In this review, we will be comparing A120P and ProSub 1000, two Powered Subwoofer speakers from JBL and Definitive Technology. 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 Definitive ProSub 1000 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 Definitive ProSub 1000 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.Both JBL Stage A120Pand Definitive ProSub 1000 have a single woofer setup however the JBL Stage A120P's woofer is 12-inch whereas the Definitive ProSub 1000 features a 10-inch woofer.
Frequency Response
A120P has a frequency range of 32-150 Hz whereas ProSub 1000 has a frequency range of 18-150 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 18Hz, the ProSub 1000 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 Definitive ProSub 1000 have Passive Radiator type enclosure. Passive Radiator type subwoofers sports a non-powered cone that moves in response to the main woofer to move air out in order to generate stronger bass in a smaller body compared to ported or 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 Definitive ProSub 1000'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 Definitive ProSub 1000 has external dimensions of 366.0 x 307.0 x 486.0mm ( 14-3/8 x 12-1/16 x 19-1/8inch) .
Definitive ProSub 1000 is 86mm narrower and 49mm shorter than JBL Stage A120P but it is also 11mm deeper.
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 Definitive ProSub 1000 is approximately 1492.0cm2 / 231.3inch2. The A120P requires 25% more surface area than the ProSub 1000 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 Definitive ProSub 1000 weighs 14.09kg / 31lbs. This makes the A120P 33% heavier than the ProSub 1000.
Here is a comparison of how A120P and ProSub 1000'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 Definitive ProSub 1000?
Here are the items that come with the ProSub 1000:
10-inch Powered subwooferDetachable grille (installed)7-feet AC power cordOwners ManualOnline Product Registration card
 Woofer Size |
12 inches
vs
10 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
18 Hz
vs
32 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 Height |
366mm
vs
415mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1492cm2 (307x486mm)
vs
1866cm2 (393x475mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
| General |
JBL Stage A120P |
Definitive Technology ProSub 1000 |
| Brand |
JBL |
Definitive Technology |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
250 watts |
300 watts |
| Frequency Response |
32-150 Hz |
18-150 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
250-watt RMS |
300-watt RMS |
| Watts Peak (Max) |
500-watt RMS |
n/a |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
12" |
10" |
| Woofer Composition |
Polycellulose |
Polymer |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
n/a |
40-150 Hz and 80 Hz |
| Firing Direction |
front |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
415.0mm (16.3") |
366.0mm (14.4") |
| Width |
393.0mm (15.5") |
307.0mm (12.1") |
| Depth |
475.0mm (18.7") |
486.0mm (19.1") |
| Weight |
18.68kg (41.1lbs) |
14.09kg (31lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass reflex |
Passive Radiator |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
1 Year |
3 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
1 Year |
3 Years |