In this review, we will be comparing A120 and RTi A3, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from JBL and Polk Audio. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of JBL A120 and Polk RTi A3 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the JBL A120 and Polk RTi A3 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 Polk RTi A3 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 RTi A3 are 2-way speakers.
Driver |
JBL A120 |
Polk RTi A3 |
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
Woofer
|
1 x 4.5-inch
|
1 x 6.5-inch
|
A120 features a 1" aluminum Hard-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 4.5" Polycellulose Woofer . On the other hand, the RTi A3 features a 1" silk polymer composite Dome Tweeter and 1 x 6.5" Polymer composite Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2800Hz.
Frequency Response
A120 has a frequency range of 60-40k Hz whereas RTi A3 has a frequency range of 50-26k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 50Hz, the RTi A3 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 is a 6 ohms speaker compared to the RTi A3 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 RTi A3's is rated at 89 dB. This 3 dB difference makes the Polk RTi A3 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 RTi A3.
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
RTi A3 features Pair of Dual 5-way Binding Posts - Gold-Plated posts which make bi-amping or bi-wiring possible. A120 has a 5-way post which doesn't feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Cabinet Type and Port Position
A120 has a rear firing port whereas RTi A3 has a back and front 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 Polk RTi A3'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 Polk RTi A3 has external dimensions of 374.7 x 214.4 x 355.6mm ( 14.7 x 8.4 x 14.0inch) .
Polk RTi A3 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 42.4mm wider, 88.7mm taller and 166.6mm deeper than JBL A120.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of JBL A120 and Polk RTi A3 in scale.
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 Polk RTi A3 is approximately 762.4cm2 / 118.2inch2. The A120 requires 57% less surface area than the RTi A3 which gives it a small advantage on placement in tight spaces.
Here is an another comparison that shows both speakers on a BDI Octave Media Cabinet, next to a standard size amplifier and turntable in scale:
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 A120 weighs 3.82kg / 8.4lbs and the Polk RTi A3 weighs 7.26kg / 16lbs. This makes the RTi A3 90% heavier than the A120.
Here is a comparison of how A120 and RTi A3's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Bookshelf class.
Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
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 Polk RTi A3?
Here are the items that come with the RTi A3:
2 Cherry bookshelf speakers 2 Self-tapping screws 8 Self-adhesive rubber feet Owner's Manual Template Online registration sheet Polk Audio product brochure
High Frequency Response |
40k Hz
vs
26k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
Height |
286mm
vs
374mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
Base Surface Area |
325cm2 (172x189mm)
vs
762cm2 (214x355mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
Price per pair* |
250USD
vs
465USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
Max Input Power |
150 watts
vs
125 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
Sensitivity |
89 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 |
6.5 inches
vs
4.5 inches
|
Larger woofer |
Low Frequency Response |
50 Hz
vs
60 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
Bi-Amping and Bi-Wiring |
Yes
vs
No
|
Allows bi-amping and bi-wiring connections |
General |
JBL Stage A120 |
Polk Audio RTi A3 |
Brand |
JBL |
Polk Audio |
Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
Power Range |
20-125 watts |
20-150 watts |
Sensitivity |
86 dB |
89 dB |
Impedance |
6 ohms |
8 ohms |
Frequency Response |
60-40k Hz |
50-26k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
Woofer Size |
4.5" |
6.5" |
Woofer Composition |
Polycellulose |
Polymer composite |
Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Butyl rubber |
Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
Tweeter Type |
Hard-Dome |
Dome |
Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
Crossover Frequency |
n/a |
2800Hz |
Firing Direction |
rear |
back and front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
Height |
286.0mm (11.3") |
374.7mm (14.8") |
Width |
172.0mm (6.8") |
214.4mm (8.4") |
Depth |
189.0mm (7.4") |
355.6mm (14") |
Weight |
3.82kg (8.4lbs) |
7.26kg (16lbs) |
Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
Finish |
MDF, Vinyl |
Real wood veneer |
Available Colors |
Black |
Black, Cherry |
Mounting Bracket |
Keyholes w/ bracket |
Keyhole |
Recommended Stand Height |
26-28" |
24-31" |
Grille |
Yes |
n/a |
Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Biamp Inputs |
No |
Yes |
Other |
|
|
Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |