In this review, we will be comparing AE307 and A135C, two Passive Center Channel speakers from Acoustic Energy and JBL. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of AE307 and JBL Stage A135C first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the AE307 and JBL Stage A135C speakers good for?
The size of the room in which you are planning to use these loudspeakers is an important decision factor. Here we have compared their suitability to various sizes of environments considering their size and max power parameters:
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the AE307 and JBL Stage A135C compare and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one of these loudspeakers 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
Both AE307 and A135C are 2-way speakers.
Driver |
AE307 |
JBL Stage A135C |
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
Tweeter
|
1.1-inch
|
1-inch
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
Woofer
|
2 x 5.2-inch
|
6 x 3-inch
|
AE307 features a 1.1" aluminium dome with waveguide Tweeter and 2 x 5.2" ceramic aluminium sandwich Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2560Hz. On the other hand, the A135C features a 1" aluminum dome with HDI (High Definition Imaging) waveguide technology Tweeter and 6 x 3" polycellulose Woofer .
Frequency Response
AE307 has a frequency range of 42Hz - 30kHz whereas A135C has a frequency range of 75-40k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 42Hz, the AE307 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the A135C's min frequency of 75Hz.
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 Center Channel class in our database.
Low Frequency
Center Channel Speakers
High Frequency
Center Channel Speakers
None of these speakers achieves full range experience which is commonly agreed as 20Hz-20kHz. In order to achieve lower lows / deeper bass, we recommend you pair these with a subwoofer. Visit our Powered Subwoofers section to find out more about the available options.
Impedance and Sensitivity
AE307 and A135C have the same Impedance of 6 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. AE307 sensitivity is rated at 89 dB and the A135C's is at 90 dB. This 1 dB difference makes the JBL Stage A135C a more sensitive speaker compared to AE307, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.
Sensitivity
Center Channel Speakers
Power Range
Power
range is the range of input power in watts RMS that a loudspeaker is designed to handle. While using an amplifier within this range ensures the nominal performance , inputting a power that is higher than the max wattage can result in a damaged speaker.
AE307 can handle a max power of 175 watts RMS from the amp the whereas A135C has a max power handling value of 150 watts RMS, 25 watts less than the AE307.
Keep in mind that a higher max power handling value doesn't necessarily make that a louder speaker
compared to a lower max handling speaker. Loudness or the sound level is also impacted by parameters
such as Impedance, sensitivity and system efficiencies.
Cabinet Type and Port Position
AE307 has a rear firing port whereas A135C has a side firing ports.
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 AE307's and JBL Stage A135C's external dimensions. AE307 has external dimensions of 175.0 x 460.0 x 260.0mm ( 6.9 x 18.1 x 10.2inch) whereas JBL Stage A135C has external dimensions of 105.0 x 747.0 x 186.0mm ( 4-1/8 x 29-3/8 x 7-5/16inch) .
JBL Stage A135C is 70mm shorter and 74mm less deeper than AE307 but it is also 287mm wider.
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 AE307 is approximately 1196.0cm2 / 185.4inch2 and base area of the JBL Stage A135C is approximately 1389.4cm2 / 215.4inch2. The AE307 requires 14% less surface area than the A135C which gives it a small advantage on placement in tight spaces.
Weight Comparison The weight of a loudspeaker can become an important factor if you need to move and reposition the unit often. Weight of a speaker can also "sometimes" be an indicator of the rigidity of the enclosure and the quality of the internal components used. The AE307 weighs 9.00kg / 19.8lbs and the JBL Stage A135C weighs 7.46kg / 16.4lbs. This makes the AE307 21% heavier than the A135C.
Here is a comparison of how AE307 and A135C's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Center Channel class.
Weight
All Center Channel Speakers
What's in the Box of JBL Stage A135C?
Here are the items that come with the A135C:
Center-channel loudspeakerGrille4 Leveling feet4 Rubber feetOwners ManualWarranty Card
Max Input Power |
175 watts
vs
150 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
Woofer Size |
5.2 inches
vs
3 inches
|
Larger woofer |
Low Frequency Response |
42 Hz
vs
75 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
Base Surface Area |
1196cm2 (460x260mm)
vs
1389cm2 (747x186mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
Sensitivity |
90 dB
vs
89 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
Number of Woofers |
6
vs
2
|
More woofers |
High Frequency Response |
40k Hz
vs
30k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
Height |
105mm
vs
175mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
Price per pair* |
300USD
vs
799USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
General |
Acoustic Energy AE307 |
JBL Stage A135C |
Brand |
Acoustic Energy |
JBL |
Speaker Type |
Center channel speaker |
Low-profile center channel speaker |
Power Range |
up to 175 watts |
20-150 watts |
Sensitivity |
89 dB |
90 dB |
Impedance |
6 ohms |
6 ohms |
Frequency Response |
42Hz - 30kHz |
75-40k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
Woofer Quantity |
2 |
6 |
Woofer Size |
5.2" |
3" |
Woofer Composition |
ceramic aluminium sandwich |
polycellulose |
Tweeter Size |
1.1" |
1" |
Tweeter Type |
dome with waveguide |
dome with HDI (High Definition Imaging) waveguide technology |
Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
Midrange Driver |
No |
N/A" |
Crossover Frequency |
2560Hz |
n/a |
Firing Direction |
rear |
side |
Physical Specs |
|
|
Height |
175.0mm (6.9") |
105.0mm (4.1") |
Width |
460.0mm (18.1") |
747.0mm (29.4") |
Depth |
260.0mm (10.2") |
186.0mm (7.3") |
Weight |
9.00kg (19.8lbs) |
7.46kg (16.4lbs) |
Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
Finish |
high density MDF |
n/a |
Available Colors |
Piano Gloss White, Piano Gloss Black, Real Walnut wood veneer |
Black |
Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Biamp Inputs |
n/a |
No |
Other |
|
|
Parts Warranty |
|
5 Years |
Labor Warranty |
|
5 Years |