Short answer: the JBL CBT 1000 + CBT 1000E. It ranks #2 of 33 column and line array PA speakers by sound quality, rated 4.3/5, at $4,945; the Alcons Audio QR24 ranks #6, rated 4.0/5, and costs $7,200, which makes this an easy call rather than a real tradeoff.
The JBL CBT 1000 + CBT 1000E is the more accurate, deeper-bass pick. A tall passive column pair with highly accurate sound, wide even coverage, and enough bass to run full range without a subwoofer. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 5.70 against 4.38 for the Alcons Audio QR24. Its bass reaches about 51.5Hz before falling 3dB, against 71Hz for the Alcons Audio QR24. Watch for: The measurements are manufacturer supplied and spinorama rates their quality as low.
Why pick the Alcons Audio QR24: A ribbon column module with accurate, even sound and very high output that works alone or stacked as an array. The tradeoff: Bass drops quickly below about 70Hz, so a subwoofer is needed for full-range music.
Buy the JBL CBT 1000 + CBT 1000E. It is rated higher for sound quality than the Alcons Audio QR24 and costs less, so only choose the other one for a particular feature it does better.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete PA & Live Sound rankings.
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Specifications Side By Side
| JBL CBT 1000 + CBT 1000E | Alcons Audio QR24 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $4,945.00 Passive | $7,200 Passive |
| Ranked | #2 of 33 in Column and Line Array PA Speakers | #6 of 33 in Column and Line Array PA Speakers |
| Rigging | 14 rear threaded points; 4 on each end-cap; wall bracket included | - |
| Weight | 104.1 lbs (47.2 kg) | 48.5 lbs (22 kg) |
| Maximum SPL | 130dB peak (manufacturer specified) | 135dB peak (manufacturer specified) |
| Passive | Yes | Yes |
| Configuration | Passive 2-way Constant Beamwidth Technology column with matching extension | Passive 2-way modular column (pro-ribbon) |
| Drivers | CBT 1000: 6x 6.5” woofers, 24x 1” tweeters; CBT 1000E adds a matching extension array | 2x 12” RBN1203 pro-ribbon drivers, 4x 6.5” neodymium woofers (vented) |
| Frequency Response | 45Hz - 20kHz (-10dB, CBT 1000 alone, manufacturer specified) | 74Hz - 20kHz (±3dB, manufacturer specified) |
| Amplifier Power | Passive speaker; requires external amplification | Passive speaker; requires external amplification (Alcons Sentinel) |
| Power Handling | 1,500W (6,000W peak), CBT 1000 | - |
| Coverage | Switchable vertical patterns, wide horizontal | 80° or 110° horizontal x 3.6° per module |
| Sensitivity | 102dB (highest setting, CBT 1000) | 109dB (200Hz - 10kHz) |
| Impedance | 4 ohms (CBT 1000) | 8 ohms |
| DSP | No (passive) | No (passive) |
| 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) | 51.5Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) | 71Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | about 39.6Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) | about 62.5Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.70 | 4.38 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.96 | 7.25 |
| Dimensions | - | 25.9”H x 9.8”W x 13.2”D (658 x 248 x 336 mm) |
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