In this review, we will be comparing SS-CS8 and A135C, two Passive Center Channel speakers from Sony and JBL. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Sony SS-CS8 and JBL Stage A135C first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the Sony SS-CS8 and JBL Stage A135C 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 Sony SS-CS8 and JBL Stage A135C 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 SS-CS8 and A135C are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Sony SS-CS8 |
JBL Stage A135C |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
2 x 4-inch
|
6 x 3-inch
|
SS-CS8 features a 1" polyester fiber Soft-Dome Tweeter and 2 x 4" Mica Reinforced Cellular (MRC) Woofer . On the other hand, the A135C features a 1" aluminum dome with HDI (High Definition Imaging) waveguide technology Tweeter and 6 x 3" polycellulose Woofer .
Frequency Response
SS-CS8 has a frequency range of 55-25k Hz whereas A135C has a frequency range of 75-40k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 55Hz, the SS-CS8 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
SS-CS8 and A135C have the same Impedance of 6 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. SS-CS8 sensitivity is rated at 86 dB and the A135C's is at 90 dB. This 4 dB difference makes the JBL Stage A135C a more sensitive speaker compared to Sony SS-CS8, 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.
SS-CS8 can handle a max power of 150 watts RMS from the amp the whereas SS-CS8 has a max power handling value of 145 watts RMS , 5 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
SS-CS8 features 5-way post type posts and A135C has a 5-way post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Sony SS-CS8's Post terminals
Cabinet Type and Port Position
SS-CS8 has a rear firing port whereas A135C has a side 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 Sony SS-CS8's and JBL Stage A135C's external dimensions. Sony SS-CS8 has external dimensions of 146.0 x 430.0 x 220.0mm ( 5.75 x 16.93 x 8.66inch) whereas 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) .
JBL Stage A135C is 41mm shorter and 34mm less deeper than Sony SS-CS8 but it is also 317mm 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 Sony SS-CS8 is approximately 946.0cm2 / 146.6inch2 and base area of the JBL Stage A135C is approximately 1389.4cm2 / 215.4inch2. The SS-CS8 requires 32% less surface area than the A135C which gives it a small advantage 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 Sony SS-CS8 weighs 5.00kg / 11lbs and the JBL Stage A135C weighs 7.46kg / 16.4lbs. This makes the A135C 49% heavier than the SS-CS8.
Here is a comparison of how SS-CS8 and A135C's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Center Channel class.
Weight
All Center Channel Speakers
What's in the Box of JBL Stage A135C?
Here are the items that come with the A135C:
Center-channel loudspeakerGrille4 Leveling feet4 Rubber feetOwners ManualWarranty Card
 Woofer Size |
4 inches
vs
3 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
55 Hz
vs
75 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 Base Surface Area |
946cm2 (430x220mm)
vs
1389cm2 (747x186mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
169USD
vs
300USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Max Input Power |
150 watts
vs
145 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 Sensitivity |
90 dB
vs
86 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
| Number of Woofers |
6
vs
2
|
More woofers |
 High Frequency Response |
40k Hz
vs
25k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
105mm
vs
146mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
| General |
Sony SS-CS8 |
JBL Stage A135C |
| Brand |
Sony |
JBL |
| Speaker Type |
Center Channel |
Low-profile center channel speaker |
| Power Range |
up to 145 watts |
20-150 watts |
| Sensitivity |
86 dB |
90 dB |
| Impedance |
6 ohms |
6 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
55-25k Hz |
75-40k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
2 |
6 |
| Woofer Size |
4" |
3" |
| Woofer Composition |
Mica Reinforced Cellular (MRC) |
polycellulose |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
n/a |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
Soft-Dome |
dome with HDI (High Definition Imaging) waveguide technology |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
N/A" |
| Firing Direction |
rear |
side |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
146.0mm (5.7") |
105.0mm (4.1") |
| Width |
430.0mm (16.9") |
747.0mm (29.4") |
| Depth |
220.0mm (8.7") |
186.0mm (7.3") |
| Weight |
5.00kg (11lbs) |
7.46kg (16.4lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
MDF/Wood-veneer |
n/a |
| Available Colors |
Black |
Black |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Biamp Inputs |
No |
No |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
2 years |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
2 years |
5 Years |