Short answer: both are discontinued, so this only matters if you are buying used. Used, the Revel M80XC is the better pick: it ranks #2 of 13 outdoor speakers by sound quality (rated 3.9/5), against #8 (rated 3.2/5) for the JBL Control X.
The Revel M80XC is the more accurate, deeper-bass pick. Klippel NFS testing by Audio Science Review yields an impressive preference score of 4.07 (6.95 with subwoofer) for an all-weather cabinet. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 4.07 against 2.50 for the JBL Control X. Its bass reaches about 82Hz before falling 3dB, against 108.4Hz for the JBL Control X. The tradeoff: Price is relatively high at $900 per pair.
What the JBL Control X does well: Spinorama preference score of 2.50 (5.87 with subwoofer). The catch: Marked peak around 1.5kHz to 2kHz and uneven on-axis treble response require EQ for best tonal balance.
Buy the Revel M80XC only if you find one used in good condition; both are discontinued, and it is the better rated of the two.
Want more options? Browse the full Passive Home rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Revel M80XC | JBL Control X | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $900 per pair Discontinued | $205 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #2 of 13 in Outdoor Speakers | #8 of 13 in Outdoor Speakers |
| Drivers | 8” aluminum cone 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 | 91dB | 87dB |
| Impedance | 8 ohms | 8 ohms |
| Recommended Power | 20-100W RMS | 20-100W |
| Enclosure | Sealed, IP56 weather-resistant | Ported, rear Slipstream port |
| Dimensions | 13”H x 10.1”W x 11”D (330 x 257 x 280 mm) | 9.3”H x 6.5”W x 6.3”D (235 x 165 x 159 mm) |
| Weight | 15 lbs (6.8 kg) | 5.7 lbs (2.6 kg) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 82.0Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 108.4Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-6dB) | 67.4Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 90.8Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 45.4Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 60.1Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.07 | 2.50 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.95 | 5.87 |
Related Speaker Comparisons
How Revel M80XC compares with other leading options:
- JBL Control X Wireless vs Revel M80XC
- Revel M80XC vs Focal Chorus OD 706 V
- Revel M80XC vs Focal 100 OD6
- Revel M80XC vs Revel M55XC
- Revel M80XC 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 M80XC: $900 per pair Discontinued eBay
Pros: Klippel NFS testing by Audio Science Review yields an impressive preference score of 4.07 (6.95 with subwoofer) for an all-weather cabinet. Wide and uniform horizontal directivity (+/-60 degrees) and smooth predicted in-room response (0.728 smoothness). Generous 8” aluminum cone woofer produces clean output and solid bass extension down to 67Hz (-6dB) with sturdy IP56 weatherproofing and high 91dB sensitivity. Measured bass extension of 82.0Hz (-3dB).
Cons: Price is relatively high at $900 per pair. Treble resonance around 4.5kHz and port-less sealed alignment require substantial amplifier power to hit reference levels in wide-open outdoor spaces. Discontinued.
Full Revel M80XC review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 45.4Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 82.0Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-6dB) | 67.4Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Configuration | Passive 2-way |
| Dimensions | 13”H x 10.1”W x 11”D (330 x 257 x 280 mm) |
| Drivers | 8” aluminum cone woofer, 1” aluminum dome tweeter with Acoustic Lens waveguide |
| Enclosure | Sealed, IP56 weather-resistant |
| Impedance | 8 ohms |
| Recommended Power | 20-100W RMS |
| Sensitivity | 91dB |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.07 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.95 |
| Weight | 15 lbs (6.8 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