Short answer: the JBL Stage 250B. It ranks #97 of 179 bookshelf speakers by sound quality (rated 3.2/5) at $439.95 and is still sold new; the Q Acoustics 3020i ranks #146 (rated 2.4/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used. The Q Acoustics 3020i’s replacement, the Q Acoustics 3020c, is rated 2.6/5 at $519.
The JBL Stage 250B is the better-sounding, deeper-bass choice. Affordable current bookshelf speakers with a waveguide tweeter for smooth dispersion, magnetic grilles and solid build. Its bass reaches about 64.5Hz before falling 3dB, against 82Hz for the Q Acoustics 3020i. 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: An attractive discontinued bookshelf speaker with recessed binding posts that improves substantially with EQ. 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.
Buy the JBL Stage 250B. It is rated higher for sound quality and still sold new, while the Q Acoustics 3020i is discontinued.
Want more options? Browse the full Passive Home rankings.
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Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Stage 250B | Q Acoustics 3020i | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $439.95 per pair | $314.99 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #97 of 179 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers | #146 of 179 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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