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 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 is the more accurate pick. A passive column speaker with accurate, even sound across a wide audience and switchable vertical coverage for long rooms. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 4.67 against 4.01 for the L-Acoustics SYVA. Watch for: The measurements are manufacturer supplied and spinorama rates their quality as low.
What the L-Acoustics SYVA does well: A slim passive column with accurate sound, very wide coverage, and high output, designed to pair with a subwoofer. The catch: On its own it reaches only about 106Hz (-3dB), so it cannot be used without a subwoofer.
Buy the JBL CBT 1000. 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.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete PA & Live Sound rankings.
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Specifications Side By Side
| JBL CBT 1000 | L-Acoustics SYVA | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $3,075.00 Passive | $13,100 Passive |
| Ranked | #3 of 33 in Column and Line Array PA Speakers | #5 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) | 137dB (manufacturer specified) |
| Passive | Yes | Yes |
| Configuration | Passive 2-way Constant Beamwidth Technology column | Passive 2-way line source |
| Drivers | 6x 6.5” neodymium woofers, 24x 1” neodymium tweeters | 6x 5” cone drivers, 3x 1.75” compression drivers |
| Frequency Response | 45Hz - 20kHz (-10dB, manufacturer specified) | 87Hz - 20kHz (manufacturer specified) |
| Dimensions | 40.2”H x 9.8”W x 13.6”D (1020 x 250 x 345 mm) | 51.2”H x 5.7”W x 8.2”D (1301 x 144 x 209 mm) |
| 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) | - |
| Coverage | Switchable vertical patterns, wide horizontal | 140° horizontal, +5°/-21° vertical |
| Sensitivity | 102dB (highest setting) | - |
| Impedance | 4 ohms | - |
| DSP | No (passive) | No (passive; processing and protection come from the amplified controller) |
| Weight | 54 lbs (24.5 kg) | 46.3 lbs (21 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) | 106Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | about 48.3Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.67 | 4.01 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 8.13 | 7.58 |
| Inputs | - | Speakon (via L-Acoustics amplified controller) |
| Cabinet Material | - | Baltic beech and birch plywood |
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