Short answer: both are discontinued, so this only matters if you are buying used. Used, the Revel M55XC is the better pick: it ranks #5 of 13 outdoor speakers by sound quality (rated 3.6/5), against #8 (rated 3.2/5) for the JBL Control X.
The Revel M55XC is the more accurate pick. 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 2.50 for the JBL Control X. The catch: Compact sealed enclosure limits bass output, with -6dB extension at 90.8Hz and rapid low-frequency roll-off below 100Hz.
What the JBL Control X does well: Spinorama preference score of 2.50 (5.87 with subwoofer). Watch for: Marked peak around 1.5kHz to 2kHz and uneven on-axis treble response require EQ for best tonal balance.
Buy the Revel M55XC only if you find one used in good condition; both are discontinued, and it is the better rated of the two.
Still deciding? The full Passive Home rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| Revel M55XC | JBL Control X | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $420 per pair Discontinued | $205 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #5 of 13 in Outdoor Speakers | #8 of 13 in Outdoor Speakers |
| Drivers | 5.25” carbon-infused polypropylene woofer, 1” aluminum dome tweeter with Acoustic Lens waveguide | 5.25” (133mm) polypropylene graphite-filled cone woofer, 1” (25mm) CMMD Lite dome tweeter with HDI waveguide |
| Configuration | Passive 2-way | Passive 2-way |
| Sensitivity | 86.5dB | 87dB |
| Impedance | 8 ohms | 8 ohms |
| Recommended Power | 20-70W | 20-100W |
| Enclosure | Sealed, IP56 weather-resistant | Ported, rear Slipstream port |
| Dimensions | 9.8”H x 7.4”W x 7.1”D (248 x 188 x 181 mm) | 9.3”H x 6.5”W x 6.3”D (235 x 165 x 159 mm) |
| Weight | 7.5 lbs (3.4 kg) | 5.7 lbs (2.6 kg) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 112.8Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 108.4Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-6dB) | 90.8Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 90.8Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 67.4Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 60.1Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.36 | 2.50 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.89 | 5.87 |
Related Speaker Comparisons
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 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