In this review, we will be comparing two different type 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.
JBL Stage 245C Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1" Hard-Dome Tweeter
- 4 x 4.5" Polycellulose Woofer
- 82-25k Hz Frequency Response
- 91 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 6ohms
- Power Range:20-150watts
- Weight:12.00kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 156.0" x 29-1/8" x 8-1/2"( 156.0 x 740.0 x 216.0mm )
JBL Stage A170 Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1" HDI (High Definition Imaging) waveguide Tweeter
- 2 x 5.25" Polycellulose Woofer
- 44-40k Hz Frequency Response
- 89 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 6ohms
- Power Range:20-200watts
- Weight:14.37kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 977.0" 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.)
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the JBL Stage 245C and JBL Stage A170 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 Stage 245C and A170 are 2-way speakers.
| 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.
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 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. 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 can handle a max power of 200 watts RMS from the amp the whereas Stage 245C has a max power handling value of 150 watts RMS , 50 watts less than the A170.
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
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
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 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 loudspeakerGrille4 Outriggers4 Rubber feet4 Spikes8 Screws2 Terminal jumpers (pre-installed)Owners ManualWarranty Card
Sensitivity 
Number of Woofers 
Height 
Price per pair* 
Max Input Power 
High Frequency Response 
Bi-Amping and Bi-Wiring 
Base Surface Area