Short answer: the JBL Stage 2 280F, if you are buying new. The Monolith Encore T6 ranks higher than it (#127 vs #188 of 228 floorstanding speakers, 4.0/5 vs 3.4/5) but is discontinued, so only consider it used; the JBL Stage 2 280F is still sold new at $1,319.90.
The Monolith Encore T6 is the better-sounding pick. A heavily braced tower with three woofers and a waveguide tweeter, built for clean home theater output with a subwoofer. The tradeoff: Despite its size, Erin measured F3 around 68Hz, so the tower does not eliminate the need for a subwoofer.
The JBL Stage 2 280F is the deeper-bass choice. An easy to drive tower with twin 8 inch woofers that plays loud with low distortion for the price. Its bass reaches about 48Hz before falling 3dB, against 68Hz for the Monolith Encore T6. The catch: Explicitly called out as disappointing relative to expectations for the JBL name and this price point: lacks native linearity compared to similarly-priced alternatives like the Polk Reserve R500, which the reviewer recommends instead for anyone who doesn’t want to rely on EQ.
Buy the JBL Stage 2 280F, since the Monolith Encore T6 is discontinued and only worth hunting down used.
Want more options? Browse the full Passive Home rankings.
Measured Differences
- Close enough not to matter: bass extension (31.1 Hz vs 30 Hz, 10 dB down); preference score with a subwoofer (6.5 vs 6.1).
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Specifications Side By Side
| Monolith Encore T6 | JBL Stage 2 280F | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $800 per pair Discontinued | $1,319.90 per pair |
| Ranked | #127 of 228 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers | #188 of 228 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | ~68Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 48Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 31.1Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 30Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | 87.8dB/2.83V/1m (manufacturer) | 89.5dB (2.83V/1m, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Impedance | 4 ohms nominal | 6 ohms nominal, 3.9 ohms minimum (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Drivers | Three 6.5-inch pulp woofers; 25mm waveguided silk dome | 1” anodized aluminum dome tweeter with HDI waveguide, dual 8” polycellulose woofers |
| Dimensions | 40H x 7.9W x 13.8D inches | 43.8” x 14.1” x 16.5” (1113 x 358 x 419 mm) |
| Weight | 49.2 lbs (22.3 kg) each | 55.1 lbs (25 kg) each |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.57 | 4.69 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.45 | 6.14 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Crossover Frequency | - | 1.1kHz, 2.1kHz |
| Power Handling | - | 125W RMS |
| Woofer Cabinet | - | ported, rear |
Where the Ratings Come From
- Monolith Encore T6: Spinorama.org measurements and reviews by Erin’s Audio Corner video.
- JBL Stage 2 280F: Spinorama.org measurements and reviews by Erin’s Audio Corner.
This comparison is generated from the ratings, specifications and measurements on each product’s own page, and it updates when that data changes. How we rank explains how each rating is decided.
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