Short answer: the JBL Stage 2 250B, though neither ranks well in its class. It ranks #59 of 89 bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 2.9/5, at $439.95; the MartinLogan Motion 4i ranks #63, rated 2.8/5, and costs $495.94, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh. Both are rated below 3.0/5 among the 89 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 250B: Consistent, EQ-able dips in the frequency response mean the tonal issues are at least correctable if you’re willing to use equalization. The catch: The reviewer was “even less enthusiastic” about this one than its disappointing floorstanding sibling.
The case for the MartinLogan Motion 4i: Best treated as a satellite: crossing it to a subwoofer lifts its predicted preference score from 2.73 to 6.36, so the shallow bass matters far less in a 2.1 or home-theater setup. The catch: Bass-shy to the point of needing a subwoofer: the measured -3dB point is 159.7Hz, so on its own it produces almost nothing below roughly 160Hz.
Buy the JBL Stage 2 250B. It is rated higher for sound quality than the MartinLogan Motion 4i and costs less, so it is the default pick unless a specific strength of the other one matters more to you.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Passive Home rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Stage 2 250B | MartinLogan Motion 4i | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $439.95 per pair | $495.94 per pair |
| Ranked | #59 of 89 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers | #63 of 89 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 50Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | - |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 64Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 159.7Hz (measured, Audio Science Review via spinorama.org) |
| Drivers | 1” anodized aluminum dome tweeter with HDI waveguide, 5.25” polycellulose woofer | 1” x 1.4” Folded Motion tweeter, 4” paper cone woofer |
| Weight | 12.3 lbs (5.6 kg) per pair | 6 lbs (2.72 kg) |
| Sensitivity | 86dB (2.83V/1m, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner) | 87.5dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Power Handling | 75W RMS | - |
| Impedance | 6 ohms nominal, 3.3 ohms minimum (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 4 ohms nominal |
| Dimensions | 12.6”H x 7.9”W x 9.5”D (321.0 x 200.0 x 241.0 mm) | 12.6” x 5.6” x 5.7” (320 x 143 x 145 mm) (H x W x D) |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.06 (spinorama.org) | 2.73 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.6 (spinorama.org) | 6.36 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Configuration | - | Passive 2-way bookshelf speaker |
| Enclosure | - | ported, rear |
| Crossover Frequency | - | 2,900 Hz |
| Coverage | - | 80° x 80° |
| Frequency Response | - | 70Hz - 23kHz (±3dB, Manufacturer specified) |
| Recommended Power | - | 20-150W |
| Country | - | United States (design) |
| Measurement Source | - | Audio Science Review |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More worthwhile head-to-heads for JBL Stage 2 250B:
- JBL Stage 2 250B vs Ascend Sierra 1 v2
- KEF LS50 Meta vs JBL Stage 2 250B
- Arendal 1961 Monitor vs JBL Stage 2 250B
- JBL Stage 2 250B vs Revel M105
- JBL Stage 2 250B vs Klipsch RP-500M II
Prices on this page were last checked September 26, 2026 at 11:14 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 250B: $439.95 per pair Amazon eBay
Older model: the JBL Stage A130 (rated 2.1/5).
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. Measured bass extension of 64Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 86dB.
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) |
| DIY Kit | No |
| 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) |
| Power Handling | 75W RMS |
| Sensitivity | 86dB (2.83V/1m, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.06 (spinorama.org) |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.6 (spinorama.org) |
| Weight | 12.3 lbs (5.6 kg) per pair |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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MartinLogan Motion 4i: $495.94 per pair Amazon Crutchfield eBay
Pros: Best treated as a satellite: crossing it to a subwoofer lifts its predicted preference score from 2.73 to 6.36, so the shallow bass matters far less in a 2.1 or home-theater setup. Directivity is the strong point, with sound-power deviation (NBD 0.426) lower than its on-axis figure (0.547), meaning the off-axis output tracks the front more evenly than most budget cabinets and the image stays stable around the room. The Folded Motion tweeter measures cleanly for the price, and 87.5dB measured sensitivity (2.83V/1m) means modest amplifiers drive it easily. Measured bass extension of 159.7Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 87.5dB.
Cons: Bass-shy to the point of needing a subwoofer: the measured -3dB point is 159.7Hz, so on its own it produces almost nothing below roughly 160Hz. The balance is bright and uneven, deviating 2.7dB across 300Hz-5kHz with a clear upward tilt, and the review’s verdict is a “bass-shy, bright” speaker. A port resonance near 850Hz and high woofer distortion add audible roughness through the midrange, and impedance dips below 3 ohms, so it wants an amplifier comfortable with low-impedance loads.
Full MartinLogan Motion 4i review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 159.7Hz (measured, Audio Science Review via spinorama.org) |
|---|---|
| Configuration | Passive 2-way bookshelf speaker |
| Country | United States (design) |
| Coverage | 80° x 80° |
| Crossover Frequency | 2,900 Hz |
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 12.6” x 5.6” x 5.7” (320 x 143 x 145 mm) (H x W x D) |
| Drivers | 1” x 1.4” Folded Motion tweeter, 4” paper cone woofer |
| Enclosure | ported, rear |
| Frequency Response | 70Hz - 23kHz (±3dB, Manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 4 ohms nominal |
| Measurement Source | Audio Science Review |
| Recommended Power | 20-150W |
| Sensitivity | 87.5dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 2.73 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.36 |
| Weight | 6 lbs (2.72 kg) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons