Short answer: the JBL Synthesis SCL-1 on measured sound quality, the Grimani Systems Rixos-L on price. The JBL Synthesis SCL-1 ranks #15 of 28 in-wall speakers, rated 3.7/5, at $36,299.90. The Grimani Systems Rixos-L ranks #20, rated 3.4/5, at $16,400, $19,899.90 cheaper.
The JBL Synthesis SCL-1 is the more accurate, deeper-bass option. JBL Synthesis’s flagship in-wall left, center and right speaker with two 12” woofers and a D2 dual-diaphragm compression driver on a large HDI horn. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 4.03 against 2.16 for the Grimani Systems Rixos-L. Its bass reaches about 53Hz before falling 3dB, against 87.9Hz for the Grimani Systems Rixos-L. The tradeoff: It needs a large wall cavity and at least 500W of amplification, and it is sold through JBL Synthesis custom installers.
The case for the Grimani Systems Rixos-L: Directivity is well controlled (SPDI deviation 1.77dB), with a rated 100 degree by 150 degree coverage pattern that keeps the sound even across a wide seating area. Watch for: Audio Science Review measured a preference score of only 2.16, or 5.53 with a perfect subwoofer, because on-axis response is uneven (0.64 smoothness, 0.55dB average deviation).
Buy the JBL Synthesis SCL-1 when sound quality outweighs the price for you, and the Grimani Systems Rixos-L when the price outweighs sound quality instead.
Want more options? Browse the full Passive Home rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Synthesis SCL-1 | Grimani Systems Rixos-L | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $36,299.90 per pair | $16,400 per pair |
| Ranked | #15 of 28 in In-Wall & In-Ceiling Speakers | #20 of 28 in In-Wall & In-Ceiling Speakers |
| Drivers | 2x 12” C4 woofers, D2430K dual 3” compression driver on HDI horn | 2x 8” mid-bass woofers, 1” compression driver on a Conic Section Array waveguide (2.5-way) |
| Sensitivity | 94dB (manufacturer specified) | 96dB |
| Impedance | 4 ohms | 8 ohms (tweeter), 4 ohms (woofers) |
| Frequency Response | 40Hz-24kHz -6dB (manufacturer specified) | 80Hz-20kHz (-6dB, manufacturer) |
| Maximum SPL | 133dB peak (manufacturer specified) | 113dB continuous, 117dB peak at 1m (manufacturer specified) |
| Dimensions | 48”H x 19”W x 14.5”D (1218 x 482 x 368 mm) | 36”H x 13”W x 6”D (914 x 330 x 152 mm) |
| Weight | 177.5 lbs (80.5 kg) | 32 lbs (14.5 kg) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 53.0Hz (measured, manufacturer data via spinorama.org) | 87.9Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | about 45.6Hz (measured, manufacturer data via spinorama.org) | 70.3Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.03 | 2.16 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.35 | 5.53 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Enclosure | - | In-wall or on-wall |
| Amplifier Power | - | 600W recommended (supplied 4-channel DSP amplifier) |
| Crossover Frequency | - | 350Hz, 1,000Hz |
| Warranty | - | 2 years |
| Country | - | United States |
Frequency Response Compared
Both speakers’ spinorama measurements, overlaid. A flatter line is more neutral: peaks sound forward or harsh, dips sound recessed. Each curve is shifted so its average from 300 Hz to 3 kHz sits at 0 dB, so loudness differences between the two are removed and only the shape is compared. The two were measured by different sources, so small differences, especially in the bass, can come from the measurement setup rather than the speakers.
Measurement data: JBL Synthesis SCL-1 (measured by the manufacturer) and Grimani Systems Rixos-L (measured by Audio Science Review), via spinorama.org.
Related Speaker Comparisons
How JBL Synthesis SCL-1 compares with other leading options:
- JBL Synthesis SCL-1 vs JBL Synthesis SCL-3
- JBL Synthesis SCL-1 vs JBL Synthesis SCL-4
- JBL Synthesis SCL-3 vs Grimani Systems Rixos-L
- JBL Synthesis SCL-4 vs Grimani Systems Rixos-L
- Grimani Systems Rixos-L vs MartinLogan Tribute 5XW
Prices on this page were last checked October 11, 2026 at 4:59 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 Synthesis SCL-1: $36,299.90 per pair Audio Advice eBay
Same family: the JBL Synthesis SCL-4 (smaller in-wall, ranked lower, rated 3.6/5), the JBL Synthesis SCL-6 (smaller in-wall, ranked higher, rated 3.9/5), the JBL Synthesis SCL-3 (smaller in-wall, ranked higher, rated 3.7/5), the JBL Synthesis SCL-7 (smaller in-wall, ranked higher, rated 3.7/5) and the JBL Synthesis SCL-5 (larger in-wall, ranked lower, rated 2.5/5).
Pros: JBL Synthesis’s flagship in-wall left, center and right speaker with two 12” woofers and a D2 dual-diaphragm compression driver on a large HDI horn. Sensitivity is very high at 94dB, and JBL rates it to 133dB peak. JBL’s measurements show a preference score of 4.03 that reaches 6.35 with an ideal subwoofer, with 0.39 listening window deviation.
Cons: It needs a large wall cavity and at least 500W of amplification, and it is sold through JBL Synthesis custom installers. Bass reaches 53.0Hz (-3dB) and about 46Hz (-10dB).
Full JBL Synthesis SCL-1 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | about 45.6Hz (measured, manufacturer data via spinorama.org) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 53.0Hz (measured, manufacturer data via spinorama.org) |
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 48”H x 19”W x 14.5”D (1218 x 482 x 368 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 12” C4 woofers, D2430K dual 3” compression driver on HDI horn |
| Frequency Response | 40Hz-24kHz -6dB (manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 4 ohms |
| Maximum SPL | 133dB peak (manufacturer specified) |
| Sensitivity | 94dB (manufacturer specified) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.03 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.35 |
| Weight | 177.5 lbs (80.5 kg) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Grimani Systems Rixos-L: $16,400 per pair Grimani Systems eBay
Pros: Directivity is well controlled (SPDI deviation 1.77dB), with a rated 100 degree by 150 degree coverage pattern that keeps the sound even across a wide seating area. Two 8” woofers and a 1” compression driver on a waveguide are rated at 96dB sensitivity with output up to 117dB at 1 meter, and 600W of supplied DSP amplification with room correction over Ethernet lets an installer tune it precisely. It mounts in the wall or on the wall, including behind an acoustically transparent screen, and is made in the USA with a 2 year warranty. Measured bass extension of 87.9Hz (-3dB).
Cons: Audio Science Review measured a preference score of only 2.16, or 5.53 with a perfect subwoofer, because on-axis response is uneven (0.64 smoothness, 0.55dB average deviation). Bass measured -3dB at 87.9Hz, so a subwoofer is required. ASR also heard tweeter hiss at 2 to 3 feet, which matters for close listening. At $8200 each a stereo pair costs twice that, it needs the supplied rack amplifier and network setup, and it is sold through custom installation dealers.
Full Grimani Systems Rixos-L review and specifications →
| Released | Sep 2021 (5 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 600W recommended (supplied 4-channel DSP amplifier) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 70.3Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 87.9Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Country | United States |
| Crossover Frequency | 350Hz, 1,000Hz |
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 36”H x 13”W x 6”D (914 x 330 x 152 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 8” mid-bass woofers, 1” compression driver on a Conic Section Array waveguide (2.5-way) |
| Enclosure | In-wall or on-wall |
| Frequency Response | 80Hz-20kHz (-6dB, manufacturer) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms (tweeter), 4 ohms (woofers) |
| Maximum SPL | 113dB continuous, 117dB peak at 1m (manufacturer specified) |
| Sensitivity | 96dB |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 2.16 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 5.53 |
| Warranty | 2 years |
| Weight | 32 lbs (14.5 kg) |
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- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons