Short answer: the Revel Performa M22. It ranks #68 of 100 bookshelf speakers by sound quality at $600; the JBL XPL-90 ranks #71 and costs $1298, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
On the Revel Performa M22 side: Very flat frequency response from 200hz to 10khz. Set against that: 3dB bass boost around 100hz.
The case for the JBL XPL-90: Nearly ruler-flat on-axis response up to 1kHz with even horizontal directivity until the tweeter beams above 10kHz. The tradeoff: 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.
Buy the Revel Performa M22. It ranks higher for sound quality than the JBL XPL-90 and costs less, so there is no real case for the other one.
Specifications Side By Side
| Revel Performa M22 | JBL XPL-90 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | About $600 used | $1,298 used, discontinued (vintage, late 1980s) |
| Ranked | #68 of 100 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #71 of 100 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 40Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | - |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 58Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | - |
| Impedance | 4 ohms | 6 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 85dB | 85dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Drivers | 25mm tweeter + 200mm woofer | 6.5" bass/mid driver, 1" titanium dome tweeter |
| Weight | 41.7 lbs / 18.9 kg | 20.1 lbs / 9.1 kg each |
| Dimensions | 14.5"H x 8.6"W x 11.9"D (368.3 x 219.1 x 301.6 mm) | 15.5"H x 9.5"W x 9.8"D (394 x 241 x 248 mm) |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear | - |
| Power Handling | - | 100W nominal, 400W max |
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- KEF Q3 Meta vs Polk R200
- KEF Q Concerto Meta vs Polk R200
- Polk Reserve R100 vs JBL XPL-90
- SVS Prime Bookshelf vs JBL XPL-90
The Two Speakers In Full
Revel Performa M22: About $600 used
Pros: Very flat frequency response from 200hz to 10khz. Distortion is well controlled through most of the range, with only a modest crossover-region bump around 2-4kHz.
Cons: 3dB bass boost around 100hz. On-axis response also droops below 150Hz and peaks above 4kHz, which the reviewer thought may sound a bit bright/light. Distortion rises substantially below 100Hz when driven hard.
Full Revel Performa M22 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 40Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 58Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Dimensions | 14.5"H x 8.6"W x 11.9"D (368.3 x 219.1 x 301.6 mm) |
| Drivers | 25mm tweeter + 200mm woofer |
| Impedance | 4 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 85dB |
| Weight | 41.7 lbs / 18.9 kg |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear |
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- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Revel Performa M22 vs Polk R200
- Revel Performa M22 vs Focal Aria 906
- Revel Performa M22 vs Polk Reserve R100
- Revel Performa M22 vs Sonus Faber Lumina II
- Revel Performa M22 vs Polk Monitor XT20
- Revel Performa M22 vs KEF Q3 Meta
- Revel Performa M22 vs Emotiva Airmotiv B2+
- Revel Performa M22 vs SVS Prime Bookshelf
- See all 15 comparisons
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 |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons