Short answer: the JBL Stage XD-5, if you are buying new. The RSL Outsider II ranks higher than it (#6 vs #7 of 13 outdoor speakers, 3.4/5 vs 3.3/5) but is discontinued, so only consider it used; the JBL Stage XD-5 is still sold new at $499.95.
The case for the RSL Outsider II: Scores 2.93 on spinorama (6.07 with subwoofer) tested on Klippel NFS. The tradeoff: Modest sensitivity and limited dynamic ceiling at high listening levels outdoor.
The case for the JBL Stage XD-5: Modern outdoor successor to the Control X, upgrading weatherproofing to a fully submersible IP67 waterproof rating with zero-bezel magnetic grilles. The tradeoff: Acoustic suspension design rolls off bass below 75Hz (-6dB), requiring boundary corner placement or a dedicated subwoofer for full-range musical foundation.
Buy the JBL Stage XD-5 if you want one new; the RSL Outsider II is discontinued, so only look for it used.
Want more options? Browse the full Passive Home rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| RSL Outsider II | JBL Stage XD-5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $300 per pair Discontinued | $499.95 per pair |
| Ranked | #6 of 13 in Outdoor Speakers | #7 of 13 in Outdoor Speakers |
| Drivers | 6.5” mineral-filled polypropylene cone woofer, 1” silk dome tweeter | 5.25” (130mm) polycellulose cone woofer, 1” (25mm) aluminum dome tweeter on HDI waveguide with acoustic lens |
| Configuration | Passive 2-way | Passive 2-way |
| Sensitivity | 88dB | 86dB (2.83V @ 1m) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms | 6 ohms |
| Recommended Power | 25-100W | 20-100W RMS |
| Enclosure | Sealed all-weather composite enclosure | Sealed all-weather composite, IP67 waterproof |
| Dimensions | 12.5”H x 7.8”W x 7.2”D (318 x 197 x 184 mm) | 8.7”H x 6.4”W x 7”D (221 x 162 x 179 mm) |
| Weight | 7.1 lbs (3.2 kg) | 5.3 lbs (2.4 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 | - |
| Frequency Response | - | 75Hz - 25kHz (-6dB, Manufacturer specified) |
Related Speaker Comparisons
How RSL Outsider II compares with other leading options:
- 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.
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
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 Control X
- 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 Stage XD-5: $499.95 per pair Estimated B&H Photo Video eBay
Older model: the JBL Control X (ranked lower, rated 3.2/5).
Pros: Modern outdoor successor to the Control X, upgrading weatherproofing to a fully submersible IP67 waterproof rating with zero-bezel magnetic grilles. Combines a 5.25” polycellulose cone woofer with an aluminum dome tweeter mated to JBL’s High-Definition Imaging (HDI) waveguide for uniform, wide-dispersion horizontal coverage across open patios and decks.
Cons: Acoustic suspension design rolls off bass below 75Hz (-6dB), requiring boundary corner placement or a dedicated subwoofer for full-range musical foundation. Full laboratory-grade Klippel NFS Spinorama directivity curves have not yet been published, so tonal linearity is estimated from the measured Control X predecessor.
Full JBL Stage XD-5 review and specifications →
| Configuration | Passive 2-way |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 8.7”H x 6.4”W x 7”D (221 x 162 x 179 mm) |
| Drivers | 5.25” (130mm) polycellulose cone woofer, 1” (25mm) aluminum dome tweeter on HDI waveguide with acoustic lens |
| Enclosure | Sealed all-weather composite, IP67 waterproof |
| Frequency Response | 75Hz - 25kHz (-6dB, Manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 6 ohms |
| Recommended Power | 20-100W RMS |
| Sensitivity | 86dB (2.83V @ 1m) |
| Weight | 5.3 lbs (2.4 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.
- Head-to-Head Comparisons