In this review, we will be comparing Radius 380 and A120P, two Powered Subwoofer speakers from Monitor Audio 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 Monitor Audio Radius 380 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 Monitor Audio Radius 380 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.
**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 Monitor Audio Radius 380and JBL Stage A120P have a single woofer setup however the Monitor Audio Radius 380's woofer is 8-inch whereas the JBL Stage A120P features a 12-inch woofer.
Frequency Response
Radius 380 has a frequency range of 30-120 Hz whereas A120P has a frequency range of 32-150 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 30Hz, the Radius 380 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 Monitor Audio Radius 380 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 Monitor Audio Radius 380's and JBL Stage A120P's external dimensions. Monitor Audio Radius 380 has external dimensions of 308.0 x 291.0 x 345.0mm ( 12-1/8 x 11-7/16 x 13-9/16inch) 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 102mm wider, 107mm taller and 130mm deeper than Monitor Audio Radius 380.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Monitor Audio Radius 380 and JBL Stage A120P in scale.
Comparison image of Monitor Audio Radius 380 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 Monitor Audio Radius 380 is approximately 1004.0cm2 / 155.6inch2 and base area of the JBL Stage A120P is approximately 1866.8cm2 / 289.4inch2. The Radius 380 requires 46% 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 Monitor Audio Radius 380 weighs 10.18kg / 22.4lbs and the JBL Stage A120P weighs 18.68kg / 41.1lbs. This makes the A120P 83% heavier than the Radius 380.
Here is a comparison of how Radius 380 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 Monitor Audio Radius 380?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Radius 380:
Powered sub6-feet AC power cord10.75-feet Mono minijack cableOwners ManualImportant Safety 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
 Low Frequency Response |
30 Hz
vs
32 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 Height |
308mm
vs
415mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1004cm2 (291x345mm)
vs
1866cm2 (393x475mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
| Woofer Size |
12 inches
vs
8 inches
|
Larger woofer |
 High Frequency Response |
150k Hz
vs
120k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Price per pair* |
300USD
vs
875USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
Monitor Audio Radius 380 |
JBL Stage A120P |
| Brand |
Monitor Audio |
JBL |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
200 watts |
250 watts |
| Frequency Response |
30-120 Hz |
32-150 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
200-watt RMS |
250-watt RMS |
| Watts Peak (Max) |
n/a |
500-watt RMS |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
8" |
12" |
| Woofer Composition |
C-CAM |
Polycellulose |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
side |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
308.0mm (12.1") |
415.0mm (16.3") |
| Width |
291.0mm (11.5") |
393.0mm (15.5") |
| Depth |
345.0mm (13.6") |
475.0mm (18.7") |
| Weight |
10.18kg (22.4lbs) |
18.68kg (41.1lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Passive Radiator |
Bass reflex |
| Grille |
n/a |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
2 Years |
1 Year |
| Labor Warranty |
2 Years |
1 Year |