Short answer: the Dynaudio X14 for better sound quality, the JBL Control 1 Pro for the lower price. The Dynaudio X14 ranks #39 of 63 bookshelf speakers at $1500. The JBL Control 1 Pro ranks #53 at $164, $1336 cheaper.
The case for the Dynaudio X14: 1” silk-dome tweeter and 5.7” magnesium-silicate-polymer woofer in a compact two-way stand-mount, rated at 85dB sensitivity. The catch: 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.
On the JBL Control 1 Pro side: 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. Set against that: 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.
Buy the Dynaudio X14 if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the JBL Control 1 Pro if the price matters more than sound quality.
If sound quality matters at all to you, skip the JBL Control 1 Pro. It ranks near the bottom of the 63 bookshelf speakers, so look higher up the list instead.
Specifications Side By Side
| Dynaudio X14 | JBL Control 1 Pro | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1500 Discontinued | $164 |
| Ranked | #39 of 63 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers | #53 of 63 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 78Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 78Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 60Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 55Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Discontinued | Yes | - |
| 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 |
| Power Handling | - | 150W |
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The Two Speakers In Full
Dynaudio X14: $1500 Discontinued
Pros: 1” silk-dome tweeter and 5.7” magnesium-silicate-polymer woofer in a compact two-way stand-mount, rated at 85dB sensitivity.
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) | 60Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 78Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Dimensions | 11.2"H x 6.7"W x 10"D (285 x 170 x 255 mm) |
| Discontinued | Yes |
| 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) |
| Weight | 14.3 lbs / 6.5 kg each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported |
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- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
JBL Control 1 Pro: $164 Parts Express
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.
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) |
| 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) |
| Weight | 4 lbs / 1.8 kg each |
| Woofer Cabinet | sealed |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
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