In this review, we will be comparing Q SUB80 and A120P, two Powered Subwoofer speakers from Q Acoustics 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 Q Acoustics Q SUB80 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 Q Acoustics Q SUB80 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 Q Acoustics Q SUB80and JBL Stage A120P have a single woofer setup however the Q Acoustics Q SUB80's woofer is 8-inch whereas the JBL Stage A120P features a 12-inch woofer.
Frequency Response
Q SUB80 has a frequency range of 36-250 Hz whereas A120P has a frequency range of 32-150 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 32Hz, the A120P can go slightly deeper then the Q SUB80's min frequency of 36Hz.
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 Q Acoustics Q SUB80 has a Infinite Baffle type cabinet. 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 Q Acoustics Q SUB80's and JBL Stage A120P's external dimensions. Q Acoustics Q SUB80 has external dimensions of 315.0 x 315.0 x 347.0mm ( 12-3/8 x 12-3/8 x 13-11/16inch) 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 78mm wider, 100mm taller and 128mm deeper than Q Acoustics Q SUB80.
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 Q Acoustics Q SUB80 is approximately 1093.1cm2 / 169.4inch2 and base area of the JBL Stage A120P is approximately 1866.8cm2 / 289.4inch2. The Q SUB80 requires 41% 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 Q Acoustics Q SUB80 weighs 15.00kg / 33lbs and the JBL Stage A120P weighs 18.68kg / 41.1lbs. This makes the A120P 25% heavier than the Q SUB80.
Here is a comparison of how Q SUB80 and A120P's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Powered Subwoofer class.
Weight
All Subwoofer Speakers
 High Frequency Response |
250k Hz
vs
150k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
315mm
vs
415mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1093cm2
vs
1866cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Woofer Size |
12 inches
vs
8 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
32 Hz
vs
36 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 Price per pair* |
300USD
vs
599USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
Q Acoustics Q SUB80 |
JBL Stage A120P |
| Brand |
Q Acoustics |
JBL |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
200 watts |
250 watts |
| Frequency Response |
36-250 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 |
8" |
12" |
| Woofer Composition |
Paper composite |
Polycellulose |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
n/a |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
315.0mm (12.4") |
415.0mm (16.3") |
| Width |
315.0mm (12.4") |
393.0mm (15.5") |
| Depth |
347.0mm (13.7") |
475.0mm (18.7") |
| Weight |
15.00kg (33lbs) |
18.68kg (41.1lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Infinite Baffle |
Bass reflex |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
1 Year |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
1 Year |