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JBL A120 vs JBL Stage 280W Comparison

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JBL A120

Passive Bookshelf | 60-40k Hz

JBL Stage A120
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JBL Stage 280W

Passive In-wall | 42-25kHz

JBL Stage 280W
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JBL A120 JBL A120
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JBL Stage 280W JBL Stage 280W
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JBL A120
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JBL Stage 280W
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JBL A120 vs JBL Stage 280W Speaker Comparison

In this review, we will be comparing two different type of speakers by JBL. JBL Stage A120 is a Bookshelf speaker whereas the Stage 280W is a In-wall speaker.

Let's have a brief look at the main features of JBL A120 and JBL Stage 280W first before getting into our more detailed comparison.

JBL A120 Key Specs

  • 2-way Design
  • 1" Hard-Dome Tweeter
  • 4.5" Polycellulose Woofer
  • 60-40k Hz Frequency Response
  • 86 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 6ohms
  • Power Range:20-125watts
  • Weight:3.82kg
  • Dimensions (H x W x D): 286.0" x 6-3/4" x 7-7/16"( 286.0 x 172.0 x 189.0mm )

JBL Stage 280W Key Specs

  • 2-way Design
  • 1" Horn-Loaded Tweeter
  • 8" Polycellulose Woofer
  • 42-25kHz Frequency Response
  • 90 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 8ohms
  • Power Range:20-120watts
  • Dimensions (H x W x D): 374.0" x 9.3750" x 3.8750"( 374.0 x 239.0 x 99.0mm )

A120 and Stage 280W are members of JBL's Stage series of speakers. Below you can find the loudspeakers from this series.

JBL Stage Series History
Model Body Frequency SensitivityImpedance Woofer
JBL A130
  
Bookshelf 55-40k Hz 86 dB6Ω 1 x 5.25"
JBL A120
Bookshelf 60-40k Hz 86 dB6Ω 1 x 4.5"
JBL Stage A190
  
Floor-standing 36-40k Hz 91 dB6Ω 2 x 8"
JBL Stage A180
  
Floor-standing 40-40k Hz 90 dB6Ω 2 x 6.5"
JBL Stage A135C
  
Center Channel 75-40k Hz 90 dB6Ω 6 x 3"
JBL Stage A170
  
Floor-standing 44-40k Hz 89 dB6Ω 2 x 5.25"
JBL Stage A125C
  
Center Channel 75-40k Hz 88 dB6Ω 2 x 5.24"
JBL Stage 280W
In-wall 42-25kHz 90 dB8Ω 1 x 8"
JBL Stage 260W
  
In-wall 50-25kHz 87 dB8Ω 1 x 6.5"
JBL Stage 250WL
  
In-wall 52-25kHz 90 dB8Ω 2 x 5.25"

What size room are the JBL A120 and JBL Stage 280W 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 A120 JBL Stage 280W
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 A120 and JBL Stage 280W 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 A120 and Stage 280W are 2-way speakers.

Driver JBL A120 JBL Stage 280W
Driver Setup 2-way 2-way
Tweeter 1-inch 1-inch
Midrange - -
Woofer 1 x 4.5-inch 1 x 8-inch

A120 features a 1" aluminum Hard-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 4.5" Polycellulose Woofer . On the other hand, the Stage 280W features a 1" Horn-Loaded Tweeter and 1 x 8" Polycellulose Woofer .

Frequency Response

A120 has a frequency range of 60-40k Hz whereas Stage 280W has a frequency range of 42-25kHz. With a minimum frequency of 42Hz, the Stage 280W can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the A120's min frequency of 60Hz.

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

A120
Stage 280W
Min
Average
Max
High Frequency

Bookshelf Speakers

JBL A120
JBL Stage 280W
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

A120 is a 6 ohms speaker compared to the Stage 280W which has a nominal impedance of 8 ohms.

These two speakers also have different sensitivity levels. A120 sensitivity is rated at 86 dB and the Stage 280W's is rated at 90 dB. This 4 dB difference makes the JBL Stage 280W a more sensitive speaker compared to JBL A120, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.

Sensitivity

Bookshelf Speakers

A120
Stage 280W
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.

A120 can handle a max power of 125 watts RMS from the amp the whereas Stage 280W has a max power handling value of 120 watts RMS, 5 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

A120 features Spring clip type posts and Stage 280W has a Spring clip type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.

JBL A120 Terminals
JBL A120's 5-way post terminals

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 A120's and JBL Stage 280W's external dimensions. 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) whereas JBL Stage 280W has external dimensions of 374.0 x 239.0 x 99.0mm ( 14.6875-inch x 9.3750-inch x 3.8750-inch) .

JBL A120 is 67mm narrower and 88mm shorter than JBL Stage 280W but it is also 90mm deeper.

What's in the Box of JBL A120?

Here are the items that are included inside the box of A120:
  • 2 Bookshelf loudspeakers
  • 2 Grilles
  • 2 Foam plugs
  • 4 Brackets
  • 8 Rubber feet
  • 8 Screws (M6 x 8mm)
  • Owner-feets Manual
  • Warranty Card
  • What's in the Box of JBL Stage 280W?

    Here are the items that come with the Stage 280W:
  • In-wall loudspeaker
  • Grille
  • Cut-Out Template
  • Quick Start Guide

  • Reasons to choose JBL Stage A120 over JBL Stage 280W
    Max Input Power 125 watts vs 120 watts Handle more power from your amplifier
    High Frequency Response 40k Hz vs 25k Hz Generates higher frequency
    Height 286mm vs 374mm Easier to fit in smaller spaces
    Price per pair* 250USD vs 450USD costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time)

    Reasons to choose JBL Stage 280W over JBL Stage A120

    Sensitivity 90 dB vs 86 dB Play louder with same amount of amplification power
    Nominal Impedance 8 ohms vs 6 ohms Less selective with amplifiers
    Woofer Size 8 inches vs 4.5 inches Larger woofer
    Low Frequency Response 42 Hz vs 60 Hz Generates deeper bass
    Base Surface Area 236cm2 vs 325cm2 Takes less floor space
    JBL A120 vs JBL Stage 280W Specs Table
    Detailed comparison of specifications
    General JBL Stage A120 JBL Stage 280W
    Brand JBL JBL
    Speaker Type Bookshelf speakers Passive In-wall Speaker
    Power Range 20-125 watts 20-120 watts
    Sensitivity 86 dB 90 dB
    Impedance 6 ohms 8 ohms
    Frequency Response 60-40k Hz 42-25kHz
    Drivers
    Woofer Quantity 1 1
    Woofer Size 4.5" 8"
    Woofer Composition Polycellulose Polycellulose
    Woofer Surround Material Rubber Rubber
    Tweeter Size 1" 1"
    Tweeter Type Hard-Dome Horn-Loaded
    Aimable Tweeter No No
    Midrange Driver No N/A"
    Firing Direction rear n/a
    Physical Specs
    Height 286.0mm (11.3") 374.0mm (14.7")
    Width 172.0mm (6.8") 239.0mm (9.4")
    Depth 189.0mm (7.4") 99.0mm (3.9")
    Weight 3.82kg (8.4lbs) n/a
    Enclosure Bass Reflex In-wall
    Finish MDF, Vinyl n/a
    Available Colors Black n/a
    Mounting Bracket Keyholes w/ bracket
    Recommended Stand Height 26-28" n/a
    Grille Yes n/a
    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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