| Frequency Response | 71Hz - 20kHz (±3dB, manufacturer specified) | 85Hz - 20kHz (-10dB, manufacturer specified) |
| Dimensions | 44”H x 6.3”W x 9.3”D (1118 x 161 x 236 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 | 131dB peak (manufacturer specified) | 116dB peak (manufacturer specified) |
| Coverage | 90° x 20° (120° version available) | 160° x 60°, 10° down-tilt |
| Sensitivity | 103dB (200Hz - 10kHz) | 88dB (2.83V/1m) |
| Impedance | 4 ohms | 8 ohms |
| DSP | No (passive) | No (passive) |
| Weight | 48.5 lbs (22 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) | 73Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) | 115Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | about 63.8Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) | about 85.6Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.80 | 2.67 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.67 | 6.34 |
| Rigging | - | M6 inserts on back, top, bottom and sides; wall and L-brackets included |
| 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 QRP40 (measured by the manufacturer) and JBL COL800 (measured by the manufacturer), via spinorama.org.
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