Short answer: the JBL Stage 250B. It ranks #52 of 88 bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 3.2/5, at $439.95. The Q Acoustics 3020i ranks #70, rated 2.4/5, at $314.99, $124.96 cheaper, not enough of a saving to outweigh the sound-quality gap.
What the JBL Stage 250B does well: 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.
What the Q Acoustics 3020i does well: UK-designed (Finkteam) with attractive styling, including recessed binding posts and custom connectors. Watch for: On-axis response shows a rising upper-frequency trend and a dip in the 2-4kHz crossover region alongside two resonance-related dips; a significant resonance appears at 366Hz in the waterfall plot.
One note: the Q Acoustics 3020i is discontinued and no longer widely available new.
Buy the JBL Stage 250B. It is rated higher for sound quality, and saving $124.96 with the Q Acoustics 3020i does not make up for the sound-quality gap.
Want more options? Browse the full Passive Home rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Stage 250B | Q Acoustics 3020i | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $439.95 per pair | $314.99 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #52 of 88 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers | #70 of 88 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Enclosure | Passive 2-way rear-ported | - |
| Drivers | 1-inch aluminum tweeter, 5.25-inch polycellulose woofer | 125mm (5”) bass driver, 22mm (0.9”) tweeter |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz-25kHz (-6dB) | - |
| Sensitivity | 86dB/2.83V/1m | 86dB (2.83V/1m, manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 6 ohms | 6 ohms nominal, 4 ohms minimum |
| Recommended Power | 20-150W | - |
| Dimensions | 12.6H x 7.9W x 9.5D in | 10.9”H x 6.7”W x 11.1”D (278 x 170 x 282 mm) |
| Weight | 12.3 lbs (5.6 kg) each | 10.6 lbs (4.8 kg) each |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.06 | 3.86 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.60 | 6.38 |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 64.5Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner via spinorama.org) | 82.0Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 50Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 49.8Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Power Handling | 75W RMS | - |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear | ported, reflex |
| Crossover Frequency | - | 2.4kHz |
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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 |
- Links
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Q Acoustics 3020i: $314.99 per pair Discontinued eBay
Newer model: the Q Acoustics 3020c. It’s likely to perform similarly, though we don’t have measurements to confirm that yet.
Pros: UK-designed (Finkteam) with attractive styling, including recessed binding posts and custom connectors. Vertical directivity is good enough that the tweeter doesn’t need to be exactly at ear level. With EQ correction, especially high-frequency shelving and a sub-40Hz high-pass filter, Amir found performance “improves substantially.”. Measured bass extension of 82.0Hz (-3dB).
Cons: On-axis response shows a rising upper-frequency trend and a dip in the 2-4kHz crossover region alongside two resonance-related dips; a significant resonance appears at 366Hz in the waterfall plot. Horizontal directivity is narrow and uneven due to a woofer/tweeter beamwidth mismatch. Amir cautions the speaker is “merely a distortion generator” if played too low, and its low impedance demands a quality amplifier. Without EQ, Amir “can’t recommend the Q Acoustics 3020i.”. Discontinued; Q Acoustics now sells the 3030i and 3010c in its place.
Full Q Acoustics 3020i review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 49.8Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 82.0Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Crossover Frequency | 2.4kHz |
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 10.9”H x 6.7”W x 11.1”D (278 x 170 x 282 mm) |
| Drivers | 125mm (5”) bass driver, 22mm (0.9”) tweeter |
| Impedance | 6 ohms nominal, 4 ohms minimum |
| Sensitivity | 86dB (2.83V/1m, manufacturer specified) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.86 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.38 |
| Weight | 10.6 lbs (4.8 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, reflex |
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