In this review, we will be comparing two different type of speakers by JBL. JBL Stage A120 is a Bookshelf speaker whereas the A125C is a Center Channel speaker.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of JBL A120 and JBL Stage A125C 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 A125C Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1" dome with HDI (High Definition Imaging) waveguide technology Tweeter
- 2 x 5.24" polycellulose Woofer
- 75-40k Hz Frequency Response
- 88 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 6ohms
- Power Range:20-150watts
- Weight:7.97kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 191.0" x 18-1/2" x 9-1/2"( 191.0 x 470.0 x 242.0mm )
A120 and A125C are members of JBL's Stage series of speakers. Below you can find the loudspeakers from this series.
What size room are the JBL A120 and JBL Stage A125C 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 A125C |
| 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 A125C 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 A125C are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
JBL A120 |
JBL Stage A125C |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 4.5-inch
|
2 x 5.24-inch
|
A120 features a 1" aluminum Hard-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 4.5" Polycellulose Woofer . On the other hand, the A125C features a 1" aluminum dome with HDI (High Definition Imaging) waveguide technology Tweeter and 2 x 5.24" polycellulose Woofer .
Frequency Response
A120 has a frequency range of 60-40k Hz whereas A125C has a frequency range of 75-40k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 60Hz, the A120 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the A125C's min frequency of 75Hz.
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
High Frequency
Bookshelf 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
A120 and A125C have the same Impedance of 6 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. A120 sensitivity is rated at 86 dB and the A125C's is at 88 dB. This 2 dB difference makes the JBL Stage A125C a more sensitive speaker compared to JBL A120, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.
Sensitivity
Bookshelf 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.
A120 can handle a max power of 150 watts RMS from the amp the whereas A120 has a max power handling value of 125 watts RMS , 25 watts less than the A125C.
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 5-Way post type posts and A125C has a 5-Way post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
JBL A120's 5-way post terminals
JBL Stage A125C'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 A125C'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 A125C has external dimensions of 191.0 x 470.0 x 242.0mm ( 7-1/2 x 18-1/2 x 9-1/2inch) .
JBL A120 is 298mm narrower and 53mm less deeper than JBL Stage A125C but it is also 95mm taller.
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 A120 is approximately 325.1cm2 / 50.4inch2 and base area of the JBL Stage A125C is approximately 1137.4cm2 / 176.3inch2. The A120 requires 71% less surface area than the A125C which gives it a small advantage on placement in tight spaces.
What's in the Box of JBL A120?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of A120:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers2 Grilles2 Foam plugs4 Brackets8 Rubber feet8 Screws (M6 x 8mm)Owner-feets ManualWarranty Card
What's in the Box of JBL Stage A125C?
Here are the items that come with the A125C:
Center-channel loudspeakerGrille4 Leveling feet4 Rubber feetOwners ManualWarranty Card
Low Frequency Response 
Mounting Bracket 
Base Surface Area 
Price per pair* 
Max Input Power 
Sensitivity 
Height