Short answer: the JBL Control 1 Pro for install duty, the Dynaudio X14 for a stand-mount two-way, though neither ranks well in its class. The Control 1 Pro has magnetically shielded transducers, a rugged molded enclosure and SonicGuard overload protection, but its sound power and predicted in-room response are badly uneven next to the JBL 305P Mark II. The X14 is rated at 85dB sensitivity, but a lack of waveguide control leaves its on-axis response uneven. They are $1,260 apart. Both are rated below 3.0/5 among the 92 bookshelf speakers; for better sound, the Philharmonic Ceramic Mini ranks #2 at $900.
Buy the JBL Control 1 Pro new; the Dynaudio X14 is no longer sold new, so it only makes sense as a used find.
Want more options? Browse the full Passive Home rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Dynaudio X14 | JBL Control 1 Pro | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,500 per pair Discontinued | $240 per pair |
| Ranked | #63 of 92 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers | #81 of 92 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 67.4Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 78Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 43.9Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points) | 55Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Sensitivity | 82dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review) | 87dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal | 4 ohms |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz - 23kHz (+/-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 80Hz - 20kHz -10dB (Manufacturer specified) |
| Drivers | 1” silk dome tweeter, 5.7” magnesium-silicate-polymer woofer | 5.25” low frequency driver, 0.75” polycarbonate dome tweeter |
| Weight | 14.3 lbs (6.5 kg) each | 4 lbs (1.8 kg) each |
| Dimensions | 11.2”H x 6.7”W x 10”D (285 x 170 x 255 mm) | 9.3H x 6.3W x 5.6D in |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported | sealed |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.57 (spinorama.org) | 2.87 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.94 (spinorama.org) | 6.37 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Power Handling | - | 150W |
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How Dynaudio X14 compares with other leading options:
- Dynaudio X14 vs Ascend Sierra 1 v2
- KEF LS50 Meta vs Dynaudio X14
- Dynaudio X14 vs Arendal 1961 Monitor
- Dynaudio X14 vs Revel M105
- Klipsch RP-500M II vs Dynaudio X14
Prices on this page were last checked October 3, 2026 at 10:26 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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The Two Speakers In Full
Dynaudio X14: $1,500 per pair Discontinued eBay
Pros: 1” silk-dome tweeter and 5.7” magnesium-silicate-polymer woofer in a compact two-way stand-mount, rated at 85dB sensitivity. Measured bass extension of 67.4Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 82dB.
Cons: CEA2034 spinorama shows an uneven on-axis response from the lack of a waveguide to control tweeter beam width, plus a port resonance that boosts the lower midrange and imperfect crossover matching between the drivers. Too much energy in the lower and upper treble reads as bright, and directivity narrows at higher frequencies rather than staying controlled. The reviewer’s verdict: out of the box, the objective performance isn’t that great, though EQ can make it a satisfying speaker. Discontinued.
Full Dynaudio X14 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 43.9Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 67.4Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 11.2”H x 6.7”W x 10”D (285 x 170 x 255 mm) |
| Drivers | 1” silk dome tweeter, 5.7” magnesium-silicate-polymer woofer |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz - 23kHz (+/-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal |
| Sensitivity | 82dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.57 (spinorama.org) |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.94 (spinorama.org) |
| Weight | 14.3 lbs (6.5 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
JBL Control 1 Pro: $240 per pair Parts Express eBay
Pros: Magnetically shielded transducers and a rugged molded enclosure make it a durable choice for wall-mount or install use, with SonicGuard overload protection built into the crossover. Feels solidly built despite the low price, and the professional crossover network uses steep slopes. Measured bass extension of 78Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 87dB.
Cons: Sound power and predicted in-room response measurements are badly uneven compared to the JBL 305P Mark II tested alongside it, with no waveguide to control directivity as the woofer beams before handing off to the tweeter. The reviewer performed no distortion or dedicated listening test on this unit and concluded he didn’t “think there is a reason to purchase it” over a proper studio monitor at a similar price.
Full JBL Control 1 Pro review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 55Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 78Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 9.3H x 6.3W x 5.6D in |
| Drivers | 5.25” low frequency driver, 0.75” polycarbonate dome tweeter |
| Frequency Response | 80Hz - 20kHz -10dB (Manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 4 ohms |
| Power Handling | 150W |
| Sensitivity | 87dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 2.87 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.37 |
| Weight | 4 lbs (1.8 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | sealed |
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