Short answer: the Klipsch RP-500M II. It ranks #27 of 179 bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 4.0/5, at $389.99; the JBL Stage 250B ranks #97, rated 3.2/5, and costs $439.95, so there is little reason to consider the other one.
The Klipsch RP-500M II is the more accurate pick. Clear, detailed bookshelf speakers with a horn tweeter, precise imaging and a much cleaner midrange than the first version. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 5.22 against 4.06 for the JBL Stage 250B. The catch: Klipsch’s quoted sensitivity (around 92-93dB) uses an unconventional in-room-based rating rather than the standard anechoic measurement; on an anechoic basis it measures closer to about 85dB, in line with typical bookshelf speakers this size, so it isn’t the outlier in efficiency the spec sheet implies.
The case for the JBL Stage 250B: Affordable current bookshelf speakers with a waveguide tweeter for smooth dispersion, magnetic grilles and solid build. The catch: Its objective score is good rather than class-leading, and the rear port needs some wall clearance.
Buy the Klipsch RP-500M II. It is rated higher for sound quality than the JBL Stage 250B and costs less, which makes it the one to get unless you need something the other one does better.
Still deciding? The full Passive Home rankings cover every ranked option.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Klipsch RP-500M II | JBL Stage 250B | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $389.99 per pair | $439.95 per pair |
| Ranked | #27 of 179 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers | #97 of 179 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 53Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 50Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 67Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 64.5Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner via spinorama.org) |
| Crossover Frequency | 1530Hz | - |
| Dimensions | 13.6”H x 6.8”W x 10.6”D (344.4 x 173 x 270.5 mm) | 12.6H x 7.9W x 9.5D in |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal, 3.3 ohms minimum (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 6 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 85dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 86dB/2.83V/1m |
| Drivers | 5.25” Cerametallic™ cone woofer with Faraday rings, 1” LTS Titanium diaphragm tweeter with Hybrid Cross-Section Expanded Tractrix® horn | 1-inch aluminum tweeter, 5.25-inch polycellulose woofer |
| Weight | 13 lbs (5.9 kg) each | 12.3 lbs (5.6 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear | ported, rear |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.22 | 4.06 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.84 | 6.60 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Enclosure | - | Passive 2-way rear-ported |
| Frequency Response | - | 50Hz-25kHz (-6dB) |
| Recommended Power | - | 20-150W |
| Power Handling | - | 75W RMS |
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