In this review, we will be comparing two different type of speakers by JBL. JBL Stage A120 is a Bookshelf speaker whereas the A135C is a Center Channel speaker.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of JBL A120 and JBL Stage A135C 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 A135C Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1" dome with HDI (High Definition Imaging) waveguide technology Tweeter
- 6 x 3" polycellulose Woofer
- 75-40k Hz Frequency Response
- 90 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 6ohms
- Power Range:20-150watts
- Weight:7.46kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 105.0" x 29-3/8" x 7-5/16"( 105.0 x 747.0 x 186.0mm )
A120 and A135C 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 A135C 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 A135C |
| 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 A135C compare and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one of these loudspeakers is the better choice for you.
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through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Drivers
Both A120 and A135C are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
JBL A120 |
JBL Stage A135C |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 4.5-inch
|
6 x 3-inch
|
A120 features a 1" aluminum Hard-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 4.5" Polycellulose Woofer . On the other hand, the A135C features a 1" aluminum dome with HDI (High Definition Imaging) waveguide technology Tweeter and 6 x 3" polycellulose Woofer .
Frequency Response
A120 has a frequency range of 60-40k Hz whereas A135C 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 A135C'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 A135C have the same Impedance of 6 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. A120 sensitivity is rated at 86 dB and the A135C's is at 90 dB. This 4 dB difference makes the JBL Stage A135C 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 A135C.
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 A135C has a 5-way post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
JBL A120's 5-way post terminals
Cabinet Type and Port Position
A120 has a rear firing port whereas A135C has a side firing ports.
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 A135C'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 A135C has external dimensions of 105.0 x 747.0 x 186.0mm ( 4-1/8 x 29-3/8 x 7-5/16inch) .
JBL Stage A135C is 181mm shorter and 3mm less deeper than JBL A120 but it is also 575mm 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 A120 is approximately 325.1cm2 / 50.4inch2 and base area of the JBL Stage A135C is approximately 1389.4cm2 / 215.4inch2. The A120 requires 77% less surface area than the A135C 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 A135C?
Here are the items that come with the A135C:
Center-channel loudspeakerGrille4 Leveling feet4 Rubber feetOwners ManualWarranty Card