Short answer: the JBL CBT 50LA-1. It ranks #17 of 23 column and line array PA speakers by sound quality, rated 3.1/5, at $585; the Yamaha VXL1-16 ranks #22, rated 2.6/5, and costs $807.99, so there is little reason to consider the other one.
The JBL CBT 50LA-1 is the better-sounding choice. A Constant Beamwidth Technology column from the same JBL CBT range as the measured JBL CBT 70J-1 and JBL CBT 1000, with eight 2” full-range drivers in a 528mm tall cabinet. The tradeoff: No independent measurements yet, so it can’t be compared with ranked PA speakers.
The case for the Yamaha VXL1-16: The middle model of Yamaha’s VXL slim line arrays, with sixteen 1.5” full-range drivers in a 54mm wide column between the measured Yamaha VXL1-8 and Yamaha VXL1-24. Watch for: No independent measurements yet, so it can’t be compared with ranked PA speakers.
Buy the JBL CBT 50LA-1. It is rated higher for sound quality than the Yamaha VXL1-16 and costs less, so it is the default pick unless a specific strength of the other one matters more to you.
About the ratings: neither speaker has been measured yet, so both ratings are estimated from measured siblings and predecessors (likely ranges: JBL CBT 50LA-1 2.7 to 3.5; Yamaha VXL1-16 2.2 to 3.0). Treat this verdict as provisional.
Still deciding? The full PA & Live Sound rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL CBT 50LA-1 | Yamaha VXL1-16 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $585.00 each Passive | $807.99 each Passive |
| Ranked | #17 of 23 in Column and Line Array PA Speakers Estimated | #22 of 23 in Column and Line Array PA Speakers Estimated |
| Rigging | 10 x M6 rear inserts; swivel/tilt wall bracket included | Wall mount bracket included |
| Passive | Yes | Yes |
| Configuration | Passive Constant Beamwidth Technology line array column | Passive slim line array column |
| Drivers | 8x 2” full-range drivers | 16x 1.5” full-range drivers |
| Frequency Response | 80Hz - 20kHz (manufacturer specified) | - |
| Coverage | 150° horizontal, 20° vertical | Switchable 20° or 30° vertical |
| Power Handling | 150W continuous | 80W |
| Maximum SPL | 115dB continuous (manufacturer specified) | 116dB peak (manufacturer specified) |
| Dimensions | 20.8” (528 mm) tall | - |
| Weight | 9 lbs (4.1 kg) | 8.6 lbs (3.9 kg) |
| XLR Input | No | No |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| DSP | No (passive) | No (passive) |
| Amplifier Power | Passive speaker; requires external amplification | Passive speaker; requires external amplification |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More top alternatives to JBL CBT 50LA-1:
- JBL COL800 vs JBL CBT 50LA-1
- JBL COL600 vs JBL CBT 50LA-1
- JBL CBT 100LA-1 vs JBL CBT 50LA-1
- JBL CBT 50LA-1 vs Yamaha VXL1-8
- Yamaha VXL1-16 vs Yamaha VXL1-8
Prices on this page were last checked October 11, 2026 at 4:59 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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The Two Speakers In Full
JBL CBT 50LA-1: $585.00 each Passive Estimated Amazon eBay
Same family: the JBL CBT 70J-1 (larger model, ranked higher, rated 3.4/5), the JBL CBT 100LA-1 (larger model, ranked lower, estimated 3.1/5), the JBL CBT 200LA-1 (larger model, ranked higher, estimated 3.2/5) and the JBL CBT 1000 (larger model, ranked higher, rated 4.1/5).
Pros: A Constant Beamwidth Technology column from the same JBL CBT range as the measured JBL CBT 70J-1 and JBL CBT 1000, with eight 2” full-range drivers in a 528mm tall cabinet. It keeps a steady 150° horizontal and 20° vertical pattern across frequency, which helps speech intelligibility in reverberant rooms, and JBL rates it at 115dB continuous.
Cons: No independent measurements yet, so it can’t be compared with ranked PA speakers. Its 2” drivers have no separate woofer or tweeter and roll off below 80Hz, so music needs a subwoofer, and it requires an external amplifier.
Full JBL CBT 50LA-1 review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | Passive speaker; requires external amplification |
|---|---|
| Bluetooth | No |
| Configuration | Passive Constant Beamwidth Technology line array column |
| Coverage | 150° horizontal, 20° vertical |
| DSP | No (passive) |
| Dimensions | 20.8” (528 mm) tall |
| Drivers | 8x 2” full-range drivers |
| Frequency Response | 80Hz - 20kHz (manufacturer specified) |
| Maximum SPL | 115dB continuous (manufacturer specified) |
| Passive | Yes |
| Power Handling | 150W continuous |
| Rigging | 10 x M6 rear inserts; swivel/tilt wall bracket included |
| Weight | 9 lbs (4.1 kg) |
| XLR Input | No |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- No independent measurement review is linked for this model; it is ranked from hands-on listening and comparison against similarly priced speakers.
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Yamaha VXL1-16: $807.99 each Passive Estimated Full Compass eBay
Same family: the Yamaha VXL1-8 (smaller model, ranked higher, rated 2.6/5) and the Yamaha VXL1-24 (larger model, ranked lower, rated 2.5/5).
Pros: The middle model of Yamaha’s VXL slim line arrays, with sixteen 1.5” full-range drivers in a 54mm wide column between the measured Yamaha VXL1-8 and Yamaha VXL1-24. A rear switch picks 20° or 30° vertical coverage, which helps speech intelligibility in reflective rooms.
Cons: No independent measurements yet, so it can’t be compared with ranked PA speakers. Small full-range drivers limit bass and output, so it is built for speech and background music, and it needs an external amplifier.
Full Yamaha VXL1-16 review and specifications →
| Released | Jun 2017 (9 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | Passive speaker; requires external amplification |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Configuration | Passive slim line array column |
| Coverage | Switchable 20° or 30° vertical |
| DSP | No (passive) |
| Drivers | 16x 1.5” full-range drivers |
| Maximum SPL | 116dB peak (manufacturer specified) |
| Passive | Yes |
| Power Handling | 80W |
| Rigging | Wall mount bracket included |
| Weight | 8.6 lbs (3.9 kg) |
| XLR Input | No |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- No independent measurement review is linked for this model; it is ranked from hands-on listening and comparison against similarly priced speakers.
- Head-to-Head Comparisons