Short answer: the JBL Control 29AV-1 if sound quality matters most, the Polk Audio Atrium 4 if price matters most. The JBL Control 29AV-1 ranks #9 of 13 outdoor speakers, rated 3.0/5, at $1,144. The Polk Audio Atrium 4 ranks #11, rated 2.6/5, at $117, $1,027 cheaper.
The JBL Control 29AV-1 is the more accurate, deeper-bass pick. Exceptional bass extension for an outdoor cabinet, measuring down to 48.3Hz (-6dB) and 41Hz (-10dB) thanks to a heavy-duty 8” Kevlar woofer in a large ported enclosure. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 2.24 against 1.46 for the Polk Audio Atrium 4. Its bass reaches about 54.2Hz before falling 3dB, against 112.8Hz for the Polk Audio Atrium 4. The tradeoff: Uneven raw frequency response through the crossover region and ragged on-axis treble yield a modest 2.24 preference score without DSP correction.
Why pick the Polk Audio Atrium 4: Extremely compact, lightweight (1.63 kg), and affordable outdoor pair with Speed-Lock quick mounting bracket. The catch: Small 4.5” driver restricts low-end performance; bass extension drops steeply past 98Hz (-6dB) with little acoustic energy below 100Hz.
Buy the JBL Control 29AV-1 when sound quality outweighs the price for you, and the Polk Audio Atrium 4 when the price outweighs sound quality instead.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Passive Home rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Control 29AV-1 | Polk Audio Atrium 4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,144 per pair | $117.00 per pair |
| Ranked | #9 of 13 in Outdoor Speakers | #11 of 13 in Outdoor Speakers |
| Drivers | 8” (200mm) Kevlar cone woofer, 1” (25mm) titanium diaphragm compression driver on rotatable 110° x 85° horn | 4.5” (114mm) mineral-filled polymer cone woofer, 0.75” (19mm) anodized aluminum dome tweeter with neodymium magnet |
| Configuration | Passive 2-way | Passive 2-way |
| Sensitivity | 90dB | 89dB |
| Impedance | 8 ohms | 8 ohms |
| Power Handling | 300W | - |
| Enclosure | Ported high-impact polystyrene, all-weather | Sealed all-weather Mineral-filled polypropylene |
| Dimensions | 20.5”H x 12”W x 10.9”D (520 x 306 x 277 mm) | 8.6”H x 5.7”W x 6.6”D (219 x 144 x 168 mm) |
| Weight | 26.9 lbs (12.2 kg) | 3.6 lbs (1.63 kg) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 54.2Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 112.8Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-6dB) | 48.3Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 98.1Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 41.0Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 74.7Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 2.24 | 1.46 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 4.50 | 5.10 |
| Recommended Power | - | 10-80W |
Related Speaker Comparisons
How JBL Control 29AV-1 compares with other leading options:
- JBL Control X Wireless vs JBL Control 29AV-1
- Revel M80XC vs JBL Control 29AV-1
- Focal Chorus OD 706 V vs JBL Control 29AV-1
- Focal 100 OD6 vs JBL Control 29AV-1
- Revel M55XC vs JBL Control 29AV-1
Prices on this page were last checked October 4, 2026 at 9:58 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.
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
The Two Speakers In Full
JBL Control 29AV-1: $1,144 per pair B&H Photo Video eBay
Pros: Exceptional bass extension for an outdoor cabinet, measuring down to 48.3Hz (-6dB) and 41Hz (-10dB) thanks to a heavy-duty 8” Kevlar woofer in a large ported enclosure. Massive 300W power handling and high 90dB sensitivity deliver huge SPL capability outdoors. Built-in 70V/100V transformer with 8-ohm bypass and rotatable high-frequency horn. Measured bass extension of 54.2Hz (-3dB).
Cons: Uneven raw frequency response through the crossover region and ragged on-axis treble yield a modest 2.24 preference score without DSP correction. Very large and heavy (12.2 kg per box), making wall mounting demanding.
Full JBL Control 29AV-1 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 41.0Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 54.2Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-6dB) | 48.3Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Configuration | Passive 2-way |
| Dimensions | 20.5”H x 12”W x 10.9”D (520 x 306 x 277 mm) |
| Drivers | 8” (200mm) Kevlar cone woofer, 1” (25mm) titanium diaphragm compression driver on rotatable 110° x 85° horn |
| Enclosure | Ported high-impact polystyrene, all-weather |
| Impedance | 8 ohms |
| Power Handling | 300W |
| Sensitivity | 90dB |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 2.24 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 4.50 |
| Weight | 26.9 lbs (12.2 kg) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- JBL Control 29AV-1 vs JBL Control X
- JBL Control 29AV-1 vs OSD Audio AP650
- JBL Control 29AV-1 vs JBL Stage XD-5
- JBL Control 29AV-1 vs RSL Outsider II
- JBL Control 29AV-1 vs JBL Control 25-1
- JBL Control 29AV-1 vs Revel M55XC
- JBL Control 29AV-1 vs JBL Control 25T
- JBL Control 29AV-1 vs Focal 100 OD6
- See all 11 comparisons
Polk Audio Atrium 4: $117.00 per pair Amazon eBay
Pros: Extremely compact, lightweight (1.63 kg), and affordable outdoor pair with Speed-Lock quick mounting bracket. Clean build quality that easily survives harsh rain and sun exposure. Smooth dispersion pattern (+60/-70 degrees horizontal). Measured bass extension of 112.8Hz (-3dB).
Cons: Small 4.5” driver restricts low-end performance; bass extension drops steeply past 98Hz (-6dB) with little acoustic energy below 100Hz. Notable mid-treble shelf gives it a forward, bright presentation and yields a low 1.46 preference score.
Full Polk Audio Atrium 4 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 74.7Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 112.8Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-6dB) | 98.1Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Configuration | Passive 2-way |
| Dimensions | 8.6”H x 5.7”W x 6.6”D (219 x 144 x 168 mm) |
| Drivers | 4.5” (114mm) mineral-filled polymer cone woofer, 0.75” (19mm) anodized aluminum dome tweeter with neodymium magnet |
| Enclosure | Sealed all-weather Mineral-filled polypropylene |
| Impedance | 8 ohms |
| Recommended Power | 10-80W |
| Sensitivity | 89dB |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 1.46 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 5.10 |
| Weight | 3.6 lbs (1.63 kg) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Polk Audio Atrium 4 vs OSD Audio AP650
- Polk Audio Atrium 4 vs JBL Control 25-1
- Polk Audio Atrium 4 vs JBL Control 25T
- Polk Audio Atrium 4 vs JBL Control X
- Polk Audio Atrium 4 vs JBL Stage XD-5
- Polk Audio Atrium 4 vs RSL Outsider II
- Polk Audio Atrium 4 vs Revel M55XC
- Polk Audio Atrium 4 vs Focal 100 OD6
- See all 11 comparisons