In this review, we will be comparing XT20 and A130, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from Polk Audio and JBL. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Polk XT20 and JBL A130 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the Polk XT20 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 Polk XT20 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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through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Drivers
Both XT20 and A130 are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Polk XT20 |
JBL A130 |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 6.5-inch
|
1 x 5.25-inch
|
XT20 features a 1" Soft-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 6.5" Bi-laminate paper Woofer . On the other hand, the A130 features a 1" aluminum Hard-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 5.25" Polycellulose Woofer .
Frequency Response
XT20 has a frequency range of 38-40k Hz whereas A130 has a frequency range of 55-40k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 38Hz, the XT20 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the A130's min frequency of 55Hz.
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
XT20 is a 8 ohms speaker compared to the A130 which has a nominal impedance of 6 ohms.
These two speakers also have different sensitivity levels. XT20 sensitivity is rated at 87 dB and the A130's is rated at 86 dB. This 1 dB difference makes the Polk XT20 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.
XT20 can handle a max power of 200 watts RMS from the amp the whereas A130 has a max power handling value of 125 watts RMS, 75 watts less than the XT20.
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
XT20 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
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 XT20's and JBL A130's external dimensions. Polk XT20 has external dimensions of 332.0 x 193.0 x 281.0mm ( 13-1/16 x 7-9/16 x 11-1/16inch) 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) .
Polk XT20 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 2mm wider, 9mm taller and 31mm deeper than JBL A130.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Polk XT20 and JBL A130 in scale.
Comparison image of Polk XT20 and JBL A130 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 Polk XT20 is approximately 542.3cm2 / 84.1inch2 and base area of the JBL A130 is approximately 477.5cm2 / 74.0inch2. The XT20 requires 14% more surface area than the A130 which gives it a small disadvantage 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:
Size Comparison image of Polk XT20 and JBL A130 on a Media Console
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 Polk XT20 weighs 5.45kg / 12lbs and the JBL A130 weighs 5.46kg / 12lbs. This makes the A130 0% heavier than the XT20.
Here is a comparison of how XT20 and A130's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Bookshelf class.
Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
What's in the Box of Polk XT20?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of XT20:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers2 Grilles (attached)8 Self-adhesive rubber feetOwners ManualOnline Product Registration
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
 Max Input Power |
200 watts
vs
125 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 Sensitivity |
87 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
5.25 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
38 Hz
vs
55 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 Price per pair* |
299USD
vs
300USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Height |
323mm
vs
332mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
477cm2 (191x250mm)
vs
542cm2 (193x281mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
| General |
Polk Audio Monitor XT20 |
JBL Stage A130 |
| Brand |
Polk Audio |
JBL |
| Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
| Power Range |
30-200 watts |
20-125 watts |
| Sensitivity |
87 dB |
86 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
6 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
38-40k Hz |
55-40k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
6.5" |
5.25" |
| Woofer Composition |
Bi-laminate paper |
Polycellulose |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
Soft-Dome |
Hard-Dome |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
n/a |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
332.0mm (13.1") |
323.0mm (12.7") |
| Width |
193.0mm (7.6") |
191.0mm (7.5") |
| Depth |
281.0mm (11.1") |
250.0mm (9.8") |
| Weight |
5.45kg (12lbs) |
5.46kg (12lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
MDF, Vinyl |
MDF, Vinyl |
| Available Colors |
Black |
Black |
| Mounting Bracket |
No |
No |
| Recommended Stand Height |
24-28" |
24-26" |
| 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 |