JBL vs QSC – Which Brand Is Better?

JBL and QSC are two renowned and well-respected brands in the audio industry and produce high-quality speakers, soundbars, headphones and subwoofers.

In this article, we will cover a general overview of both brands, looking specifically at the sound quality, durability, price and so on.

Of course, each brand has different devices at different price points, however, we will compare them as closely as we can.

JBL’s powered speakers are typically entry-pro level and as such offer semi-professional audio production. On the other hand, most QSC powered speakers are lower-tier MI-level speakers. JBL offers better sound quality than QSC, but QSC offers better warranty.

Before you continue, you can also check out the following comparisons:

• Jbl Vs Kicker
• Jbl Vs Alpine
• Jbl Vs Onkyo

Read on to learn more.

Quick History

JBL Quick History

JBL was founded in 1946 by James Bullough Lansing just after World War II. It is headquartered in Los Angeles, California, USA.

The company manufactures amplifiers, loudspeakers, and headphones with the JBL Professional LSR10S being one of its best-selling subs with a class D amp, among other features.

It is currently owned by Harman International after its Vice president Bill Thomas sold it in 1969.

In the 1970s, JBL entered the studio industry and launched its new technologies academy of motion pictures’ first full-line portable system in the 1980s. Also, the company was the first to introduce titanium in high-frequency diaphragms.

QSC Quick History

QSC is a globally recognized company in the design, engineering, and manufacturing of award-winning, high-performance loudspeakers, digital mixers, power amplifiers, audio processors, digital cinema solutions, video, and control platforms.

Generally, they are known for designing audio devices for musicians, DJs, liver performers and music editors. Furthermore, their speakers are normally used in concerts, theaters, and other open spaces. 

They offer reliable, scalable, and flexible solutions for entertainment and commercial AV applications.

QSC was founded by Patrick Quilter in 1968. In 2011, Pat remembered his passion for designing and building guitar amplifiers and founded Quilter Labs where he designs and builds amps for some of today’s biggest artists in music.

Sound Quality

JBL Sound Quality

JBL speakers tend to depict a neutral, balanced sound profile. Their bass-heavy audio profile makes them ideal for party and personal use, especially for those looking for deep bass to listen to modern pop and hip-hop music. The speakers are also loud with rich sound.

The speakers perform well in both high and low volumes. Built for DJs and other professionals, the speakers are tough and reliable. The Bluetooth speakers have long battery life lasting 24 hours or more.

On the other hand, JBL headphones are packed with features that help them deliver a well-balanced sound that closely follows the Harman curve.

However, the design and fit of these headphones are not very comfortable. A top-of-the-range JBL could sound unique with the depth, power, and accuracy every listener appreciates!

QSC Sound Quality

In general, they offer very crisp highs and clear mid-ranges with regards to their speakers and similar products.

No matter how loud the music gets, the bass is never affected. DJs often love to use QSC devices because of this feature. They are also great for both indoor and outdoor use as their sound quality is not compromised in either setting.

Features

JBL Features

JBL manufactures futuristic speakers to ensure users can easily fit them into their modern home systems. Bluetooth speakers and subwoofers from JBL, for instance, come with the following features:

• Polypropylene or cellulose-fiber cones
• Rubber surround
• Frequency response depends on specific speakers
• Sensitivity of about 2.83V at 1 meter
• Power handling up to 250W RMS

QSC Features

QSC Company has a lot of beneficial features which make their product so easy for users to operate. These features include:

• Driverless USB 2.0 Connection
• Jack auxiliary port
• Channels of Total Analog Audio
• Configurable Flex Channels.
• GPIO Logic Ports.
• Single POTS Telephone line.
• Higher resolution with significantly improved screen transitions.

Build Quality

JBL Build Quality

JBL speakers are well built with Aluminum, Nickel, and Cobalt which is a strong high-power permanent alloy.

Also, the wireless speakers are high quality and built with solid features. The performance is reliable and they are waterproof which makes them all weather.

The headphones however have a plasticky build that makes them look average despite the well-balanced sound.

QSC Build Quality

QSC has managed to develop a durable and long-lasting speaker while still keeping the weight down.

QSC products are solid and well-protected. An example is the QSC K12, built with an impact-resistant ABS core that helps to protect the speaker with a front grille cloth lining for additional protection.

QSC devices have high-quality aluminum handles.

Ease Of Use

JBL Ease Of Use

Setting up JBL speakers may not be easy if you are not ready to handle the process. However, if your speakers are within the Bluetooth range, JBL speakers will easily pair with nearby devices.

The subwoofers may not be very easy to set depending on your car, but they are easy to use.  The wireless headphones are easy to use, whether you want to talk or just listen.

QSC Ease of Use

QSC devices are quite easy to use and install. The Q-SYS mobile app by QSC company is downloadable on both the Google Play Store for Android users and the Apple store for iOS users, which makes it easy to use for every user.

There’s also a guide booklet to put users through on how to use and install their QSC devices.

Cost

JBL Cost

Bluetooth JBL speakers are available at a range of prices. You can, however, get them between 40 dollars and 400 dollars.

However, the GBL Go is still ranked the most affordable Bluetooth speaker owing to the added value of sound quality and portability. The cost is generally high due to the high cost of engineering, high cost of quality materials, and the cost of advertising.

• Headphones: $10 – $200
• Amplifiers: $50 – $5000

QSC Cost

QSC devices are a little bit expensive compared to other manufacturing brands, below are different price ranges for QSC devices:

• Loudspeakers: $1000 – $2000
• Subwoofers: $500 – $1000
• Amplifiers: $500 – $2000
• Headphones: $100 – $200

Space Requirements

JBL Space Requirements

JBL speakers are built to fit in many room sizes. The Bluetooth speakers are tiny in size and easily portable. Therefore, you can easily place them anywhere in your room or carry them for an outdoor listening experience.

QSC Space Requirements

There are different kinds of QSC devices of various sizes and shapes. You have to put your available space into consideration before getting any devices. Although most QSC devices have a stand or hanger which can be used to place the devices at any convenient place.

Remote Controls

JBL Remote Controls

JBL builds remote controls to help with easy and safe control of music together with other call functions on other devices such as smartphones.

JBL Click, for instance, is a mountable Bluetooth controller that makes it easier to control your music and call functions on any smartphone. However, JBL Boombox and JBL Partybox 310 do not have remote controls.

QSC Remote Control

Most QSC products do not come with remote control, but with the help of the Q-SYS mobile app, users can take absolute control of all the settings with the use of their mobile phones.

Connectivity Options

JBL Connectivity Options

JBL speakers, especially the Bluetooth-enabled ones, connect easily via Bluetooth. In fact, JBL makes them so that you can easily wirelessly connect up to 100 JBL speakers via Bluetooth.

Power Range

JBL Power Range

The speakers have a high power handling capacity. For instance, the 840 Cinema Surround Speaker can handle 350 watts of continuous play, while the JBL Stage 1210 12” woofer can handle up to 250 watts RMS and 1000 watt peak power.

• Subwoofers: 50W to 1600W rated power
• Speakers: 50W to 250W rated power
• Amplifiers: 50W to 800W per channel

QSC Power Range

QSC devices consume more than some other audio brand devices. On average, the QSC devices have a power range of 100 watts to 2000 watts. Their amplifier has a peak power output of about 1600 W (for a typical 4, 8 ohm load).

Frequency Response

JBL Frequency Response 

JBL speakers work well under various frequency ranges. For instance, the JBL ES Series speaker systems, such as the ES 20, operate between 65 HZ – 40 kHz.

The 840 Very High Power Cinema Surround Speaker for digital surround sound immersion application performs within the 60 Hz to 19 kHz frequency range.

QSC Frequency Response

The frequency response of QSC devices ranges from 50Hz to 20KHz. This also varies depending on the kind of device. The QSC CP8 has a frequency of 53 Hz to 20 kHz, and the QSC HPR122i has a frequency of 16 Hz to 18 kHz.

DJ Powered Speaker Rigs

If you are a DJ and you are considering between a JBL and QAS powered speaker rig, consider the following:

QSC Rig

A standard setup for a QSC rig will normally include their K-series such as the KW181’s with K10s, K12s, or KW122s on top. In fact, there are many DJs who stack K12s on the KW181s. Please note that the K12 and KW181 are good for any event with less than 200 people.

JBL Rig

A standard JBL setup will normally include powered speakers such as the SRX828 with SRX812Ps or even the more expensive VRX. One major advantage here is the SRX series which is about twice as loud as the KW181s, and about one and a half times the price. In addition, the bass on the related JBL subwoofers is deeper. Such a JBL rig can easily support large events of 1,000 or more people.

JBL vs QSC Example

JBL max SPL = 135db
QSC max SPL = 131db

JBL coverage = 90 degrees x50 degrees coverage
QSC coverage = 75 degrees conical coverage

JBL warranty = 5 years. The warranty on JBL Professional loudspeaker products (except for enclosures) remains in effect for five years from the date of the first consumer purchase)

QSC warranty = 3 years. The warranty period is the greater of three (3) years from the date of purchase or the maximum period required under the local laws where the QSC Product is purchased. However, this warranty extends to 6 years for registered products.

JBL manufacturing: made in Mexico
QSC Manufacturing: made in China

Conclusion

JBL offers a wide range of speakers for all use cases. Although most of them do not have EQs for customized sound, they have a pretty neutral sound profile. Besides, they have an excellent build quality that ensures that the portable JBL sound systems last longer.

Sennheiser produces high-quality headphones and microphones. The devices support numerous features and are energy efficient. QSC has been a leading audio device manufacturing company for years offering amazing features and the quality their devices possess. Though their products might be costly, if top-notch sound is your priority, then you should consider getting a QSC product.