Short answer: the JBL Control 29AV-1, if you are buying new. The RSL Outsider II ranks higher than it (#6 vs #9 of 13 outdoor speakers, 3.4/5 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 RSL Outsider II is the more accurate option. Scores 2.93 on spinorama (6.07 with subwoofer) tested on Klippel NFS. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 2.93 against 2.24 for the JBL Control 29AV-1. The catch: Modest sensitivity and limited dynamic ceiling at high listening levels outdoor.
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 87.9Hz for the RSL Outsider II. The tradeoff: 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 new; the RSL Outsider II is no longer sold new, so it only makes sense as a used find.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Passive Home rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| RSL Outsider II | JBL Control 29AV-1 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $300 per pair Discontinued | $1,144 per pair |
| Ranked | #6 of 13 in Outdoor Speakers | #9 of 13 in Outdoor Speakers |
| Drivers | 6.5” mineral-filled polypropylene cone woofer, 1” silk dome tweeter | 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 | 88dB | 90dB |
| Impedance | 8 ohms | 8 ohms |
| Recommended Power | 25-100W | - |
| Enclosure | Sealed all-weather composite enclosure | Ported high-impact polystyrene, all-weather |
| Dimensions | 12.5”H x 7.8”W x 7.2”D (318 x 197 x 184 mm) | 20.5”H x 12”W x 10.9”D (520 x 306 x 277 mm) |
| Weight | 7.1 lbs (3.2 kg) | 26.9 lbs (12.2 kg) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 87.9Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 54.2Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-6dB) | 74.7Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 48.3Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 54.2Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 41.0Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 2.93 | 2.24 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.07 | 4.50 |
| Power Handling | - | 300W |
Related Speaker Comparisons
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- JBL Control X Wireless vs RSL Outsider II
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- 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
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
- RSL Outsider II vs Revel M55XC
- RSL Outsider II vs JBL Stage XD-5
- RSL Outsider II vs JBL Control X
- RSL Outsider II vs Focal 100 OD6
- RSL Outsider II vs Focal Chorus OD 706 V
- RSL Outsider II vs Revel M80XC
- RSL Outsider II vs OSD Audio AP650
- RSL Outsider II vs JBL Control X Wireless
- See all 11 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
- JBL Control 29AV-1 vs JBL Control X
- JBL Control 29AV-1 vs OSD Audio AP650
- JBL Control 29AV-1 vs Polk Audio Atrium 4
- JBL Control 29AV-1 vs JBL Stage XD-5
- JBL Control 29AV-1 vs JBL Control 25-1
- JBL Control 29AV-1 vs Revel M55XC
- JBL Control 29AV-1 vs JBL Control 25T
- JBL Control 29AV-1 vs Focal 100 OD6
- See all 11 comparisons