In this review, we will be comparing two different type of speakers by JBL. JBL Stage A135C is a Center Channel speaker whereas the A130 is a Bookshelf speaker.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of JBL Stage A135C and JBL A130 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
A135C and A130 are members of JBL's Stage series of speakers. Below you can find the loudspeakers from this series.
What size room are the JBL Stage A135C and JBL A130 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 Stage A135C and JBL A130 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 A135C and A130 are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
JBL Stage A135C |
JBL A130 |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
6 x 3-inch
|
1 x 5.25-inch
|
A135C features a 1" aluminum dome with HDI (High Definition Imaging) waveguide technology Tweeter and 6 x 3" polycellulose Woofer . On the other hand, the A130 features a 1" aluminum Hard-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 5.25" Polycellulose Woofer .
Frequency Response
A135C has a frequency range of 75-40k Hz whereas A130 has a frequency range of 55-40k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 55Hz, the A130 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 Center Channel class in our database.
Low Frequency
Center Channel Speakers
High Frequency
Center Channel 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
A135C and A130 have the same Impedance of 6 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. A135C sensitivity is rated at 90 dB and the A130's is at 86 dB. This 4 dB difference makes the JBL Stage A135C a more sensitive speaker compared to JBL A130, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.
Sensitivity
Center Channel 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.
A135C can handle a max power of 150 watts RMS from the amp the whereas A130 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
A135C features 5-way post type posts and A130 has a 5-way post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
JBL A130's 5-way post terminals
Cabinet Type and Port Position
A135C has a side firing port whereas A130 has a rear 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 Stage A135C's and JBL A130's external dimensions. 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) whereas 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) .
JBL Stage A135C is 218mm shorter and 64mm less deeper than JBL A130 but it is also 556mm 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 Stage A135C is approximately 1389.4cm2 / 215.4inch2 and base area of the JBL A130 is approximately 477.5cm2 / 74.0inch2. The A135C requires 191% more surface area than the A130 which gives it a small disadvantage on placement in tight spaces.
What's in the Box of JBL Stage A135C?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of A135C:
Center-channel loudspeakerGrille4 Leveling feet4 Rubber feetOwners ManualWarranty Card
What's in the Box of JBL A130?
Here are the items that come with the A130:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers2 Grilles8 Rubber feetOwners ManualWarranty Card