Short answer: the JBL Control 1 Pro for better sound quality, the Polk T15 for the lower price. The JBL Control 1 Pro ranks #46 of 56 bookshelf speakers at $164. The Polk T15 ranks #47 at $149, $15 cheaper.
What the JBL Control 1 Pro gets right: 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 catch: Sound power and predicted in-room response measurements are badly uneven compared to the JBL 305P Mark II tested alongside it.
What the Polk T15 offers: Extremely affordable 2-way design that actually measured better at +/-20 degrees vertical off-axis than directly on-axis. Watch for: Spinorama analysis reveals what Amir called a “horrific drop in upper mids/lower treble region of 3 to 6 kHz,” likely from tweeter-woofer phase cancellation directly on-axis.
Buy the JBL Control 1 Pro if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Polk T15 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 | Polk T15 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $164 | $149.00 |
| Ranked | #46 of 56 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers | #47 of 56 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| 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 | 0.75" tweeter, 5.25" woofer |
| Dimensions | 9.3H x 6.3W x 5.6D in | 10.63H x 6.5W x 7.25D in |
| Weight | 4 lbs / 1.8 kg each | 8.2 lbs / 3.74 kg each |
| Frequency Response | 80Hz - 20kHz -10dB (Manufacturer specified) | 60Hz - 24kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Sensitivity | 87dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review) | - |
| Impedance | 4 ohms | 8 ohms nominal |
| Power Handling | 150W | - |
| Woofer Cabinet | sealed | - |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More useful head-to-heads from the same speaker class:
- Fluance Signature HFS vs Klipsch R-41M
- Micca RB42 vs Fluance Signature HFS
- Pioneer SP-BS22-LR (Philharmonic AAM Mod) vs Fluance Signature HFS
- JBL Control 1 Pro vs Klipsch R-41M
- Micca RB42 vs Polk T15
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 Fluance Signature HFS
- JBL Control 1 Pro vs Definitive Technology ProMonitor 1000
- JBL Control 1 Pro vs JBL Stage A130
- JBL Control 1 Pro vs Q Acoustics 5020
- JBL Control 1 Pro vs Micca RB42
- JBL Control 1 Pro vs Pioneer Elite SP-EBS73-LR
- JBL Control 1 Pro vs Q Acoustics 3020i
- JBL Control 1 Pro vs Klipsch R-41M
- See all 12 comparisons
Polk T15: $149.00 Amazon
Pros: Extremely affordable 2-way design that actually measured better at +/-20 degrees vertical off-axis than directly on-axis. In near-field desktop use, the reviewer found the T15 “didn’t sound that horrible,” partly because nearby desk reflections mask the frequency response dip.
Cons: Spinorama analysis reveals what Amir called a “horrific drop in upper mids/lower treble region of 3 to 6 kHz,” likely from tweeter-woofer phase cancellation directly on-axis. Measured impedance ranges from 4-8 ohms, contradicting the specified 6-8 ohm range, and there’s a distortion peak around 400Hz. On- and off-axis response “vary a ton,” making listening position unusually important. The reviewer recommends saving up for the Pioneer SP-BS22-LR instead: “I can’t justify recommending the Polk T15 even though subjective performance was not horrible.”
Full Polk T15 review and specifications →
| Dimensions | 10.63H x 6.5W x 7.25D in |
|---|---|
| Drivers | 0.75" tweeter, 5.25" woofer |
| Frequency Response | 60Hz - 24kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal |
| Weight | 8.2 lbs / 3.74 kg each |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons