Short answer: the Revel F228Be for better sound quality, the JBL Stage 2 280F for the lower price. The Revel F228Be ranks #29 of 228 floorstanding speakers, rated 4.5/5, at $11,000. The JBL Stage 2 280F ranks #188, rated 3.4/5, at $1,059.90, $9,940.10 cheaper.
The JBL Stage 2 280F is the deeper-bass option. An easy to drive tower with twin 8 inch woofers that plays loud with low distortion for the price. Its bass reaches about 48Hz before falling 3dB, against 61Hz for the Revel F228Be. 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 Revel F228Be is the more accurate option. Premium floorstanding speakers with extremely accurate sound, very low distortion, wide even dispersion and a forgiving range of listening heights. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 6.01 against 4.69 for the JBL Stage 2 280F. Watch for: Minimum impedance dips to 3.4 ohms with a secondary rise around 2kHz, calling for an amplifier comfortable with a demanding load.
Buy the JBL Stage 2 280F when the price outweighs sound quality for you, and the Revel F228Be when sound quality outweighs the price instead.
Want more options? Browse the full Passive Home rankings.
An easy to drive tower with twin 8 inch woofers that plays loud with low distortion for the price.
Premium floorstanding speakers with extremely accurate sound, very low distortion, wide even dispersion and a forgiving range of listening heights.
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Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Stage 2 280F | Revel F228Be | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,059.90 per pair | $11,000 per pair |
| Ranked | #188 of 228 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers | #29 of 228 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 30Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 25Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 48Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 61Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Drivers | 1” anodized aluminum dome tweeter with HDI waveguide, dual 8” polycellulose woofers | Dual 8” (200mm) Deep Ceramic Composite aluminum cones, with cast frames woofers, 5-1/4” (130mm) Deep Ceramic Composite aluminum cone, with cast frame midrange, 1” (25mm) Beryllium dome, with acoustic lens waveguide tweeter |
| Weight | 55.1 lbs (25 kg) each | 112.4 lbs (51 kg) each |
| Sensitivity | 89.5dB (2.83V/1m, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner) | 89.3dB (300Hz-3kHz @ 2.83V/1m, measured by Audio Science Review; 90dB manufacturer specified) |
| Dimensions | 43.8” x 14.1” x 16.5” (1113 x 358 x 419 mm) | 50.9”H x 13.5”W x 17.6”D (1292.9 x 342.9 x 447 mm) |
| Crossover Frequency | 1.1kHz, 2.1kHz | - |
| Power Handling | 125W RMS | - |
| Impedance | 6 ohms nominal, 3.9 ohms minimum (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 8 ohms |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear | ported, front |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.69 | 6.01 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.14 | 7.51 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
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