Short answer: the JBL Stage XD-5. It ranks #7 of 13 outdoor speakers by sound quality (rated 3.3/5) at $499.95 and is still sold new; the JBL Control X ranks #8 (rated 3.2/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used.
Why pick the JBL Stage XD-5: Modern outdoor successor to the Control X, upgrading weatherproofing to a fully submersible IP67 waterproof rating with zero-bezel magnetic grilles. The catch: Acoustic suspension design rolls off bass below 75Hz (-6dB), requiring boundary corner placement or a dedicated subwoofer for full-range musical foundation.
Why pick the JBL Control X: Spinorama preference score of 2.50 (5.87 with subwoofer). The catch: Marked peak around 1.5kHz to 2kHz and uneven on-axis treble response require EQ for best tonal balance.
Buy the JBL Stage XD-5. It is rated higher for sound quality; the JBL Control X is no longer sold new.
Want more options? Browse the full Passive Home rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Stage XD-5 | JBL Control X | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $499.95 per pair | $205 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #7 of 13 in Outdoor Speakers | #8 of 13 in Outdoor Speakers |
| Configuration | Passive 2-way | Passive 2-way |
| Drivers | 5.25” (130mm) polycellulose cone woofer, 1” (25mm) aluminum dome tweeter on HDI waveguide with acoustic lens | 5.25” (133mm) polypropylene graphite-filled cone woofer, 1” (25mm) CMMD Lite dome tweeter with HDI waveguide |
| Sensitivity | 86dB (2.83V @ 1m) | 87dB |
| Impedance | 6 ohms | 8 ohms |
| Recommended Power | 20-100W RMS | 20-100W |
| Enclosure | Sealed all-weather composite, IP67 waterproof | Ported, rear Slipstream port |
| Dimensions | 8.7”H x 6.4”W x 7”D (221 x 162 x 179 mm) | 9.3”H x 6.5”W x 6.3”D (235 x 165 x 159 mm) |
| Weight | 5.3 lbs (2.4 kg) | 5.7 lbs (2.6 kg) |
| Frequency Response | 75Hz - 25kHz (-6dB, Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | - | 108.4Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-6dB) | - | 90.8Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 60.1Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | - | 2.50 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | - | 5.87 |
Related Speaker Comparisons
How JBL Stage XD-5 compares with other leading options:
- JBL Control X Wireless vs JBL Stage XD-5
- Revel M80XC vs JBL Stage XD-5
- Focal Chorus OD 706 V vs JBL Stage XD-5
- Focal 100 OD6 vs JBL Stage XD-5
- Revel M55XC vs JBL Stage XD-5
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 Stage XD-5: $499.95 per pair Estimated B&H Photo Video eBay
Older model: the JBL Control X (ranked lower, rated 3.2/5).
Pros: Modern outdoor successor to the Control X, upgrading weatherproofing to a fully submersible IP67 waterproof rating with zero-bezel magnetic grilles. Combines a 5.25” polycellulose cone woofer with an aluminum dome tweeter mated to JBL’s High-Definition Imaging (HDI) waveguide for uniform, wide-dispersion horizontal coverage across open patios and decks.
Cons: Acoustic suspension design rolls off bass below 75Hz (-6dB), requiring boundary corner placement or a dedicated subwoofer for full-range musical foundation. Full laboratory-grade Klippel NFS Spinorama directivity curves have not yet been published, so tonal linearity is estimated from the measured Control X predecessor.
Full JBL Stage XD-5 review and specifications →
| Configuration | Passive 2-way |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 8.7”H x 6.4”W x 7”D (221 x 162 x 179 mm) |
| Drivers | 5.25” (130mm) polycellulose cone woofer, 1” (25mm) aluminum dome tweeter on HDI waveguide with acoustic lens |
| Enclosure | Sealed all-weather composite, IP67 waterproof |
| Frequency Response | 75Hz - 25kHz (-6dB, Manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 6 ohms |
| Recommended Power | 20-100W RMS |
| Sensitivity | 86dB (2.83V @ 1m) |
| Weight | 5.3 lbs (2.4 kg) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- No independent measurement review is linked for this model; it is ranked from hands-on listening and comparison against similarly priced speakers.
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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