Short answer: the Wharfedale Diamond 12.1i, if you are buying new. The Wharfedale Diamond 12.1 ranks higher than the JBL Stage 250B (#32 vs #97 of 179 bookshelf speakers) but is discontinued; its replacement, the Wharfedale Diamond 12.1i, is rated 4.0/5 at $499 and is still sold new.
The Wharfedale Diamond 12.1 is the more accurate pick. Smooth, easy listening budget bookshelf speakers with low distortion, wide dispersion and a fit and finish above their class. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 5.01 against 4.06 for the JBL Stage 250B. Watch for: A dip of about 3dB in the 1-3kHz crossover region (on-axis, in the predicted in-room response, and even off-axis) gives the speaker a soft, relaxed character that noticeably saps attack and transient bite from drums, guitar and other percussive material: possibly an intentional BBC-style dip, but one the reviewer would still prefer tuned flat.
Why pick the JBL Stage 250B: Affordable current bookshelf speakers with a waveguide tweeter for smooth dispersion, magnetic grilles and solid build. Watch for: Its objective score is good rather than class-leading, and the rear port needs some wall clearance.
Buy the Wharfedale Diamond 12.1i, the replacement for the discontinued Wharfedale Diamond 12.1; it is rated higher for sound quality than the JBL Stage 250B.
Still deciding? The full Passive Home rankings cover every ranked option.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Wharfedale Diamond 12.1 | JBL Stage 250B | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $599 per pair Discontinued | $439.95 per pair |
| Ranked | #32 of 179 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers | #97 of 179 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 46Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 50Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 61Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 64.5Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner via spinorama.org) |
| Crossover Frequency | 2.6kHz | - |
| Dimensions | 12.2”H x 7”W x 10.9”D (310 x 178 x 277 mm) | 12.6H x 7.9W x 9.5D in |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal (3.9 ohms minimum above 80Hz, measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 6 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 84dB (measured by Erin’s Audio Corner; 87dB manufacturer specified) | 86dB/2.83V/1m |
| Drivers | 5” advanced polypropylene cone woofer, 1” textile dome tweeter | 1-inch aluminum tweeter, 5.25-inch polycellulose woofer |
| Weight | 15 lbs (6.8 kg) each | 12.3 lbs (5.6 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported | ported, rear |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.01 | 4.06 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.42 | 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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