Short answer: the JBL Control 29AV-1, if you are buying new. The JBL Control X ranks higher than it (#8 vs #9 of 13 outdoor speakers, 3.2/5 vs 3.0/5) but is discontinued, so only consider it used; the JBL Control 29AV-1 is still sold new at $1,144.
Why pick the JBL Control X: Spinorama preference score of 2.50 (5.87 with subwoofer). The tradeoff: Marked peak around 1.5kHz to 2kHz and uneven on-axis treble response require EQ for best tonal balance.
The JBL Control 29AV-1 is the deeper-bass option. 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 bass reaches about 54.2Hz before falling 3dB, against 108.4Hz for the JBL Control X. 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.
Buy the JBL Control 29AV-1 if you want one new; the JBL Control X is discontinued, so only look for it used.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Passive Home rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Control X | JBL Control 29AV-1 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $205 per pair Discontinued | $1,144 per pair |
| Ranked | #8 of 13 in Outdoor Speakers | #9 of 13 in Outdoor Speakers |
| Drivers | 5.25” (133mm) polypropylene graphite-filled cone woofer, 1” (25mm) CMMD Lite dome tweeter with HDI waveguide | 8” (200mm) Kevlar cone woofer, 1” (25mm) titanium diaphragm compression driver on rotatable 110° x 85° horn |
| Configuration | Passive 2-way | Passive 2-way |
| Sensitivity | 87dB | 90dB |
| Impedance | 8 ohms | 8 ohms |
| Recommended Power | 20-100W | - |
| Enclosure | Ported, rear Slipstream port | Ported high-impact polystyrene, all-weather |
| Dimensions | 9.3”H x 6.5”W x 6.3”D (235 x 165 x 159 mm) | 20.5”H x 12”W x 10.9”D (520 x 306 x 277 mm) |
| Weight | 5.7 lbs (2.6 kg) | 26.9 lbs (12.2 kg) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 108.4Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 54.2Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-6dB) | 90.8Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 48.3Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 60.1Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 41.0Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 2.50 | 2.24 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 5.87 | 4.50 |
| Power Handling | - | 300W |
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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.
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The Two Speakers In Full
JBL Control X: $205 per pair Discontinued eBay
Newer model: the JBL Stage XD-5, ranked higher, estimated 3.3/5.
Pros: Spinorama preference score of 2.50 (5.87 with subwoofer). Features JBL’s High Definition Imaging (HDI) waveguide for wide, controlled 60-degree horizontal directivity. Distortion remains low through the midband, and the ported cabinet delivers usable mid-bass energy for its modest footprint. Measured bass extension of 108.4Hz (-3dB).
Cons: Marked peak around 1.5kHz to 2kHz and uneven on-axis treble response require EQ for best tonal balance. Bass extension falls off below 90Hz (-6dB), and the speaker is discontinued.
Full JBL Control X review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 60.1Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 108.4Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-6dB) | 90.8Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Configuration | Passive 2-way |
| Dimensions | 9.3”H x 6.5”W x 6.3”D (235 x 165 x 159 mm) |
| Drivers | 5.25” (133mm) polypropylene graphite-filled cone woofer, 1” (25mm) CMMD Lite dome tweeter with HDI waveguide |
| Enclosure | Ported, rear Slipstream port |
| Impedance | 8 ohms |
| Recommended Power | 20-100W |
| Sensitivity | 87dB |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 2.50 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 5.87 |
| Weight | 5.7 lbs (2.6 kg) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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
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