Short answer: the Q Acoustics 5020 for better sound quality, the JBL Control 1 Pro for the lower price. The Q Acoustics 5020 ranks #42 of 56 bookshelf speakers at $1199. The JBL Control 1 Pro ranks #46 at $164, $1035 cheaper.
On the Q Acoustics 5020 side: Attractively finished compact standmount with a 5-inch Continuous Curved Cone woofer and carefully engineered cabinet details. Set against that: Erin found the tonal balance distinctly too crisp, forward and treble-heavy: the top end is roughly 3-5dB elevated while the 1-3kHz region is recessed, so vocals change level unnaturally as they move through their range.
What the JBL Control 1 Pro offers: Magnetically shielded transducers and a rugged molded enclosure make it a durable choice for wall-mount or install use, with SonicGuard overload protection built into the crossover. Watch for: Sound power and predicted in-room response measurements are badly uneven compared to the JBL 305P Mark II tested alongside it.
Buy the Q Acoustics 5020 if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the JBL Control 1 Pro if the price matters more than sound quality.
If sound quality matters at all to you, skip both of these and look higher up the 56 bookshelf speakers instead.
Specifications Side By Side
| Q Acoustics 5020 | JBL Control 1 Pro | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,199.00 | $164 |
| Ranked | #42 of 56 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers | #46 of 56 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Drivers | 5" (125mm) C3 mid/bass driver, 1" (25mm) tweeter | 5.25" low frequency driver, 0.75" polycarbonate dome tweeter |
| Crossover Frequency | 2.5kHz (manufacturer specified) | - |
| Dimensions | 11.2"H x 7.1"W x 11.5"D | 9.3H x 6.3W x 5.6D in |
| Weight | 15.4 lbs (15.4 lbs / 7.0kg) each | 4 lbs / 1.8 kg each |
| Impedance | 6 ohms nominal, 3.3 ohms minimum (manufacturer specified) | 4 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 87.1dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Erin’s Audio Corner; 87.9dB manufacturer specified) | 87dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 103Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 78Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 48Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 55Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Frequency Response | 53Hz - 30kHz (-6dB, manufacturer specified) | 80Hz - 20kHz -10dB (Manufacturer specified) |
| Recommended Power | 25W - 100W (manufacturer specified) | - |
| Woofer Cabinet | rear-ported | sealed |
| Power Handling | - | 150W |
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The Two Speakers In Full
Q Acoustics 5020: $1,199.00 Amazon
Pros: Attractively finished compact standmount with a 5-inch Continuous Curved Cone woofer and carefully engineered cabinet details. Erin found distortion well controlled at normal levels: below 1% down to about 50Hz at 86dB/1m. Its 87dB measured sensitivity is unremarkable rather than hard to drive, and it maintains acceptable output for typical 80-85dB listening. The rear port can be plugged for placement flexibility.
Cons: Erin found the tonal balance distinctly too crisp, forward and treble-heavy: the top end is roughly 3-5dB elevated while the 1-3kHz region is recessed, so vocals change level unnaturally as they move through their range. The shallow woofer crossover and steeper tweeter slope contribute to the off-axis discontinuity, while the port has a strong 1kHz resonance. Bass is limited: Erin measured F3 103Hz and F10 48Hz; at 96dB distortion reaches about 3% by 100Hz, and he bottomed the woofer when pushed hard. He preferred the less-expensive 3020i’s linearity and did not recommend the 5020 for neutral listening without EQ.
Full Q Acoustics 5020 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 48Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 103Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Crossover Frequency | 2.5kHz (manufacturer specified) |
| Dimensions | 11.2"H x 7.1"W x 11.5"D |
| Drivers | 5" (125mm) C3 mid/bass driver, 1" (25mm) tweeter |
| Frequency Response | 53Hz - 30kHz (-6dB, manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 6 ohms nominal, 3.3 ohms minimum (manufacturer specified) |
| Recommended Power | 25W - 100W (manufacturer specified) |
| Sensitivity | 87.1dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Erin's Audio Corner; 87.9dB manufacturer specified) |
| Weight | 15.4 lbs (15.4 lbs / 7.0kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | rear-ported |
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- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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- Q Acoustics 5020 vs Micca RB42
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JBL Control 1 Pro: $164 Parts Express
Pros: Magnetically shielded transducers and a rugged molded enclosure make it a durable choice for wall-mount or install use, with SonicGuard overload protection built into the crossover. Feels solidly built despite the low price, and the professional crossover network uses steep slopes.
Cons: 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. The reviewer performed no distortion or dedicated listening test on this unit and concluded he didn’t “think there is a reason to purchase it” over a proper studio monitor at a similar price.
Full JBL Control 1 Pro review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 55Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 78Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Dimensions | 9.3H x 6.3W x 5.6D in |
| Drivers | 5.25" low frequency driver, 0.75" polycarbonate dome tweeter |
| Frequency Response | 80Hz - 20kHz -10dB (Manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 4 ohms |
| Power Handling | 150W |
| Sensitivity | 87dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Weight | 4 lbs / 1.8 kg each |
| Woofer Cabinet | sealed |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- JBL Control 1 Pro vs Polk T15
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