Short answer: the JBL Stage A120. It ranks #36 of 56 bookshelf speakers by sound quality at $299; the Q Acoustics 3020i ranks #39 and costs $314.99, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
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 Q Acoustics 3020i: UK-designed (Finkteam) with attractive styling, including recessed binding posts and custom connectors. The tradeoff: 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 A120. It ranks higher for sound quality than the Q Acoustics 3020i and costs less, so there is no real case for the other one.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Stage A120 | Q Acoustics 3020i | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $299 Discontinued | $314.99 |
| Ranked | #36 of 56 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers | #39 of 56 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Drivers | 0.75" tweeter + 5" woofer | 125mm (5") bass driver, 22mm (0.9") tweeter |
| Discontinued | Yes | - |
| Weight | 10.6 lbs / 4.8 kg | 10.6 lbs / 4.8 kg each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported | ported, reflex |
| Sensitivity | 83dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 86dB (2.83V/1m, manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 6 ohms | 6 ohms nominal, 4 ohms minimum |
| Dimensions | 11.3"H x 6.8"W x 7.4"D (285.8 x 171.5 x 188.9 mm) | 10.9"H x 6.7"W x 11.1"D (278 x 170 x 282 mm) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 71Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 53Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | - |
| Crossover Frequency | - | 2.4kHz |
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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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Q Acoustics 3020i: $314.99 Amazon
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.”
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.”
Full Q Acoustics 3020i review and specifications →
| Crossover Frequency | 2.4kHz |
|---|---|
| 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) |
| Weight | 10.6 lbs / 4.8 kg each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, reflex |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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