In this review, we will be comparing IWSUB8 and Stage 280W, two Passive In-wall speakers from Focal and JBL. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Focal IWSUB8 and JBL Stage 280W first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
Focal IWSUB8 Key Specs
- 1-way Design
- " Tweeter
- 8" Polyglass Woofer
- 34-140HzHz Frequency Response
- --- Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:up to 200watts
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 347.0" x 13.6250" x 4.2500"( 347.0 x 347.0 x 108.0mm )
JBL Stage 280W Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1" Horn-Loaded Tweeter
- 8" Polycellulose Woofer
- 42-25kHz Frequency Response
- 90 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:20-120watts
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 374.0" x 9.3750" x 3.8750"( 374.0 x 239.0 x 99.0mm )
What size room are the Focal IWSUB8 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:
| Listening Environment* |
Focal IWSUB8 |
JBL Stage 280W |
| Near-field |
Poor |
Poor |
| Small Room |
Average |
Average |
| Mid-size Room |
Good |
Good |
| Large Room |
Average |
Average |
| Very Large Room |
Poor |
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 Focal IWSUB8 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
One of the fundamental differences between these two speakers is that IWSUB8 is a 1-way design whereas the Stage 280W is a 2-way speaker. 3-way designs utilize a midrange driver in addition to the tweeter and woofer on 2-way designs. Designing a crossover for a 3-way speaker is a complicated process and generally increases the overall cost of the speaker.
| Driver |
Focal IWSUB8 |
JBL Stage 280W |
|
Driver Setup
|
1-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 8-inch
|
1 x 8-inch
|
IWSUB8 features a " Tweeter and 1 x 8" Polyglass Woofer . On the other hand, the Stage 280W features a 1" Horn-Loaded Tweeter and 1 x 8" Polycellulose Woofer .
Frequency Response
IWSUB8 has a frequency range of 34-140HzHz whereas Stage 280W has a frequency range of 42-25kHz. With a minimum frequency of 34Hz, the IWSUB8 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
IWSUB8 and Stage 280W have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. IWSUB8 sensitivity is rated at --- and the Stage 280W's is at 90 dB. This 90 dB difference makes the JBL Stage 280W a more sensitive speaker compared to Focal IWSUB8, 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.
IWSUB8 can handle a max power of 200 watts RMS from the amp the whereas Stage 280W has a max power handling value of 120 watts RMS, 80 watts less than the IWSUB8.
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
IWSUB8 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 Focal IWSUB8's and JBL Stage 280W's external dimensions. Focal IWSUB8 has external dimensions of 347.0 x 347.0 x 108.0mm ( 13.6250-inch x 13.6250-inch x 4.2500-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 108mm narrower and 9mm less deeper than Focal IWSUB8 but it is also 27mm taller.
What's in the Box of Focal IWSUB8?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of IWSUB8:
Passive in-wall subwooferMagnetic mounting frameMetal-mesh grille2 Angled mounting bracketsThirty-six 30mm screwsTwelve 13.5
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
Max Input Power 
Low Frequency Response 
High Frequency Response 
Height 
Driver Setup 
Base Surface Area 
Price per pair*