In this review, we will be comparing Sub C-8 D and A120P, two Powered Subwoofer speakers from DALI 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 DALI Sub C-8 D and JBL Stage A120P first before getting into our more detailed comparison.
The sections below take each area in turn: driver and amplifier, frequency response, physical size and connectivity.
Drivers
The efficiency of a subwoofer is directly proportional to the total radiating are squared hence the woofer quantity and diameter.Both DALI Sub C-8 Dand JBL Stage A120P have a single woofer setup however the DALI Sub C-8 D's woofer is 8-inch whereas the JBL Stage A120P features a 12-inch woofer.
Frequency Response
Sub C-8 D has a frequency range of 33-200 Hz whereas A120P has a frequency range of 32-150 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 32Hz, the A120P can go slightly deeper then the Sub C-8 D's min frequency of 33Hz.
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 DALI Sub C-8 D has a Bass Reflex type cabinet. Bass Reflex type subwoofers (aka Ported, Vented or Reflex Port) have enclosures that uses a port, hole or vent cut into the cabinet. Ported designs are generally more efficient than the Sealed designs. On the other hand the JBL Stage A120P have Bass reflex type enclosure.
Physical Specs
The size of a speaker can sometimes be an important decision factor due to space constraints or in some cases purely for esthetic reasons. In this section, we are going to compare DALI Sub C-8 D's and JBL Stage A120P's external dimensions. DALI Sub C-8 D has external dimensions of 335 x 295 x 310 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).
JBL Stage A120P is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 98mm wider, 80mm taller and 165mm deeper than DALI Sub C-8 D.
Size, drawn to scale
Both speakers and both views share one scale, so everything here is directly comparable. Hover a box for its dimensions.
One scale for both, standing on the same surface and pushed back to the same wall, so the deeper one visibly sticks out further.
JBL Stage A120P needs about 104% more floor or shelf area. JBL Stage A120P is 165mm deeper, so it stands that much further out from the wall. JBL Stage A120P is 80mm taller.
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 DALI Sub C-8 D is approximately 914.5cm2 / 141.7inch2 and base area of the JBL Stage A120P is approximately 1866.8cm2 / 289.4inch2. The Sub C-8 D requires 51% less surface area than the A120P which gives it a small advantage on placement in tight spaces.