Short answer: the JBL Stage 250B. It ranks #97 of 179 bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 3.2/5, at $439.95. The Polk T15 ranks #164, rated 1.9/5, at $149, $290.95 cheaper, which does not close the gap in sound quality.
The case for the Polk T15: A very affordable bookshelf speaker for near-field desktop use. Watch for: Spinorama analysis shows a deep on-axis dip from 3 to 6kHz in the upper mids and lower treble, likely from tweeter-woofer phase cancellation directly on-axis.
The JBL Stage 250B is the more accurate, deeper-bass option. Affordable current bookshelf speakers with a waveguide tweeter for smooth dispersion, magnetic grilles and solid build. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 4.06 against 0.34 for the Polk T15. Its bass reaches about 64.5Hz before falling 3dB, against 88.6Hz for the Polk T15. Watch for: Its objective score is good rather than class-leading, and the rear port needs some wall clearance.
Buy the JBL Stage 250B. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $290.95 saving on the Polk T15 is not enough to make up the difference.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Passive Home rankings.
A very affordable bookshelf speaker for near-field desktop use.
Affordable current bookshelf speakers with a waveguide tweeter for smooth dispersion, magnetic grilles and solid build.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Polk T15 | JBL Stage 250B | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $149.00 per pair | $439.95 per pair |
| Ranked | #164 of 179 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers | #97 of 179 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Drivers | 0.75” tweeter, 5.25” woofer | 1-inch aluminum tweeter, 5.25-inch polycellulose woofer |
| Dimensions | 10.63H x 6.5W x 7.25D in | 12.6H x 7.9W x 9.5D in |
| Weight | 8.2 lbs (3.74 kg) each | 12.3 lbs (5.6 kg) each |
| Frequency Response | 60Hz - 24kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 50Hz-25kHz (-6dB) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 88.6Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 64.5Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner via spinorama.org) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 58.1Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 50Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal | 6 ohms |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 0.34 | 4.06 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 3.39 | 6.60 |
| Sensitivity | 89dB (manufacturer specified, 1W/1m); 88.98dB measured, spinorama.org | 86dB/2.83V/1m |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Enclosure | - | Passive 2-way rear-ported |
| Recommended Power | - | 20-150W |
| Power Handling | - | 75W RMS |
| Woofer Cabinet | - | ported, rear |
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