Short answer: the JBL Control 29AV-1, if you are buying new. The Revel M55XC ranks higher than it (#5 vs #9 of 13 outdoor speakers, 3.6/5 vs 3.0/5) but is discontinued, so only consider it used; the JBL Control 29AV-1 is still sold new at $1,144.
The Revel M55XC is the more accurate option. Audio Science Review measurements demonstrate a 3.36 preference score that leaps to 6.89 with a subwoofer. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 3.36 against 2.24 for the JBL Control 29AV-1. Watch for: Compact sealed enclosure limits bass output, with -6dB extension at 90.8Hz and rapid low-frequency roll-off below 100Hz.
The JBL Control 29AV-1 is the deeper-bass pick. Exceptional bass extension for an outdoor cabinet, measuring down to 48.3Hz (-6dB) and 41Hz (-10dB) thanks to a heavy-duty 8” Kevlar woofer in a large ported enclosure. Its bass reaches about 54.2Hz before falling 3dB, against 112.8Hz for the Revel M55XC. The catch: Uneven raw frequency response through the crossover region and ragged on-axis treble yield a modest 2.24 preference score without DSP correction.
Buy the JBL Control 29AV-1, since the Revel M55XC is discontinued and only worth hunting down used.
Still deciding? The full Passive Home rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| Revel M55XC | JBL Control 29AV-1 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $420 per pair Discontinued | $1,144 per pair |
| Ranked | #5 of 13 in Outdoor Speakers | #9 of 13 in Outdoor Speakers |
| Drivers | 5.25” carbon-infused polypropylene woofer, 1” aluminum dome tweeter with Acoustic Lens waveguide | 8” (200mm) Kevlar cone woofer, 1” (25mm) titanium diaphragm compression driver on rotatable 110° x 85° horn |
| Configuration | Passive 2-way | Passive 2-way |
| Sensitivity | 86.5dB | 90dB |
| Impedance | 8 ohms | 8 ohms |
| Recommended Power | 20-70W | - |
| Enclosure | Sealed, IP56 weather-resistant | Ported high-impact polystyrene, all-weather |
| Dimensions | 9.8”H x 7.4”W x 7.1”D (248 x 188 x 181 mm) | 20.5”H x 12”W x 10.9”D (520 x 306 x 277 mm) |
| Weight | 7.5 lbs (3.4 kg) | 26.9 lbs (12.2 kg) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 112.8Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 54.2Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-6dB) | 90.8Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 48.3Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 67.4Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 41.0Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.36 | 2.24 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.89 | 4.50 |
| Power Handling | - | 300W |
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How Revel M55XC compares with other leading options:
- JBL Control X Wireless vs Revel M55XC
- Revel M80XC vs Revel M55XC
- Focal Chorus OD 706 V vs Revel M55XC
- Focal 100 OD6 vs Revel M55XC
- Revel M55XC vs RSL Outsider II
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
Revel M55XC: $420 per pair Discontinued eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measurements demonstrate a 3.36 preference score that leaps to 6.89 with a subwoofer. Smooth off-axis response and tight directivity matching through the crossover handover thanks to Revel’s Acoustic Lens waveguide. Rugged IP56 weather resistance and included InvisiBall mounting hardware make installation straightforward. Measured bass extension of 112.8Hz (-3dB).
Cons: Compact sealed enclosure limits bass output, with -6dB extension at 90.8Hz and rapid low-frequency roll-off below 100Hz. Modest 86.5dB sensitivity means it requires a capable amplifier for open outdoor spaces. Discontinued.
Full Revel M55XC review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 67.4Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 112.8Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-6dB) | 90.8Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Configuration | Passive 2-way |
| Dimensions | 9.8”H x 7.4”W x 7.1”D (248 x 188 x 181 mm) |
| Drivers | 5.25” carbon-infused polypropylene woofer, 1” aluminum dome tweeter with Acoustic Lens waveguide |
| Enclosure | Sealed, IP56 weather-resistant |
| Impedance | 8 ohms |
| Recommended Power | 20-70W |
| Sensitivity | 86.5dB |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.36 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.89 |
| Weight | 7.5 lbs (3.4 kg) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
JBL Control 29AV-1: $1,144 per pair B&H Photo Video eBay
Pros: Exceptional bass extension for an outdoor cabinet, measuring down to 48.3Hz (-6dB) and 41Hz (-10dB) thanks to a heavy-duty 8” Kevlar woofer in a large ported enclosure. Massive 300W power handling and high 90dB sensitivity deliver huge SPL capability outdoors. Built-in 70V/100V transformer with 8-ohm bypass and rotatable high-frequency horn. Measured bass extension of 54.2Hz (-3dB).
Cons: Uneven raw frequency response through the crossover region and ragged on-axis treble yield a modest 2.24 preference score without DSP correction. Very large and heavy (12.2 kg per box), making wall mounting demanding.
Full JBL Control 29AV-1 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 41.0Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 54.2Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-6dB) | 48.3Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Configuration | Passive 2-way |
| Dimensions | 20.5”H x 12”W x 10.9”D (520 x 306 x 277 mm) |
| Drivers | 8” (200mm) Kevlar cone woofer, 1” (25mm) titanium diaphragm compression driver on rotatable 110° x 85° horn |
| Enclosure | Ported high-impact polystyrene, all-weather |
| Impedance | 8 ohms |
| Power Handling | 300W |
| Sensitivity | 90dB |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 2.24 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 4.50 |
| Weight | 26.9 lbs (12.2 kg) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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- JBL Control 29AV-1 vs RSL Outsider II
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