In this review, we will be comparing A130 and Bronze 1, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from JBL and Monitor Audio.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of JBL A130 and Monitor Audio Bronze 1 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
JBL A130 Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1" Hard-Dome Tweeter
- 5.25" Polycellulose Woofer
- 55-40k Hz Frequency Response
- 86 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 6ohms
- Power Range:20-125watts
- Weight:5.46kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 323.0" x 7-1/2" x 9-13/16"( 323.0 x 191.0 x 250.0mm )
Monitor Audio Bronze 1 Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1" Dome Tweeter
- 5.5" C-CAM Woofer
- 55-30k Hz Frequency Response
- 88 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:20-70watts
- Weight:3.50kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 260.0" x 6.4" x 8.0"( 260.0 x 165.0 x 205.0mm )
What size room are the JBL A130 and Monitor Audio Bronze 1 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 A130 |
Monitor Audio Bronze 1 |
| Near-field |
Poor |
Good |
| Small Room |
Average |
Good |
| Mid-size Room |
Good |
Average |
| Large Room |
Average |
Poor |
| Very Large Room |
Poor |
No way |
(* 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 A130 and Monitor Audio Bronze 1 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 A130 and Bronze 1 are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
JBL A130 |
Monitor Audio Bronze 1 |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 5.25-inch
|
1 x 5.5-inch
|
A130 features a 1" aluminum Hard-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 5.25" Polycellulose Woofer . On the other hand, the Bronze 1 features a 1" Dome Tweeter and 1 x 5.5" C-CAM Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2700Hz.
Frequency Response
A130 has a frequency range of 55-40k Hz whereas Bronze 1 has a frequency range of 55-30k Hz.
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
A130 is a 6 ohms speaker compared to the Bronze 1 which has a nominal impedance of 8 ohms.
These two speakers also have different sensitivity levels. A130 sensitivity is rated at 86 dB and the Bronze 1's is rated at 88 dB. This 2 dB difference makes the Monitor Audio Bronze 1 a more sensitive speaker compared to JBL A130, 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.
A130 can handle a max power of 125 watts RMS from the amp the whereas Bronze 1 has a max power handling value of 70 watts RMS, 55 watts less than the A130.
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
A130 features Post type posts and Bronze 1 has a Post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
JBL A130's 5-way post terminals
Monitor Audio Bronze 1's Post terminals
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Both A130 and Bronze 1 have rear firing ports. Rear ported speakers generally need more room between the backside of the speaker and the wall compared to sealed and front/bottom ported speakers. Placing the speakers too close to the walls may cause the bass to sound boomy.
If you are limited in space and can't get the speakers away from the backwall, check our Speakers with Front Firing Ports page.
Monitor Audio Bronze 1 Port
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 A130's and Monitor Audio Bronze 1's external dimensions. JBL A130 has external dimensions of 323.0 x 191.0 x 250.0mm ( 12-11/16 x 7-1/2 x 9-13/16inch) whereas Monitor Audio Bronze 1 has external dimensions of 260.0 x 165.0 x 205.0mm ( 10.2 x 6.4 x 8.0inch) .
JBL A130 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 26mm wider, 63mm taller and 45mm deeper than Monitor Audio Bronze 1.
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 A130 is approximately 477.5cm2 / 74.0inch2 and base area of the Monitor Audio Bronze 1 is approximately 338.3cm2 / 52.4inch2. The A130 requires 41% more surface area than the Bronze 1 which gives it a small disadvantage on placement in tight spaces.
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 A130 weighs 5.46kg / 12lbs and the Monitor Audio Bronze 1 weighs 3.50kg / 7.7lbs. This makes the A130 56% heavier than the Bronze 1.
Here is a comparison of how A130 and Bronze 1'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 A130?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of A130:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers2 Grilles8 Rubber feetOwners ManualWarranty Card
What's in the Box of Monitor Audio Bronze 1?
Here are the items that come with the Bronze 1:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers 2 Grilles 2 Foam port plugs Hex-key Owner's Manual Important Safety Instructions
 Max Input Power |
125 watts
vs
70 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 High Frequency Response |
40k Hz
vs
30k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Sensitivity |
88 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 |
5.5 inches
vs
5.25 inches
|
Larger woofer |
 Height |
260mm
vs
323mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
338cm2
vs
477cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
| General |
JBL Stage A130 |
Monitor Audio Bronze 1 |
| Brand |
JBL |
Monitor Audio |
| Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
| Power Range |
20-125 watts |
20-70 watts |
| Sensitivity |
86 dB |
88 dB |
| Impedance |
6 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
55-40k Hz |
55-30k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
5.25" |
5.5" |
| Woofer Composition |
Polycellulose |
C-CAM |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
Hard-Dome |
Dome |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
n/a |
2700Hz |
| Firing Direction |
rear |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
323.0mm (12.7") |
260.0mm (10.2") |
| Width |
191.0mm (7.5") |
165.0mm (6.5") |
| Depth |
250.0mm (9.8") |
205.0mm (8.1") |
| Weight |
5.46kg (12lbs) |
3.50kg (7.7lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
MDF, Vinyl |
MDF/Wood-grain vinyl |
| Available Colors |
Black |
Walnut, White, Rosemah, Black |
| Mounting Bracket |
No |
No |
| Recommended Stand Height |
24-26" |
30-31" |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Biamp Inputs |
No |
No |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |