With 75 years of experience in both professional and home audio, JBL has a storied tradition in audio innovation, which bears out in their latest product introductions, the MA AVR and Stage 2 series of components and loudspeakers.
JBL’s strategy is to market the MA Series AVRs and Stage 2 speakers as an expandable stereo or home theater system combination — at a much more affordable price point.
Tip: For those wondering, MA stands for “Modern Audio” and these new models look nothing like the retro JBL speakers the company has been known for, such as their Classic Series and L100.
Whether users are starting with a basic two-channel system, upgrading from a soundbar, or looking to build a high-end home theater setup featuring 8K HDMI video, Dolby Atmos immersive sound, and DTS:X, the Stage 2 speakers and MA Series AVR product range can be scaled to meet those needs.
The performance profile of each model has been optimized both individually and as a system. This gives users the freedom to create the setup they want without sacrificing sound quality.
JBL Stage 2 Loudspeaker line consists of 8 speakers grouped as follows:
- Floorstanding Models: 260F and 280F ($999/$1199)
- Bookshelf Models: 240B and 250B ($299/$399)
- Center Channel Model: 245C ($449)
- Dolby Atmos Height Module: 240H ($499)
- Powered Subwoofers: 200P and 220P ($499/$599)
All of the speakers were designed and engineered at JBL’s Acoustic Engineering Center of Excellence in Northridge, California.
All of the speakers (except for the subwoofers) incorporate JBL’s High Definition Waveguide (HDI) technology, Anodized Aluminum Cone tweeters, and Polycellulose woofers. In addition, to make them easy on the eyes (you don’t want your speakers to distract from your listening enjoyment) they are all offered in an Espresso or Latte woodgrain finish.
The two subwoofer models come with either a 10 or 12-inch Polycellulose driver, supported by dual rear-firing ports and built-in amps. Controls for Auto Power, Crossover, Level, and Phase are available on the rear panel. The subwoofers are also offered in the same Espresso or Latte finish.
Floorstanding Speaker Comparison
| Stage 260F | Stage 280F | |
| Price | $999/pair | $1,199/pair |
| Speaker Type | 2-Way Floorstanding | 2.5-Way Floorstanding |
| Low-Frequency Driver | 2 x 6.5-inch (165mm) Polycellulose Ribbed Cone | 2 x 8-inch (200mm) Polycellulose Ribbed Cone |
| High-Frequency Driver | 1-inch (25mm) Anodized Aluminum | 1-inch (25mm) Anodized Aluminum |
| Waveguide | Next Generation HDI™ | Next Generation HDI™ |
| Recommended Amplifier Power | 20-225W | 20-225W |
| Frequency Response ±6dB | 40Hz-25kHz | 33Hz-25kHz |
| Sensitivity @ 1M, 2.83V | 90dB | 91dB |
| Nominal Impedance | 6 Ohms | 6 Ohms |
| Crossover Frequencies | 1.3kHz/1.7kHz | 1.1kHz/2.1Khz |
| Enclosure Tuning | Bass Reflex via Dual Flared Racetrack Rear-Firing Tuned Ports | Bass Reflex via Dual Flared Racetrack Rear-Firing Tuned Ports |
| Connections | 5-way Binding Posts for Amplifier connection 5-way Binding Posts for Height Speaker connection | 5-way Binding Posts for Amplifier connection 5-way Binding Posts for Height Speaker connection |
| Finish | Espresso or Latte | Espresso or Latte |
| Dimensions (HWD) | 40.8 x 12.2 x 14.3 inches (1036 x 310 x 362 mm) | 43.8 x 14.1 x 16.5 inches (1113 x 357 x 420 mm) |
| Dimensions (HWD – w/o Base) | 40.8 x 7.9 x 13.9 inches (1036 x 200 x 354 mm) | 43.8 x 9.5 x 16.1 inches (1113 x 241 x 409 mm) |
| Net Weight | 43.3 lbs. (19.5kg) | 55.2 lbs. (25.1 kg) |
| Shipping Weight | 53.1 lbs. (24.1kg) | 67.5 lbs. (30.6kg) |
| Shipping Units of Measure: | Each | Each |
Bookshelf, Height, and Center Speaker Comparison
| 240B | 250B | 240H | 245C | |
| Price | $299.99/pair | $399.99/pair | $299.99/pair | $399.99 |
| Speaker Type | 2-Way Bookshelf | 2-Way Bookshelf | 2-Way Height Surround Sound | 2.5-way Center Channel |
| Low-Frequency Driver | 1 x 4.5-inch (114mm) Polycellulose Ribbed Cone | 1 x 5.25-inch (130mm) Polycellulose Ribbed Cone | 1 x 4.5-inch (114mm) Polycellulose Ribbed Cone | 4 x 4.5-inch (114mm) Polycellulose Ribbed Cone |
| High-Frequency Driver | 1-inch (25mm) Anodized Aluminum | 1-inch (25mm) Anodized Aluminum | 1-inch (25mm) Anodized Aluminum | 1-inch (25mm) Anodized Aluminum |
| Waveguide | Next Generation HDI™ | Next Generation HDI™ | Next Generation HDI™ | Next Generation HDI™ |
| Recommended Amplifier Power | 20-125W | 20-150W | 20-150W | 20-150W |
| Frequency Response ±6dB | 53Hz-25kHz | 50Hz-25kHz | 85Hz-25kHz | 55Hz-25kHz |
| Sensitivity @ 1M, 2.83V | 85dB | 86dB | 87dB | 91dB |
| Nominal Impedance | 6 Ohms | 6 Ohms | 6 Ohms | 6 Ohms |
| Crossover Frequencies | 1.4Khz | 1.7Khz | 1.6kHz | 1.3kHz/2.0kHz |
| Enclosure Tuning | Bass Reflex via Rear-Firing Flared Tuned Port | Bass Reflex via Rear-Firing Flared Tuned Port | Sealed | Bass Reflex via Dual Rear-Firing Tuned Ports |
| Wall Mount | Integrated | Integrated | Integrated | Not Applicable |
| Connections | 5-way Binding Posts | 5-way Binding Posts | 5-way Binding Posts | 5-way Binding Posts |
| Finish | Espresso or Latte | Espresso or Latte | Espresso or Latte | Espresso or Latte |
| Dimensions (HWD) | 10.7 x 6.9 x 8.5 inches (272 x 175 x 217 mm) | 12.6 x 7.9 x 9.5 inches (321 x 200 x 241 mm) | 6.9 x 7.1 x 10.6 inches (176 x 180 x 270 mm) | 6.1 x 29.1 x 8.5 inches (156 x 740 x 217 mm) |
| Net Weight | 10.1 lbs (4.6 kg) | 12.4 lbs (5.6 kg) | 7.6 lbs (3.5 kg) | 26.4 lbs (12.0 kg) |
| Shipping Weight | 22.9 lbs (10.4 kg) | 30 lbs (13.6 kg) | 18.8 lbs (8.5 kg) | 32.2 lbs (14.7 kg) |
| Shipping Units of Measure: | Pair | Pair | Pair | Each |
Subwoofer Comparison
| 200P | 220P | |
| Price | $499.99 | $599.99 |
| Type | Powered Subwoofer | Powered Subwoofer |
| Low-Frequency Driver | 10-inch Polycellulose Ribbed High Excursion | 12-inch Polycellulose Ribbed High Excursion |
| Amplifier Power | 150W RMS (300W Dynamic) | 250W RMS (500W Dynamic) |
| Frequency Response ± 6dB | 28Hz-150Hz | 26Hz-150Hz |
| Crossover Frequencies | 50Hz-150Hz (variable) 24dB/octave | 50Hz-150Hz (variable) 24dB/octave |
| Crossover Controls | 35Hz-150Hz | 35Hz-150Hz |
| Other Controls | Auto Power, Crossover, Level, Phase | Auto Power, Crossover, Level, Phase |
| Inputs | One (1) Line-Level LFE Input | One (1) Line-Level LFE Input |
| Enclosure Tuning | Bass-Reflex via Dual Rear-Firing Tuned Ports | Bass-Reflex via Dual Rear-Firing Tuned Ports |
| Power Requirements | 120V, 60Hz (US) 220-230V, 50/60Hz (EU) | 120V, 60Hz (US) 220-230V, 50/60Hz (EU) |
| Power Consumption | <0.5W (standby) / 205W/1.6A (max – 230V) / 205W/3.15A (max – 120V) | <0.5W (standby) / 205W/1.6A (max – 230V) / 205W/3.15A (max – 120V) |
| Finish | Espresso or Latte | Espresso or Latte |
| Dimensions (HWD) | 14.2 x 13.8 x 15.2 inches (361 x 350 x 385 mm) | 16.4 x 15.9 x 17.5 inches (416 x 405 x 444 mm) |
| Net Weight | 31.8 lbs (14.4 kg) | 41.2 lbs (18.7 kg) |
| Shipping Weight | 40.3 lbs (18.3 kg) | 51.4 lbs (23.3 kg) |
| Shipping Units of Measure: | Each | Each |
Initial Impressions
JBL’s Stage 2 loudspeakers offer an affordable solution that incorporates some of the design and technology features from JBL’s higher-end speaker products at an affordable price point.
In addition, the Stage 2 speakers are designed to complement JBL’s MA series affordable A/V Receiver line.
For those starting from scratch, it can be a daunting task to setup a home theater system. JBL’s new affordable product lines now make it possible to setup a 5.1 home theater system for under $2,000. Or max out the budget with the top models and immerse yourself in a 9.2.2 Dolby Atmos system for as much as $5,249.
Pricing & Availability
The JBL Stage 2 Series Loudspeakers are priced as follows:
- 280F: $1,199/pair per pair (floorstander)
- 260F: $999 per pair (floorstander)
- 250B: $399 per pair (bookshelf)
- 240B: $299 per pair (bookshelf)
- 240H: $299 per pair (height)
- 245C: $399 each (center)
- 200P: $499 each (subwoofer)
- 220P: $599 each (subwoofer)
Tip: Optional Stands for 240B and 250B bookshelf speakers (FS): $249 per pair
The speakers and stands can be purchased through JBL.com, authorized JBL Dealers, and other approved outlets.
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