In this review, we will be comparing two different types of speakers by JBL. JBL Stage 245C is a Center Channel speaker whereas the A170 is a Floor-standing speaker.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of JBL Stage 245C and JBL Stage A170 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
| Key Specs | JBL Stage 245C | JBL Stage A170 |
|---|
| Brand | JBL
United States · founded 1946 | JBL
United States · founded 1946 |
|---|
| Design | 2-way | 2-way |
|---|
| Tweeter | 1" Hard-Dome | 1" HDI (High Definition Imaging) waveguide |
|---|
| Woofer | 4 x 4.5" Polycellulose | 2 x 5.25" Polycellulose |
|---|
| Frequency response | 82-25k Hz | 44-40k Hz |
|---|
| Sensitivity | 91 dB | 89 dB |
|---|
| Impedance | 6 ohms | 6 ohms |
|---|
| Power range | 20-150 watts | 20-200 watts |
|---|
| Weight | 12.00kg / 26.4lbs | 14.37kg / 31.6lbs |
|---|
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | 6-1/8" x 29-1/8" x 8-1/2"
156.0 x 740.0 x 216.0mm | 38-7/16" x 10-1/2" x 13"
977.0 x 267.0 x 331.0mm |
|---|
What size room are the JBL Stage 245C and JBL Stage A170 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* |
JBL Stage 245C |
JBL Stage A170 |
| Near-field |
Poor |
Bad |
| Small Room |
Average |
Poor |
| Mid-size Room |
Good |
Good |
| Large Room |
Average |
Good |
| 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.)
The sections below take each area in turn: drivers, frequency response, physical size and what you get in the box.
Drivers
Both Stage 245C and A170 are 2-way speakers.
JBL Stage 245CJBL Stage A170
TweeterWoofer
Front view, drawn to scale - cabinets and drivers share one scale, so sizes are directly comparable. Hover a driver for its size.
| Driver |
JBL Stage 245C |
JBL Stage A170 |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
4 x 4.5-inch
|
2 x 5.25-inch
|
Stage 245C features a 1" Hard-Dome Tweeter and 4 x 4.5" Polycellulose Woofer. On the other hand, the A170 features a 1" aluminum HDI (High Definition Imaging) waveguide Tweeter and 2 x 5.25" Polycellulose Woofer.
Frequency Response
Stage 245C has a frequency range of 82-25k Hz whereas A170 has a frequency range of 44-40k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 44Hz, the A170 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the Stage 245C's min frequency of 82Hz.
The graph below depicts how these two speakers compare with the max, min and average Low Frequency values of other speakers in the Center Channel class in our database.
Low Frequency
Center Channel Speakers
Neither pair reaches down to 20Hz, the usual definition of full-range, which is normal for speakers of this size. If you want the bottom octave for movies or bass-heavy music, add a subwoofer to whichever you choose. Visit our Powered Subwoofers section to find out more about the available options.
Impedance and Sensitivity
Stage 245C and A170 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 A170's is at 89 dB. This 2 dB difference makes the JBL Stage 245C a more sensitive speaker compared to JBL Stage A170, 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. Staying
within that range gives nominal performance; driving the speaker beyond its maximum wattage can damage it.
A170 can handle a max power of 200 watts RMS, whereas Stage 245C has a max power handling value of 150 watts RMS, 50 watts less than the A170.
Note that higher power handling does not make a speaker louder: that depends mainly on
sensitivity and impedance. The calculator below shows how loud each of these actually plays
on a real amplifier.
Which plays louder on your amplifier?
Starting with a popular amplifier - change it to the one you own, or any you are
considering, and watch both numbers move.
Input Type and Bi-Amping / Bi-Wiring
A170 features 5-Way post posts which make bi-amping or bi-wiring possible. Stage 245C has a 5-Way post which doesn't feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Physical Specs
The size of a speaker can sometimes be 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 A170'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 A170 has external dimensions of 977.0 x 267.0 x 331.0mm (38-7/16 x 10-1/2 x 13inch).
JBL Stage 245C is 821mm shorter and 115mm less deeper than JBL Stage A170 but it is also 473mm 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 A170 is approximately 883.8cm2 / 137.0inch2. The Stage 245C requires 81% more surface area than the A170 which gives it a small disadvantage on placement in tight spaces.
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 A170?
Here are the items that come with the A170:
- Floorstanding loudspeaker
- Grille
- 4 Outriggers
- 4 Rubber feet
- 4 Spikes
- 8 Screws
- 2 Terminal jumpers (pre-installed)
- Owners Manual
- Warranty Card