Short answer: the JBL Stage A120. It ranks #36 of 56 bookshelf speakers by sound quality at $299; the KEF Q100 ranks #38 and costs $550, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
What the JBL Stage A120 gets right: Comes with a port bung, letting you experiment between ported and sealed configurations - the reviewer found the sound improved somewhat with the port sealed. The catch: A pronounced “Batman”-shaped frequency response: boosted bass, a scooped midrange, and elevated treble (about 3-4dB above the midrange), driven partly by confirmed cabinet panel resonance around 800Hz-1.7kHz.
What the KEF Q100 offers: 5.25” Uni-Q coaxial driver keeps the tweeter and woofer point-source aligned for consistent imaging. Watch for: CEA2034 spinorama shows broad, audible deviations from flat rather than narrow peaks: a lift from 700Hz-1.5kHz and again from 5kHz up, plus a cancellation notch around 1.4kHz from port/cabinet interaction.
Buy the JBL Stage A120. It ranks higher for sound quality than the KEF Q100 and costs less, so there is no real case for the other one.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Stage A120 | KEF Q100 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $299 Discontinued | $550 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #36 of 56 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers | #38 of 56 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Drivers | 0.75" tweeter + 5" woofer | 5.25" Uni-Q aluminum coaxial driver, 1" aluminum dome tweeter |
| Discontinued | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 10.6 lbs / 4.8 kg | 13 lbs / 5.9 kg each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported | ported, rear |
| Sensitivity | 83dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 85dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Impedance | 6 ohms | 8 ohms nominal |
| Dimensions | 11.3"H x 6.8"W x 7.4"D (285.8 x 171.5 x 188.9 mm) | 11.8"H x 7.1"W x 10.7"D (300 x 180 x 272 mm) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 71Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 85Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 53Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 65Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Frequency Response | - | 49Hz - 40kHz (+/-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
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The Two Speakers In Full
JBL Stage A120: $299 Discontinued
Pros: Comes with a port bung, letting you experiment between ported and sealed configurations - the reviewer found the sound improved somewhat with the port sealed. Distortion at 96dB is broadly comparable to competitors in this price range outside of some elevated low-end THD. Wide horizontal radiation pattern for a compact bookshelf speaker in the low-to-midrange.
Cons: A pronounced “Batman”-shaped frequency response: boosted bass, a scooped midrange, and elevated treble (about 3-4dB above the midrange), driven partly by confirmed cabinet panel resonance around 800Hz-1.7kHz. Directivity shows significant back-to-back peaks and dips, making the speaker harder to correct with EQ since the off-axis sound doesn’t track the direct sound cleanly. Elevated treble that some might call “detailed” reads as an unwelcome boost to the reviewer rather than genuine resolution. Compression testing shows the low end degrading substantially at high output (102dB). Overall considered one of the weaker speakers the reviewer has tested in this class, with a competing model (Emotiva Airmotiv B1+) recommended instead at a similar price. Discontinued.
Full JBL Stage A120 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 53Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 71Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Dimensions | 11.3"H x 6.8"W x 7.4"D (285.8 x 171.5 x 188.9 mm) |
| Discontinued | Yes |
| Drivers | 0.75" tweeter + 5" woofer |
| Impedance | 6 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 83dB (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Weight | 10.6 lbs / 4.8 kg |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported |
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KEF Q100: $550 Discontinued
Pros: 5.25” Uni-Q coaxial driver keeps the tweeter and woofer point-source aligned for consistent imaging. 86dB sensitivity is reasonably easy to drive.
Cons: CEA2034 spinorama shows broad, audible deviations from flat rather than narrow peaks: a lift from 700Hz-1.5kHz and again from 5kHz up, plus a cancellation notch around 1.4kHz from port/cabinet interaction. Bass sensitivity drops to about 80dB and impedance falls below 4 ohms in the bass, demanding a capable amplifier. The reviewer heard boomy, buzzing bass that improved somewhat with the port plugged, and could not recommend it, calling the famous reputation more about looks than sound. Discontinued.
Full KEF Q100 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 65Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 85Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Dimensions | 11.8"H x 7.1"W x 10.7"D (300 x 180 x 272 mm) |
| Discontinued | Yes |
| Drivers | 5.25" Uni-Q aluminum coaxial driver, 1" aluminum dome tweeter |
| Frequency Response | 49Hz - 40kHz (+/-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal |
| Sensitivity | 85dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Weight | 13 lbs / 5.9 kg each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons