In this review, we will be comparing two different type of speakers by JBL. JBL Stage A120 is a Bookshelf speaker whereas the A180 is a Floor-standing speaker.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of JBL A120 and JBL Stage A180 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
A120 and A180 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 A180 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:
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the JBL A120 and JBL Stage A180 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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Drivers
Both A120 and A180 are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
JBL A120 |
JBL Stage A180 |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 4.5-inch
|
2 x 6.5-inch
|
A120 features a 1" aluminum Hard-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 4.5" Polycellulose Woofer . On the other hand, the A180 features a 1" aluminum HDI (High Definition Imaging) waveguide Tweeter and 2 x 6.5" Polycellulose Woofer .
Frequency Response
A120 has a frequency range of 60-40k Hz whereas A180 has a frequency range of 40-40k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 40Hz, the A180 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
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 A180 have the same Impedance of 6 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. A120 sensitivity is rated at 86 dB and the A180's is at 90 dB. This 4 dB difference makes the JBL Stage A180 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 225 watts RMS from the amp the whereas A120 has a max power handling value of 125 watts RMS , 100 watts less than the A180.
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
A180 features 5-Way post posts which make bi-amping or bi-wiring possible. A120 has a 5-way post which doesn't feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
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 A180'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 A180 has external dimensions of 1045.0 x 305.0 x 369.0mm ( 41-1/8 x 12 x 14-1/2inch) .
JBL Stage A180 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 133mm wider, 759mm taller and 180mm deeper than JBL A120.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of JBL A120 and JBL Stage A180 in scale.
Comparison image of JBL A120 and JBL Stage A180 Size and External Dimensions
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 A180 is approximately 1125.5cm2 / 174.5inch2. The A120 requires 71% less surface area than the A180 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 A180?
Here are the items that come with the A180:
Floorstanding loudspeakerGrille4 Outriggers4 Rubber feet4 Spikes8 Screws2 Terminal jumpers (pre-installed)Owners ManualWarranty Card