Customer Ratings & Reviews

This review is for the JBL Stage2 250B 2-Way 5.25” Bookshelf Speaker. The very first thing I want to mention is that I have come to deeply appreciate the JBL philosophy of producing extremely high-quality products at a price that is remarkably affordable. They are constantly reviewing and modifying technologies that transform mere listening into a mind-boggling listening experience. They have continued that philosophy with the 250B. The 250B is marketed as a bookshelf speaker. Bookshelf speakers are typically defined as small to mid-sized speakers that are designed to sit on a raised surface (such as a bookshelf) and are intended to enhance sound is small to medium-sized spaces. Even though they are typically part of a home sound/surround sound system, they can also be used as standalones. The 250B’s have a frequency range of 55 Hz to 25 kHz. That is a wide-enough range to make them super-great as a standalone set for small to medium-sized listening rooms. What really makes the 250B speakers noteworthy is they utilize the exact same “ingredients” as their JBL counterparts – Superior-quality cabinet build, Anodized Aluminum dome tweeter, and Polycellulose cone woofer. Coupled with JBL’s precision crossover technology, they make a worthy addition to any sound system, especially at their highly-affordable price point per pair! Although they can be used as a great set of standalone speakers, I have incorporated them into an existing sound system setup. All the components are JBL, including the MA710 7.2 channel AVR receiver. Each speaker comes with a User’s Guide that goes into some detail as to where each speaker should be located. I opted to place them directly in plane with my sofa, which is where I sit when listening to music or watching a movie. If you have ever had the privilege of experiencing it before, you know there is nothing like the experience of hearing sound actually move across the room from one speaker to another! This is one of those aspects of a great system that turns simple listening into an other-worldly listening experience! When placed properly, you get to hear the peripheral sounds you otherwise would miss with a soundbar, or a lesser sound system. And with such a respectable frequency range, you get to hear things you’ve never heard before. It’s amazing. I tried quite hard to come up with some type of “negative” aspect of the JBL 250B speakers, but I simply could not come up with even a single negative. Everything about these speakers is great. Even as standalones, they deliver a superior listening experience, filling my living room with a wide range of sounds, both in the high range, and impressive sonorous bass. If you are looking for a great addition to your current sound system, or as a perfect standalone speaker set, I highly recommend the JBL 250B Bookshelf Speakers, a truly affordable high-quality pair of speakers!

I think these are a great set of speakers across all genres of music as well as across several use cases. I wasn’t sure exactly what to expect here, but I was pleasantly surprised. They look good (I think I prefer them without the grilles), have some nice tech, and are built well. I hit these with a bit of just about everything I listen to, which is just about everything save country and metal. Vocals are clear, smooth, and have texture. Crisp, but not harsh highs that more or less seamlessly give way to the mids. The bass is pretty clean, not overly boomy, and while there, could be a little more substantial. That said, I feel in most cases these will be paired with a sub, in at least a 2.1 setup, so it should not be a concern. To be clear, these sound good as is, so don’t be scared away because of the bass, it is just as pronounced as it could be. Beyond music, I absolutely feel these could also be used as part of home theater system. Depending on what you are working with, they could be applied in a few ways. Absolutely as front channels, and even though they are a bit overkill as surround, I ended up using them that way right now based on my current setup. They sound great. Not sure what I will be doing in the long term, but I could not be happier with them. Ultimately, I like these speakers. Pleasant and present sound, a good build, and nice looks. I think they offer some flexibility and can be used in a variety of ways, and in a variety of setups. They offer a nice balance of price and performance, and I think the value is there.

These are definitely high def speakers, and the first set I have owned, as I love having music running and a louder audio system. I’m overlooking that I didn’t get grille covers on my speakers or sub (will be addressed in sub review - had issues with a power cord missing with my sub too) . I like them without the covers but that will change down the line, if JBL wants to send them, I’d appreciate having them. I currently have my speakers in my entertainment center, but may move to floor stands at a later time. The sound is awesome - loud, crips clear: Low Frequency Driver: 5.25-inch (130mm) Polycellulose Ribbed Cone High Frequency Driver: 1-inch (25mm) Anodized Aluminum I can hear a lot of range in my music, and the subwoofer helps make the lows even better. For my first AVR Hi-Fi system I think these speakers are pretty solid. Being a first time HiFi speaker user, one thing to note is make sure you have your speaker cable of choice - this was new to me, as I am used to AV devices having everything you need in it right out of the box. This was not that case and after trying regular copper cable, I found the best thing ever - Banana Plugs. What I didn’t find out was how hard you need to push banana plugs in to get them to “fit” into the socket. I now have a good set of cables, but they seem to be a bit on the loose side

Easy to install, small size fits well on shelves and great sound quality.

I am using these JBL Stage 2 250B bookshelf speakers in conjunction with a JBL MA510 receiver. Connection is fast with conventional speaker wire, they look good, and they sound great. The manual for the receiver takes you through a speaker placement and sound calibration process. This can also be done on your phone through a downloadable app, which is actually quite entertaining and informative. While these speakers can, of course, be used with any audio system, they are designed to work well with the aforementioned MA510 receiver. The setup process for this receiver takes you through a detailed process involving speaker type, speaker location, distance from listening points, and so forth. The receiver also features an audio system analysis tool called EZ Set EQ that determines the best settings for each speaker and updates the system accordingly. An accompanying subwoofer is recommended as well and will be included in this setup and analysis process. Overall, these speakers are highly recommended.

These bat way above their size and price point. This is one outstanding pair of speakers, even without a subwoofer. They remind me of Klipsch speakers from the 90's (specifically the KG1.5, 5" two way). They are accurate, clear, and clean. They are a pleasure to listen to. The soundstage is well defined without being annoyingly sharp. These came as part of a surround system, they will be relegated to rears. That's a sad spot for them to live, they are better than that. Although, paired with the JBL 280F floorstanding 8 inch speakers, they will sound perfect. The construction is vinyl over MDF. At this price point, wood veneer isn't expected (although Klipsch used real oak veneer at a similar price point), but sure would have been nice. The vinyl looks fine. The speaker grills are especially nice. Held by magnets with a soft dark charcoal gray fabric. The logo is a flexible vinyl insert. I love the orange ring just behind the grill. From the side the orange just peeks out. A truly remarkable pair of speakers.

Can’t recommend unless pairing with a subwoofer. Returned and replaced with 260f.