In this review, we will be comparing 255C-RT and Stage 280W, two Passive In-wall speakers from Polk Audio and JBL. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Polk Audio 255C-RT and JBL Stage 280W first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
Polk Audio 255C-RT Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1" Soft-Dome Tweeter
- 2 x 5.25" Polymer Composite Woofer
- 50-25kHz Frequency Response
- 90 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:10-150watts
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 193.0" x 13.0625" x 0.0000"
JBL Stage 280W Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1" Horn-Loaded Tweeter
- 8" Polycellulose Woofer
- 42-25kHz Frequency Response
- 90 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:20-120watts
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 374.0" x 9.3750" x 3.8750"( 374.0 x 239.0 x 99.0mm )
What size room are the Polk Audio 255C-RT and JBL Stage 280W 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* |
Polk Audio 255C-RT |
JBL Stage 280W |
| 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 Polk Audio 255C-RT and JBL Stage 280W 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 255C-RT and Stage 280W are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Polk Audio 255C-RT |
JBL Stage 280W |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
2 x 5.25-inch
|
1 x 8-inch
|
255C-RT features a 1" Soft-Dome Tweeter and 2 x 5.25" Polymer Composite Woofer . On the other hand, the Stage 280W features a 1" Horn-Loaded Tweeter and 1 x 8" Polycellulose Woofer .
Frequency Response
255C-RT has a frequency range of 50-25kHz whereas Stage 280W has a frequency range of 42-25kHz. With a minimum frequency of 42Hz, the Stage 280W can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the 255C-RT's min frequency of 50Hz.
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 In-wall class in our database.
Low Frequency
In-wall Speakers
High Frequency
In-wall 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
255C-RT and Stage 280W have the same Impedance of 8 ohms and their sensitivity is also same at 90 dB.
Sensitivity
In-wall 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.
255C-RT can handle a max power of 150 watts RMS from the amp the whereas Stage 280W has a max power handling value of 120 watts RMS, 30 watts less than the 255C-RT.
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
255C-RT features Spring clip type posts and Stage 280W has a Spring clip type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
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 Polk Audio 255C-RT's and JBL Stage 280W's external dimensions. Polk Audio 255C-RT has external dimensions of ( 7.5625-inch x 13.0625-inch x 0.0000-inch) whereas JBL Stage 280W has external dimensions of 374.0 x 239.0 x 99.0mm ( 14.6875-inch x 9.3750-inch x 3.8750-inch) .
Polk Audio 255C-RT is 181mm shorter and 99mm less deeper than JBL Stage 280W but it is also 93mm wider.
What's in the Box of Polk Audio 255C-RT?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of 255C-RT:
In-wall center-channel loudspeakerWhite metal grilleMounting templateOwners ManualSheer-Grille Painting instructionsOnline Registration CardPolk Audio product brochure
What's in the Box of JBL Stage 280W?
Here are the items that come with the Stage 280W:
In-wall loudspeakerGrilleCut-Out TemplateQuick Start Guide
Max Input Power 
Number of Woofers 
Height 
Base Surface Area 
Price per pair*