CONTROL-226C-T-B vs JBL-C426LP — Compare
JBL Control 226C/T 6.5" 2-WAY Coaxial Ceiling Loudspeaker (Pair) B-Stock vs JBL Control 426LP 6 IN ENHANCED LOW-PROFILE CELLING SPK (Pair)
The Control 226C/T is a more robust, higher-output choice for demanding commercial and institutional spaces requiring maximum clarity and SPL, while the Control 426LP prioritizes aesthetic flush-mount integration and lower cost for general office, retail, and distributed audio systems. Choose the 226C/T for speech-critical or dynamic-content environments; choose the 426LP for unobtrusive background music and general commercial audio.
No sales tax on orders shipped outside California — total cost beats national retailers that charge sales tax in nearly every state.
JBL Control 226C/T 6.5" 2-WAY Coaxial Ceiling Loudspeaker (Pair) B-Stock
JBL Control 426LP 6 IN ENHANCED LOW-PROFILE CELLING SPK (Pair)
Specs side by side
| JBL Control 226C/T 6.5" 2-WAY Coaxial Ceiling Loudspeaker (Pair) B-Stock | JBL Control 426LP 6 IN ENHANCED LOW-PROFILE CELLING SPK (Pair) | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $680.00 | $690.00 |
| Brand | JBL | JBL |
| Speaker Type | Ceiling | Ceiling |
| Install Type | Installed | Installed |
| Condition | Refurbished | New |
Why choose JBL Control 226C/T 6.5" 2-WAY Coaxial Ceiling Loudspeaker (Pair) B-Stock
- ✓ Higher peak output at 118 dB with 90 dB sensitivity for greater dynamic range and headroom
- ✓ Kevlar-reinforced woofer and titanium compression driver for durability and clarity in demanding installations
- ✓ Impedance switch with eight dedicated transformer taps (70V, 100V, and 8-ohm) for maximum system flexibility
- ✓ Advanced high-slope crossover optimized for smooth midrange and speech intelligibility
Why choose JBL Control 426LP 6 IN ENHANCED LOW-PROFILE CELLING SPK (Pair)
- ✓ Ultra-low-profile enclosure under 100mm deep for seamless aesthetic integration into drop ceilings
- ✓ Lower cost (budget tier) with no compromise on two-way coaxial design and professional performance
- ✓ Higher continuous power handling at 220W program power (110W pink noise) suitable for dynamic commercial content
- ✓ CRBI technology and 110° coverage angle for even dispersion in office and retail spaces
Frequently asked questions
What's the main acoustic difference between these two speakers?
The Control 226C/T delivers higher peak output (118 dB vs. implied lower maximum for the 426LP) and features a titanium compression driver optimized for clarity and speech intelligibility, while the 426LP uses a soft-dome tweeter and emphasizes balanced, unobtrusive audio suitable for ambient commercial environments.
Which speaker is better for houses of worship or lecture halls?
The Control 226C/T is purpose-built for speech reinforcement in institutional settings, with its advanced crossover, Kevlar woofer, and higher sensitivity designed to maximize intelligibility and prevent distortion during dynamic content.
Why would I choose the 426LP over the 226C/T if they're both ceiling speakers?
The 426LP costs significantly less (budget vs. mid tier), mounts flush in standard drop ceilings without visible depth, and is ideal for distributed audio in offices and retail where aesthetics and unobtrusive background music matter more than peak SPL or speech clarity demands.
Do both speakers support 70V/100V constant-voltage systems?
Yes, both include 70/100-volt capability with integrated transformers. The Control 226C/T offers more granular tap options (68W, 34W, 17W, 8.5W at 70V plus 100V options), while the 426LP provides 12-ohm low-impedance and 70/100-volt options via integrated transformer.