In this review, we will be comparing DT8LCR and Stage 280W, two Passive In-wall speakers from Definitive Technology and JBL. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Definitive DT8LCR and JBL Stage 280W first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the Definitive DT8LCR and JBL Stage 280W 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 Definitive DT8LCR and JBL Stage 280W 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 DT8LCR and Stage 280W are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Definitive DT8LCR |
JBL Stage 280W |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 8-inch
|
1 x 8-inch
|
DT8LCR features a 1" Hard-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 8" Polypropylene Woofer . On the other hand, the Stage 280W features a 1" Horn-Loaded Tweeter and 1 x 8" Polycellulose Woofer .
Frequency Response
DT8LCR has a frequency range of 27-30kHz whereas Stage 280W has a frequency range of 42-25kHz. With a minimum frequency of 27Hz, the DT8LCR can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the Stage 280W's min frequency of 42Hz.
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 In-wall class in our database.
Low Frequency
In-wall Speakers
High Frequency
In-wall 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
DT8LCR and Stage 280W have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. DT8LCR sensitivity is rated at 89 dB and the Stage 280W's is at 90 dB. This 1 dB difference makes the JBL Stage 280W a more sensitive speaker compared to Definitive DT8LCR, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.
Sensitivity
In-wall 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.
DT8LCR can handle a max power of 120 watts RMS from the amp the whereas DT8LCR has a max power handling value of 100 watts RMS , 20 watts less than the Stage 280W.
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
DT8LCR features Spring clip type posts and Stage 280W has a Spring clip type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
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 Definitive DT8LCR's and JBL Stage 280W's external dimensions. Definitive DT8LCR has external dimensions of 324.0 x 223.0 x 96.0mm ( 12.7500-inch x 8.7500-inch x 3.7500-inch) whereas JBL Stage 280W has external dimensions of 374.0 x 239.0 x 99.0mm ( 14.6875-inch x 9.3750-inch x 3.8750-inch) .
JBL Stage 280W is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 16mm wider, 50mm taller and 3mm deeper than Definitive DT8LCR.
What's in the Box of Definitive DT8LCR?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of DT8LCR:
In-wall loudspeakerGrilleMounting templateCarboard paint shieldOwners GuideOnline Product Registration InformationImportant Installation Instructions
What's in the Box of JBL Stage 280W?
Here are the items that come with the Stage 280W:
In-wall loudspeakerGrilleCut-Out TemplateQuick Start Guide