Short answer: the Klipsch R-41M, if you are buying new, though neither ranks well in its class. The JBL Stage A130 ranks higher than it (#78 vs #88 of 90 bookshelf speakers, 2.1/5 vs 1.3/5) but is discontinued, so only consider it used; the Klipsch R-41M is still sold new at $199. Both are rated below 3.0/5 among the 90 bookshelf speakers, and the Ascend Acoustics HTM-200SE2, ranked #7 at $368, is a better place to start if sound quality matters.
Buy the Klipsch R-41M, since the JBL Stage A130 is discontinued and only worth hunting down used.
Want more options? Browse the full Passive Home rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Stage A130 | Klipsch R-41M | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $399 per pair Discontinued | $199.00 per pair |
| Ranked | #78 of 90 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers | #88 of 90 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Crossover Frequency | 3.2kHz | - |
| Dimensions | 12.6”H x 7.5”W x 9.1”D (321 x 190 x 230 mm) | 11.3H x 5.75W x 7.9D in |
| Impedance | 6 ohms nominal, about 4.3 ohms minimum (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 8 ohms nominal (per spec; measured lower) |
| Sensitivity | 85.2dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 85dB (2.83V/1m, measured) |
| Drivers | 5.25” (133mm) polycellulose woofer, 1” (25mm) aluminum dome tweeter | 4” spun-copper IMG woofer, 1” Tractrix horn-loaded aluminum dome tweeter |
| Weight | 12 lbs (5.45 kg) each | 7 lbs (3.18 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported | ported, rear |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 66Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 80Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 50Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 55Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.04 | 3.04 (spinorama.org) |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.51 | 6.03 (spinorama.org) |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Frequency Response | - | 68Hz - 21kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Power Handling | - | 50W RMS / 200W peak |
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The Two Speakers In Full
JBL Stage A130: $399 per pair Discontinued eBay
Newer model: the JBL Stage 250B, ranked higher, rated 3.2/5.
Pros: More constant, better-behaved directivity than the smaller A120 once past the tweeter crossover point, giving a more consistent radiation pattern that likely explains some of its positive reception among other reviewers. Distortion at 96dB measures slightly better than a direct competitor (Emotiva Airmotiv B1+) in the low end, though slightly worse at high frequencies. The tweeter itself sounded decent to the reviewer, who considers it a reasonable value at its price point despite other reservations. Wide, well-filled horizontal radiation through the midrange. Measured bass extension of 66Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 85.2dB.
Cons: Still shows the same underlying “Batman”-shaped response pattern as the A120: a bass bump, a midrange dip, a cabinet-resonance peak around 800Hz-1.7kHz (confirmed via accelerometer testing on the cabinet panels), and roughly a 5dB treble bump around 10kHz. Does not include a port bung, so sealed-cabinet listening requires DIY stuffing rather than a proper factory solution. The reviewer’s own measurements notably diverge from another well-known publication’s results on this same model, possibly reflecting a running production change, though this couldn’t be confirmed. Overall sound quality struck the reviewer as not a good-sounding speaker despite the more favorable measurements relative to the A120. Output-limited at extreme volumes (102dB), similar to its smaller sibling. Loses to the similarly-priced Emotiva Airmotiv B1+ in overall linearity and neutrality, according to the reviewer’s direct comparison. Discontinued.
Full JBL Stage A130 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 50Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 66Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Crossover Frequency | 3.2kHz |
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 12.6”H x 7.5”W x 9.1”D (321 x 190 x 230 mm) |
| Drivers | 5.25” (133mm) polycellulose woofer, 1” (25mm) aluminum dome tweeter |
| Impedance | 6 ohms nominal, about 4.3 ohms minimum (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | 85.2dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.04 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.51 |
| Weight | 12 lbs (5.45 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- JBL Stage A130 vs Fluance Signature HFS
- JBL Stage A130 vs JBL Control 1 Pro
- JBL Stage A130 vs Q Acoustics 5020
- JBL Stage A130 vs Micca RB42
- JBL Stage A130 vs Polk T15
- JBL Stage A130 vs Definitive Technology ProMonitor 1000
- JBL Stage A130 vs Q Acoustics 3020i
- JBL Stage A130 vs KEF Q100
- See all 35 comparisons
Klipsch R-41M: $199.00 per pair Amazon eBay
Pros: Binding posts are unusually nice for the price point, and impedance is well controlled in the bass, easing the load on the amplifier. The horn-loaded tweeter can play loud without strain. Measured bass extension of 80Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 85dB.
Cons: CEA2034 spinorama shows a sharp, prominent peak around 1kHz that the reviewer compared to “Pinocchio’s nose,” plus poor directivity that makes the off-axis sound diverge sharply from on-axis. Sensitivity is only 85dB through most of the music-energy range despite Klipsch’s horn-loaded reputation for efficiency. In an A/B against a $118/pair Pioneer SP-BS22-LR, the R-41M had “no bass” and all mid-to-treble energy; the reviewer’s verdict was “please avoid the Klipsch R-41M unless you just want a speaker as an ornament.”
Full Klipsch R-41M review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 55Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 80Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 11.3H x 5.75W x 7.9D in |
| Drivers | 4” spun-copper IMG woofer, 1” Tractrix horn-loaded aluminum dome tweeter |
| Frequency Response | 68Hz - 21kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal (per spec; measured lower) |
| Power Handling | 50W RMS / 200W peak |
| Sensitivity | 85dB (2.83V/1m, measured) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.04 (spinorama.org) |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.03 (spinorama.org) |
| Weight | 7 lbs (3.18 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Klipsch R-41M vs PMC twenty.21
- Klipsch R-41M vs Pioneer Elite SP-EBS73-LR
- Klipsch R-41M vs Definitive Technology ProMonitor 1000
- Klipsch R-41M vs Polk T15
- Klipsch R-41M vs JBL Control 1 Pro
- Klipsch R-41M vs Fluance Signature HFS
- Klipsch R-41M vs Q Acoustics 5020
- Klipsch R-41M vs Micca RB42
- See all 24 comparisons