Short answer: the JBL Synthesis SCL-3. It ranks #13 of 28 in-wall speakers by sound quality, rated 3.7/5, at $7,259.90. The MartinLogan Tribute 5XW ranks #23, rated 3.2/5, at $6,999.98, $259.92 cheaper, a saving that is not big enough to make up the sound-quality gap.
The JBL Synthesis SCL-3 is the more accurate pick. An in-wall or in-ceiling speaker with a horn tweeter, high sensitivity and bi-amp terminals for custom home theaters. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 3.80 against 1.84 for the MartinLogan Tribute 5XW. The tradeoff: Bass rolls off early, at 72.4Hz for -3dB and about 45.8Hz for -10dB in free air, so it needs a subwoofer.
What the MartinLogan Tribute 5XW does well: A slim, efficient in-wall speaker with a folded motion tweeter that rotates for vertical or horizontal mounting. The tradeoff: The measurement is the weakest of the in-wall speakers here: a preference score of 1.84, or just 4.91 with a perfect subwoofer, with on-axis smoothness of 0.30, an average on-axis deviation of 1.56dB and wide directivity swings (SPDI deviation 3.25dB).
Buy the JBL Synthesis SCL-3. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $259.92 you would save on the MartinLogan Tribute 5XW does not close the gap.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Passive Home rankings.
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Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Synthesis SCL-3 | MartinLogan Tribute 5XW | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $7,259.90 per pair | $6,999.98 per pair |
| Ranked | #13 of 28 in In-Wall & In-Ceiling Speakers | #23 of 28 in In-Wall & In-Ceiling Speakers |
| Drivers | Two 5.25” aluminum matrix cone woofers, 1” 2409H compression driver on HDI horn (2-way) | 1.25 x 2.4” Folded Motion XT Obsidian tweeter, 2x 5.25” carbon fiber woofers, 2x 6.5” passive radiators |
| Enclosure | In-wall/in-ceiling, integrated MDF back box | Sealed back box, in-wall |
| Dimensions | 16.5”H x 16.5”W x 6”D (418 x 418 x 153 mm) | 31.1”H x 10.6”W x 4.1”D (791 x 269 x 104 mm) (97mm mounting depth) |
| Weight | 24.3 lbs (11.02 kg) | 25.6 lbs (11.6 kg) |
| Sensitivity | 91dB (2.83V/1m) | 94dB (manufacturer), 88.1dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Impedance | 6 ohms | 4 ohms |
| Power Handling | 200W RMS maximum recommended amplifier power | 20-250W recommended amplifier power |
| Frequency Response | 65Hz-33kHz -6dB (manufacturer, on-axis) | 71Hz-25kHz +/-3dB (manufacturer) |
| Crossover Frequency | 1.3kHz | 2,250Hz |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 72.4Hz (measured, JBL data on spinorama.org) | 74.7Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 45.8Hz (measured, JBL data on spinorama.org) | 68.3Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.80 | 1.84 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.42 | 4.91 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Mounting Cutout | - | 236W x 757H mm |
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