Short answer: both are discontinued, so this only matters if you are buying used. Used, the RSL Outsider II is the better pick: it ranks #6 of 13 outdoor speakers by sound quality (rated 3.4/5), against #8 (rated 3.2/5) for the JBL Control X.
The RSL Outsider II is the deeper-bass pick. Scores 2.93 on spinorama (6.07 with subwoofer) tested on Klippel NFS. Its bass reaches about 87.9Hz before falling 3dB, against 108.4Hz for the JBL Control X. The catch: Modest sensitivity and limited dynamic ceiling at high listening levels outdoor.
Why pick the JBL Control X: Spinorama preference score of 2.50 (5.87 with subwoofer). The tradeoff: Marked peak around 1.5kHz to 2kHz and uneven on-axis treble response require EQ for best tonal balance.
Buy the RSL Outsider II 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
| RSL Outsider II | JBL Control X | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $300 per pair Discontinued | $205 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #6 of 13 in Outdoor Speakers | #8 of 13 in Outdoor Speakers |
| Drivers | 6.5” mineral-filled polypropylene cone woofer, 1” silk dome tweeter | 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 | 88dB | 87dB |
| Impedance | 8 ohms | 8 ohms |
| Recommended Power | 25-100W | 20-100W |
| Enclosure | Sealed all-weather composite enclosure | Ported, rear Slipstream port |
| Dimensions | 12.5”H x 7.8”W x 7.2”D (318 x 197 x 184 mm) | 9.3”H x 6.5”W x 6.3”D (235 x 165 x 159 mm) |
| Weight | 7.1 lbs (3.2 kg) | 5.7 lbs (2.6 kg) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 87.9Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 108.4Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-6dB) | 74.7Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 90.8Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 54.2Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 60.1Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 2.93 | 2.50 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.07 | 5.87 |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More worthwhile head-to-heads for RSL Outsider II:
- JBL Control X Wireless vs RSL Outsider II
- Revel M80XC vs RSL Outsider II
- Focal Chorus OD 706 V vs RSL Outsider II
- Focal 100 OD6 vs RSL Outsider II
- 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 Focal 100 OD6
- RSL Outsider II vs Focal Chorus OD 706 V
- RSL Outsider II vs JBL Control 29AV-1
- 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 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