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 JBL CBT 1000 ranks #3, rated 4.1/5, at $3,075, $1,870 cheaper, not enough of a saving to outweigh the sound-quality gap.
The JBL CBT 1000 + CBT 1000E is the more accurate, deeper-bass choice. 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 4.67 for the JBL CBT 1000. Its bass reaches about 51.5Hz before falling 3dB, against 115Hz for the JBL CBT 1000. Watch for: The measurements are manufacturer supplied and spinorama rates their quality as low.
The case for the JBL CBT 1000: A passive column speaker with accurate, even sound across a wide audience and switchable vertical coverage for long rooms. The catch: The measurements are manufacturer supplied and spinorama rates their quality as low.
Buy the JBL CBT 1000 + CBT 1000E. It is rated higher for sound quality, and saving $1,870 with the JBL CBT 1000 does not make up for the sound-quality gap.
Still deciding? The full PA & Live Sound rankings cover every ranked option.
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Specifications Side By Side
| JBL CBT 1000 + CBT 1000E | JBL CBT 1000 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $4,945.00 Passive | $3,075.00 Passive |
| Ranked | #2 of 33 in Column and Line Array PA Speakers | #3 of 33 in Column and Line Array PA Speakers |
| Rigging | 14 rear threaded points; 4 on each end-cap; wall bracket included | 14 x M8 rear inserts; 4 x M8 top and bottom; wall bracket included |
| Weight | 104.1 lbs (47.2 kg) | 54 lbs (24.5 kg) |
| Maximum SPL | 130dB peak (manufacturer specified) | 130dB peak (manufacturer specified) |
| Passive | Yes | Yes |
| Configuration | Passive 2-way Constant Beamwidth Technology column with matching extension | Passive 2-way Constant Beamwidth Technology column |
| Drivers | CBT 1000: 6x 6.5” woofers, 24x 1” tweeters; CBT 1000E adds a matching extension array | 6x 6.5” neodymium woofers, 24x 1” neodymium tweeters |
| Frequency Response | 45Hz - 20kHz (-10dB, CBT 1000 alone, manufacturer specified) | 45Hz - 20kHz (-10dB, manufacturer specified) |
| Amplifier Power | Passive speaker; requires external amplification | Passive speaker; requires external amplification |
| Power Handling | 1,500W (6,000W peak), CBT 1000 | 1,500W (6,000W peak) |
| Coverage | Switchable vertical patterns, wide horizontal | Switchable vertical patterns, wide horizontal |
| Sensitivity | 102dB (highest setting, CBT 1000) | 102dB (highest setting) |
| Impedance | 4 ohms (CBT 1000) | 4 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) | 115Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | about 39.6Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) | about 48.3Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.70 | 4.67 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.96 | 8.13 |
| Dimensions | - | 40.2”H x 9.8”W x 13.6”D (1020 x 250 x 345 mm) |
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