Short answer: the JBL Control 25-1, if you are buying new. The RSL Outsider II ranks higher than it (#6 vs #12 of 13 outdoor speakers, 3.4/5 vs 2.4/5) but is discontinued, so only consider it used; the JBL Control 25-1 is still sold new at $470.
The RSL Outsider II is the better-sounding choice. Scores 2.93 on spinorama (6.07 with subwoofer) tested on Klippel NFS. The catch: Modest sensitivity and limited dynamic ceiling at high listening levels outdoor.
What the JBL Control 25-1 does well: Direct successor to the long-standing Control 25T with an upgraded 5.25” woven-fiberglass cone woofer, 0.75” PEI diaphragm fluid-cooled tweeter, and wider 100° x 100° constant directivity coverage. The tradeoff: Compact commercial form factor and voice-optimized voicing limit deep bass extension, with low-end rolling off rapidly below 85Hz (-3dB) and 60Hz (-10dB).
Buy the JBL Control 25-1, since the RSL Outsider II is discontinued and only worth hunting down used.
Want more options? Browse the full Passive Home rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| RSL Outsider II | JBL Control 25-1 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $300 per pair Discontinued | $470.00 per pair |
| Ranked | #6 of 13 in Outdoor Speakers | #12 of 13 in Outdoor Speakers |
| Drivers | 6.5” mineral-filled polypropylene cone woofer, 1” silk dome tweeter | 5.25” (135mm) woven-fiberglass cone woofer with WeatherEdge, 0.75” (19mm) PEI diaphragm tweeter with fluid cooling |
| Configuration | Passive 2-way | Passive 2-way |
| Sensitivity | 88dB | 90dB (1W @ 1m) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms | 8 ohms |
| Recommended Power | 25-100W | - |
| Enclosure | Sealed all-weather composite enclosure | High impact polystyrene (HIPS), IP44 weather-resistant |
| Dimensions | 12.5”H x 7.8”W x 7.2”D (318 x 197 x 184 mm) | 9.6”H x 7.4”W x 5.7”D (243 x 188 x 145 mm) |
| Weight | 7.1 lbs (3.2 kg) | 7.5 lbs (3.4 kg) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 87.9Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | - |
| Bass Extension (-6dB) | 74.7Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 54.2Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 2.93 | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.07 | - |
| Power Handling | - | 100W continuous / 200W program |
| Coverage | - | 100° x 100° |
| Frequency Response | - | 85Hz - 17kHz (+/- 3dB, Manufacturer specified) |
| Frequency Response (-10dB) | - | 60Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
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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
RSL Outsider II: $300 per pair Discontinued eBay
Pros: Scores 2.93 on spinorama (6.07 with subwoofer) tested on Klippel NFS. Neutral listening window across the midrange and wider vertical coverage than typical 2-way budget competitors. Reaches 74.7Hz at -6dB with clean low-end transition. Measured bass extension of 87.9Hz (-3dB).
Cons: Modest sensitivity and limited dynamic ceiling at high listening levels outdoor. Cabinet and bracket feel somewhat lightweight, and the model has been discontinued by RSL.
Full RSL Outsider II review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 54.2Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 87.9Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-6dB) | 74.7Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Configuration | Passive 2-way |
| Dimensions | 12.5”H x 7.8”W x 7.2”D (318 x 197 x 184 mm) |
| Drivers | 6.5” mineral-filled polypropylene cone woofer, 1” silk dome tweeter |
| Enclosure | Sealed all-weather composite enclosure |
| Impedance | 8 ohms |
| Recommended Power | 25-100W |
| Sensitivity | 88dB |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 2.93 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.07 |
| Weight | 7.1 lbs (3.2 kg) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
JBL Control 25-1: $470.00 per pair Estimated Amazon eBay
Older model: the JBL Control 25T (ranked lower, rated 2.2/5).
Pros: Direct successor to the long-standing Control 25T with an upgraded 5.25” woven-fiberglass cone woofer, 0.75” PEI diaphragm fluid-cooled tweeter, and wider 100° x 100° constant directivity coverage. Solid 200W program power handling (8-ohm bypass) and built-in 30W multi-tap 70V/100V transformer provide versatile commercial integration. WeatherEdge enclosure design achieves an IP44 outdoor rating with dependable InvisiBall mounting hardware.
Cons: Compact commercial form factor and voice-optimized voicing limit deep bass extension, with low-end rolling off rapidly below 85Hz (-3dB) and 60Hz (-10dB). Full laboratory-grade Klippel NFS Spinorama directivity curves have not yet been published, so tonal linearity is estimated from lineage.
Full JBL Control 25-1 review and specifications →
| Configuration | Passive 2-way |
|---|---|
| Coverage | 100° x 100° |
| Dimensions | 9.6”H x 7.4”W x 5.7”D (243 x 188 x 145 mm) |
| Drivers | 5.25” (135mm) woven-fiberglass cone woofer with WeatherEdge, 0.75” (19mm) PEI diaphragm tweeter with fluid cooling |
| Enclosure | High impact polystyrene (HIPS), IP44 weather-resistant |
| Frequency Response | 85Hz - 17kHz (+/- 3dB, Manufacturer specified) |
| Frequency Response (-10dB) | 60Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms |
| Power Handling | 100W continuous / 200W program |
| Sensitivity | 90dB (1W @ 1m) |
| Weight | 7.5 lbs (3.4 kg) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- No independent measurement review is linked for this model; it is ranked from hands-on listening and comparison against similarly priced speakers.
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