Short answer: the JBL Stage 250B, if you are buying new. The Boston Acoustics A25 ranks higher than it (#60 vs #97 of 179 bookshelf speakers, 3.6/5 vs 3.2/5) but is discontinued, so only consider it used; the JBL Stage 250B is still sold new at $439.95.
The JBL Stage 250B is the more accurate, deeper-bass option. Affordable current bookshelf speakers with a waveguide tweeter for smooth dispersion, magnetic grilles and solid build. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 4.06 against 3.53 for the Boston Acoustics A25. Its bass reaches about 64.5Hz before falling 3dB, against 90Hz for the Boston Acoustics A25. The tradeoff: Its objective score is good rather than class-leading, and the rear port needs some wall clearance.
The Boston Acoustics A25 is the better-sounding choice. Budget bookshelf speakers with build quality above their price and strong dynamics at high volume, often found on clearance. The tradeoff: A crazy port resonance and a tweeter with a steeper rolloff than the woofer both show up in the near-field driver measurements, creating the 900Hz peak and the crossover-region dip.
Buy the JBL Stage 250B, since the Boston Acoustics A25 is discontinued and only worth hunting down used.
Want more options? Browse the full Passive Home rankings.
Prices on this page were last checked November 11, 2026 at 3:26 AM 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.
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Stage 250B | Boston Acoustics A25 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $439.95 per pair | $299.98 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #97 of 179 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers | #60 of 179 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Enclosure | Passive 2-way rear-ported | - |
| Drivers | 1-inch aluminum tweeter, 5.25-inch polycellulose woofer | 1” Kortec soft dome tweeter, 5.25” ceramic/glass-fiber polymer mid/woofer |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz-25kHz (-6dB) | 55Hz - 25kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Sensitivity | 86dB/2.83V/1m | 85dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Impedance | 6 ohms | 8 ohms nominal |
| Recommended Power | 20-150W | - |
| Dimensions | 12.6H x 7.9W x 9.5D in | 10.7H x 7.25W x 8.9D in |
| Weight | 12.3 lbs (5.6 kg) each | 10.1 lbs (4.58 kg) each |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.06 | 3.53 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.60 | 6.19 |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 64.5Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner via spinorama.org) | 90Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 50Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 55Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Power Handling | 75W RMS | 10-150W recommended |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear | ported, rear |
Related Speaker Comparisons
How Boston Acoustics A25 compares with other leading options: