Short answer: the JBL Stage 2 250B for better sound quality, the Jamo C 93 II for the lower price. The JBL Stage 2 250B ranks #22 of 34 bookshelf speakers at $349.95. The Jamo C 93 II ranks #33 at $299, $50.95 cheaper.
What the JBL Stage 2 250B offers: Consistent, EQ-able dips in the frequency response mean the tonal issues are at least correctable if you’re willing to use equalization. Watch for: The reviewer was “even less enthusiastic” about this one than its disappointing floorstanding sibling.
What the Jamo C 93 II offers: Attractive cabinet and finish for the price. Watch for: Extremely non-linear tonal balance: Erin measured treble averaging roughly 5dB above the midrange, with local swings from near the midrange level to +6dB by about 12kHz.
Buy the JBL Stage 2 250B if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Jamo C 93 II if the price matters more than sound quality.
If sound quality matters at all to you, skip the Jamo C 93 II. It ranks near the bottom of the 34 bookshelf speakers, so look higher up the list instead.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Stage 2 250B | Jamo C 93 II | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $349.95 | $299.00 |
| Ranked | #22 of 34 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers | #33 of 34 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 50Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | - |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 64Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | - |
| Drivers | 1" anodized aluminum dome tweeter with HDI waveguide, 5.25" polycellulose woofer | 6" HCCC cone woofer, 1" silk-dome tweeter with waveguide |
| Weight | 12.3 lbs / 5.6 kg (12.4 lb) per pair | 14.1 lbs / 6.4 kg each |
| Sensitivity | 86dB (2.83V/1m, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner) | 84dB (measured average, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Output Power | 75W RMS | - |
| Impedance | 6 ohms nominal, 3.3 ohms minimum (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 6 ohms nominal (manufacturer specified) |
| Dimensions | 12.6"H x 7.9"W x 9.5"D (321.0 x 200.0 x 241.0 mm) | 13.8"H x 7.9"W x 10.2"D (350 x 200 x 260 mm) |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear | ported, rear |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More useful head-to-heads from the same speaker class:
- KEF Q150 vs JBL Stage A130
- Audiofirst Fidelia vs JBL Stage A130
- KEF Q150 vs Acoustic Energy AE100 Mk2
- JBL Stage 2 250B vs JBL Stage A120
- KEF Q150 vs Jamo C 93 II
The Two Speakers In Full
JBL Stage 2 250B: $349.95 Amazon
Pros: Consistent, EQ-able dips in the frequency response mean the tonal issues are at least correctable if you’re willing to use equalization. Horizontal dispersion is reasonably wide and controlled (~50-60 degrees). The tweeter itself holds up fine under compression testing - it’s the midwoofer that gives out first.
Cons: The reviewer was “even less enthusiastic” about this one than its disappointing floorstanding sibling. A confusing, hard-to-place tonal signature - a lower-midrange dip creates a recessed, lacking-attack character that’s then partly offset by a rebound around 2-4kHz, so it reads as recessed and forward at different times depending on the material. Treble falls off sharply above 6-7kHz, same issue as the larger 280F. Multitone distortion at 96dB is genuinely poor - well over 3%, reportedly around 10% at some frequencies. Limited bass extension (F3 64Hz, F10 50Hz) means a subwoofer is basically required if used as main speakers. Compression sets in early on the bass/midwoofer at higher output. The reviewer explicitly recommends the similarly-priced Polk Reserve R200/R100 instead for anyone who wants a more linear, EQ-free sound.
Full JBL Stage 2 250B review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 50Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 64Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Dimensions | 12.6"H x 7.9"W x 9.5"D (321.0 x 200.0 x 241.0 mm) |
| Drivers | 1" anodized aluminum dome tweeter with HDI waveguide, 5.25" polycellulose woofer |
| Impedance | 6 ohms nominal, 3.3 ohms minimum (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Output Power | 75W RMS |
| Sensitivity | 86dB (2.83V/1m, measured by Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Weight | 12.3 lbs / 5.6 kg (12.4 lb) per pair |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear |
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Jamo C 93 II: $299.00
Pros: Attractive cabinet and finish for the price. The mild midbass rise can add subjectively enjoyable punch at modest playback levels, and the speaker is reasonably compact. Erin measured about 84dB sensitivity through the midrange. Harmonic distortion at moderate output is not the central problem; the much larger limitations are frequency-response accuracy, directivity and compression.
Cons: Extremely non-linear tonal balance: Erin measured treble averaging roughly 5dB above the midrange, with local swings from near the midrange level to +6dB by about 12kHz. The result is hollow midrange, exaggerated apparent detail and a bright, fatiguing balance. Multiple diffraction discontinuities around the crossover and waveguide prevent reliable EQ correction; turning the speakers 30 degrees outward does not fix the irregularity. Midwoofer directivity narrows before the tweeter abruptly widens, indicating poor crossover/directivity matching. Vertical listening position should remain near tweeter axis. Output behavior is exceptionally poor: Erin found compression running off the plotted scale at high level and multitone distortion crossing -20dB (10%) across roughly 200Hz-1.2kHz, which produces audible grain. The grille makes response still less linear. Erin judged the cheaper Emotiva B1+ better in accuracy, soundstage and output.
Full Jamo C 93 II review and specifications →
| Dimensions | 13.8"H x 7.9"W x 10.2"D (350 x 200 x 260 mm) |
|---|---|
| Drivers | 6" HCCC cone woofer, 1" silk-dome tweeter with waveguide |
| Impedance | 6 ohms nominal (manufacturer specified) |
| Sensitivity | 84dB (measured average, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Weight | 14.1 lbs / 6.4 kg each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons