In this review, we will be comparing HTS 12 and A120P, two Powered Subwoofer speakers from Polk 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 Polk HTS 12 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 Polk HTS 12 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.Polk HTS 12and JBL Stage A120P have the same driver set up: Both subwoofers have 1 x 12" drivers.
Frequency Response
HTS 12 has a frequency range of 28-120 Hz whereas A120P has a frequency range of 32-150 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 28Hz, the HTS 12 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 Polk HTS 12 has a Bass Reflex type cabinet. 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. On the other hand the JBL Stage A120P have Bass reflex type enclosure.
Polk HTS 12 Port
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 Polk HTS 12's and JBL Stage A120P's external dimensions. Polk HTS 12 has external dimensions of 478.0 x 437.0 x 510.0mm ( 18-13/16 x 17-3/16 x 20-1/16inch) 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) .
Polk HTS 12 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 44mm wider, 63mm taller and 35mm deeper than JBL Stage A120P.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Polk HTS 12 and JBL Stage A120P in scale.
Comparison image of Polk HTS 12 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 Polk HTS 12 is approximately 2228.7cm2 / 345.4inch2 and base area of the JBL Stage A120P is approximately 1866.8cm2 / 289.4inch2. The HTS 12 requires 19% more surface area than the A120P 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 Polk HTS 12 weighs 22.68kg / 49.9lbs and the JBL Stage A120P weighs 18.68kg / 41.1lbs. This makes the HTS 12 21% heavier than the A120P.
Here is a comparison of how HTS 12 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 Polk HTS 12?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of HTS 12:
Powered subwooferGrille8-feet AC power cordOwners ManualOnline Product Registration sheet
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 |
 High Frequency Response |
150k Hz
vs
120k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
415mm
vs
478mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1866cm2
vs
2228cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
300USD
vs
549USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
Polk Audio HTS 12 |
JBL Stage A120P |
| Brand |
Polk Audio |
JBL |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
200 watts |
250 watts |
| Frequency Response |
28-120 Hz |
32-150 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
200-watt RMS |
250-watt RMS |
| Watts Peak (Max) |
400-watt RMS |
500-watt RMS |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
12" |
12" |
| Woofer Composition |
Polypropylene |
Polycellulose |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
front |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
478.0mm (18.8") |
415.0mm (16.3") |
| Width |
437.0mm (17.2") |
393.0mm (15.5") |
| Depth |
510.0mm (20.1") |
475.0mm (18.7") |
| Weight |
22.68kg (49.9lbs) |
18.68kg (41.1lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass reflex |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
3 Years |
1 Year |
| Labor Warranty |
3 Years |
1 Year |