Choosing between bookshelf speakers can be daunting, especially when comparing different price tiers. Today, we're examining the premium Bowers & Wilkins 707 S2 ($959) against the mid-range JBL Stage2 250B ($320) to help you make an informed decision.
Bookshelf speakers remain a popular choice for both music enthusiasts and home theater setups, offering a balance of performance and space efficiency. These compact speakers, typically standing under 15 inches tall, can deliver impressive sound when properly positioned and powered.
The 707 S2, released in 2017, represents B&W's premium bookshelf offering, while the more recent JBL 250B targets the value-conscious audiophile. Both aim to provide room-filling sound, but their approaches and technologies differ significantly.
The B&W 707 S2 showcases its premium heritage through superior detail retrieval and imaging. Its Carbon Dome tweeter, which handles high frequencies up to 47kHz (well beyond human hearing), provides exceptionally clear and detailed treble. This matters because even though we can't hear those ultra-high frequencies, they affect how the audible frequencies sound.
The JBL 250B takes a different approach, using their HDI (High-Definition Imaging) waveguide technology to control sound dispersion. While not as technically advanced as B&W's solution, it effectively creates a wide, consistent listening area - particularly valuable for home theater applications where multiple seating positions are common.
Both speakers use 5.25-inch woofers, but the implementation differs considerably. B&W's Continuum cone technology, first developed for their flagship 800 Series Diamond speakers, provides remarkably clean and detailed midrange reproduction. The material reduces unwanted resonances that can color the sound, resulting in more accurate voice reproduction and instrumental textures.
JBL's traditional polycellulose cone design, while less exotic, delivers punchy and engaging bass. The 250B's slightly higher sensitivity (86dB vs 84dB) means it requires less power to reach the same volume level, potentially beneficial with modest amplifiers.
For home theater use, both speakers offer distinct advantages. The 707 S2's precise imaging and detail retrieval excel at reproducing complex soundtracks and dialogue. However, the JBL's higher sensitivity and more forgiving nature might better suit typical home theater receivers.
B&W's Carbon Dome tweeter represents a significant advancement over traditional aluminum domes. By raising the breakup frequency (where the driver starts to distort) to 47kHz, it ensures clean, detailed reproduction throughout the audible range. This technology, combined with their Continuum cone, creates a coherent, natural sound presentation.
JBL's HDI waveguide technology focuses on controlling the speaker's directivity - how sound spreads into the room. This approach can create a more consistent listening experience across different seating positions, though it sacrifices some of the pinpoint imaging precision of the B&W design.
The 707 S2 features a heavily braced cabinet with their Flowport technology - a dimpled port design that reduces turbulence in the bass frequencies. This results in cleaner, more defined low frequencies, particularly at higher volumes.
The JBL employs a more conventional rear-ported design but includes practical features like magnetic grilles and robust binding posts. While not as technically sophisticated, these design choices help keep costs down while maintaining good performance.
At nearly triple the price, the 707 S2 must deliver significant performance advantages to justify its cost. In many ways, it does - offering superior detail, more refined sound, and better build quality. However, the JBL 250B provides impressive performance for its price point, particularly in less critical listening environments.
The 707 S2's higher performance ceiling makes it more suitable for future system upgrades. It will reveal improvements in amplification and source components, making it a better long-term investment for those planning to upgrade their systems gradually.
The JBL 250B, while less revealing, pairs well with a wider range of equipment. Its higher sensitivity makes it particularly suitable for modest amplifiers and receivers, where the B&W might struggle to perform optimally.
Both speakers represent different approaches to the bookshelf speaker category. The 707 S2 showcases what's possible with premium materials and advanced technology, while the 250B demonstrates how modern manufacturing and smart design can deliver impressive performance at a more accessible price point.
For critical music listening in a well-treated room with quality electronics, the B&W 707 S2's superior resolution and refinement make it the clear choice. However, for many users, particularly those building a home theater system or listening in less-than-ideal rooms, the JBL Stage2 250B offers remarkable value and performance that belies its modest price.
The choice ultimately depends on your specific needs, budget, and system context. Either speaker can provide years of enjoyable listening when properly matched with appropriate equipment and room conditions.
| Bowers & Wilkins 707 S2 | JBL Stage2 250B |
|---|---|
| Price - Key consideration for value assessment | |
| $959 (premium tier) | $320 (mid-range tier) |
| Tweeter Technology - Determines high-frequency detail and clarity | |
| 1" Carbon Dome (47kHz breakup frequency) | 1" Anodized Aluminum dome with HDI waveguide |
| Woofer - Impacts bass response and midrange clarity | |
| 5" Continuum cone (premium proprietary material) | 5.25" Polycellulose ribbed cone (standard material) |
| Sensitivity - Affects how much power is needed | |
| 84dB (requires more powerful amp) | 86dB (more efficient, works with modest amps) |
| Frequency Response - Shows bass extension and overall range | |
| 50Hz - 28kHz (±3dB) | 50Hz - 25kHz (±6dB) |
| Power Handling - Indicates amplifier compatibility | |
| 30W - 100W recommended | 20W - 150W recommended |
| Impedance - Important for amplifier matching | |
| 8Ω nominal (4Ω minimum) | 6Ω nominal |
| Cabinet Design - Affects sound quality and aesthetics | |
| Premium finishes, Flowport technology | Standard build, rear-firing port |
| Dimensions (HxWxD) - Consider space requirements | |
| 11" x 6.5" x 10.2" | 12.6" x 7.9" x 9.5" |
| Weight - Indicates build quality and materials | |
| 13.2 lbs per speaker | 12.4 lbs per pair |
| Key Technologies - Proprietary features affecting performance | |
| Decoupled tweeter, Continuum cone, Flowport | HDI waveguide, magnetic grilles |
| Best Use Case - Optimal application | |
| Critical listening, premium audio systems | Home theater, casual listening, versatile placement |
For home theater use, the JBL Stage2 250B ($320) offers better value and practicality. Its higher sensitivity works well with AV receivers, and the HDI waveguide provides consistent sound across multiple seating positions. While the B&W 707 S2 ($959) offers superior detail, its benefits are less noticeable in movie watching compared to critical music listening.
The B&W 707 S2 costs $959, while the JBL Stage2 250B is priced at $320. This significant price difference of $639 reflects their different market positions - B&W as a premium choice and JBL as a mid-range option.
The JBL Stage2 250B is more efficient with an 86dB sensitivity rating, working well with most amplifiers. The B&W 707 S2's lower 84dB sensitivity means it needs more power to achieve the same volume levels, requiring a higher-quality amplifier for optimal performance.
The B&W 707 S2 excels at music reproduction with its advanced Carbon Dome tweeter and Continuum cone technology, offering superior detail and imaging. The JBL 250B provides good musical performance but doesn't match the B&W's refinement and precision.
Both speakers can work without a subwoofer, extending down to 50Hz. However, for full-range home theater experience, adding a subwoofer is recommended with either model to handle the lowest frequencies in movie soundtracks.
The B&W 707 S2 features premium construction with higher-grade materials and finishes. While the JBL 250B is well-built for its price point, it doesn't match the B&W's premium build quality and attention to detail.
Both speakers work well in small to medium-sized rooms. The JBL Stage2 250B is more forgiving with placement, while the B&W 707 S2 requires more careful positioning to achieve optimal performance.
Yes, both models work well in surround sound systems. The JBL Stage2 250B is particularly cost-effective for building a complete surround system, while the B&W 707 S2 offers premium performance but at a higher system cost.
The B&W 707 S2 offers more headroom for system upgrades, revealing improvements in amplification and source components. The JBL 250B performs well but has less potential for revealing future system improvements.
Both speakers perform best on proper speaker stands to achieve optimal height and minimize vibrations. However, they can be placed on solid bookshelves if necessary.
For pure movie watching, the JBL Stage2 250B offers excellent performance and value, with good dialogue clarity and dynamic range. The B&W 707 S2's superior detail may be less noticeable during movie playback compared to music listening.
The JBL Stage2 250B is more forgiving with placement and easier to drive with typical AV receivers. The B&W 707 S2 requires more careful setup and matching with appropriate electronics to achieve its full potential.
We've done our best to create useful and informative comparisons to help you decide what product to buy. Our research uses advanced automated methods to create this comparison and perfection is not possible - please contact us for corrections or questions. These are the sites we've researched in the creation of this article: whathifi.com - safeandsoundhq.com - bestbuy.com - hifichoice.com - crutchfield.com - listenup.com - digitalcinema.com.au - worldradiohistory.com - youtube.com - frankstonhifi.com.au - bestbuy.com - bestbuy.com - audioholics.com - bestbuy.com - erinsaudiocorner.com - jbl.com - jblonlinestore.com - ca.jbl.com - musicdirect.com - skybygramophone.com - audioadvice.com - kh.jbl.com
