In this review, we will be comparing DB2D and A120P, two Powered Subwoofer speakers from Bowers Wilkins 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 B&W DB2D 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 B&W DB2D 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.
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Drivers
The efficiency of a subwoofer is directly proportional to the total radiating are squared hence the woofer quantity and diameter.B&W DB2D and JBL Stage A120P have a totally different setup: the B&W DB2D features 2 x 10-inch drivers whereas the A120P features 1 x 12-inch drivers.
Frequency Response
DB2D has a frequency range of 10-350 Hz whereas A120P has a frequency range of 32-150 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 10Hz, the DB2D 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
Cabinet Type
The B&W DB2D has a Acoustic Suspension type cabinet. Acoustic Suspension aka Sealed type subwoofers have enclosures that are sealed hence no ports or holes exists on the cabinet. Sealed designs helps to provide more accurate and tight bass responses compared to ported designs. On the other hand the JBL Stage A120P have Bass reflex type enclosure.
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 B&W DB2D's and JBL Stage A120P's external dimensions. B&W DB2D has external dimensions of 386.0 x 431.0 x 410.0mm ( 15-3/16inch x 16-15/16inch x 16-1/8inch ) 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) .
B&W DB2D is 29mm shorter and 65mm less deeper than JBL Stage A120P but it is also 38mm 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 B&W DB2D is approximately 1767.1cm2 / 273.9inch2 and base area of the JBL Stage A120P is approximately 1866.8cm2 / 289.4inch2. The DB2D requires 5% 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 B&W DB2D weighs 36.09kg / 79.4lbs and the JBL Stage A120P weighs 18.68kg / 41.1lbs. This makes the DB2D 93% heavier than the A120P.
Here is a comparison of how DB2D and A120P's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Powered Subwoofer class.
Weight
All Subwoofer Speakers
What's in the Box of B&W DB2D?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of DB2D:
Powered subwoofer2 Grilles6.5-feet AC power cord4 Decoupling feet4 Rubber feet4 Spike feet4 Lock-nutsCleaning clothQuickstart GuideBowers & Wilkins brochureWarranty InformationCleaning cloth instructions
What's in the Box of JBL Stage A120P?
Here are the items that come with the A120P:
Powered subwooferGrille6-feet AC power cord4 Spike feetOwners ManualWarranty CardImportant Safety Instructions
 Number of Woofers |
2
vs
1
|
More woofers |
| Low Frequency Response |
10 Hz
vs
32 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
350k Hz
vs
150k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
386mm
vs
415mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1767cm2 (431x410mm)
vs
1866cm2 (393x475mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Driver Setup |
1-way
vs
-way
|
Have a dedicated mid-range driver |
| Woofer Size |
12 inches
vs
10 inches
|
Larger woofer |
 Price per pair* |
300USD
vs
4499USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
Bowers & Wilkins DB2D |
JBL Stage A120P |
| Brand |
Bowers Wilkins |
JBL |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
1000 watts |
250 watts |
| Frequency Response |
10-350 Hz |
32-150 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
1000-watt RMS |
250-watt RMS |
| Watts Peak (Max) |
n/a |
500-watt RMS |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
2 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
10" |
12" |
| Woofer Composition |
Aerofoil |
Polycellulose |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
front |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
386.0mm (15.2") |
415.0mm (16.3") |
| Width |
431.0mm (17") |
393.0mm (15.5") |
| Depth |
410.0mm (16.1") |
475.0mm (18.7") |
| Weight |
36.09kg (79.4lbs) |
18.68kg (41.1lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Acoustic Suspension |
Bass reflex |
| Available Colors |
Gloss Black,Satin White |
n/a |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
2 Years |
1 Year |
| Labor Warranty |
2 Years |
1 Year |