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Reviews (1)
02 March 2016
Long time favorite
1 of 1 found this helpful The Control 5 has been one of my 'go to' standby monitors for many years. The sound quality throughout a wide variety of variables (position, type of listening material, listening level) is amazing for a monitor both in terms of size and price. It remains consistent on all accounts.
I have been a dedicated JBL fan for many years and have owned and used many of their products: probably one of the only people who at one time concurrently owned two Paragons. I was even a pro dealer for several years back in the dark ages. There are not too many of the products (especially the pro line) that I have not 'lived with' for varying lengths of time. There is quite a difference between trying something out and living with it.
Probably one of the best personal recommendations I could give for the Control 5 is that it is one of the only smaller speakers that I can actually enjoy tracking with (generally more fun with one of the big monitors) but also trust enough to use for a rough mix-down. I should note, however, that I generally use mine with one of the original SB-5 subs. I also use all my monitors with a generous amount of solid power. I would note, however, that I have never taken out a driver. I have even used the Control 5 in my home theatre.
As I have seen these occasionally offered at good prices I have taken the opportunity to stock up. The speaker is that versatile. I have also bought every reasonable SB-5 that pops up on Ebay.
I became very familiar with the Control 5 in a short time; I know what to expect; I know it will deliver. And 25 years later, it is still a favorite. At the original retail prices, they were a great deal. At today's 'sale' prices, they approach one of those things 'too good to be true'. Simply put, they do what they were designed to do exceptionally well.