Short answer: the JBL Stage 2 250B for better sound quality, the JBL Stage A120 for the lower price. The JBL Stage 2 250B ranks #22 of 34 bookshelf speakers at $349.95. The JBL Stage A120 ranks #27 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 JBL Stage A120 offers: Comes with a port bung, letting you experiment between ported and sealed configurations - the reviewer found the sound improved somewhat with the port sealed. Watch for: 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.
Buy the JBL Stage 2 250B if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the JBL Stage A120 if the price matters more than sound quality.
If sound quality matters at all to you, skip the JBL Stage A120. 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 | JBL Stage A120 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $349.95 | $299 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #22 of 34 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers | #27 of 34 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 50Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 53Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 64Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 71Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Drivers | 1" anodized aluminum dome tweeter with HDI waveguide, 5.25" polycellulose woofer | 0.75" tweeter + 5" woofer |
| Weight | 12.3 lbs / 5.6 kg (12.4 lb) per pair | 10.6 lbs / 4.8 kg |
| Sensitivity | 86dB (2.83V/1m, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner) | 83dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Output Power | 75W RMS | - |
| Impedance | 6 ohms nominal, 3.3 ohms minimum (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 6 ohms |
| Dimensions | 12.6"H x 7.9"W x 9.5"D (321.0 x 200.0 x 241.0 mm) | 11.3"H x 6.8"W x 7.4"D (285.8 x 171.5 x 188.9 mm) |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear | ported |
| Discontinued | - | Yes |
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- JBL Stage 2 250B vs Jamo C 93 II
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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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JBL Stage A120: $299 Discontinued
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.
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) |
| Dimensions | 11.3"H x 6.8"W x 7.4"D (285.8 x 171.5 x 188.9 mm) |
| Discontinued | Yes |
| Drivers | 0.75" tweeter + 5" woofer |
| Impedance | 6 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 83dB (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Weight | 10.6 lbs / 4.8 kg |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons