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JBL Stage 280W Review
JBL Stage 280W

Main Features

  • 1" Horn-Loaded Tweeter
  • 8" Polycellulose Woofer
  • 42-25kHz Frequency Response
  • 90 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 8ohms
  • Power Range: 20-120watts
  • Dimensions(HxWxD): 14.6875"x9.3750"x3.8750" / 374.0 x 239.0 x 99.0mm
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JBL Stage 280W Review
JBL Stage 280W JBL Stage 280W
See at AMAZON

JBL Stage 280W is a 2-way Passive In-wall In-wall speaker by JBL. It features a 1" Horn-Loaded Tweeter and 1 x 8" Polycellulose Woofer. The speaker has a frequency range of 42-25kHz and a sensitivity of 90 dB. JBL Stage 280W has an MSRP of 450$ per pair.

Room Size Suitability

The size of the room where you plan to use the JBL Stage 280W 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 Stage Series of Loudspeakers

Stage 280W is a member of JBL's Stage series of Passive speakers. Below you can see the main specs of these speakers.

JBL Stage Series Speakers
Model Frequency SensitivityImpedance Woofer
JBL A130
Compare
55-40k Hz 86 dB6Ω 1 x 5.25"
JBL A120
Compare
60-40k Hz 86 dB6Ω 1 x 4.5"
JBL Stage A190
Compare
36-40k Hz 91 dB6Ω 2 x 8"
JBL Stage A180
Compare
40-40k Hz 90 dB6Ω 2 x 6.5"
JBL Stage A135C
Compare
75-40k Hz 90 dB6Ω 6 x 3"
JBL Stage A170
Compare
44-40k Hz 89 dB6Ω 2 x 5.25"
JBL Stage A125C
Compare
75-40k Hz 88 dB6Ω 2 x 5.24"
JBL Stage 280W
42-25k Hz 90 dB8Ω 1 x 8"
JBL Stage 260W
Compare
50-25k Hz 87 dB8Ω 1 x 6.5"
JBL Stage 250WL
Compare
52-25k Hz 90 dB8Ω 2 x 5.25"


**This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Frequency Response of the JBL Stage 280W Speaker

JBL Stage 280W has a Frequency response range of 42-25kHz at ±3dB and Power Range of 20-120 watts. With a minimum frequency of 42 Hz, Stage 280W 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.

To focus on the subwoofers that are in a similar price range with JBL Stage 280W, check out the Powered Subwoofers under $500. Alternatively, find the Full list of Powered Subwoofers regardless of the price.
Here we have a comparison of how Stage 280W's Low and High frequency values compare with the average, max and min Low and High frequency values in its class.
Low Frequency
In-wall Speakers
JBL Stage 280W
Min
Average
Max
High Frequency
In-wall Speakers
JBL Stage 280W
Min
Average
Max

Impedance and Sensitivity

JBL Stage 280W's nominal impedance level is 8 ohms and has a sensitivity of 90 dB.

Sensitivity
In-wall Speakers
JBL Stage 280W
Min
Average
Max

8 Ohms is pretty much the standard nominal impedance amongst stereo speakers and amplifiers so JBL Stage 280W is not considered a difficult to drive speaker from nominal Impedance perspective.

Sensitivity

90dB of the JBL Stage 280W is an average sensitivity for stereo speaker so it is neither easy nor difficult to drive Sensitivity wise.

Check the amplifiers that are in a similar price range to the JBL Stage 280W:

  • Integrated Amps under 300 USD
  • Integrated Amps under 500 USD
  • Integrated Amps under 750 USD
  • All Integrated Amplifiers

Input Type

Stage 280W features Spring clip type connectors. Bi-amping and Bi-wiring are not possible.

JBL Stage 280W External Dimensions and Weight

JBL Stage 280W has external dimensions of (Height x Width x Depth) 14.6875-inch x 9.3750-inch x 3.8750-inch (374.0 x 239.0 x 99.0mm ).

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 Stage 280W is approximately 236.6cm2 / 36.7inch2.

Cabinet type and Materials

JBL Stage 280W has a In-wall type cabinet.

What's in the Box of JBL Stage 280W?

Here are the items that are included inside the box of Stage 280W:
  • In-wall loudspeaker
  • Grille
  • Cut-Out Template
  • Quick Start Guide
  • Recommended Accessories

    Here is a list of accessories that we think you may need for the JBL Stage 280W.

    • 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 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 Stage 280W Alternatives in Passive In-wall Speakers
    Model Type Sensitivity Impedance Frequency
    JBL Stage 260W
    Compare
    2-way 87 dB 8 ohms 50-25kHz
    JBL Stage 250WL
    Compare
    2-way 90 dB 8 ohms 52-25kHz
    JBL A130
    Compare
    2-way 86 dB 6 ohms 55-40k Hz
    JBL Stage A190
    Compare
    2-way 91 dB 6 ohms 36-40k Hz
    JBL Studio 2 8IW
    Compare
    2-way 88 dB 8 ohms 30-20kHz
    JBL A120
    Compare
    2-way 86 dB 6 ohms 60-40k Hz
    JBL Stage A180
    Compare
    2-way 90 dB 6 ohms 40-40k Hz
    JBL Stage A135C
    Compare
    2-way 90 dB 6 ohms 75-40k Hz
    Frequently Asked Questions about JBL Stage 280W
    What is the External Dimensions of JBL Stage 280W
    What is the Speaker Sensitivity of JBL Stage 280W
    is the JBL Stage 280W an easy to drive speaker?

    JBL Stage 280W Detailed Specifications

    General
    BrandJBL
    Full Model NameJBL Stage 280W
    Speaker Type2-way In-wall
    Power Range20-120 watts
    Sensitivity90 dB
    Impedance8 ohms
    Frequency Response42-25kHz
    DRIVERS
    Woofer Size8-inch
    Woofer CompositionPolycellulose
    Woofer SurroundRubber
    Tweeter Size1-inch
    Tweeter TypeHorn-Loaded
    Aimable TweeterNo
    Midrange SizeN/A-inch

    CONNECTIONS
    Connector TypeSpring clip
    Biamp InputsNo
    PHYSICAL SPECS
    Height374.0mm ( 14.6875-inch)
    Width239.0mm ( 9.3750-inch)
    Depth99.0mm ( 3.8750-inch)
    Height374.0mm ( 14.6875-inch)
    Weightkg ( lbs)
    EnclosureIn-wall
    Moisture ResistanceNo
    OTHER
    Handheld RemoteNo
    Parts Warranty5 Years
    Labor Warranty5 Years
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