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JBL A120 Review
JBL Stage A120

Main Features

  • 1" Hard-Dome Tweeter
  • 4.5" Polycellulose Woofer
  • 60-40k Hz Frequency Response
  • 86 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 6ohms
  • Power Range: 20-125watts
  • Weight:8.40 lbs / 3.82 kg
  • Dimensions(HxWxD): 11-1/4"x6-3/4"x7-7/16" / 286.0 x 172.0 x 189.0mm
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JBL A120 Review
JBL A120 JBL A120
See at AMAZON

JBL Stage A120 is a 2-way Passive Bass Reflex Bookshelf speaker by JBL. It features a 1" Hard-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 4.5" Polycellulose Woofer. The speaker has a frequency range of 60-40k Hz and a sensitivity of 86 dB. JBL A120 has an MSRP of 250$ per pair but can often be found around 150$ per pair.

Room Size Suitability

The size of the room where you plan to use the JBL A120 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

A120 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
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
Compare
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 A120 Speaker

JBL A120 has a Frequency response range of 60-40k Hz at ±3dB and Power Range of 20-125 watts. With a minimum frequency of 60 Hz, A120 delivers moderate bass depth so depending on your use case, you might want to consider adding a subwoofer to your system.

To focus on the subwoofers that are in a similar price range with JBL A120, check out the Powered Subwoofers under $300. Alternatively, find the Full list of Powered Subwoofers regardless of the price.
Here we have a comparison of how A120's Low and High frequency values compare with the average, max and min Low and High frequency values in its class.
Low Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
JBL A120
Min
Average
Max
High Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
JBL A120
Min
Average
Max

Impedance and Sensitivity

JBL A120's nominal impedance level is 6 ohms and has a sensitivity of 86 dB.

Sensitivity
Bookshelf Speakers
JBL A120
Min
Average
Max

Nominal Impedance of the 6 Ohms makes the JBL Stage A120 a relatively difficult to drive speaker compared to more frequently found 8 ohms speakers from nominal Impedance perspective.

Sensitivity

With a sensitivity level of only 86 dB, JBL Stage A120 is a difficult to drive speaker from Sensitivity perspective, make sure to choose an amplifier with a high output if you like listening to your music at high volume levels. You may especially have a hard time using Tube amplifiers which are traditionally very low power compared to Class A/B or Class D amps.

Check the amplifiers that are in a similar price range to the JBL A120:

  • All Integrated Amplifiers

Input Type

A120 features 5-way post type connectors. Bi-amping and Bi-wiring are not possible.
JBL A120 Back View
JBL A120 Back View

JBL A120 External Dimensions and Weight

JBL A120 has external dimensions of (Height x Width x Depth) 11-1/4 x 6-3/4 x 7-7/16inch (286.0 x 172.0 x 189.0mm ).

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 A120 is approximately 325.1cm2 / 50.4inch2.

To get a better perspective on the real life size of JBL A120, let's compare it with a standard size Compact Disc which has a diameter of 4.7inch (120mm).

JBL A120 Real Life Body Size Comparison
JBL A120 Speaker Size Compared to a Compact Disc

Here we place the JBL A120 virtually next to a standard width amplifier and turntable on a BDI Octave Media Cabinet to get a better idea about the size.

JBL A120 placed next to an amplifier and turntable
JBL A120 Speaker next to an amplifier and turntable

Weight

The JBL A120 weighs 3.82kg / 8.4lbs per piece. Here is a comparison of how A120's weight compares with the average, max and min weights in its class.

Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
JBL A120
Min
Average
Max
Weight
Bookshelf Speakers under $300
JBL A120
Min
Average
Max

How does the JBL A120 compare to the JBL Stage A130?

One of the natural alternative to the JBL A120 is the A130 which is located one step higher in JBL's Passive Bookshelf selection.

Here is a scaled size comparison of these two speakers to give you an idea how their external dimensions compare:

JBL A120 vs JBL A130 Size Comparison - Front View
Comparison image of JBL A120 and JBL A130 Size and External Dimensions

Check the Detailed Comparison of JBL A120 vs A130 for more details.

Cabinet type and Materials

JBL A120 has a Bass Reflex type cabinet and a MDF, Vinyl finish. Bass Reflex type loudspeakers (aka Ported, Vented or Reflex Port) have enclosures that uses a port, hole or vent cut into the cabinet. Ported designs are generally more efficient than the Sealed designs.

Speaker Feet

JBL A120 comes with 8 Rubber feet which you can use to secure your loudspeaker on the surface that you are putting on.

It is always recommended to use some kind of feet under all types of speakers. Besides limiting the movement of the speakers, it also compensates for non-flat surfaces and limits the contact surface area of the speaker. Rubber based feet also help isolating the vibrations within certain frequency ranges.

Port Position

JBL A120 is a rear-firing port speaker so you have to make sure you leave enough space between the back of the speaker and wall or bookshelf so that it has room to breathe.

Available colors

JBL A120 is available in Black.

Wall Mounting

A120 has Keyholes w/ bracket mounting bracket that makes it possible to mount on walls and similar surfaces easily.

Does the JBL A120 come with a Grille?

A120 comes with grilles. The purpose of the grille is to protect the delicate driver elements from external impacts while still allowing the sound to pass as clearly as possible.

JBL A120  with Grille
JBL A120 with Grille

What's in the Box of JBL A120?

Here are the items that are included inside the box of A120:
  • 2 Bookshelf loudspeakers
  • 2 Grilles
  • 2 Foam plugs
  • 4 Brackets
  • 8 Rubber feet
  • 8 Screws (M6 x 8mm)
  • Owner-feets Manual
  • Warranty Card
  • Recommended Accessories

    Here is a list of accessories that we think you may need for the JBL Stage A120.

    • 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.
    • Speaker Stands: Stands bring your bookshelf speakers to ideal height (rule of thumb is to have the tweeter level with your ear in your listening position), helps stability and acoustical isolation.

    Warranty

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

    JBL Stage A120 Alternatives in Passive Bookshelf Speakers
    Model Type Sensitivity Impedance Frequency
    JBL Stage A170
    Compare
    2-way 89 dB 6 ohms 44-40k Hz
    JBL A130
    Compare
    2-way 86 dB 6 ohms 55-40k Hz
    Polk XT15
    Compare
    2-way 86 dB 8 ohms 48-40k Hz
    Klipsch R-41M
    Compare
    2-way 90 dB 8 ohms 68-21k Hz
    Wharfedale 11.1
    Compare
    2-way 87 dB 8 ohms 55-20k Hz
    Q Acoustics 3020i
    Compare
    2-way 88 dB 6 ohms 64-30k Hz
    Klipsch R-51M
    Compare
    2-way 93 dB 8 ohms 62-21k Hz
    Polk S15
    Compare
    2-way 88 dB 8 ohms 50-40k Hz
    Frequently Asked Questions about JBL Stage A120
    What is the External Dimensions of JBL Stage A120
    What is the Speaker Sensitivity of JBL Stage A120
    is the JBL Stage A120 an easy to drive speaker?

    JBL A120 Detailed Specifications

    General
    BrandJBL
    Full Model NameJBL Stage A120
    Speaker Type2-way Bookshelf
    Power Range20-125 watts
    Sensitivity86 dB
    Impedance6 ohms
    Frequency Response60-40k Hz
    DRIVERS
    Woofer Size4.5-inch
    Woofer CompositionPolycellulose
    Woofer SurroundRubber
    Tweeter Size1-inch
    Tweeter TypeHard-Dome
    Port Positionrear

    CONNECTIONS
    Connector Type5-way post
    Biamp InputsNo
    Port Positionrear
    PHYSICAL SPECS
    Height286.0mm ( 11-1/4-inch)
    Width172.0mm ( 6-3/4-inch)
    Depth189.0mm ( 7-7/16-inch)
    Height286.0mm ( 11-1/4-inch)
    Weight3.82kg ( 8.40 lbs)
    EnclosureBass Reflex
    FinishMDF, Vinyl
    Available ColorsBlack
    Mounting BracketKeyholes w/ bracket
    Recommended Stand Height26-28
    GrilleYes
    Moisture ResistanceNo
    OTHER
    Handheld RemoteNo
    Parts Warranty5 Years
    Labor Warranty5 Years
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