Short answer: the JBL Stage A120. It ranks #36 of 56 bookshelf speakers by sound quality at $299; the Q Acoustics 5020 ranks #42 and costs $1199, 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.
The case for the Q Acoustics 5020: Attractively finished compact standmount with a 5-inch Continuous Curved Cone woofer and carefully engineered cabinet details. 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 A120. It ranks higher for sound quality than the Q Acoustics 5020 and costs less, so there is no real case for the other one.
If sound quality matters at all to you, skip the Q Acoustics 5020. It ranks near the bottom of the 56 bookshelf speakers, so look higher up the list instead.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Stage A120 | Q Acoustics 5020 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $299 Discontinued | $1,199.00 |
| Ranked | #36 of 56 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers | #42 of 56 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Drivers | 0.75" tweeter + 5" woofer | 5" (125mm) C3 mid/bass driver, 1" (25mm) tweeter |
| Discontinued | Yes | - |
| Weight | 10.6 lbs / 4.8 kg | 15.4 lbs (15.4 lbs / 7.0kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported | rear-ported |
| Sensitivity | 83dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 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) |
| Dimensions | 11.3"H x 6.8"W x 7.4"D (285.8 x 171.5 x 188.9 mm) | 11.2"H x 7.1"W x 11.5"D |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 71Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 103Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 53Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 48Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Crossover Frequency | - | 2.5kHz (manufacturer specified) |
| Frequency Response | - | 53Hz - 30kHz (-6dB, manufacturer specified) |
| Recommended Power | - | 25W - 100W (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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Q Acoustics 5020: $1,199.00 Amazon
Pros: Attractively finished compact standmount with a 5-inch Continuous Curved Cone woofer and carefully engineered cabinet details. Erin found distortion well controlled at normal levels: below 1% down to about 50Hz at 86dB/1m. Its 87dB measured sensitivity is unremarkable rather than hard to drive, and it maintains acceptable output for typical 80-85dB listening. The rear port can be plugged for placement flexibility.
Cons: 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. The shallow woofer crossover and steeper tweeter slope contribute to the off-axis discontinuity, while the port has a strong 1kHz resonance. Bass is limited: Erin measured F3 103Hz and F10 48Hz; at 96dB distortion reaches about 3% by 100Hz, and he bottomed the woofer when pushed hard. He preferred the less-expensive 3020i’s linearity and did not recommend the 5020 for neutral listening without EQ.
Full Q Acoustics 5020 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 48Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 103Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Crossover Frequency | 2.5kHz (manufacturer specified) |
| Dimensions | 11.2"H x 7.1"W x 11.5"D |
| Drivers | 5" (125mm) C3 mid/bass driver, 1" (25mm) tweeter |
| Frequency Response | 53Hz - 30kHz (-6dB, manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 6 ohms nominal, 3.3 ohms minimum (manufacturer specified) |
| Recommended Power | 25W - 100W (manufacturer specified) |
| Sensitivity | 87.1dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Erin's Audio Corner; 87.9dB manufacturer specified) |
| Weight | 15.4 lbs (15.4 lbs / 7.0kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | rear-ported |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
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