In this review, we will be comparing Stage 240B and Stage 250B, two Passive Bookshelf speakers by JBL
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of JBL Stage 240B and JBL Stage 250B first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
JBL Stage 240B Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1" Hard-dome Tweeter
- 4.5" Polycellulose Woofer
- 65-25k Hz Frequency Response
- 85 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 6ohms
- Power Range:25-75watts
- Weight:4.59kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 274.0" x 6-15/16" x 8-1/2"( 274.0 x 177.0 x 216.0mm )
JBL Stage 250B Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1" Hard-Dome Tweeter
- 5.25" Polycellulose Woofer
- 55-25k Hz Frequency Response
- 86 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 6ohms
- Power Range:20-150watts
- Weight:5.64kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 321.0" x 7-15/16" x 9-1/2"( 321.0 x 202.0 x 242.0mm )
Stage 240B and Stage 250B are members of JBL's Stage 2 series of speakers. Below you can find the loudspeakers from this series.
JBL Stage 2 Series
History
What size room are the JBL Stage 240B and JBL Stage 250B speakers good for?
The size of the room in which you are planning to use these loudspeakers is an important decision
factor. Here we have compared their suitability to various sizes of environments considering their size
and max power parameters:
| Listening Environment* |
JBL Stage 240B |
JBL Stage 250B |
| Near-field |
Average |
Poor |
| Small Room |
Good |
Average |
| Mid-size Room |
Average |
Good |
| Large Room |
Poor |
Average |
| Very Large Room |
Bad |
Poor |
(* Approximate Room sizes: Small < 100sq. ft / 9 m2,
Mid-size: 100-220 sq. ft / 9-20 m2, Large 220-400 sq. ft / 20-36 m2, Very Large: >
400 sq. ft / 36 m2.
Average Floor Height: 9" / 2.7m. Typical room sizes differ from country to country, and the actual
listening experience changes depending on floor height, room shape, surface materials, listening
position, speaker locations, etc.)
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the JBL Stage 240B and JBL Stage 250B compare and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one of these loudspeakers is the better choice for you.
**This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking
through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Drivers
Both Stage 240B and Stage 250B are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
JBL Stage 240B |
JBL Stage 250B |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 4.5-inch
|
1 x 5.25-inch
|
Stage 240B features a 1" Hard-dome Tweeter and 1 x 4.5" Polycellulose Woofer . On the other hand, the Stage 250B features a 1" Hard-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 5.25" Polycellulose Woofer .
Frequency Response
Stage 240B has a frequency range of 65-25k Hz whereas Stage 250B has a frequency range of 55-25k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 55Hz, the Stage 250B can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the Stage 240B's min frequency of 65Hz.
Below graphs depict how these two speakers compare with the max, min and average values of the Min and Max Frequencies of other speakers in the Bookshelf class in our database.
Low Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
High Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
None of these speakers achieves full range experience which is commonly agreed as 20Hz-20kHz. In order to achieve lower lows / deeper bass, we recommend you pair these with a subwoofer. Visit our Powered Subwoofers section to find out more about the available options.
Impedance and Sensitivity
Stage 240B and Stage 250B have the same Impedance of 6 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. Stage 240B sensitivity is rated at 85 dB and the Stage 250B's is at 86 dB. This 1 dB difference makes the JBL Stage 250B a more sensitive speaker compared to JBL Stage 240B, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.
Sensitivity
Bookshelf Speakers
Power Range
Power
range is the range of input power in watts RMS that a loudspeaker is designed to handle. While using
an amplifier within this range ensures the nominal performance , inputting a power that is higher than the
max wattage can result in a damaged speaker.
Stage 240B can handle a max power of 150 watts RMS from the amp the whereas Stage 240B has a max power handling value of 75 watts RMS , 75 watts less than the Stage 250B.
Keep in mind that a higher max power handling value doesn't necessarily make that a louder speaker
compared to a lower max handling speaker. Loudness or the sound level is also impacted by parameters
such as Impedance, sensitivity and system efficiencies.
Input Type and Bi-Amping / Bi-Wiring
Stage 240B features 5-Way post type posts and Stage 250B has a 5-Way post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Both Stage 240B and Stage 250B have rear firing ports. Rear ported speakers generally need more room between the backside of the speaker and the wall compared to sealed and front/bottom ported speakers. Placing the speakers too close to the walls may cause the bass to sound boomy.
If you are limited in space and can't get the speakers away from the backwall, check our Speakers with Front Firing Ports page.
Physical Specs
Size of a speaker can sometimes become an important decision factor due to space constraints or in some cases purely for esthetic reasons. In this section, we are going to compare JBL Stage 240B's and JBL Stage 250B's external dimensions. JBL Stage 240B has external dimensions of 274.0 x 177.0 x 216.0mm ( 10-3/4inch x 6-15/16inch x 8-1/2inch ) whereas JBL Stage 250B has external dimensions of 321.0 x 202.0 x 242.0mm ( 12-5/8inch x 7-15/16inch x 9-1/2inch ) .
JBL Stage 250B is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 25mm wider, 47mm taller and 26mm deeper than JBL Stage 240B.
Base Surface Area Comparison
Base surface area of a loudspeaker may become a determining factor when the space in your room or desk is limited.
The base surface area of the JBL Stage 240B is approximately 382.3cm2 / 59.3inch2 and base area of the JBL Stage 250B is approximately 488.8cm2 / 75.8inch2. The Stage 240B requires 22% less surface area than the Stage 250B which gives it a small advantage on placement in tight spaces.
Weight Comparison The weight of a loudspeaker can become an important factor if you need to move and reposition the unit often. Weight of a speaker can also "sometimes" be an indicator of the rigidity of the enclosure and the quality of the internal components used. The JBL Stage 240B weighs 4.59kg / 10.1lbs and the JBL Stage 250B weighs 5.64kg / 12.4lbs. This makes the Stage 250B 23% heavier than the Stage 240B.
Here is a comparison of how Stage 240B and Stage 250B's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Bookshelf class.
Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
What's in the Box of JBL Stage 240B?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Stage 240B:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers 2 Grilles 2 Foam plugs 2 Wall-brackets 4 Mounting screws 8 Self-adhesive rubber pads Quick Start Guide Important Safety Instructions
What's in the Box of JBL Stage 250B?
Here are the items that come with the Stage 250B:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers 2 Grilles 8 Self-adhesive rubber pads Quick Start Guide Important Safety Instructions
 Height |
274mm
vs
321mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
382cm2
vs
488cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
299USD
vs
399USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Max Input Power |
150 watts
vs
75 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 Sensitivity |
86 dB
vs
85 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Woofer Size |
5.25 inches
vs
4.5 inches
|
Larger woofer |
|
Low Frequency Response |
55 Hz
vs
65 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
| General |
JBL Stage 240B |
JBL Stage 250B |
| Brand |
JBL |
JBL |
| Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
| Power Range |
25-75 watts |
20-150 watts |
| Sensitivity |
85 dB |
86 dB |
| Impedance |
6 ohms |
6 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
65-25k Hz |
55-25k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
4.5" |
5.25" |
| Woofer Composition |
Polycellulose |
Polycellulose |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
Hard-dome |
Hard-Dome |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
N/A" |
N/A" |
| Firing Direction |
rear |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
274.0mm (10.8") |
321.0mm (12.6") |
| Width |
177.0mm (7") |
202.0mm (8") |
| Depth |
216.0mm (8.5") |
242.0mm (9.5") |
| Weight |
4.59kg (10.1lbs) |
5.64kg (12.4lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
MDF/Wood-grain vinyl |
MDF/Wood-grain vinyl |
| Available Colors |
Espresso,Latte |
Espresso,Latte |
| Mounting Bracket |
|
|
| Recommended Stand Height |
---" |
---" |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Biamp Inputs |
No |
No |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 years |