Short answer: the JBL Control 1 Pro, though neither ranks well in its class. It ranks #80 of 90 bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 2.0/5, at $240. The Klipsch R-41M ranks #88, rated 1.3/5, at $199, $41 cheaper, which does not close the gap in sound quality. Both are rated below 3.0/5 among the 90 bookshelf speakers, and the Neumi BS5, ranked #22 at $139.99, is a better place to start if sound quality matters.
Buy the JBL Control 1 Pro. It is rated higher for sound quality, and saving $41 with the Klipsch R-41M does not make up for the sound-quality gap.
Still deciding? The full Passive Home rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Control 1 Pro | Klipsch R-41M | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $240 per pair | $199.00 per pair |
| Ranked | #80 of 90 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers | #88 of 90 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 78Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 80Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 55Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 55Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Drivers | 5.25” low frequency driver, 0.75” polycarbonate dome tweeter | 4” spun-copper IMG woofer, 1” Tractrix horn-loaded aluminum dome tweeter |
| Dimensions | 9.3H x 6.3W x 5.6D in | 11.3H x 5.75W x 7.9D in |
| Weight | 4 lbs (1.8 kg) each | 7 lbs (3.18 kg) each |
| Frequency Response | 80Hz - 20kHz -10dB (Manufacturer specified) | 68Hz - 21kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Sensitivity | 87dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review) | 85dB (2.83V/1m, measured) |
| Impedance | 4 ohms | 8 ohms nominal (per spec; measured lower) |
| Power Handling | 150W | 50W RMS / 200W peak |
| Woofer Cabinet | sealed | ported, rear |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 2.87 | 3.04 (spinorama.org) |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.37 | 6.03 (spinorama.org) |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
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Prices on this page were last checked October 2, 2026 at 10:18 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 Control 1 Pro: $240 per pair Parts Express eBay
Pros: Magnetically shielded transducers and a rugged molded enclosure make it a durable choice for wall-mount or install use, with SonicGuard overload protection built into the crossover. Feels solidly built despite the low price, and the professional crossover network uses steep slopes. Measured bass extension of 78Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 87dB.
Cons: Sound power and predicted in-room response measurements are badly uneven compared to the JBL 305P Mark II tested alongside it, with no waveguide to control directivity as the woofer beams before handing off to the tweeter. The reviewer performed no distortion or dedicated listening test on this unit and concluded he didn’t “think there is a reason to purchase it” over a proper studio monitor at a similar price.
Full JBL Control 1 Pro review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 55Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 78Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 9.3H x 6.3W x 5.6D in |
| Drivers | 5.25” low frequency driver, 0.75” polycarbonate dome tweeter |
| Frequency Response | 80Hz - 20kHz -10dB (Manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 4 ohms |
| Power Handling | 150W |
| Sensitivity | 87dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 2.87 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.37 |
| Weight | 4 lbs (1.8 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | sealed |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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Klipsch R-41M: $199.00 per pair Amazon eBay
Pros: Binding posts are unusually nice for the price point, and impedance is well controlled in the bass, easing the load on the amplifier. The horn-loaded tweeter can play loud without strain. Measured bass extension of 80Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 85dB.
Cons: CEA2034 spinorama shows a sharp, prominent peak around 1kHz that the reviewer compared to “Pinocchio’s nose,” plus poor directivity that makes the off-axis sound diverge sharply from on-axis. Sensitivity is only 85dB through most of the music-energy range despite Klipsch’s horn-loaded reputation for efficiency. In an A/B against a $118/pair Pioneer SP-BS22-LR, the R-41M had “no bass” and all mid-to-treble energy; the reviewer’s verdict was “please avoid the Klipsch R-41M unless you just want a speaker as an ornament.”
Full Klipsch R-41M review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 55Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 80Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 11.3H x 5.75W x 7.9D in |
| Drivers | 4” spun-copper IMG woofer, 1” Tractrix horn-loaded aluminum dome tweeter |
| Frequency Response | 68Hz - 21kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal (per spec; measured lower) |
| Power Handling | 50W RMS / 200W peak |
| Sensitivity | 85dB (2.83V/1m, measured) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.04 (spinorama.org) |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.03 (spinorama.org) |
| Weight | 7 lbs (3.18 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Klipsch R-41M vs PMC twenty.21
- Klipsch R-41M vs Pioneer Elite SP-EBS73-LR
- Klipsch R-41M vs Definitive Technology ProMonitor 1000
- Klipsch R-41M vs Polk T15
- Klipsch R-41M vs Fluance Signature HFS
- Klipsch R-41M vs JBL Stage A130
- Klipsch R-41M vs Q Acoustics 5020
- Klipsch R-41M vs Micca RB42
- See all 24 comparisons