Short answer: the JBL XPL-90. It ranks #76 of 105 bookshelf speakers by sound quality at $1298; the B&W 805S ranks #86 and costs $2500, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
On the JBL XPL-90 side: Nearly ruler-flat on-axis response up to 1kHz with even horizontal directivity until the tweeter beams above 10kHz. Watch for: Crossover region peaking around 3kHz and treble peaking above 10kHz color the top end, and poor vertical directivity means the tweeter needs to be at ear level.
What the B&W 805S gets right: Bass and dynamic performance are strong for the cabinet size, playing very loud with well-controlled bass distortion. The catch: CEA2034 spinorama shows directivity breaking down badly starting around 1kHz and staying poor to 3kHz - a wide crossover-region flaw the reviewer called “clearly flawed execution” that leaves vocals sounding recessed and masked without EQ correction.
Buy the JBL XPL-90. It ranks higher for sound quality than the B&W 805S and costs less, so there is no real case for the other one.
If sound quality matters at all to you, skip the B&W 805S. It ranks near the bottom of the 105 bookshelf speakers, so look higher up the list instead.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL XPL-90 | B&W 805S | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,298 used, discontinued (vintage, late 1980s) | $2500 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #76 of 105 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #86 of 105 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Drivers | 6.5" bass/mid driver, 1" titanium dome tweeter | 1" aluminum dome tweeter, 6.5" woven Kevlar cone mid/bass |
| Dimensions | 15.5"H x 9.5"W x 9.8"D (394 x 241 x 248 mm) | 16.5H x 9.4W x 13.8D in |
| Weight | 20.1 lbs / 9.1 kg each | 25.4 lbs / 11.5 kg each |
| Sensitivity | 85dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review) | 86.5dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Impedance | 6 ohms | 8 ohms nominal (3.7 ohms minimum) |
| Power Handling | 100W nominal, 400W max | 50-120W |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 77.6Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 80Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 48.7Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 62Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Discontinued | - | Yes |
| Frequency Response | - | 49Hz - 22kHz +/-3dB (-6dB at 42Hz and 50kHz) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Woofer Cabinet | - | ported, rear |
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- B&W 805S vs Aperion Audio Verus V8B
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The Two Speakers In Full
JBL XPL-90: $1,298 used, discontinued (vintage, late 1980s)
Pros: Nearly ruler-flat on-axis response up to 1kHz with even horizontal directivity until the tweeter beams above 10kHz. The reviewer found real strength with vocals and simpler instrumentation, calling it “the first speaker I have liked that has some clear response errors” and “an enjoyable speaker” despite the flaws. Titanium tweeter and internal Monster cable wiring reflect JBL’s higher-end late-1980s engineering.
Cons: Crossover region peaking around 3kHz and treble peaking above 10kHz color the top end, and poor vertical directivity means the tweeter needs to be at ear level. Distortion rises at 96dB SPL, especially around 3kHz. Long discontinued; only available on the used market.
Full JBL XPL-90 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 48.7Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 77.6Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Dimensions | 15.5"H x 9.5"W x 9.8"D (394 x 241 x 248 mm) |
| Drivers | 6.5" bass/mid driver, 1" titanium dome tweeter |
| Impedance | 6 ohms |
| Power Handling | 100W nominal, 400W max |
| Sensitivity | 85dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Weight | 20.1 lbs / 9.1 kg each |
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B&W 805S: $2500 Discontinued
Pros: Bass and dynamic performance are strong for the cabinet size, playing very loud with well-controlled bass distortion. Horizontal beamwidth stays reasonably smooth through -6dB. Build quality has enough of a “quality feel” that the reviewer said it kept the speaker from the lowest possible rating.
Cons: CEA2034 spinorama shows directivity breaking down badly starting around 1kHz and staying poor to 3kHz - a wide crossover-region flaw the reviewer called “clearly flawed execution” that leaves vocals sounding recessed and masked without EQ correction. A high 4kHz crossover point appears to leave the tweeter’s small sub-enclosure resonating audibly during playback. Discontinued, superseded by the 805 Diamond/805 D4 series. Discontinued.
Full B&W 805S review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 62Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 80Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Dimensions | 16.5H x 9.4W x 13.8D in |
| Discontinued | Yes |
| Drivers | 1" aluminum dome tweeter, 6.5" woven Kevlar cone mid/bass |
| Frequency Response | 49Hz - 22kHz +/-3dB (-6dB at 42Hz and 50kHz) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal (3.7 ohms minimum) |
| Power Handling | 50-120W |
| Sensitivity | 86.5dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Weight | 25.4 lbs / 11.5 kg each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
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