Short answer: the JBL Stage A120 for better sound quality, the Polk T15 for the lower price. The JBL Stage A120 ranks #36 of 56 bookshelf speakers at $299. The Polk T15 ranks #47 at $149, $150 cheaper.
On the JBL Stage A120 side: Comes with a port bung, letting you experiment between ported and sealed configurations - the reviewer found the sound improved somewhat with the port sealed. Set against that: 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.
The case for the Polk T15: Extremely affordable 2-way design that actually measured better at +/-20 degrees vertical off-axis than directly on-axis. The tradeoff: Spinorama analysis reveals what Amir called a “horrific drop in upper mids/lower treble region of 3 to 6 kHz,” likely from tweeter-woofer phase cancellation directly on-axis.
Buy the JBL Stage A120 if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Polk T15 if the price matters more than sound quality.
If sound quality matters at all to you, skip the Polk T15. It ranks near the bottom of the 56 bookshelf speakers, so look higher up the list instead.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Stage A120 | Polk T15 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $299 Discontinued | $149.00 |
| Ranked | #36 of 56 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers | #47 of 56 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Drivers | 0.75" tweeter + 5" woofer | 0.75" tweeter, 5.25" woofer |
| Discontinued | Yes | - |
| Weight | 10.6 lbs / 4.8 kg | 8.2 lbs / 3.74 kg each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported | - |
| Sensitivity | 83dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | - |
| 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) | 10.63H x 6.5W x 7.25D in |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 71Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 53Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | - |
| Frequency Response | - | 60Hz - 24kHz (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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Polk T15: $149.00 Amazon
Pros: Extremely affordable 2-way design that actually measured better at +/-20 degrees vertical off-axis than directly on-axis. In near-field desktop use, the reviewer found the T15 “didn’t sound that horrible,” partly because nearby desk reflections mask the frequency response dip.
Cons: Spinorama analysis reveals what Amir called a “horrific drop in upper mids/lower treble region of 3 to 6 kHz,” likely from tweeter-woofer phase cancellation directly on-axis. Measured impedance ranges from 4-8 ohms, contradicting the specified 6-8 ohm range, and there’s a distortion peak around 400Hz. On- and off-axis response “vary a ton,” making listening position unusually important. The reviewer recommends saving up for the Pioneer SP-BS22-LR instead: “I can’t justify recommending the Polk T15 even though subjective performance was not horrible.”
Full Polk T15 review and specifications →
| Dimensions | 10.63H x 6.5W x 7.25D in |
|---|---|
| Drivers | 0.75" tweeter, 5.25" woofer |
| Frequency Response | 60Hz - 24kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal |
| Weight | 8.2 lbs / 3.74 kg each |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
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