In this review, we will be comparing PSW125 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 PSW125 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 PSW125 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 PSW125and JBL Stage A120P have the same driver set up: Both subwoofers have 1 x 12" drivers.
Frequency Response
PSW125 has a frequency range of 32-225 Hz whereas A120P has a frequency range of 32-150 Hz.
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 PSW125 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.
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 PSW125's and JBL Stage A120P's external dimensions. Polk PSW125 has external dimensions of 424.0 x 413.0 x 520.0mm ( 16-11/16 x 16-1/4 x 20-7/16inch) 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 PSW125 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 20mm wider, 9mm taller and 45mm deeper than JBL Stage A120P.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Polk PSW125 and JBL Stage A120P in scale.
Comparison image of Polk PSW125 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 PSW125 is approximately 2147.6cm2 / 332.9inch2 and base area of the JBL Stage A120P is approximately 1866.8cm2 / 289.4inch2. The PSW125 requires 15% 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 PSW125 weighs 18.23kg / 40.1lbs and the JBL Stage A120P weighs 18.68kg / 41.1lbs. This makes the A120P 2% heavier than the PSW125.
Here is a comparison of how PSW125 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 PSW125?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of PSW125:
Black powered subwooferGrille (installed)8-feet Detachable power cord4 Rubber insert feetOwners ManualOnline registration cardRubber feet installation diagram
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
 High Frequency Response |
225k Hz
vs
150k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
415mm
vs
424mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1866cm2 (393x475mm)
vs
2147cm2 (413x520mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
| General |
Polk Audio PSW125 |
JBL Stage A120P |
| Brand |
Polk Audio |
JBL |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
150 watts |
250 watts |
| Frequency Response |
32-225 Hz |
32-150 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
150-watt RMS |
250-watt RMS |
| Watts Peak (Max) |
n/a |
500-watt RMS |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
12" |
12" |
| Woofer Composition |
DB Composite |
Polycellulose |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
front |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
424.0mm (16.7") |
415.0mm (16.3") |
| Width |
413.0mm (16.3") |
393.0mm (15.5") |
| Depth |
520.0mm (20.5") |
475.0mm (18.7") |
| Weight |
18.23kg (40.1lbs) |
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 |