Focal 100 OD6 vs JBL Control X

Last updated: October 5, 2026

Short answer: the Focal 100 OD6. It ranks #4 of 13 outdoor speakers by sound quality (rated 3.7/5) at $698 and is still sold new; the JBL Control X ranks #8 (rated 3.2/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used.

Focal 100 OD6 vs JBL Control X

The Focal 100 OD6 is the better-sounding choice. Modern outdoor successor to the Chorus OD 706 V featuring Focal’s signature 6.5” Polyglass mid-bass woofer and inverted aluminum dome tweeter in an updated IP66-certified high-density polypropylene enclosure. The tradeoff: Sealed cabinet acoustic design limits low-frequency bass punch, rolling off below 65Hz (-3dB) and 55Hz (-6dB) without boundary wall assistance.

What the JBL Control X does well: Spinorama preference score of 2.50 (5.87 with subwoofer). The catch: Marked peak around 1.5kHz to 2kHz and uneven on-axis treble response require EQ for best tonal balance.

Buy the Focal 100 OD6. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the JBL Control X is discontinued, so it is only available used.

Want more options? Browse the full Passive Home rankings.

Specifications Side By Side

Focal 100 OD6 JBL Control X
Price$698 per pair$205 per pair Discontinued
Ranked#4 of 13 in Outdoor Speakers#8 of 13 in Outdoor Speakers
ConfigurationPassive 2-wayPassive 2-way
Drivers6.5” (165mm) Polyglass mid-bass woofer, 1” (25mm) inverted aluminum dome tweeter5.25” (133mm) polypropylene graphite-filled cone woofer, 1” (25mm) CMMD Lite dome tweeter with HDI waveguide
Sensitivity87dB (2.83V @ 1m)87dB
Impedance8 ohms8 ohms
Recommended Power20-120W20-100W
EnclosureSealed UV-treated high-density polypropylene, IP66 weather-resistantPorted, rear Slipstream port
Dimensions12.6”H x 8.8”W x 10.1”D (319 x 224 x 256 mm)9.3”H x 6.5”W x 6.3”D (235 x 165 x 159 mm)
Weight9 lbs (4.1 kg)5.7 lbs (2.6 kg)
Frequency Response65Hz - 23kHz (+/- 3dB, Manufacturer specified)-
Bass Extension (-3dB)-108.4Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bass Extension (-6dB)-90.8Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bass Extension (-10dB)-60.1Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Spinorama Preference Score-2.50
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub-5.87

More worthwhile head-to-heads for Focal 100 OD6:

Prices on this page were last checked October 4, 2026 at 9:58 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

Focal 100 OD6: $698 per pair Estimated Crutchfield eBay

Focal 100 OD6 ranking card

Older model: the Focal Chorus OD 706 V (ranked higher, rated 3.7/5).

Pros: Modern outdoor successor to the Chorus OD 706 V featuring Focal’s signature 6.5” Polyglass mid-bass woofer and inverted aluminum dome tweeter in an updated IP66-certified high-density polypropylene enclosure. Excellent weatherproofing protects against intense rain and UV exposure, while the reinforced notched aluminum bracket allows 180° rotation for flexible horizontal or vertical mounting.

Cons: Sealed cabinet acoustic design limits low-frequency bass punch, rolling off below 65Hz (-3dB) and 55Hz (-6dB) without boundary wall assistance. Full laboratory-grade Klippel NFS Spinorama directivity curves have not yet been published, so preference scores are estimated from the measured Chorus predecessor.

ConfigurationPassive 2-way
Dimensions12.6”H x 8.8”W x 10.1”D (319 x 224 x 256 mm)
Drivers6.5” (165mm) Polyglass mid-bass woofer, 1” (25mm) inverted aluminum dome tweeter
EnclosureSealed UV-treated high-density polypropylene, IP66 weather-resistant
Frequency Response65Hz - 23kHz (+/- 3dB, Manufacturer specified)
Impedance8 ohms
Recommended Power20-120W
Sensitivity87dB (2.83V @ 1m)
Weight9 lbs (4.1 kg)

JBL Control X: $205 per pair Discontinued eBay

JBL Control X ranking card

Newer model: the JBL Stage XD-5, ranked higher, estimated 3.3/5.

Pros: Spinorama preference score of 2.50 (5.87 with subwoofer). Features JBL’s High Definition Imaging (HDI) waveguide for wide, controlled 60-degree horizontal directivity. Distortion remains low through the midband, and the ported cabinet delivers usable mid-bass energy for its modest footprint. Measured bass extension of 108.4Hz (-3dB).

Cons: Marked peak around 1.5kHz to 2kHz and uneven on-axis treble response require EQ for best tonal balance. Bass extension falls off below 90Hz (-6dB), and the speaker is discontinued.

Bass Extension (-10dB)60.1Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bass Extension (-3dB)108.4Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bass Extension (-6dB)90.8Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
ConfigurationPassive 2-way
Dimensions9.3”H x 6.5”W x 6.3”D (235 x 165 x 159 mm)
Drivers5.25” (133mm) polypropylene graphite-filled cone woofer, 1” (25mm) CMMD Lite dome tweeter with HDI waveguide
EnclosurePorted, rear Slipstream port
Impedance8 ohms
Recommended Power20-100W
Sensitivity87dB
Spinorama Preference Score2.50
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub5.87
Weight5.7 lbs (2.6 kg)