In this review, we will be comparing DALI Spektor 2 and A130, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from DALI and JBL.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of DALI Spektor 2 and JBL A130 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
DALI Spektor 2 Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1" Soft-Dome Tweeter
- 5.25" Wood Fiber Woofer
- 54-26k Hz Frequency Response
- 84.5 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 6ohms
- Power Range:25-100watts
- Weight:4.20kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 292.0" x 6.7" x 9.4"( 292.0 x 170.0 x 228.0mm )
JBL A130 Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1" Hard-Dome Tweeter
- 5.25" Polycellulose Woofer
- 55-40k Hz Frequency Response
- 86 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 6ohms
- Power Range:20-125watts
- Weight:5.46kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 323.0" x 7-1/2" x 9-13/16"( 323.0 x 191.0 x 250.0mm )
What size room are the DALI Spektor 2 and JBL A130 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:
| Listening Environment* |
DALI Spektor 2 |
JBL A130 |
| Near-field |
Average |
Poor |
| Small Room |
Good |
Average |
| Mid-size Room |
Average |
Good |
| Large Room |
Poor |
Average |
| Very Large Room |
Bad |
Poor |
(* Approximate Room sizes: Small < 100sq. ft / 9 m2,
Mid-size: 100-220 sq. ft / 9-20 m2, Large 220-400 sq. ft / 20-36 m2, Very Large: >
400 sq. ft / 36 m2.
Average Floor Height: 9" / 2.7m. Typical room sizes differ from country to country, and the actual
listening experience changes depending on floor height, room shape, surface materials, listening
position, speaker locations, etc.)
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the DALI Spektor 2 and JBL A130 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 DALI Spektor 2 and A130 are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
DALI Spektor 2 |
JBL A130 |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 5.25-inch
|
1 x 5.25-inch
|
DALI Spektor 2 features a 1" Soft-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 5.25" Wood Fiber Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2600Hz. On the other hand, the A130 features a 1" aluminum Hard-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 5.25" Polycellulose Woofer .
Frequency Response
DALI Spektor 2 has a frequency range of 54-26k Hz whereas A130 has a frequency range of 55-40k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 54Hz, the DALI Spektor 2 can go slightly deeper then the A130's min frequency of 55Hz.
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 Bookshelf class in our database.
Low Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
High Frequency
Bookshelf 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
DALI Spektor 2 and A130 have the same Impedance of 6 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. DALI Spektor 2 sensitivity is rated at 84.5 dB and the A130's is at 86 dB. This 1 dB difference makes the JBL A130 a more sensitive speaker compared to DALI Spektor 2, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.
Sensitivity
Bookshelf 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.
DALI Spektor 2 can handle a max power of 125 watts RMS from the amp the whereas DALI Spektor 2 has a max power handling value of 100 watts RMS , 25 watts less than the A130.
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.
Input Type and Bi-Amping / Bi-Wiring
DALI Spektor 2 features 5-way post type posts and A130 has a 5-way post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
JBL A130's 5-way post terminals
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Both DALI Spektor 2 and A130 have rear firing ports. Rear ported speakers generally need more room between the backside of the speaker and the wall compared to sealed and front/bottom ported speakers. Placing the speakers too close to the walls may cause the bass to sound boomy.
If you are limited in space and can't get the speakers away from the backwall, check our Speakers with Front Firing Ports page.
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 DALI Spektor 2's and JBL A130's external dimensions. DALI Spektor 2 has external dimensions of 292.0 x 170.0 x 228.0mm ( 11.5 x 6.7 x 9.4inch) whereas JBL A130 has external dimensions of 323.0 x 191.0 x 250.0mm ( 12-11/16 x 7-1/2 x 9-13/16inch) .
JBL A130 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 21mm wider, 31mm taller and 22mm deeper than DALI Spektor 2.
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 DALI Spektor 2 is approximately 387.6cm2 / 60.1inch2 and base area of the JBL A130 is approximately 477.5cm2 / 74.0inch2. The DALI Spektor 2 requires 19% less surface area than the A130 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 DALI Spektor 2 weighs 4.20kg / 9.2lbs and the JBL A130 weighs 5.46kg / 12lbs. This makes the A130 30% heavier than the DALI Spektor 2.
Here is a comparison of how DALI Spektor 2 and A130's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Bookshelf class.
Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
What's in the Box of DALI Spektor 2?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of DALI Spektor 2:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers GrilleRubber FeetMounting BracketManual
What's in the Box of JBL A130?
Here are the items that come with the A130:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers2 Grilles8 Rubber feetOwners ManualWarranty Card
 Low Frequency Response |
54 Hz
vs
55 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 Mounting Bracket |
Yes
vs
No
|
Allows mounting on walls |
 Height |
292mm
vs
323mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
387cm2
vs
477cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Max Input Power |
125 watts
vs
100 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 Sensitivity |
86 dB
vs
85 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 High Frequency Response |
40k Hz
vs
26k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
| General |
DALI Spektor 2 |
JBL Stage A130 |
| Brand |
DALI |
JBL |
| Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
| Power Range |
25-100 watts |
20-125 watts |
| Sensitivity |
84.5 dB |
86 dB |
| Impedance |
6 ohms |
6 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
54-26k Hz |
55-40k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
5.25" |
5.25" |
| Woofer Composition |
Wood Fiber |
Polycellulose |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
Soft-Dome |
Hard-Dome |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
2600Hz |
n/a |
| Firing Direction |
rear |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
292.0mm (11.5") |
323.0mm (12.7") |
| Width |
170.0mm (6.7") |
191.0mm (7.5") |
| Depth |
228.0mm (9") |
250.0mm (9.8") |
| Weight |
4.20kg (9.2lbs) |
5.46kg (12lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
MDF/Wood-grain vinyl |
MDF, Vinyl |
| Available Colors |
Black Ash, Walnut, White |
Black |
| Mounting Bracket |
Keyhole |
No |
| Recommended Stand Height |
n/a |
24-26" |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Biamp Inputs |
No |
No |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |