Short answer: the OSD Audio AP650, if you are buying new. The JBL Control X ranks higher than it (#8 vs #10 of 13 outdoor speakers, 3.2/5 vs 2.9/5) but is discontinued, so only consider it used; the OSD Audio AP650 is still sold new at $199.99.
The JBL Control X is the better-sounding option. Spinorama preference score of 2.50 (5.87 with subwoofer). Watch for: Marked peak around 1.5kHz to 2kHz and uneven on-axis treble response require EQ for best tonal balance.
The OSD Audio AP650 is the deeper-bass choice. Affordable $200/pair price with a solid 6.5” woofer. Its bass reaches about 95.2Hz before falling 3dB, against 108.4Hz for the JBL Control X. Watch for: Preference score is 2.12 (5.30 with sub) due to notable mid-frequency irregularities and uneven directivity through the crossover handover.
Buy the OSD Audio AP650 if you want one new; the JBL Control X is discontinued, so only look for it used.
Still deciding? The full Passive Home rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Control X | OSD Audio AP650 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $205 per pair Discontinued | $199.99 per pair |
| Ranked | #8 of 13 in Outdoor Speakers | #10 of 13 in Outdoor Speakers |
| Drivers | 5.25” (133mm) polypropylene graphite-filled cone woofer, 1” (25mm) CMMD Lite dome tweeter with HDI waveguide | 6.5” polypropylene cone woofer, 1” silk dome tweeter |
| Configuration | Passive 2-way | Passive 2-way |
| Sensitivity | 87dB | 90dB |
| Impedance | 8 ohms | 8 ohms |
| Recommended Power | 20-100W | - |
| Enclosure | Ported, rear Slipstream port | Sealed composite IPX6 all-weather |
| Dimensions | 9.3”H x 6.5”W x 6.3”D (235 x 165 x 159 mm) | 12”H x 8”W x 8”D (305 x 203 x 203 mm) |
| Weight | 5.7 lbs (2.6 kg) | 8.6 lbs (3.9 kg) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 108.4Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 95.2Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-6dB) | 90.8Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 74.7Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 60.1Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 48.3Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 2.50 | 2.12 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 5.87 | 5.30 |
| Power Handling | - | 150W |
Related Speaker Comparisons
How JBL Control X compares with other leading options:
- JBL Control X Wireless vs JBL Control X
- Revel M80XC vs JBL Control X
- Focal Chorus OD 706 V vs JBL Control X
- Focal 100 OD6 vs JBL Control X
- Revel M55XC vs JBL Control X
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
OSD Audio AP650: $199.99 per pair Amazon eBay
Pros: Affordable $200/pair price with a solid 6.5” woofer. Klippel NFS tests show reasonably smooth listening window directivity in the lower registers and bass reaching 74.7Hz (-6dB). High 90dB sensitivity makes it easy to power with inexpensive multi-zone amplifiers. Measured bass extension of 95.2Hz (-3dB).
Cons: Preference score is 2.12 (5.30 with sub) due to notable mid-frequency irregularities and uneven directivity through the crossover handover. High-frequency treble rolls off early compared to indoor hi-fi designs.
Full OSD Audio AP650 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 48.3Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 95.2Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-6dB) | 74.7Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Configuration | Passive 2-way |
| Dimensions | 12”H x 8”W x 8”D (305 x 203 x 203 mm) |
| Drivers | 6.5” polypropylene cone woofer, 1” silk dome tweeter |
| Enclosure | Sealed composite IPX6 all-weather |
| Impedance | 8 ohms |
| Power Handling | 150W |
| Sensitivity | 90dB |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 2.12 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 5.30 |
| Weight | 8.6 lbs (3.9 kg) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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