Short answer: the JBL Stage 2 240B is the newer model that replaces the JBL Stage A120, but only the JBL Stage A120 has been measured and ranked so far, so this comparison is on specs and features rather than sound. The JBL Stage A120 is discontinued, so it is now a used buy.
The case for the JBL Stage 2 240B: Two-way bookshelf with a 1” anodized aluminum dome tweeter in JBL’s HDI waveguide and a 4.5” polycellulose woofer crossed over at 1.4kHz.
On the JBL Stage A120 side: Comes with a port bung, letting you experiment between ported and sealed configurations: the reviewer found the sound improved somewhat with the port sealed.
On paper: The JBL Stage 2 240B is more sensitive, 85dB against 83dB, so it needs less amplifier power to play loud.
Price: the JBL Stage 2 240B lists at $329.95 and the JBL Stage A120 at $299.
Buy the JBL Stage A120 if you want a speaker whose sound quality has been measured and ranked.
Buy the JBL Stage 2 240B if you want the newer model, with higher sensitivity, and you can wait for measurements to confirm how it sounds.
Still deciding? The full Passive Home rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Stage 2 240B | JBL Stage A120 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $329.95 per pair | $299 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | - | #67 of 88 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Drivers | 1” (25mm) anodized aluminum dome tweeter, 4.5” (114mm) polycellulose woofer | 0.75” tweeter + 5” woofer |
| Frequency Response | 53Hz - 25kHz ±6dB (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Sensitivity | 85dB (2.83V/1m, manufacturer specified) | 83dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Impedance | 6 ohms | 6 ohms |
| Crossover Frequency | 1.4kHz | - |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear | ported |
| Dimensions | 272H x 175W x 217D mm | 11.3”H x 6.8”W x 7.4”D (285.8 x 171.5 x 188.9 mm) |
| Weight | 4.6 kg each | 10.6 lbs (4.8 kg) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | - | 71Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 53Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | - | 3.50 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | - | 6.24 |
| DIY Kit | - | No |
Prices on this page were last checked September 29, 2026 at 3:43 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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The Two Speakers In Full
JBL Stage 2 240B: $329.95 per pair Amazon eBay
Older model: the JBL Stage A120 (rated 2.5/5).
Pros: Two-way bookshelf with a 1” anodized aluminum dome tweeter in JBL’s HDI waveguide and a 4.5” polycellulose woofer crossed over at 1.4kHz. JBL rates it at 53Hz to 25kHz (±6dB) and 85dB sensitivity with a 6 ohm load. Espresso, latte and black ash finishes.
Cons: No independent measurements yet, so its tonal balance and directivity can’t be compared with ranked speakers. Rated bass stops at 53Hz (±6dB), so plan on a subwoofer for full-range listening.
Full JBL Stage 2 240B review and specifications →
| Crossover Frequency | 1.4kHz |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 272H x 175W x 217D mm |
| Drivers | 1” (25mm) anodized aluminum dome tweeter, 4.5” (114mm) polycellulose woofer |
| Frequency Response | 53Hz - 25kHz ±6dB (Manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 6 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 85dB (2.83V/1m, manufacturer specified) |
| Weight | 4.6 kg each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- These figures are manufacturer-specified rather than independently measured.
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
JBL Stage A120: $299 per pair Discontinued eBay
Newer model: the JBL Stage 2 240B. It’s likely to perform similarly, though we don’t have measurements to confirm that yet.
Pros: Comes with a port bung, letting you experiment between ported and sealed configurations: the reviewer found the sound improved somewhat with the port sealed. Distortion at 96dB is broadly comparable to competitors in this price range outside of some elevated low-end THD. Wide horizontal radiation pattern for a compact bookshelf speaker in the low-to-midrange. Measured bass extension of 71Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 83dB.
Cons: A pronounced “Batman”-shaped frequency response: boosted bass, a scooped midrange, and elevated treble (about 3-4dB above the midrange), driven partly by confirmed cabinet panel resonance around 800Hz-1.7kHz. Directivity shows significant back-to-back peaks and dips, making the speaker harder to correct with EQ since the off-axis sound doesn’t track the direct sound cleanly. Elevated treble that some might call “detailed” reads as an unwelcome boost to the reviewer rather than genuine resolution. Compression testing shows the low end degrading substantially at high output (102dB). Overall considered one of the weaker speakers the reviewer has tested in this class, with a competing model (Emotiva Airmotiv B1+) recommended instead at a similar price. Discontinued.
Full JBL Stage A120 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 53Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 71Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 11.3”H x 6.8”W x 7.4”D (285.8 x 171.5 x 188.9 mm) |
| Drivers | 0.75” tweeter + 5” woofer |
| Impedance | 6 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 83dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.50 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.24 |
| Weight | 10.6 lbs (4.8 kg) |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported |
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