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 Reference R-50M ranks #155, rated 1.7/5, and costs $299.99, which makes this an easy call rather than a real tradeoff. Both are rated below 3.0/5 among the 168 bookshelf speakers; for better sound, the Ascend Acoustics HTM-200SE2 ranks #7 at $368.
The JBL Control 1 Pro is the better-sounding choice. 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. The tradeoff: 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.
Why pick the Klipsch Reference R-50M: The current next-generation iteration of Klipsch’s 5.25-inch passive bookshelf speaker. Watch for: Awaiting published full NFS preference scores.
Buy the JBL Control 1 Pro. It is rated higher for sound quality than the Klipsch Reference R-50M and costs less, which makes it the one to get unless you need something the other one does better.
About the ratings: the Klipsch Reference R-50M’s rating is estimated from measured siblings and predecessors rather than its own measurements, with a likely range of 1.5 to 1.9, so this verdict could change once it is measured.
Still deciding? The full Passive Home rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Control 1 Pro | Klipsch Reference R-50M | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $240 per pair | $299.99 per pair Passive |
| Ranked | #152 of 168 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers | #155 of 168 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers Estimated |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 78Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 55Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | - |
| Drivers | 5.25” low frequency driver, 0.75” polycarbonate dome tweeter | 1” aluminum LTS tweeter on edge-to-edge Tractrix horn, 5.25” spun-copper TCP woofer |
| Dimensions | 9.3H x 6.3W x 5.6D in | 13.9” x 7” x 9” (354 x 178 x 229 mm) |
| Weight | 4 lbs (1.8 kg) each | 11 lbs (5.0 kg) each |
| Frequency Response | 80Hz - 20kHz -10dB (Manufacturer specified) | 58Hz - 21kHz (+/- 3dB, Manufacturer specified) |
| Sensitivity | 87dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review) | 92dB (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 | - | 1530Hz |
| Passive | - | Yes |
Related Speaker Comparisons
How JBL Control 1 Pro compares with other leading options:
- Ascend Acoustics Sierra 1 v2 vs JBL Control 1 Pro
- KEF LS50 Meta vs JBL Control 1 Pro
- Arendal 1961 Monitor vs JBL Control 1 Pro
- Klipsch RP-500M II vs JBL Control 1 Pro
- Wharfedale Super Denton vs JBL Control 1 Pro
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
- JBL Control 1 Pro vs Polk T15
- JBL Control 1 Pro vs Fluance Signature HFS
- JBL Control 1 Pro vs JBL Stage A130
- JBL Control 1 Pro vs Definitive Technology ProMonitor 1000
- JBL Control 1 Pro vs Q Acoustics 5020
- JBL Control 1 Pro vs Pioneer Elite SP-EBS73-LR
- JBL Control 1 Pro vs Klipsch R-51M
- JBL Control 1 Pro vs Micca RB42
- See all 33 comparisons
Klipsch Reference R-50M: $299.99 per pair Passive Estimated Amazon eBay
Older model: the Klipsch R-51M (ranked lower, rated 1.6/5). See every Klipsch Reference generation.
Same family: the Klipsch Reference R-40M (smaller bookshelf, ranked lower, estimated 1.4/5), the Klipsch Reference R-600F (smaller floorstanding, estimated 1.8/5), the Klipsch Reference R-800F (larger floorstanding, estimated 1.9/5), the Klipsch Reference R-30C (smaller center, estimated 3.4/5) and the Klipsch Reference R-50C (larger center, estimated 3.5/5).
Pros: The current next-generation iteration of Klipsch’s 5.25-inch passive bookshelf speaker. Features an enlarged 90 x 90 edge-to-edge Tractrix horn for wider high-frequency dispersion and enhanced directivity control, paired with a 1-inch aluminum LTS tweeter and updated spun-copper TCP (thermoformed crystalline polymer) woofer with steeper cone angling.
Cons: Awaiting published full NFS preference scores. Continues Klipsch’s energetic horn sound signature with elevated treble that may sound forward in reflective rooms without EQ.
Full Klipsch Reference R-50M review and specifications →
| Released | 2022 (4 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Crossover Frequency | 1530Hz |
| Dimensions | 13.9” x 7” x 9” (354 x 178 x 229 mm) |
| Drivers | 1” aluminum LTS tweeter on edge-to-edge Tractrix horn, 5.25” spun-copper TCP woofer |
| Frequency Response | 58Hz - 21kHz (+/- 3dB, Manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms |
| Passive | Yes |
| Sensitivity | 92dB (2.83V @ 1m) |
| Weight | 11 lbs (5.0 kg) each |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons