Short answer: the JBL Control 1 Pro, though neither ranks well in its class. It ranks #152 of 168 bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 2.0/5, at $240; the Klipsch R-51M ranks #160, rated 1.6/5, and costs $289.99, so there is little reason to consider the other one. Both are rated below 3.0/5 among the 168 bookshelf speakers, and the Neumi BS5, ranked #38 at $139.99, is a better place to start if sound quality matters.
The JBL Control 1 Pro is the better-sounding option. 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. Watch for: 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 Klipsch R-51M is the deeper-bass option. A high-efficiency 5.25-inch passive bookshelf speaker featuring Klipsch’s 90 x 90 square Tractrix horn mated to a 1-inch aluminum LTS tweeter and spun-copper IMG woofer. Its bass reaches about 62Hz before falling 3dB, against 78Hz for the JBL Control 1 Pro. Watch for: Anechoic NFS measurements from Erin’s Audio Corner and ASR reveal significant tonal colorations: a sharp treble boost between 2kHz and 6kHz combined with a recessed upper midrange creates a bright, sibilant presentation that causes listener fatigue over time.
Buy the JBL Control 1 Pro. It is rated higher for sound quality than the Klipsch R-51M and costs less, which makes it the one to get unless you need something the other one does better.
Still deciding? The full Passive Home rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Control 1 Pro | Klipsch R-51M | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $240 per pair | $289.99 per pair Passive |
| Ranked | #152 of 168 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers | #160 of 168 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 78Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 62Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 55Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 48Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Drivers | 5.25” low frequency driver, 0.75” polycarbonate dome tweeter | 1” aluminum LTS tweeter on 90x90 Tractrix horn, 5.25” spun-copper IMG woofer |
| Dimensions | 9.3H x 6.3W x 5.6D in | 13.3” x 7” x 8.5” (338 x 178 x 215 mm) |
| Weight | 4 lbs (1.8 kg) each | 11 lbs (5.0 kg) each |
| Frequency Response | 80Hz - 20kHz -10dB (Manufacturer specified) | 62Hz - 21kHz (+/- 3dB, Manufacturer specified) |
| Sensitivity | 87dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review) | 93dB (2.83V @ 1m) |
| Impedance | 4 ohms | 8 ohms |
| Power Handling | 150W | - |
| Woofer Cabinet | sealed | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 2.87 | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.37 | - |
| DIY Kit | No | - |
| Crossover Frequency | - | 1660Hz |
| Passive | - | Yes |
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More worthwhile head-to-heads for JBL Control 1 Pro:
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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 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-51M: $289.99 per pair Passive Amazon eBay
Newer model: the Klipsch Reference R-50M, ranked higher, estimated 1.7/5, released 2022. See every Klipsch Reference generation.
Same family: the Klipsch R-41M (smaller bookshelf, ranked lower, rated 1.3/5).
Pros: A high-efficiency 5.25-inch passive bookshelf speaker featuring Klipsch’s 90 x 90 square Tractrix horn mated to a 1-inch aluminum LTS tweeter and spun-copper IMG woofer. Delivers high sensitivity (93dB @ 2.83V/1m) that allows it to achieve loud volume levels effortlessly even with low-powered budget amplifiers. Rear-firing Tractrix port provides clean, tight punch down to approximately 62Hz at -3dB, offering noticeably fuller low-end weight than the smaller 4-inch Klipsch R-41M. Measured bass extension of 62Hz (-3dB).
Cons: Anechoic NFS measurements from Erin’s Audio Corner and ASR reveal significant tonal colorations: a sharp treble boost between 2kHz and 6kHz combined with a recessed upper midrange creates a bright, sibilant presentation that causes listener fatigue over time. Requires aggressive DSP/EQ correction to achieve neutral tonal accuracy.
Full Klipsch R-51M review and specifications →
| Released | Nov 2018 (7 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 48Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 62Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Crossover Frequency | 1660Hz |
| Dimensions | 13.3” x 7” x 8.5” (338 x 178 x 215 mm) |
| Drivers | 1” aluminum LTS tweeter on 90x90 Tractrix horn, 5.25” spun-copper IMG woofer |
| Frequency Response | 62Hz - 21kHz (+/- 3dB, Manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms |
| Passive | Yes |
| Sensitivity | 93dB (2.83V @ 1m) |
| Weight | 11 lbs (5.0 kg) each |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons