In this review, we will be comparing D300C and A135C, two Passive Center Channel speakers from Wharfedale and JBL. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Wharfedale D300C and JBL Stage A135C first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the Wharfedale D300C 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 Wharfedale D300C 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 D300C and A135C are 2-way speakers.
Driver |
Wharfedale D300C |
JBL Stage A135C |
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
Woofer
|
2 x 5-inch
|
6 x 3-inch
|
D300C features a 1" Soft-Dome Tweeter and 2 x 5" Black woven Kevlar Cone 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
D300C has a frequency range of 65-20k Hz whereas A135C has a frequency range of 75-40k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 65Hz, the D300C 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
D300C is a 8 ohms speaker compared to the A135C which has a nominal impedance of 6 ohms.
These two speakers also have different sensitivity levels. D300C sensitivity is rated at 89 dB and the A135C's is rated at 90 dB. This 1 dB difference makes the JBL Stage A135C a more sensitive speaker compared to Wharfedale D300C, 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.
D300C can handle a max power of 150 watts RMS from the amp the whereas D300C has a max power handling value of 120 watts RMS , 30 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
D300C features Post posts which make bi-amping or bi-wiring possible. A135C has a 5-way post which doesn't feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Cabinet Type and Port Position
D300C has a bottom 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 Wharfedale D300C's and JBL Stage A135C's external dimensions. Wharfedale D300C has external dimensions of 190 x 510 x 232mm ( 7.8) 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 85mm shorter and 46mm less deeper than Wharfedale D300C but it is also 237mm 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 Wharfedale D300C is approximately 1183.0cm2 / 183.4inch2 and base area of the JBL Stage A135C is approximately 1389.4cm2 / 215.4inch2. The D300C requires 15% 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 Wharfedale D300C weighs 8.00kg / 17.6lbs and the JBL Stage A135C weighs 7.46kg / 16.4lbs. This makes the D300C 7% heavier than the A135C.
Here is a comparison of how D300C 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
Nominal Impedance |
8 ohms
vs
6 ohms
|
Less selective with amplifiers |
Woofer Size |
5 inches
vs
3 inches
|
Larger woofer |
Low Frequency Response |
65 Hz
vs
75 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
Bi-Amping and Bi-Wiring |
Yes
vs
No
|
Allows bi-amping and bi-wiring connections |
Base Surface Area |
1183cm2 (510x232mm)
vs
1389cm2 (747x186mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
Price per pair* |
179USD
vs
300USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
Max Input Power |
150 watts
vs
120 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
Sensitivity |
90 dB
vs
89 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
Number of Woofers |
6
vs
2
|
More woofers |
High Frequency Response |
40k Hz
vs
20k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
Height |
105mm
vs
190mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
General |
Wharfedale D300C |
JBL Stage A135C |
Brand |
Wharfedale |
JBL |
Speaker Type |
Center channel speaker |
Low-profile center channel speaker |
Power Range |
25-120 watts |
20-150 watts |
Sensitivity |
89 dB |
90 dB |
Impedance |
8 ohms |
6 ohms |
Impedance |
3.8 ohms |
n/a |
Frequency Response |
65-20k Hz |
75-40k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
Woofer Quantity |
2 |
6 |
Woofer Size |
5" |
3" |
Woofer Composition |
Black woven Kevlar Cone |
polycellulose |
Woofer Surround Material |
Foamed Polyether |
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 |
bottom |
side |
Physical Specs |
|
|
Height |
190.0mm (7.5") |
105.0mm (4.1") |
Width |
510.0mm (20.1") |
747.0mm (29.4") |
Depth |
232.0mm (9.1") |
186.0mm (7.3") |
Weight |
8.00kg (17.6lbs) |
7.46kg (16.4lbs) |
Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
Finish |
MDF/Wood-grain vinyl |
n/a |
Available Colors |
Rosewood, Black, White, Walnut |
Black |
Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Biamp Inputs |
Yes |
No |
Other |
|
|
Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |