Short answer: the JBL XPL-90. It ranks #71 of 100 bookshelf speakers by sound quality at $1298; the Sonus Faber Lumina II Amator ranks #77 and costs $2000, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
What the JBL XPL-90 offers: 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.
On the Sonus Faber Lumina II Amator side: Solid bass extension for a bookshelf (F3 63Hz, F10 43Hz), reaching about 50Hz in-room. Set against that: Very bright treble, running 3-6dB above the midrange depending on measurement angle - independently corroborated by other owners online, not just one reviewer’s opinion.
Buy the JBL XPL-90. It ranks higher for sound quality than the Sonus Faber Lumina II Amator and costs less, so there is no real case for the other one.
If sound quality matters at all to you, skip the Sonus Faber Lumina II Amator. It ranks near the bottom of the 100 bookshelf speakers, so look higher up the list instead.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL XPL-90 | Sonus Faber Lumina II Amator | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,298 used, discontinued (vintage, late 1980s) | $2000 |
| Ranked | #71 of 100 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #77 of 100 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Drivers | 6.5" bass/mid driver, 1" titanium dome tweeter | 1.14" DAD (Damped Apex Dome) tweeter, 5.9" paper cone woofer |
| Dimensions | 15.5"H x 9.5"W x 9.8"D (394 x 241 x 248 mm) | 12" x 7.1" x 10.4" (304 x 180 x 263 mm) |
| Weight | 20.1 lbs / 9.1 kg each | 12.8 lbs / 5.8 kg |
| Sensitivity | 85dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review) | 86.9dB (2.83V/1m, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Impedance | 6 ohms | 4 ohms nominal, 3.9 ohms minimum (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Power Handling | 100W nominal, 400W max | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 43Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | - | 63Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Frequency Response | - | 55Hz - 24kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Crossover Frequency | - | 2600Hz |
| Woofer Cabinet | - | Bass reflex, ported |
| Recommended Power | - | 30W - 150W |
| Country of Origin | - | Italy (Vicenza) |
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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 →
| 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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- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Sonus Faber Lumina II Amator: $2000 Crutchfield
Pros: Solid bass extension for a bookshelf (F3 63Hz, F10 43Hz), reaching about 50Hz in-room. Decent sensitivity and wide, consistent horizontal dispersion (~60-70 degrees) - better directivity than expected for a two-way design. Gorgeous, luxury-grade cabinet design.
Cons: Very bright treble, running 3-6dB above the midrange depending on measurement angle - independently corroborated by other owners online, not just one reviewer’s opinion. Causes audible sibilance and a forward, grainy character. Notably the brightest of three Sonus Faber models Erin’s Audio Corner has tested, even brighter than the brand’s own Sonetto II G2. A mechanical resonance/ringing artifact shows up around 1kHz in measurements. Needs a subwoofer for anything below about 50Hz.
Full Sonus Faber Lumina II Amator review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 43Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 63Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Country of Origin | Italy (Vicenza) |
| Crossover Frequency | 2600Hz |
| Dimensions | 12" x 7.1" x 10.4" (304 x 180 x 263 mm) |
| Drivers | 1.14" DAD (Damped Apex Dome) tweeter, 5.9" paper cone woofer |
| Frequency Response | 55Hz - 24kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 4 ohms nominal, 3.9 ohms minimum (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Recommended Power | 30W - 150W |
| Sensitivity | 86.9dB (2.83V/1m, measured by Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Weight | 12.8 lbs / 5.8 kg |
| Woofer Cabinet | Bass reflex, ported |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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