Short answer: the Ascend Acoustics HTM-200SE2. It ranks #7 of 179 bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 4.3/5, at $368; the JBL Stage 250B ranks #97, rated 3.2/5, and costs $439.95, which makes this an easy call rather than a real tradeoff.
The Ascend Acoustics HTM-200SE2 is the more accurate pick. A compact sealed speaker with two small woofers, highly accurate sound and very wide dispersion, ideal with a subwoofer. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 4.98 against 4.06 for the JBL Stage 250B. Watch for: Limited bass is the main tradeoff, measuring 87.9Hz at -3dB, 71.8Hz at -6dB, and 51.3Hz at -12dB; its preference score falls to 4.98 without a subwoofer.
The JBL Stage 250B is the deeper-bass pick. Affordable current bookshelf speakers with a waveguide tweeter for smooth dispersion, magnetic grilles and solid build. Its bass reaches about 64.5Hz before falling 3dB, against 87.9Hz for the Ascend Acoustics HTM-200SE2. The tradeoff: Its objective score is good rather than class-leading, and the rear port needs some wall clearance.
Buy the Ascend Acoustics HTM-200SE2. It is rated higher for sound quality than the JBL Stage 250B and costs less, so only choose the other one for a particular feature it does better.
Want more options? Browse the full Passive Home rankings.
A compact sealed speaker with two small woofers, highly accurate sound and very wide dispersion, ideal with a subwoofer.
Affordable current bookshelf speakers with a waveguide tweeter for smooth dispersion, magnetic grilles and solid build.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Ascend Acoustics HTM-200SE2 | JBL Stage 250B | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $368 per pair | $439.95 per pair |
| Ranked | #7 of 179 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers | #97 of 179 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 87.9Hz (measured, spinorama.org) | 64.5Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner via spinorama.org) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | approximately 56Hz (measured, spinorama.org) | 50Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Enclosure | Sealed | Passive 2-way rear-ported |
| Drivers | Two 4-inch woofers; soft-dome tweeter | 1-inch aluminum tweeter, 5.25-inch polycellulose woofer |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal | 6 ohms |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.98 | 4.06 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.90 | 6.60 |
| Sensitivity | 86.0dB (manufacturer specified); 85.2dB (measured, spinorama.org) | 86dB/2.83V/1m |
| Dimensions | 11”H x 6.5”W x 6.4”D (279 x 165 x 162 mm) | 12.6H x 7.9W x 9.5D in |
| Weight | 9.9 lbs (4.5 kg) each | 12.3 lbs (5.6 kg) each |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Frequency Response | - | 50Hz-25kHz (-6dB) |
| Recommended Power | - | 20-150W |
| Power Handling | - | 75W RMS |
| Woofer Cabinet | - | ported, rear |
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