In this review, we will be comparing C-308ASWi and A120P, two Powered Subwoofer speakers from Klipsch 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 Klipsch C-308ASWi 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 Klipsch C-308ASWi 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.Both Klipsch C-308ASWiand JBL Stage A120P have a single woofer setup however the Klipsch C-308ASWi's woofer is 8-inch whereas the JBL Stage A120P features a 12-inch woofer.
Frequency Response
C-308ASWi has a frequency range of 28-150 Hz whereas A120P has a frequency range of 32-150 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 28Hz, the C-308ASWi can go slightly deeper then 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 Klipsch C-308ASWi has a Passive Radiator type cabinet. 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. 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 Klipsch C-308ASWi's and JBL Stage A120P's external dimensions. Klipsch C-308ASWi has external dimensions of 299.0 x 286.0 x 356.0mm ( 11-3/4 x 11-1/4 x 14inch) 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 107mm wider, 116mm taller and 119mm deeper than Klipsch C-308ASWi.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Klipsch C-308ASWi and JBL Stage A120P in scale.
Comparison image of Klipsch C-308ASWi and JBL Stage A120P 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 Klipsch C-308ASWi is approximately 1018.2cm2 / 157.8inch2 and base area of the JBL Stage A120P is approximately 1866.8cm2 / 289.4inch2. The C-308ASWi requires 45% 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 Klipsch C-308ASWi weighs 12.27kg / 27lbs and the JBL Stage A120P weighs 18.68kg / 41.1lbs. This makes the A120P 52% heavier than the C-308ASWi.
Here is a comparison of how C-308ASWi 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 Klipsch C-308ASWi?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of C-308ASWi:
Powered subwooferGrille8-feet AC power cordUser Manual
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
 Low Frequency Response |
28 Hz
vs
32 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 Height |
299mm
vs
415mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1018cm2 (286x356mm)
vs
1866cm2 (393x475mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Wireless Operation |
Optional
vs
No
|
Connect your subwoofer to your system wireless |
| Woofer Size |
12 inches
vs
8 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| General |
Klipsch C Series C-308ASWi |
JBL Stage A120P |
| Brand |
Klipsch |
JBL |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
300 watts |
250 watts |
| Frequency Response |
28-150 Hz |
32-150 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
300-watt RMS |
250-watt RMS |
| Watts Peak (Max) |
n/a |
500-watt RMS |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
8" |
12" |
| Woofer Composition |
Cerametallic |
Polycellulose |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
front |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
299.0mm (11.8") |
415.0mm (16.3") |
| Width |
286.0mm (11.3") |
393.0mm (15.5") |
| Depth |
356.0mm (14") |
475.0mm (18.7") |
| Weight |
12.27kg (27lbs) |
18.68kg (41.1lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Passive Radiator |
Bass reflex |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
2 Years |
1 Year |
| Labor Warranty |
2 Years |
1 Year |