Short answer: the JBL Stage 250B. It ranks #97 of 179 bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 3.2/5, at $439.95. The JBL Control 1 Pro ranks #163, rated 2.0/5, at $240, $199.95 cheaper, a saving that is not big enough to make up the sound-quality gap.
The JBL Stage 250B is the more accurate, deeper-bass pick. Affordable current bookshelf speakers with a waveguide tweeter for smooth dispersion, magnetic grilles and solid build. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 4.06 against 2.87 for the JBL Control 1 Pro. Its bass reaches about 64.5Hz before falling 3dB, against 78Hz for the JBL Control 1 Pro. The catch: Its objective score is good rather than class-leading, and the rear port needs some wall clearance.
What the JBL Control 1 Pro does well: A rugged, shielded install speaker with overload protection, built for wall mounting. The catch: 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.
Buy the JBL Stage 250B. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $199.95 saving on the JBL Control 1 Pro is not enough to make up the difference.
Still deciding? The full Passive Home rankings cover every ranked option.
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Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Stage 250B | JBL Control 1 Pro | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $439.95 per pair | $240 per pair |
| Ranked | #97 of 179 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers | #163 of 179 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Enclosure | Passive 2-way rear-ported | - |
| Drivers | 1-inch aluminum tweeter, 5.25-inch polycellulose woofer | 5.25” low frequency driver, 0.75” polycarbonate dome tweeter |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz-25kHz (-6dB) | 80Hz - 20kHz -10dB (Manufacturer specified) |
| Sensitivity | 86dB/2.83V/1m | 87dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Impedance | 6 ohms | 4 ohms |
| Recommended Power | 20-150W | - |
| Dimensions | 12.6H x 7.9W x 9.5D in | 9.3H x 6.3W x 5.6D in |
| Weight | 12.3 lbs (5.6 kg) each | 4 lbs (1.8 kg) each |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.06 | 2.87 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.60 | 6.37 |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 64.5Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner via spinorama.org) | 78Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 50Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 55Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Power Handling | 75W RMS | 150W |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear | sealed |
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