In this review, we will be comparing Stage 250B and XT15, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from JBL and Polk Audio.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of JBL Stage 250B and Polk XT15 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
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 )
Polk XT15 Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1" Soft-Dome Tweeter
- 5.25" Bi-laminate paper Woofer
- 48-40k Hz Frequency Response
- 86 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:30-150watts
- Weight:4.09kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 270.0" x 6-9/16" x 7-3/16"( 270.0 x 167.0 x 183.0mm )
What size room are the JBL Stage 250B and Polk XT15 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 250B |
Polk XT15 |
| Near-field |
Poor |
Poor |
| Small Room |
Average |
Average |
| Mid-size Room |
Good |
Good |
| Large Room |
Average |
Average |
| Very Large Room |
Poor |
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 250B and Polk XT15 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 250B and XT15 are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
JBL Stage 250B |
Polk XT15 |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 5.25-inch
|
1 x 5.25-inch
|
Stage 250B features a 1" Hard-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 5.25" Polycellulose Woofer . On the other hand, the XT15 features a 1" Soft-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 5.25" Bi-laminate paper Woofer .
Frequency Response
Stage 250B has a frequency range of 55-25k Hz whereas XT15 has a frequency range of 48-40k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 48Hz, the XT15 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the Stage 250B's min frequency of 55Hz.
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 250B is a 6 ohms speaker compared to the XT15 which has a nominal impedance of 8 ohms.
On the other hand, they have the same sensitivity of 86 dBdB.
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.
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 250B features 5-Way post type posts and XT15 has a 5-Way post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
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 250B's and Polk XT15's external dimensions. 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 ) whereas Polk XT15 has external dimensions of 270.0 x 167.0 x 183.0mm ( 10-5/8 x 6-9/16 x 7-3/16inch) .
JBL Stage 250B is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 35mm wider, 51mm taller and 59mm deeper than Polk XT15.
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 250B is approximately 488.8cm2 / 75.8inch2 and base area of the Polk XT15 is approximately 305.6cm2 / 47.4inch2. The Stage 250B requires 60% more surface area than the XT15 which gives it a small disadvantage 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 250B weighs 5.64kg / 12.4lbs and the Polk XT15 weighs 4.09kg / 9lbs. This makes the Stage 250B 38% heavier than the XT15.
Here is a comparison of how Stage 250B and XT15'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 250B?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Stage 250B:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers 2 Grilles 8 Self-adhesive rubber pads Quick Start Guide Important Safety Instructions
What's in the Box of Polk XT15?
Here are the items that come with the XT15:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers2 Grilles (attached)8 Self-adhesive rubber feetOwners ManualOnline Product Registration
 Nominal Impedance |
8 ohms
vs
6 ohms
|
Less selective with amplifiers |
 Low Frequency Response |
48 Hz
vs
55 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
40k Hz
vs
25k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
270mm
vs
321mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
305cm2
vs
488cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
199USD
vs
399USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
JBL Stage 250B |
Polk Audio Monitor XT15 |
| Brand |
JBL |
Polk Audio |
| Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
| Power Range |
20-150 watts |
30-150 watts |
| Sensitivity |
86 dB |
86 dB |
| Impedance |
6 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
55-25k Hz |
48-40k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
5.25" |
5.25" |
| Woofer Composition |
Polycellulose |
Bi-laminate paper |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
Hard-Dome |
Soft-Dome |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
N/A" |
No |
| Firing Direction |
rear |
n/a |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
321.0mm (12.6") |
270.0mm (10.6") |
| Width |
202.0mm (8") |
167.0mm (6.6") |
| Depth |
242.0mm (9.5") |
183.0mm (7.2") |
| Weight |
5.64kg (12.4lbs) |
4.09kg (9lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
MDF/Wood-grain vinyl |
MDF, Vinyl |
| Available Colors |
Espresso,Latte |
Black |
| Mounting Bracket |
|
No |
| Recommended Stand Height |
---" |
28-32" |
| 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 |