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 L-Acoustics SYVA ranks #5, rated 4.0/5, and costs $13,100, 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 4.01 for the L-Acoustics SYVA. Its bass reaches about 51.5Hz before falling 3dB, against 106Hz for the L-Acoustics SYVA. The catch: The measurements are manufacturer supplied and spinorama rates their quality as low.
Why pick the L-Acoustics SYVA: A slim passive column with accurate sound, very wide coverage, and high output, designed to pair with a subwoofer. Watch for: On its own it reaches only about 106Hz (-3dB), so it cannot be used without a subwoofer.
Buy the JBL CBT 1000 + CBT 1000E. It is rated higher for sound quality than the L-Acoustics SYVA and costs less, so only choose the other one for a particular feature it does better.
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Specifications Side By Side
| JBL CBT 1000 + CBT 1000E | L-Acoustics SYVA | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $4,945.00 Passive | $13,100 Passive |
| Ranked | #2 of 33 in Column and Line Array PA Speakers | #5 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) | 46.3 lbs (21 kg) |
| Maximum SPL | 130dB peak (manufacturer specified) | 137dB (manufacturer specified) |
| Passive | Yes | Yes |
| Configuration | Passive 2-way Constant Beamwidth Technology column with matching extension | Passive 2-way line source |
| Drivers | CBT 1000: 6x 6.5” woofers, 24x 1” tweeters; CBT 1000E adds a matching extension array | 6x 5” cone drivers, 3x 1.75” compression drivers |
| Frequency Response | 45Hz - 20kHz (-10dB, CBT 1000 alone, manufacturer specified) | 87Hz - 20kHz (manufacturer specified) |
| Amplifier Power | Passive speaker; requires external amplification | Passive speaker; requires an L-Acoustics amplified controller (LA4X, LA12X or LA7.16i) |
| Power Handling | 1,500W (6,000W peak), CBT 1000 | - |
| Coverage | Switchable vertical patterns, wide horizontal | 140° horizontal, +5°/-21° vertical |
| Sensitivity | 102dB (highest setting, CBT 1000) | - |
| Impedance | 4 ohms (CBT 1000) | - |
| DSP | No (passive) | No (passive; processing and protection come from the amplified controller) |
| 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) | 106Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | about 39.6Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.70 | 4.01 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.96 | 7.58 |
| Dimensions | - | 51.2”H x 5.7”W x 8.2”D (1301 x 144 x 209 mm) |
| Inputs | - | Speakon (via L-Acoustics amplified controller) |
| Cabinet Material | - | Baltic beech and birch plywood |
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