Short answer: the JBL Stage 2 240B, though neither ranks well in its class. It ranks #128 of 179 bookshelf speakers by sound quality (rated 2.7/5) at $329.95 and is still sold new; the JBL Stage A120 ranks #143 (rated 2.5/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used. Both are rated below 3.0/5 among the 179 bookshelf speakers, and the Ascend Acoustics HTM-200SE2, ranked #7 at $368, is a better place to start if sound quality matters.
The case for the JBL Stage 2 240B: A compact bookshelf speaker with an aluminum tweeter in a waveguide, offered in espresso, latte and black ash finishes. Watch for: No independent measurements yet, so its tonal balance and directivity can’t be compared with ranked speakers.
What the JBL Stage A120 does well: A discontinued compact bookshelf speaker with a port plug for sealed or ported setup and wide dispersion. The catch: A pronounced V-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.
Buy the JBL Stage 2 240B. It is rated higher for sound quality; the JBL Stage A120 is no longer sold new.
Worth knowing: the JBL Stage 2 240B has not been measured yet. Its rating is estimated from related models, with a likely range of 2.5 to 2.9, so treat this verdict as provisional.
Still deciding? The full Passive Home rankings cover every ranked option.
Measured Differences
- Efficiency: the JBL Stage 2 240B is rated at 85 dB sensitivity against 83 dB for the JBL Stage A120, so it plays as loud with roughly two thirds of the amplifier power.
Prices on this page were last checked November 14, 2026 at 6:17 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.
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Stage 2 240B | JBL Stage A120 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $329.95 per pair | $299 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #128 of 179 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers Estimated | #143 of 179 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 | 10.7”H x 6.9”W x 8.5”D (272 x 175 x 217 mm) | 11.3”H x 6.8”W x 7.4”D (285.8 x 171.5 x 188.9 mm) |
| Weight | 10.1 lbs (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 |
Where the Ratings Come From
- JBL Stage 2 240B: manufacturer specifications and listening comparisons; no independent measurement has been published yet.
- JBL Stage A120: Spinorama.org measurements and reviews by Erin’s Audio Corner.
This comparison is generated from the ratings, specifications and measurements on each product’s own page, and it updates when that data changes. How we rank explains how each rating is decided.
Related Speaker Comparisons
How JBL Stage 2 240B compares with other leading options: