Short answer: the JBL CBT 1000. It ranks #3 of 33 column and line array PA speakers by sound quality, rated 4.1/5, at $3,075; the Alcons Audio QR24 ranks #6, rated 4.0/5, and costs $7,200, so there is little reason to consider the other one.
What the JBL CBT 1000 does well: A passive column speaker with accurate, even sound across a wide audience and switchable vertical coverage for long rooms. The tradeoff: The measurements are manufacturer supplied and spinorama rates their quality as low.
The Alcons Audio QR24 is the deeper-bass choice. A ribbon column module with accurate, even sound and very high output that works alone or stacked as an array. Its bass reaches about 71Hz before falling 3dB, against 115Hz for the JBL CBT 1000. Watch for: Bass drops quickly below about 70Hz, so a subwoofer is needed for full-range music.
Buy the JBL CBT 1000. It is rated higher for sound quality than the Alcons Audio QR24 and costs less, which makes it the one to get unless you need something the other one does better.
Want more options? Browse the full PA & Live Sound rankings.
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Specifications Side By Side
| JBL CBT 1000 | Alcons Audio QR24 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $3,075.00 Passive | $7,200 Passive |
| Ranked | #3 of 33 in Column and Line Array PA Speakers | #6 of 33 in Column and Line Array PA Speakers |
| Rigging | 14 x M8 rear inserts; 4 x M8 top and bottom; wall bracket included | - |
| Maximum SPL | 130dB peak (manufacturer specified) | 135dB peak (manufacturer specified) |
| Passive | Yes | Yes |
| Configuration | Passive 2-way Constant Beamwidth Technology column | Passive 2-way modular column (pro-ribbon) |
| Drivers | 6x 6.5” neodymium woofers, 24x 1” neodymium tweeters | 2x 12” RBN1203 pro-ribbon drivers, 4x 6.5” neodymium woofers (vented) |
| Frequency Response | 45Hz - 20kHz (-10dB, manufacturer specified) | 74Hz - 20kHz (±3dB, manufacturer specified) |
| Dimensions | 40.2”H x 9.8”W x 13.6”D (1020 x 250 x 345 mm) | 25.9”H x 9.8”W x 13.2”D (658 x 248 x 336 mm) |
| Amplifier Power | Passive speaker; requires external amplification | Passive speaker; requires external amplification (Alcons Sentinel) |
| Power Handling | 1,500W (6,000W peak) | - |
| Coverage | Switchable vertical patterns, wide horizontal | 80° or 110° horizontal x 3.6° per module |
| Sensitivity | 102dB (highest setting) | 109dB (200Hz - 10kHz) |
| Impedance | 4 ohms | 8 ohms |
| DSP | No (passive) | No (passive) |
| Weight | 54 lbs (24.5 kg) | 48.5 lbs (22 kg) |
| 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) | 115Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) | 71Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | about 48.3Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) | about 62.5Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.67 | 4.38 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 8.13 | 7.25 |
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