In this review, we will be comparing Stage 245C and A135C, two Passive Center Channel speakers by JBL Let's have a brief look at the main features
of JBL Stage 245C and JBL Stage A135C first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the JBL Stage 245C 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 JBL Stage 245C 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.
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Drivers
Both Stage 245C and A135C are 2-way speakers.
Driver |
JBL Stage 245C |
JBL Stage A135C |
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
Woofer
|
4 x 4.5-inch
|
6 x 3-inch
|
Stage 245C features a 1" Hard-Dome Tweeter and 4 x 4.5" Polycellulose Woofer . 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
Stage 245C has a frequency range of 82-25k Hz whereas A135C has a frequency range of 75-40k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 75Hz, the A135C can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the Stage 245C's min frequency of 82Hz.
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
Stage 245C and A135C have the same Impedance of 6 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. Stage 245C sensitivity is rated at 91 dB and the A135C's is at 90 dB. This 1 dB difference makes the JBL Stage 245C a more sensitive speaker compared to JBL Stage A135C, 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.
Stage 245C and A135C has the same power range of 20-150 watts.
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 245C features 5-way post type posts and A135C has a 5-way post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Stage 245C 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 JBL Stage 245C's and JBL Stage A135C's external dimensions. JBL Stage 245C has external dimensions of 156.0 x 740.0 x 216.0mm ( 6-1/8 x 29-1/8 x 8-1/2 inch) 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 51mm shorter and 30mm less deeper than JBL Stage 245C but it is also 7mm 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 JBL Stage 245C is approximately 1598.4cm2 / 247.8inch2 and base area of the JBL Stage A135C is approximately 1389.4cm2 / 215.4inch2. The Stage 245C requires 15% more surface area than the A135C 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 245C weighs 12.00kg / 26.4lbs and the JBL Stage A135C weighs 7.46kg / 16.4lbs. This makes the Stage 245C 61% heavier than the A135C.
Here is a comparison of how Stage 245C 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 245C?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Stage 245C:
Center-channel loudspeaker Grille 6 Self-adhesive rubber pads Quick Start Guide Important Safety Instructions
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
Sensitivity |
91 dB
vs
90 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
Woofer Size |
4.5 inches
vs
3 inches
|
Larger woofer |
Number of Woofers |
6
vs
4
|
More woofers |
Low Frequency Response |
75 Hz
vs
82 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
High Frequency Response |
40k Hz
vs
25k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
Height |
105mm
vs
156mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
Base Surface Area |
1389cm2 (747x186mm)
vs
1598cm2 (740x216mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
Price per pair* |
300USD
vs
399USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
General |
JBL Stage 245C |
JBL Stage A135C |
Brand |
JBL |
JBL |
Speaker Type |
Center channel speaker |
Low-profile center channel speaker |
Power Range |
20-150 watts |
20-150 watts |
Sensitivity |
91 dB |
90 dB |
Impedance |
6 ohms |
6 ohms |
Frequency Response |
82-25k Hz |
75-40k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
Woofer Quantity |
4 |
6 |
Woofer Size |
4.5" |
3" |
Woofer Composition |
Polycellulose |
polycellulose |
Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
n/a |
Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
Tweeter Type |
Hard-Dome |
dome with HDI (High Definition Imaging) waveguide technology |
Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
Midrange Driver |
N/A" |
N/A" |
Firing Direction |
rear |
side |
Physical Specs |
|
|
Height |
156.0mm (6.1") |
105.0mm (4.1") |
Width |
740.0mm (29.1") |
747.0mm (29.4") |
Depth |
216.0mm (8.5") |
186.0mm (7.3") |
Weight |
12.00kg (26.4lbs) |
7.46kg (16.4lbs) |
Enclosure |
Passive Radiator |
Bass Reflex |
Finish |
MDF/Wood-grain vinyl |
n/a |
Available Colors |
Espresso,Latte |
Black |
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 |