Short answer: the Alcons Audio QRP40. It ranks #8 of 33 column and line array PA speakers by sound quality, rated 3.7/5, at $7,500. The L-Acoustics SOKA ranks #10, rated 3.5/5, at $5,400, $2,100 cheaper, a saving that is not big enough to make up the sound-quality gap.
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 3.21 for the L-Acoustics SOKA. Its bass reaches about 73Hz before falling 3dB, against 128Hz for the L-Acoustics SOKA. Watch for: 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.
What the L-Acoustics SOKA does well: An ultra-shallow line source only about 10cm deep and 20.7 lbs (9.4 kg) that reaches 133dB with 140° horizontal coverage, which lets it hide against a wall or column. Watch for: Bass reaches only about 128Hz (-3dB), so it needs a subwoofer or a bass companion, and it is passive, so it requires L-Acoustics amplified controllers.
Buy the Alcons Audio QRP40. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $2,100 saving on the L-Acoustics SOKA is not enough to make up the difference.
Want more options? Browse the full 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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An ultra-shallow line source only about 10cm deep and 9.4kg that reaches 133dB with 140° horizontal coverage, which lets it hide against a wall or column.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Alcons Audio QRP40 | L-Acoustics SOKA | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $7,500 Passive | $5,400 Passive |
| Ranked | #8 of 33 in Column and Line Array PA Speakers | #10 of 33 in Column and Line Array PA Speakers |
| Passive | Yes | Yes |
| Configuration | Passive 2-way point-source column (pro-ribbon) | Passive 2-way ultra-shallow line source |
| Drivers | 1x 12” RBN1203 pro-ribbon driver, 8x 5” woofers (sealed) | 9x 3.5” neodymium cone drivers, 3x 1” neodymium compression drivers |
| Frequency Response | 71Hz - 20kHz (±3dB, manufacturer specified) | 70Hz - 20kHz (-10dB, manufacturer specified) |
| Dimensions | 44”H x 6.3”W x 9.3”D (1118 x 161 x 236 mm) | 41.9”H x 3.9”W x 4.1”D (1065 x 99 x 104 mm) |
| Amplifier Power | Passive speaker; requires external amplification (Alcons Sentinel) | Passive speaker; requires external amplification (L-Acoustics amplified controller) |
| Maximum SPL | 131dB peak (manufacturer specified) | 133dB peak (manufacturer specified) |
| Coverage | 90° x 20° (120° version available) | 140° horizontal, +5°/-21° vertical |
| Sensitivity | 103dB (200Hz - 10kHz) | - |
| Impedance | 4 ohms | - |
| DSP | No (passive) | No (passive; processing comes from the amplified controller) |
| Weight | 48.5 lbs (22 kg) | 20.7 lbs (9.4 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) | 128Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | about 63.8Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.80 | 3.21 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.67 | 6.99 |
| Rigging | - | 6 x M6 inserts |
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 L-Acoustics SOKA (measured by the manufacturer), via spinorama.org.
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