In this review, we will be comparing Bluesound PULSE SUB+ and A120P, two Powered Subwoofer speakers from Bluesound and JBL. Being Powered subwoofers, they both have built-in amplifiers so you don't need an external power amp or an integrated amp to power them. Let's have a brief look at the main features of Bluesound PULSE SUB+ and JBL Stage A120P first before getting into our more detailed comparison.
In the following sections, we will get into details in order to better understand how the Bluesound PULSE SUB+ and JBL Stage A120P compare and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one of these subwoofers 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
The efficiency of a subwoofer is directly proportional to the total radiating are squared hence the woofer quantity and diameter.Both Bluesound PULSE SUB+and JBL Stage A120P have a single woofer setup however the Bluesound PULSE SUB+'s woofer is 8-inch whereas the JBL Stage A120P features a 12-inch woofer.
Frequency Response
Bluesound PULSE SUB+ has a frequency range of 22-150 Hz whereas A120P has a frequency range of 32-150 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 22Hz, the Bluesound PULSE SUB+ can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the A120P's min frequency of 32Hz.
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 Subwoofer class in our database.
Low Frequency
Subwoofer Speakers
High Frequency
Subwoofer Speakers
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 Bluesound PULSE SUB+'s and JBL Stage A120P's external dimensions. Bluesound PULSE SUB+ has external dimensions of 300 x 457 x 146 mm ( ) whereas JBL Stage A120P has external dimensions of 415.0 x 393.0 x 475.0mm ( 16-5/16 x 15-7/16 x 18-11/16inch) .
Bluesound PULSE SUB+ is 115mm shorter and 329mm less deeper than JBL Stage A120P but it is also 64mm wider.
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 Bluesound PULSE SUB+ is approximately 667.2cm2 / 103.4inch2 and base area of the JBL Stage A120P is approximately 1866.8cm2 / 289.4inch2. The Bluesound PULSE SUB+ requires 64% less surface area than the A120P which gives it a small advantage on placement in tight spaces.
Weight Comparison The weight of a subwoofer may become an important factor if you need to move and reposition the unit often to find the optimal positioning, also known as 'Subwoofer Crawling'. The Bluesound PULSE SUB+ weighs 8.28kg / 18.2lbs and the JBL Stage A120P weighs 18.68kg / 41.1lbs. This makes the A120P 126% heavier than the Bluesound PULSE SUB+.
Here is a comparison of how Bluesound PULSE SUB+ and A120P's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Powered Subwoofer class.
Weight
All Subwoofer Speakers
 Low Frequency Response |
22 Hz
vs
32 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 App-Based Control |
BluOS Controller (iOS, Android)
vs
None
|
Control the speaker via an app |
 Height |
300mm
vs
415mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
667cm2
vs
1866cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Ethernet Connection |
Yes
vs
No
|
High quality streaming over Ethernet |
 Wireless Operation |
Yes
vs
No
|
Connect your subwoofer to your system wireless |
| Woofer Size |
12 inches
vs
8 inches
|
Larger woofer |
 Price per pair* |
300USD
vs
1149USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
Bluesound PULSE SUB+ |
JBL Stage A120P |
| Brand |
Bluesound |
JBL |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Frequency Response |
22-150 Hz |
32-150 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
150-watt RMS |
250-watt RMS |
| Watts Peak (Max) |
200-watt RMS |
500-watt RMS |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
8" |
12" |
| Woofer Composition |
Polypropylene |
Polycellulose |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
n/a |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
n/a |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
300.0mm (11.8") |
415.0mm (16.3") |
| Width |
457.0mm (18") |
393.0mm (15.5") |
| Depth |
146.0mm (5.7") |
475.0mm (18.7") |
| Weight |
8.28kg (18.2lbs) |
18.68kg (41.1lbs) |
| Enclosure |
|
Bass reflex |
| Finish |
Matte |
n/a |
| Available Colors |
Black, White |
n/a |
| Grille |
n/a |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| USB Port |
Type A (upgrade only), Type B mini (service) |
n/a |
| Ethernet Port |
Yes |
n/a |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
|
1 Year |
| Labor Warranty |
|
1 Year |