Short answer: the JBL Stage 250B. It ranks #97 of 179 bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 3.2/5, at $439.95; the MartinLogan Motion 4i ranks #123, rated 2.8/5, and costs $439.98, which makes this an easy call rather than a real tradeoff.
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 2.73 for the MartinLogan Motion 4i. Its bass reaches about 64.5Hz before falling 3dB, against 159.7Hz for the MartinLogan Motion 4i. The tradeoff: Its objective score is good rather than class-leading, and the rear port needs some wall clearance.
Why pick the MartinLogan Motion 4i: A small bookshelf satellite with a Folded Motion tweeter and easy-to-drive sensitivity, made for 2.1 or home theater setups with a subwoofer. The tradeoff: 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 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.
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Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Stage 250B | MartinLogan Motion 4i | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $439.95 per pair | $439.98 per pair |
| Ranked | #97 of 179 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers | #123 of 179 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Enclosure | Passive 2-way rear-ported | ported, rear |
| Drivers | 1-inch aluminum tweeter, 5.25-inch polycellulose woofer | 1” x 1.4” Folded Motion tweeter, 4” paper cone woofer |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz-25kHz (-6dB) | 70Hz - 23kHz (±3dB, Manufacturer specified) |
| Sensitivity | 86dB/2.83V/1m | 87.5dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Impedance | 6 ohms | 4 ohms nominal |
| Recommended Power | 20-150W | 20-150W |
| Dimensions | 12.6H x 7.9W x 9.5D in | 12.6” x 5.6” x 5.7” (320 x 143 x 145 mm) (H x W x D) |
| Weight | 12.3 lbs (5.6 kg) each | 6 lbs (2.72 kg) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.06 | 2.73 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.60 | 6.36 |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 64.5Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner via spinorama.org) | 159.7Hz (measured, Audio Science Review via spinorama.org) |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 50Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | about 67.1Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Power Handling | 75W RMS | - |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear | - |
| Configuration | - | Passive 2-way bookshelf speaker |
| Crossover Frequency | - | 2,900 Hz |
| Coverage | - | 80° x 80° |
| Country | - | United States (design) |
| Measurement Source | - | Audio Science Review |
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