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JBL Stage 250B vs JBL A130 Comparison

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JBL Stage 250B

Passive Bookshelf | 55-25k Hz

JBL Stage 250B
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JBL A130

Passive Bookshelf | 55-40k Hz

JBL Stage A130
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JBL Stage 250B JBL Stage 250B
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JBL A130 JBL A130
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JBL Stage 250B
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JBL A130
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JBL Stage 250B vs JBL A130 Speaker Comparison

In this review, we will be comparing Stage 250B and A130, two Passive Bookshelf speakers by JBL

Let's have a brief look at the main features of JBL Stage 250B and JBL A130 first before getting into our more detailed comparison.

JBL Stage 250B Key Specs

  • 2-way Design
  • 1" Hard-Dome Tweeter
  • 5.25" Polycellulose Woofer
  • 55-25k Hz Frequency Response
  • 86 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 6ohms
  • Power Range:20-150watts
  • Weight:5.64kg
  • Dimensions (H x W x D): 321.0" x 7-15/16" x 9-1/2"( 321.0 x 202.0 x 242.0mm )

JBL A130 Key Specs

  • 2-way Design
  • 1" Hard-Dome Tweeter
  • 5.25" Polycellulose Woofer
  • 55-40k Hz Frequency Response
  • 86 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 6ohms
  • Power Range:20-125watts
  • Weight:5.46kg
  • Dimensions (H x W x D): 323.0" x 7-1/2" x 9-13/16"( 323.0 x 191.0 x 250.0mm )

What size room are the JBL Stage 250B and JBL A130 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 250B JBL A130
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 JBL Stage 250B and JBL A130 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 250B and A130 are 2-way speakers.

Driver JBL Stage 250B JBL A130
Driver Setup 2-way 2-way
Tweeter 1-inch 1-inch
Midrange - -
Woofer 1 x 5.25-inch 1 x 5.25-inch

Stage 250B features a 1" Hard-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 5.25" Polycellulose Woofer . On the other hand, the A130 features a 1" aluminum Hard-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 5.25" Polycellulose Woofer .

Frequency Response

Stage 250B has a frequency range of 55-25k Hz whereas A130 has a frequency range of 55-40k Hz.

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

Stage 250B
A130
Min
Average
Max
High Frequency

Bookshelf Speakers

JBL Stage 250B
JBL A130
Min
Average
Max

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 250B and A130 have the same Impedance of 6 ohms and their sensitivity is also same at 86 dB.

Sensitivity

Bookshelf Speakers

Stage 250B
A130
Min
Average
Max

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 250B can handle a max power of 150 watts RMS from the amp the whereas A130 has a max power handling value of 125 watts RMS, 25 watts less than the Stage 250B.

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 250B features 5-way post type posts and A130 has a 5-way post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.

JBL A1305-way post Terminals
JBL A130's 5-way post terminals

Cabinet Type and Port Position

Both Stage 250B and A130 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 250B's and JBL A130's external dimensions. JBL Stage 250B has external dimensions of 321.0 x 202.0 x 242.0mm ( 12-5/8inch x 7-15/16inch x 9-1/2inch ) whereas JBL A130 has external dimensions of 323.0 x 191.0 x 250.0mm ( 12-11/16 x 7-1/2 x 9-13/16inch) .

JBL Stage 250B is 2mm shorter and 8mm less deeper than JBL A130 but it is also 11mm 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 250B is approximately 488.8cm2 / 75.8inch2 and base area of the JBL A130 is approximately 477.5cm2 / 74.0inch2. The Stage 250B requires 2% more surface area than the A130 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 250B weighs 5.64kg / 12.4lbs and the JBL A130 weighs 5.46kg / 12lbs. This makes the Stage 250B 3% heavier than the A130.

Here is a comparison of how Stage 250B and A130's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Bookshelf class.

Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
JBL Stage 250B
JBL A130
Min
Average
Max

What's in the Box of JBL Stage 250B?

Here are the items that are included inside the box of Stage 250B:
  • 2 Bookshelf loudspeakers 2 Grilles 8 Self-adhesive rubber pads Quick Start Guide Important Safety Instructions
  • What's in the Box of JBL A130?

    Here are the items that come with the A130:
  • 2 Bookshelf loudspeakers
  • 2 Grilles
  • 8 Rubber feet
  • Owners Manual
  • Warranty Card

  • Reasons to choose JBL Stage 250B over JBL Stage A130
    Max Input Power 150 watts vs 125 watts Handle more power from your amplifier
    Height 321mm vs 323mm Easier to fit in smaller spaces

    Reasons to choose JBL Stage A130 over JBL Stage 250B

    High Frequency Response 40k Hz vs 25k Hz Generates higher frequency
    Base Surface Area 477cm2 vs 488cm2 Takes less floor space
    Price per pair* 300USD vs 399USD costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time)
    JBL Stage 250B vs JBL A130 Specs Table
    Detailed comparison of specifications
    General JBL Stage 250B JBL Stage A130
    Brand JBL JBL
    Speaker Type Bookshelf speakers Bookshelf speakers
    Power Range 20-150 watts 20-125 watts
    Sensitivity 86 dB 86 dB
    Impedance 6 ohms 6 ohms
    Frequency Response 55-25k Hz 55-40k Hz
    Drivers
    Woofer Quantity 1 1
    Woofer Size 5.25" 5.25"
    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 321.0mm (12.6") 323.0mm (12.7")
    Width 202.0mm (8") 191.0mm (7.5")
    Depth 242.0mm (9.5") 250.0mm (9.8")
    Weight 5.64kg (12.4lbs) 5.46kg (12lbs)
    Enclosure Bass Reflex Bass Reflex
    Finish MDF/Wood-grain vinyl MDF, Vinyl
    Available Colors Espresso,Latte Black
    Mounting Bracket No
    Recommended Stand Height ---" 24-26"
    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

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