In this review, we will be comparing SubSeries 250 and A120P, two Powered Subwoofer speakers from PSB 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 PSB SubSeries 250 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 PSB SubSeries 250 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 PSB SubSeries 250and JBL Stage A120P have a single woofer setup however the PSB SubSeries 250's woofer is 10-inch whereas the JBL Stage A120P features a 12-inch woofer.
Frequency Response
SubSeries 250 has a frequency range of 25-150 Hz whereas A120P has a frequency range of 32-150 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 25Hz, the SubSeries 250 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 PSB SubSeries 250 has a Acoustic Suspension type cabinet. Acoustic Suspension aka Sealed type subwoofers have enclosures that are sealed hence no ports or holes exists on the cabinet. Sealed designs helps to provide more accurate and tight bass responses compared to ported 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 PSB SubSeries 250's and JBL Stage A120P's external dimensions. PSB SubSeries 250 has external dimensions of 362.0 x 348.0 x 397.0mm ( 14-1/4 x 13-11/16 x 15-5/8inch) 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 45mm wider, 53mm taller and 78mm deeper than PSB SubSeries 250.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of PSB SubSeries 250 and JBL Stage A120P in scale.
Comparison image of PSB SubSeries 250 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 PSB SubSeries 250 is approximately 1381.6cm2 / 214.1inch2 and base area of the JBL Stage A120P is approximately 1866.8cm2 / 289.4inch2. The SubSeries 250 requires 26% 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 PSB SubSeries 250 weighs 19.09kg / 42lbs and the JBL Stage A120P weighs 18.68kg / 41.1lbs. This makes the SubSeries 250 2% heavier than the A120P.
Here is a comparison of how SubSeries 250 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 PSB SubSeries 250?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of SubSeries 250:
Powered subwooferGrille6-feet AC power cordQuick Start GuideImportant Safety InstructionsWarranty Information
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 |
25 Hz
vs
32 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 Height |
362mm
vs
415mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1381cm2 (348x397mm)
vs
1866cm2 (393x475mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Wireless Operation |
Optional
vs
No
|
Connect your subwoofer to your system wireless |
| Woofer Size |
12 inches
vs
10 inches
|
Larger woofer |
 Price per pair* |
300USD
vs
999USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
PSB SubSeries 250 |
JBL Stage A120P |
| Brand |
PSB |
JBL |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
200 watts |
250 watts |
| Frequency Response |
25-150 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 |
10" |
12" |
| Woofer Composition |
Polypropylene |
Polycellulose |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
50-150 Hz and 80 Hz |
n/a |
| Firing Direction |
front |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
362.0mm (14.3") |
415.0mm (16.3") |
| Width |
348.0mm (13.7") |
393.0mm (15.5") |
| Depth |
397.0mm (15.6") |
475.0mm (18.7") |
| Weight |
19.09kg (42lbs) |
18.68kg (41.1lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Acoustic Suspension |
Bass reflex |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
1 Year |
1 Year |
| Labor Warranty |
1 Year |
1 Year |