Short answer: the JBL Stage 250B. It ranks #52 of 88 bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 3.2/5, at $439.95. The Jamo C 93 II ranks #84, rated 1.5/5, at $299, $140.95 cheaper, which does not close the gap in sound quality.
Why pick the JBL Stage 250B: Good local Spinorama scores of 4.06 raw and 6.60 with a subwoofer, with smooth horizontal directivity from JBL’s next-generation HDI waveguide. Watch for: Its objective score is good rather than class-leading, and the rear port needs some wall clearance.
Why pick the Jamo C 93 II: Attractive cabinet and finish for the price. The catch: Extremely non-linear tonal balance: Erin measured treble averaging roughly 5dB above the midrange, with local swings from near the midrange level to +6dB by about 12kHz.
One note: the Jamo C 93 II is discontinued and no longer widely available new.
Buy the JBL Stage 250B. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $140.95 you would save on the Jamo C 93 II does not close the gap.
Still deciding? The full Passive Home rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Stage 250B | Jamo C 93 II | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $439.95 per pair | $299.00 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #52 of 88 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers | #84 of 88 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Enclosure | Passive 2-way rear-ported | - |
| Drivers | 1-inch aluminum tweeter, 5.25-inch polycellulose woofer | 6” HCCC cone woofer, 1” silk-dome tweeter with waveguide |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz-25kHz (-6dB) | - |
| Sensitivity | 86dB/2.83V/1m | 84dB (measured average, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Impedance | 6 ohms | 6 ohms nominal (manufacturer specified) |
| Recommended Power | 20-150W | - |
| Dimensions | 12.6H x 7.9W x 9.5D in | 13.8”H x 7.9”W x 10.2”D (350 x 200 x 260 mm) |
| Weight | 12.3 lbs (5.6 kg) each | 14.1 lbs (6.4 kg) each |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.06 | 3.35 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.60 | 5.97 |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 64.5Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner via spinorama.org) | 68.8Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 50Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 53.2Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Power Handling | 75W RMS | - |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear | ported, rear |
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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 250B: $439.95 per pair Amazon JBL eBay
Older model: the JBL Stage A130 (ranked lower, rated 2.1/5).
Pros: Good local Spinorama scores of 4.06 raw and 6.60 with a subwoofer, with smooth horizontal directivity from JBL’s next-generation HDI waveguide. The current Stage 2 model offers solid build details, magnetic grilles and useful 56Hz measured extension at an accessible price. Measured bass extension of 64.5Hz (-3dB).
Cons: Its objective score is good rather than class-leading, and the rear port needs some wall clearance. At 86dB sensitivity and six-ohm nominal impedance it is not especially easy to drive, while the compact woofer limits deep-bass output.
Full JBL Stage 250B review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 50Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 64.5Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner via spinorama.org) |
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 12.6H x 7.9W x 9.5D in |
| Drivers | 1-inch aluminum tweeter, 5.25-inch polycellulose woofer |
| Enclosure | Passive 2-way rear-ported |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz-25kHz (-6dB) |
| Impedance | 6 ohms |
| Power Handling | 75W RMS |
| Recommended Power | 20-150W |
| Sensitivity | 86dB/2.83V/1m |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.06 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.60 |
| Weight | 12.3 lbs (5.6 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear |
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Jamo C 93 II: $299.00 per pair Discontinued eBay
Pros: Attractive cabinet and finish for the price. The mild midbass rise can add subjectively enjoyable punch at modest playback levels, and the speaker is reasonably compact. Erin measured about 84dB sensitivity through the midrange. Harmonic distortion at moderate output is not the central problem; the much larger limitations are frequency-response accuracy, directivity and compression. Measured bass extension of 68.8Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 84dB.
Cons: Extremely non-linear tonal balance: Erin measured treble averaging roughly 5dB above the midrange, with local swings from near the midrange level to +6dB by about 12kHz. The result is hollow midrange, exaggerated apparent detail and a bright, fatiguing balance. Multiple diffraction discontinuities around the crossover and waveguide prevent reliable EQ correction; turning the speakers 30 degrees outward does not fix the irregularity. Midwoofer directivity narrows before the tweeter abruptly widens, indicating poor crossover/directivity matching. Vertical listening position should remain near tweeter axis. Output behavior is exceptionally poor: Erin found compression running off the plotted scale at high level and multitone distortion crossing -20dB (10%) across roughly 200Hz-1.2kHz, which produces audible grain. The grille makes response still less linear. Erin judged the cheaper Emotiva B1+ better in accuracy, soundstage and output. Discontinued.
Full Jamo C 93 II review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 53.2Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 68.8Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 13.8”H x 7.9”W x 10.2”D (350 x 200 x 260 mm) |
| Drivers | 6” HCCC cone woofer, 1” silk-dome tweeter with waveguide |
| Impedance | 6 ohms nominal (manufacturer specified) |
| Sensitivity | 84dB (measured average, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.35 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 5.97 |
| Weight | 14.1 lbs (6.4 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons