In this review, we will be comparing Stage 240B and A120, two Passive Bookshelf speakers by JBL Let's have a brief look at the main features
of JBL Stage 240B and JBL A120 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the JBL Stage 240B and JBL A120 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 JBL Stage 240B and JBL A120 compare and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one of these loudspeakers is the better choice for you.
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Drivers
Both Stage 240B and A120 are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
JBL Stage 240B |
JBL A120 |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 4.5-inch
|
1 x 4.5-inch
|
Stage 240B features a 1" Hard-dome Tweeter and 1 x 4.5" Polycellulose Woofer . On the other hand, the A120 features a 1" aluminum Hard-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 4.5" Polycellulose Woofer .
Frequency Response
Stage 240B has a frequency range of 65-25k Hz whereas A120 has a frequency range of 60-40k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 60Hz, the A120 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the Stage 240B's min frequency of 65Hz.
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
Stage 240B and A120 have the same Impedance of 6 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. Stage 240B sensitivity is rated at 85 dB and the A120's is at 86 dB. This 1 dB difference makes the JBL A120 a more sensitive speaker compared to JBL Stage 240B, 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.
Stage 240B can handle a max power of 125 watts RMS from the amp the whereas Stage 240B has a max power handling value of 75 watts RMS , 50 watts less than the A120.
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
Stage 240B features 5-way post type posts and A120 has a 5-way post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
JBL A120's 5-way post terminals
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Both Stage 240B and A120 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 JBL Stage 240B's and JBL A120's external dimensions. JBL Stage 240B has external dimensions of 274.0 x 177.0 x 216.0mm ( 10-3/4inch x 6-15/16inch x 8-1/2inch ) whereas JBL A120 has external dimensions of 286.0 x 172.0 x 189.0mm ( 11-1/4 x 6-3/4 x 7-7/16inch) .
JBL A120 is 5mm narrower and 27mm less deeper than JBL Stage 240B but it is also 12mm taller.
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 JBL Stage 240B is approximately 382.3cm2 / 59.3inch2 and base area of the JBL A120 is approximately 325.1cm2 / 50.4inch2. The Stage 240B requires 18% more surface area than the A120 which gives it a small disadvantage 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 JBL Stage 240B weighs 4.59kg / 10.1lbs and the JBL A120 weighs 3.82kg / 8.4lbs. This makes the Stage 240B 20% heavier than the A120.
Here is a comparison of how Stage 240B and A120's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Bookshelf class.
Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
What's in the Box of JBL Stage 240B?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Stage 240B:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers 2 Grilles 2 Foam plugs 2 Wall-brackets 4 Mounting screws 8 Self-adhesive rubber pads Quick Start Guide Important Safety Instructions
What's in the Box of JBL A120?
Here are the items that come with the A120:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers2 Grilles2 Foam plugs4 Brackets8 Rubber feet8 Screws (M6 x 8mm)Owner-feets ManualWarranty Card
 Height |
274mm
vs
286mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Max Input Power |
125 watts
vs
75 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 Sensitivity |
86 dB
vs
85 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Low Frequency Response |
60 Hz
vs
65 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
40k Hz
vs
25k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Base Surface Area |
325cm2 (172x189mm)
vs
382cm2 (177x216mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
250USD
vs
299USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
JBL Stage 240B |
JBL Stage A120 |
| Brand |
JBL |
JBL |
| Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
| Power Range |
25-75 watts |
20-125 watts |
| Sensitivity |
85 dB |
86 dB |
| Impedance |
6 ohms |
6 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
65-25k Hz |
60-40k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
4.5" |
4.5" |
| Woofer Composition |
Polycellulose |
Polycellulose |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
Hard-dome |
Hard-Dome |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
N/A" |
No |
| Firing Direction |
rear |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
274.0mm (10.8") |
286.0mm (11.3") |
| Width |
177.0mm (7") |
172.0mm (6.8") |
| Depth |
216.0mm (8.5") |
189.0mm (7.4") |
| Weight |
4.59kg (10.1lbs) |
3.82kg (8.4lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
MDF/Wood-grain vinyl |
MDF, Vinyl |
| Available Colors |
Espresso,Latte |
Black |
| Mounting Bracket |
|
Keyholes w/ bracket |
| Recommended Stand Height |
---" |
26-28" |
| 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 |