Short answer: the JBL Control 1 Pro for better sound quality, the Klipsch R-41M for the lower price. The JBL Control 1 Pro ranks #46 of 56 bookshelf speakers at $164. The Klipsch R-41M ranks #54 at $149, $15 cheaper.
On the JBL Control 1 Pro side: 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. Set against that: Sound power and predicted in-room response measurements are badly uneven compared to the JBL 305P Mark II tested alongside it.
What the Klipsch R-41M gets right: Binding posts are unusually nice for the price point, and impedance is well controlled in the bass, easing the load on the amplifier. The catch: 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.
Buy the JBL Control 1 Pro if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Klipsch R-41M if the price matters more than sound quality.
If sound quality matters at all to you, skip both of these and look higher up the 56 bookshelf speakers instead.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Control 1 Pro | Klipsch R-41M | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $164 | $149.00 |
| Ranked | #46 of 56 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers | #54 of 56 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 |
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More useful head-to-heads from the same speaker class:
- Micca RB42 vs Polk T15
- Fluance Signature HFS vs Polk T15
- Micca RB42 vs Fluance Signature HFS
- JBL Control 1 Pro vs Polk T15
- Micca RB42 vs Klipsch R-41M
The Two Speakers In Full
JBL Control 1 Pro: $164 Parts Express
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.
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) |
| 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) |
| Weight | 4 lbs / 1.8 kg each |
| Woofer Cabinet | sealed |
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- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- JBL Control 1 Pro vs Polk T15
- JBL Control 1 Pro vs Fluance Signature HFS
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- JBL Control 1 Pro vs JBL Stage A130
- JBL Control 1 Pro vs Q Acoustics 5020
- JBL Control 1 Pro vs Micca RB42
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- See all 12 comparisons
Klipsch R-41M: $149.00 Amazon
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.
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) |
| 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) |
| Weight | 7 lbs / 3.18 kg each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons