Short answer: the JBL Stage 250B, if you are buying new. The Revel M105 ranks higher than it (#13 vs #52 of 88 bookshelf speakers, 4.2/5 vs 3.2/5) but is discontinued, so only consider it used; the JBL Stage 250B is still sold new at $439.95.
The case for the Revel M105: CEA2034 spinorama shows an essentially flat on-axis response with only a small 5kHz peak, a smooth listening window, and clean waterfall decay. The tradeoff: Low nominal impedance demands a capable amplifier that can handle low-impedance loads.
What the JBL Stage 250B does well: Good local Spinorama scores of 4.06 raw and 6.60 with a subwoofer, with smooth horizontal directivity from JBL’s next-generation HDI waveguide. Watch for: Its objective score is good rather than class-leading, and the rear port needs some wall clearance.
Buy the JBL Stage 250B, since the Revel M105 is discontinued and only worth hunting down used.
Still deciding? The full Passive Home rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| Revel M105 | JBL Stage 250B | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1500 per pair Discontinued | $439.95 per pair |
| Ranked | #13 of 88 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers | #52 of 88 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 63Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 64.5Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner via spinorama.org) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 49.8Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points) | 50Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | 85dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review) | 86dB/2.83V/1m |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal, low minimum | 6 ohms |
| Frequency Response | 60Hz - 44kHz (+/-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 50Hz-25kHz (-6dB) |
| Drivers | 5.25” aluminum cone woofer, 1” aluminum tweeter with acoustic lens waveguide | 1-inch aluminum tweeter, 5.25-inch polycellulose woofer |
| Weight | 15.4 lbs (7 kg) each | 12.3 lbs (5.6 kg) each |
| Dimensions | 14”H x 7.9”W x 9.8”D (355.6 x 200.7 x 248.9 mm) | 12.6H x 7.9W x 9.5D in |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear | ported, rear |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.76 | 4.06 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 8.18 | 6.60 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Enclosure | - | Passive 2-way rear-ported |
| Recommended Power | - | 20-150W |
| Power Handling | - | 75W RMS |
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The Two Speakers In Full
Revel M105: $1500 per pair Discontinued eBay
Pros: CEA2034 spinorama shows an essentially flat on-axis response with only a small 5kHz peak, a smooth listening window, and clean waterfall decay. Wide horizontal dispersion gives flexibility with toe-in. The reviewer called it reference-quality performance with minor EQ correction applied. Measured bass extension of 63Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 85dB.
Cons: Low nominal impedance demands a capable amplifier that can handle low-impedance loads. Bass distortion runs high in the 80-250Hz range from woofer displacement, and maximum output is limited compared to larger designs. Discontinued.
Full Revel M105 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 49.8Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 63Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 14”H x 7.9”W x 9.8”D (355.6 x 200.7 x 248.9 mm) |
| Drivers | 5.25” aluminum cone woofer, 1” aluminum tweeter with acoustic lens waveguide |
| Frequency Response | 60Hz - 44kHz (+/-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal, low minimum |
| Sensitivity | 85dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.76 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 8.18 |
| Weight | 15.4 lbs (7 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
JBL Stage 250B: $439.95 per pair Amazon JBL eBay
Older model: the JBL Stage A130 (ranked lower, rated 2.1/5).
Pros: Good local Spinorama scores of 4.06 raw and 6.60 with a subwoofer, with smooth horizontal directivity from JBL’s next-generation HDI waveguide. The current Stage 2 model offers solid build details, magnetic grilles and useful 56Hz measured extension at an accessible price. Measured bass extension of 64.5Hz (-3dB).
Cons: Its objective score is good rather than class-leading, and the rear port needs some wall clearance. At 86dB sensitivity and six-ohm nominal impedance it is not especially easy to drive, while the compact woofer limits deep-bass output.
Full JBL Stage 250B review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 50Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 64.5Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner via spinorama.org) |
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 12.6H x 7.9W x 9.5D in |
| Drivers | 1-inch aluminum tweeter, 5.25-inch polycellulose woofer |
| Enclosure | Passive 2-way rear-ported |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz-25kHz (-6dB) |
| Impedance | 6 ohms |
| Power Handling | 75W RMS |
| Recommended Power | 20-150W |
| Sensitivity | 86dB/2.83V/1m |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.06 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.60 |
| Weight | 12.3 lbs (5.6 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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