Short answer: the JBL Stage 250B, if you are buying new. The Wharfedale Diamond 220 ranks higher than it (#28 vs #52 of 88 bookshelf speakers, 3.7/5 vs 3.2/5) but is discontinued, so only consider it used; the JBL Stage 250B is still sold new at $439.95.
Why pick the Wharfedale Diamond 220: Amir found the on-axis response smooth once the grille is removed, calling grille removal “a huge improvement” since the stock grille caused unusually strong comb filtering around 5kHz. Watch for: Response rolls off below 200Hz, so a subwoofer is recommended for full-range use.
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. The catch: Its objective score is good rather than class-leading, and the rear port needs some wall clearance.
Buy the JBL Stage 250B, since the Wharfedale Diamond 220 is discontinued and only worth hunting down used.
Still deciding? The full Passive Home rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| Wharfedale Diamond 220 | JBL Stage 250B | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $299 per pair Discontinued | $439.95 per pair |
| Ranked | #28 of 88 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers | #52 of 88 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Drivers | 5” (130mm) woven Kevlar woofer, 1” (25mm) tweeter | 1-inch aluminum tweeter, 5.25-inch polycellulose woofer |
| Dimensions | 12.4”H x 6.9”W x 8.9”D (315 x 174 x 227 mm) | 12.6H x 7.9W x 9.5D in |
| Weight | 11.7 lbs (5.3 kg) each | 12.3 lbs (5.6 kg) each |
| Sensitivity | 86.9dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review; 86dB manufacturer specified) | 86dB/2.83V/1m |
| Impedance | 8 ohms | 6 ohms |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, bottom-firing into secondary enclosure | ported, rear |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 117.2Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 64.5Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner via spinorama.org) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 58.0Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 50Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.40 | 4.06 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.64 | 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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The Two Speakers In Full
Wharfedale Diamond 220: $299 per pair Discontinued eBay
Newer model: the Wharfedale Diamond 12.1i. It’s likely to perform similarly, though we don’t have measurements to confirm that yet.
Pros: Amir found the on-axis response smooth once the grille is removed, calling grille removal “a huge improvement” since the stock grille caused unusually strong comb filtering around 5kHz. Good horizontal dispersion from the waveguide-loaded tweeter and controlled distortion. After some EQ (a room mode filter and treble shelf), the reviewer called it “a truly hifi speaker” where “every audiophile track…sounded very good,” and said he was “happy to recommend” it for the budget class. Measured bass extension of 117.2Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 86.9dB.
Cons: Response rolls off below 200Hz, so a subwoofer is recommended for full-range use. Some port rattling was noted at high volumes, traced to vibration rather than the woofer itself. Best performance requires removing the grille and applying the reviewer’s EQ filters. Discontinued, with only limited remaining stock available direct from Wharfedale.
Full Wharfedale Diamond 220 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 58.0Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 117.2Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 12.4”H x 6.9”W x 8.9”D (315 x 174 x 227 mm) |
| Drivers | 5” (130mm) woven Kevlar woofer, 1” (25mm) tweeter |
| Impedance | 8 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 86.9dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review; 86dB manufacturer specified) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.40 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.64 |
| Weight | 11.7 lbs (5.3 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, bottom-firing into secondary enclosure |
- Links
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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
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