In this review, we will be comparing A120P and S8, two Powered Subwoofer speakers from JBL and Audioengine. 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 JBL Stage A120P and Audioengine S8 first before getting into our more detailed comparison.
In the following sections, we will get into details in order to better understand how the JBL Stage A120P and Audioengine S8 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 JBL Stage A120Pand Audioengine S8 have a single woofer setup however the JBL Stage A120P's woofer is 12-inch whereas the Audioengine S8 features a 8-inch woofer.
Frequency Response
A120P has a frequency range of 32-150 Hz whereas S8 has a frequency range of 27-180 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 27Hz, the S8 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 JBL Stage A120P has a Bass reflex type cabinet. On the other hand the Audioengine S8 have Bass Reflex type enclosure. 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.
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 JBL Stage A120P's and Audioengine S8's external dimensions. 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) whereas Audioengine S8 has external dimensions of 334.0 x 293.0 x 337.0mm ( 13-1/8 x 11-1/2 x 13-1/4inch) .
JBL Stage A120P is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 100mm wider, 81mm taller and 138mm deeper than Audioengine S8.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of JBL Stage A120P and Audioengine S8 in scale.
Comparison image of JBL Stage A120P and Audioengine S8 Size and External Dimensions
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 JBL Stage A120P is approximately 1866.8cm2 / 289.4inch2 and base area of the Audioengine S8 is approximately 987.4cm2 / 153.0inch2. The A120P requires 89% more surface area than the S8 which gives it a small disadvantage 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 JBL Stage A120P weighs 18.68kg / 41.1lbs and the Audioengine S8 weighs 13.64kg / 30lbs. This makes the A120P 37% heavier than the S8.
Here is a comparison of how A120P and S8's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Powered Subwoofer class.
Weight
All Subwoofer Speakers
What's in the Box of JBL Stage A120P?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of A120P:
Powered subwooferGrille6-feet AC power cord4 Spike feetOwners ManualWarranty CardImportant Safety Instructions
What's in the Box of Audioengine S8?
Here are the items that come with the S8:
Powered subwoofer6-feet AC power cord6.5-feet Stereo RCA cable6.5-feet Stereo minijack audio cableCloth subwoofer bagCloth cable bagQuick Start GuideAudioengine brochure
 Woofer Size |
12 inches
vs
8 inches
|
Larger woofer |
 Price per pair* |
300USD
vs
349USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| Low Frequency Response |
27 Hz
vs
32 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
180k Hz
vs
150k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
334mm
vs
415mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
987cm2 (293x337mm)
vs
1866cm2 (393x475mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
| General |
JBL Stage A120P |
Audioengine S8 |
| Brand |
JBL |
Audioengine |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
250 watts |
125 watts |
| Frequency Response |
32-150 Hz |
27-180 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
250-watt RMS |
125-watt RMS |
| Watts Peak (Max) |
500-watt RMS |
n/a |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
12" |
8" |
| Woofer Composition |
Polycellulose |
Treated paper |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
front |
bottom |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
415.0mm (16.3") |
334.0mm (13.1") |
| Width |
393.0mm (15.5") |
293.0mm (11.5") |
| Depth |
475.0mm (18.7") |
337.0mm (13.3") |
| Weight |
18.68kg (41.1lbs) |
13.64kg (30lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Grille |
Yes |
n/a |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
1 Year |
3 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
1 Year |
3 Years |