Short answer: the KEF Blade Two Meta for better sound quality, the JBL Stage 2 280F for the lower price. The KEF Blade Two Meta ranks #3 of 228 floorstanding speakers, rated 4.8/5, at $28,000. The JBL Stage 2 280F ranks #188, rated 3.4/5, at $1,059.90, $26,940.10 cheaper.
Why pick the JBL Stage 2 280F: An easy to drive tower with twin 8 inch woofers that plays loud with low distortion for the price. Watch for: Explicitly called out as disappointing relative to expectations for the JBL name and this price point: lacks native linearity compared to similarly-priced alternatives like the Polk Reserve R500, which the reviewer recommends instead for anyone who doesn’t want to rely on EQ.
The KEF Blade Two Meta is the more accurate, deeper-bass choice. Outstanding floorstanding speakers with a point source design, superb imaging and very low distortion at high volume. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 6.99 against 4.69 for the JBL Stage 2 280F. Its bass reaches about 31Hz before falling 3dB, against 48Hz for the JBL Stage 2 280F. The catch: 2dB dip and slight resonance around 200Hz, also visible in KEF white paper and likely cabinet-related.
Buy the JBL Stage 2 280F if the price is the priority over sound quality, or the KEF Blade Two Meta if sound quality is the priority over the price.
Still deciding? The full Passive Home rankings cover every ranked option.
An easy to drive tower with twin 8 inch woofers that plays loud with low distortion for the price.
Outstanding floorstanding speakers with a point source design, superb imaging and very low distortion at high volume.
Prices on this page were last checked October 31, 2026 at 7:11 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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Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Stage 2 280F | KEF Blade Two Meta | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,059.90 per pair | $28,000 per pair only sold in stores |
| Ranked | #188 of 228 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers | #3 of 228 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 30Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 26Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 48Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 31Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Drivers | 1” anodized aluminum dome tweeter with HDI waveguide, dual 8” polycellulose woofers | 4 x 165 mm (6.5 in.) aluminium cone, force cancelling woofers, 125 mm (5 in.) aluminium cone midrange, 25 mm (1 in.) aluminium dome with MAT tweeter |
| Weight | 55.1 lbs (25 kg) each | 79.4 lbs (36 kg) each |
| Sensitivity | 89.5dB (2.83V/1m, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner) | 86.8dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Dimensions | 43.8” x 14.1” x 16.5” (1113 x 358 x 419 mm) | 46.6”H x 13.5”W x 14.8”D (1183.6 x 342.9 x 375.9 mm) |
| Crossover Frequency | 1.1kHz, 2.1kHz | - |
| Power Handling | 125W RMS | - |
| Impedance | 6 ohms nominal, 3.9 ohms minimum (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 4 ohms nominal (3.3 ohms minimum, measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear | ported, rear |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.69 | 6.99 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.14 | 8.11 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
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