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  1. Home
  2. JBL Speakers
  3. Passive In-wall Speakers
  4. JBL Arena 55IW
JBL Arena 55IW Review
JBL Arena 55IW - Front View

Compare To

Main Features

  • 1" Soft-dome Tweeter
  • 2 x 5.25" Polycellulose Woofer
  • 40-20kHz Frequency Response
  • 88 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 8ohms
  • Power Range: up to 120 watts
  • Dimensions(HxWxD): 14.1250"x6.3750"x3.4375" / 359.0 x 162.0 x 88.0mm
MSRP: $260 (list price)
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JBL Arena 55IW Review
JBL Arena 55IW JBL Arena 55IW
Check price atAmazon›

Made by JBL · United States · since 1946 · sold through dealers

JBL Arena 55IW is a 2-way Passive In-wall In-wall speaker by JBL. It was released in 2015. It features a 1" Soft-dome Tweeter and 2 x 5.25" Polycellulose Woofer. The speaker has a frequency range of 40-20kHz and a sensitivity of 88 dB. JBL Arena 55IW has an MSRP of 520$ per pair but can often be found around 360$ per pair.

Room Size Suitability

The size of the room where you plan to use the JBL Arena 55IW is a crucial factor in your decision. We have assessed its suitability for various room sizes based on its dimensions and maximum power output:

Listening Environment* Suitability
Near-fieldPoor
Small RoomAverage
Mid-size RoomGood
Large RoomAverage
Very Large RoomPoor

(* 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.)

JBL's Arena Series of Loudspeakers

Arena 55IW is a member of JBL's Arena series of Passive speakers. The Arena range are JBL's affordable home-theatre speakers with waveguide-loaded tweeters. Below you can see the main specs of these speakers.

JBL Arena Series Speakers
Model Frequency SensitivityImpedance Woofer
JBL Arena 55IW
40-20k Hz 88 dB8Ω 2 x 5.25"
JBL Arena 6IW
Compare
38-20k Hz 86 dB8Ω 1 x 6.5"

Frequency Response of the JBL Arena 55IW Speaker

JBL Arena 55IW has a Frequency response range of 40-20kHz and Power Range of up to 120 watts. With a minimum frequency of 40 Hz, Arena 55IW delivers deep bass that will likely satisfy most listeners, especially those who enjoy music. However, movie enthusiasts and music fans who prefer a full range of sound may still benefit from adding a subwoofer.

Here we have a comparison of how Arena 55IW's Low frequency value compares with the average, max and min Low frequency values in its class.
Low Frequency
In-wall Speakers
JBL Arena 55IW
Min
Average
Median
Thinking about a subwoofer for the JBL Arena 55IW?
  • Work out the crossover setting - it follows from this speaker's 40 Hz low end
  • Powered subwoofers under $750 - a similar price range to these speakers
  • Every powered subwoofer we cover, whatever the budget

Impedance and Sensitivity

JBL Arena 55IW's nominal impedance level is 8 ohms and has a sensitivity of 88 dB.

Sensitivity
In-wall Speakers
JBL Arena 55IW
Min
Average
Median

8 Ohms is pretty much the standard nominal impedance amongst stereo speakers and amplifiers so JBL Arena 55IW is not considered a difficult to drive speaker from nominal Impedance perspective.

Sensitivity

88dB of the JBL Arena 55IW is an average sensitivity for stereo speaker so it is neither easy nor difficult to drive Sensitivity wise. Work out how loud the JBL Arena 55IW plays in your room →

What amplifier does the JBL Arena 55IW need?

At normal listening levels in a medium room, about 12–120 W per channel into 8 ohms. Set your own conditions and we will rank every amplifier we cover.

We check power, impedance safety and current delivery - not just watts.

Prefer to browse? Integrated amplifiers under $750, or every amplifier we cover.

Input Type

Arena 55IW features Spring post type connectors. Bi-amping and Bi-wiring are not possible.

Work out what gauge speaker cable this run needs →

JBL Arena 55IW External Dimensions and Weight

JBL Arena 55IW has external dimensions of (Height x Width x Depth) 14.1250-inch x 6.3750-inch x 3.4375-inch (359.0 x 162.0 x 88.0mm ).

Base Surface Area
Base surface area of a loudspeaker may become a determining factor when the space in your room or desk is limited. The base area of JBL Arena 55IW is approximately 142.6cm2 / 22.1inch2.

Find speakers that fit your shelf or alcove →

Cabinet type and Materials

JBL Arena 55IW has a In-wall type cabinet.

What's in the Box of JBL Arena 55IW?

Here are the items that are included inside the box of Arena 55IW:
  • In-wall loudspeaker
  • Grille
  • 2 Scrim cloths (1 installed)
  • Mounting Template
  • Instruction Manual

Recommended Accessories

Here is a list of accessories that we think you may need for the JBL Arena 55IW.

  • Speaker Cable and Connectors
    • Speaker Cables with Banana Plugs: If you know the lenght of the cable you need, this is the easier option to connect your speakers with your amp.
    • Speaker Cables without Connectors: If you are not sure about the lenght or need longer than standard cables with plugs, choose this option.
    • Banana Connectors and Plugs: If you chose the cables without connectors option or already have some cable around, pick the banana plugs separately.
  • Vibration Isolators: IsoAcoustics isolators are our favorite isolators but you may find more affordable options too.
  • Acoustic Panels and Treatments: Your room is as important as your stereo equipment so acoustic treatments goes a long way in improving the overall performance.

Warranty

5 Years of parts warranty and 5 Years of labor warranty is generally provided by the manufacturer.

JBL Arena 55IW Alternatives in Passive In-wall Speakers
Model Type Sensitivity Impedance Frequency
JBL Studio 2 55IW
Compare
2-way 88 dB 8 ohms 40-20kHz
JBL Stage 250WL
Compare
2-way 90 dB 8 ohms 52-25kHz
JBL Arena 6IW
Compare
2-way 86 dB 8 ohms 38-20kHz
JBL Studio 2 8IW
Compare
2-way 88 dB 8 ohms 30-20kHz
Focal 100 IW LCR5
Compare
2-way 90.5 dB 8 ohms 55-23kHz
JBL Stage 260W
Compare
2-way 87 dB 8 ohms 50-25kHz
Klipsch R-5502-W II
Compare
2-way 92 dB 8 ohms 46-20kHz
JBL Studio 6 Theater
Compare
2-way 96 dB 6 ohms 65-20kHz
Frequently Asked Questions about JBL Arena 55IW

What amplifier do you need for the JBL Arena 55IW?

JBL rates the JBL Arena 55IW for up to 120 watts of amplifier power. It is an 8-ohm speaker, the usual nominal load, so almost any amplifier or receiver can drive it.

Is the JBL Arena 55IW easy to drive?

The JBL Arena 55IW has a sensitivity of 88 dB. That is about average for a home speaker, so it is neither hard nor especially easy to drive.

Does the JBL Arena 55IW need a subwoofer?

The JBL Arena 55IW reaches down to 40Hz (full range 40-20kHz). That is deep enough that many listeners will not feel the need for a subwoofer with music.

What drivers does the JBL Arena 55IW use?

The JBL Arena 55IW is a 2-way design using a 1" Soft-dome tweeter and 2 x 5.25" Polycellulose woofers.

Is the JBL Arena 55IW sealed or ported?

The JBL Arena 55IW uses a In-wall enclosure.

Can the JBL Arena 55IW be bi-wired or bi-amped?

No. The JBL Arena 55IW has a single pair of terminals, so bi-wiring and bi-amping are not possible. It uses Spring post terminals.

How is the JBL Arena 55IW installed?

The JBL Arena 55IW is an in-wall model: it mounts flush into the wall cavity rather than standing in the room, so it needs a cut-out and takes up no floor space.

How much does the JBL Arena 55IW cost?

The JBL Arena 55IW has a manufacturer's list price (MSRP) of $520 per pair.


JBL Arena 55IW Detailed Specifications

General
BrandJBL
Full Model NameJBL Arena 55IW
Speaker Type2-way In-wall
Power Rangeup to 120 watts
Sensitivity88 dB
Impedance8 ohms
Frequency Response40-20kHz
Release Date2015
DRIVERS
Woofer Size5.25-inch
Woofer CompositionPolycellulose
Woofer SurroundRubber
Tweeter Size1-inch
Tweeter TypeSoft-dome
Aimable TweeterNo

CONNECTIONS
Connector TypeSpring post
Biamp InputsNo
PHYSICAL SPECS
Height359.0mm ( 14.1250-inch)
Width162.0mm ( 6.3750-inch)
Depth88.0mm ( 3.4375-inch)
Height359.0mm ( 14.1250-inch)
Weight—
EnclosureIn-wall
Moisture ResistanceNo
OTHER
Handheld RemoteNo
Parts Warranty5 Years
Labor Warranty5 Years
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