Short answer: the ELAC Carina BS243.4. It ranks #18 of 179 bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 4.2/5, at $1,199. The JBL Stage 250B ranks #97, rated 3.2/5, at $439.95, $759.05 cheaper, which does not close the gap in sound quality.
The ELAC Carina BS243.4 is the more accurate, deeper-bass choice. A stylish bookshelf speaker with accurate sound and ELAC’s folded ribbon tweeter for detailed treble that never fatigues. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 4.85 against 4.06 for the JBL Stage 250B. Its bass reaches about 55.7Hz before falling 3dB, against 64.5Hz for the JBL Stage 250B. The catch: On-axis response shows more ripple than pricier active speakers, with an average deviation of about 0.53dB, and its listening window is only middling in smoothness.
Why pick the JBL Stage 250B: Affordable current bookshelf speakers with a waveguide tweeter for smooth dispersion, magnetic grilles and solid build. Watch for: Its objective score is good rather than class-leading, and the rear port needs some wall clearance.
Buy the ELAC Carina BS243.4. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $759.05 saving on the JBL Stage 250B is not enough to make up the difference.
Want more options? Browse the full Passive Home rankings.
A stylish bookshelf speaker with accurate sound and ELAC’s folded ribbon tweeter for detailed treble that never fatigues.
Affordable current bookshelf speakers with a waveguide tweeter for smooth dispersion, magnetic grilles and solid build.
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Specifications Side By Side
| ELAC Carina BS243.4 | JBL Stage 250B | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,199 per pair | $439.95 per pair |
| Ranked | #18 of 179 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers | #97 of 179 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 41.5Hz (measured, spinorama.org) | 50Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 55.7Hz (measured, spinorama.org) | 64.5Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner via spinorama.org) |
| Dimensions | 8.5” x 12.6” x 9.6” (216 x 319 x 245 mm) each | 12.6H x 7.9W x 9.5D in |
| Impedance | 6 ohm nominal, 4.8 ohm minimum | 6 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 85dB (2.83V/1m) | 86dB/2.83V/1m |
| Drivers | JET folded-ribbon tweeter, 5.25” aluminum cone woofer | 1-inch aluminum tweeter, 5.25-inch polycellulose woofer |
| Weight | 14.8 lbs (6.7 kg) each | 12.3 lbs (5.6 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | Bass reflex | ported, rear |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.85 | 4.06 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.99 | 6.60 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Enclosure | - | Passive 2-way rear-ported |
| Frequency Response | - | 50Hz-25kHz (-6dB) |
| Recommended Power | - | 20-150W |
| Power Handling | - | 75W RMS |
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