Short answer: the JBL Stage 250B. It ranks #97 of 179 bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 3.2/5, at $439.95; the Q Acoustics 5020 ranks #157, rated 2.2/5, and costs $1,199, so there is little reason to consider the other one.
The JBL Stage 250B is the better-sounding, deeper-bass pick. 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 103Hz for the Q Acoustics 5020. Watch for: Its objective score is good rather than class-leading, and the rear port needs some wall clearance.
What the Q Acoustics 5020 does well: An attractively finished standmount with low distortion at normal levels and a rear port that can be plugged for placement flexibility. The tradeoff: Erin found the tonal balance distinctly too crisp, forward and treble-heavy: the top end is roughly 3-5dB elevated while the 1-3kHz region is recessed, so vocals change level unnaturally as they move through their range.
Buy the JBL Stage 250B. It is rated higher for sound quality than the Q Acoustics 5020 and costs less, which makes it the one to get unless you need something the other one does better.
Still deciding? The full Passive Home rankings cover every ranked option.
Affordable current bookshelf speakers with a waveguide tweeter for smooth dispersion, magnetic grilles and solid build.
An attractively finished standmount with low distortion at normal levels and a rear port that can be plugged for placement flexibility.
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Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Stage 250B | Q Acoustics 5020 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $439.95 per pair | $1,199.00 per pair |
| Ranked | #97 of 179 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers | #157 of 179 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Enclosure | Passive 2-way rear-ported | - |
| Drivers | 1-inch aluminum tweeter, 5.25-inch polycellulose woofer | 5” (125mm) C3 mid/bass driver, 1” (25mm) tweeter |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz-25kHz (-6dB) | 53Hz - 30kHz (-6dB, manufacturer specified) |
| Sensitivity | 86dB/2.83V/1m | 87.1dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Erin’s Audio Corner; 87.9dB manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 6 ohms | 6 ohms nominal, 3.3 ohms minimum (manufacturer specified) |
| Recommended Power | 20-150W | 25W - 100W (manufacturer specified) |
| Dimensions | 12.6H x 7.9W x 9.5D in | 11.2”H x 7.1”W x 11.5”D |
| Weight | 12.3 lbs (5.6 kg) each | 15.4 lbs (7.0 kg) each |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.06 | 3.63 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.60 | 6.55 |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 64.5Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner via spinorama.org) | 103Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 50Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 48Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Power Handling | 75W RMS | - |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear | rear-ported |
| Crossover Frequency | - | 2.5kHz (manufacturer specified) |
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