Short answer: both are discontinued, so this only matters if you are buying used. Used, the Revel M105 is the better pick: it ranks #15 of 160 bookshelf speakers by sound quality (rated 4.2/5), against #129 (rated 2.5/5) for the JBL Stage A120. If you want one new, the Revel Performa4 M145 replaces the Revel M105 and is rated 4.3/5 at $1,999.95.
What the JBL Stage A120 does well: 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 Revel M105 is the more accurate, deeper-bass pick. CEA2034 spinorama shows an essentially flat on-axis response with only a small 5kHz peak, a smooth listening window, and clean waterfall decay. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 5.76 against 3.50 for the JBL Stage A120. Its bass reaches about 63Hz before falling 3dB, against 71Hz for the JBL Stage A120. The catch: Low nominal impedance demands a capable amplifier that can handle low-impedance loads.
Buy the Revel M105 only if you find one used in good condition; both are discontinued, and it is the better rated of the two. For a new speaker, buy the Revel Performa4 M145, which replaces the Revel M105.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Passive Home rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Stage A120 | Revel M105 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $299 per pair Discontinued | $1,500 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #129 of 160 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers | #15 of 160 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Drivers | 0.75” tweeter + 5” woofer | 5.25” aluminum cone woofer, 1” aluminum tweeter with acoustic lens waveguide |
| Weight | 10.6 lbs (4.8 kg) | 15.4 lbs (7 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, low minimum |
| Dimensions | 11.3”H x 6.8”W x 7.4”D (285.8 x 171.5 x 188.9 mm) | 14”H x 7.9”W x 9.8”D (355.6 x 200.7 x 248.9 mm) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 71Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 63Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 53Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 49.8Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.50 | 5.76 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.24 | 8.18 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Frequency Response | - | 60Hz - 44kHz (+/-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
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The Two Speakers In Full
JBL Stage A120: $299 per pair Discontinued eBay
Newer model: the JBL Stage 2 240B, ranked higher, estimated 2.7/5.
Same family: the JBL Stage A130 (larger bookshelf, ranked lower, rated 2.1/5), the JBL Stage A180 (floorstanding, rated 3.8/5), the JBL Stage A125C (smaller center, rated 3.4/5) and the JBL Stage A135C (larger center, rated 2.9/5).
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. Measured bass extension of 71Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 83dB.
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 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) |
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 11.3”H x 6.8”W x 7.4”D (285.8 x 171.5 x 188.9 mm) |
| Drivers | 0.75” tweeter + 5” woofer |
| Impedance | 6 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 83dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.50 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.24 |
| Weight | 10.6 lbs (4.8 kg) |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported |
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Revel M105: $1,500 per pair Discontinued eBay
Newer model: the Revel Performa4 M145, ranked higher, estimated 4.3/5.
Same family: the Revel M106 (larger bookshelf, rated 4.6/5), the Revel F206 (smaller floorstanding, rated 4.5/5), the Revel F208 (larger floorstanding, rated 4.5/5), the Revel Performa3 C205 (smaller center, rated 4.1/5) and the Revel Performa3 C208 (larger center, rated 4/5).
Pros: CEA2034 spinorama shows an essentially flat on-axis response with only a small 5kHz peak, a smooth listening window, and clean waterfall decay. Wide horizontal dispersion gives flexibility with toe-in. The reviewer called it reference-quality performance with minor EQ correction applied. Measured bass extension of 63Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 85dB.
Cons: Low nominal impedance demands a capable amplifier that can handle low-impedance loads. Bass distortion runs high in the 80-250Hz range from woofer displacement, and maximum output is limited compared to larger designs. Discontinued.
Full Revel M105 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 49.8Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 63Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 14”H x 7.9”W x 9.8”D (355.6 x 200.7 x 248.9 mm) |
| Drivers | 5.25” aluminum cone woofer, 1” aluminum tweeter with acoustic lens waveguide |
| Frequency Response | 60Hz - 44kHz (+/-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal, low minimum |
| Sensitivity | 85dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.76 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 8.18 |
| Weight | 15.4 lbs (7 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons