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  1. Home
  2. JBL Speakers
  3. Passive Floor-standing Speakers
  4. JBL Stage A170
JBL A170 Review
JBL Stage A170 - Front View

Compare To

Main Features

  • 1" HDI (High Definition Imaging) waveguide Tweeter
  • 2 x 5.25" Polycellulose Woofer
  • 44-40k Hz Frequency Response
  • 89 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 6ohms
  • Power Range: 20-200 watts
  • Weight: 31.61 lbs / 14.37 kg
  • Dimensions(HxWxD): 38-7/16"x10-1/2"x13" / 977.0 x 267.0 x 331.0mm
MSRP: $300 (list price)
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JBL Stage A170 Review
JBL Stage A170 JBL Stage A170
Check price atAmazon›

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

JBL Stage A170 is a 2-way Passive Bass Reflex Floor-standing speaker by JBL. It was released in 2018. It features a 1" HDI (High Definition Imaging) waveguide Tweeter and 2 x 5.25" Polycellulose Woofer. The speaker has a frequency range of 44-40k Hz and a sensitivity of 89 dB. JBL Stage A170 has an MSRP of 600$ 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 Stage A170 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-fieldBad
Small RoomPoor
Mid-size RoomGood
Large RoomGood
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

A170 is a member of JBL's Stage series of Passive speakers. The Stage range are JBL's affordable home-theatre and hi-fi speakers. Below you can see the main specs of these speakers.

See all 10 JBL Stage models compared »

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 A135C
Compare
75-40k Hz 90 dB6Ω 6 x 3"
JBL Stage A180
Compare
40-40k Hz 90 dB6Ω 2 x 6.5"
JBL Stage A170
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 we will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through our links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Frequency Response of the JBL Stage A170 Speaker

JBL Stage A170 has a Frequency response range of 44-40k Hz and Power Range of 20-200 watts. With a minimum frequency of 44 Hz, A170 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 A170's Low frequency value compares with the average, max and min Low frequency values in its class.
Low Frequency
Floor-standing Speakers
JBL Stage A170
Min
Average
Median
Thinking about a subwoofer for the JBL Stage A170?
  • Work out the crossover setting - it follows from this speaker's 44 Hz low end
  • Powered subwoofers under $750 - a similar price range to these speakers
  • Every powered subwoofer we cover, whatever the budget

Among the speakers in our database with a max MSRP price of 750$ (Pair), these are the 3 Passive Floor-standing speakers that have the deeper bass levels than the JBL Stage A170's 44Hz:

  • Jamo S 809 with Low Frequency of 37 Hz (Compare w/ A170)
  • Klipsch RP-4000F with Low Frequency of 37 Hz (Compare w/ A170)
  • Jamo S 807 with Low Frequency of 42 Hz (Compare w/ A170)

Impedance and Sensitivity

JBL Stage A170's nominal impedance level is 6 ohms and has a sensitivity of 89 dB.

Sensitivity
Floor-standing Speakers
JBL Stage A170
Min
Average
Median

Nominal Impedance of the 6 Ohms makes the JBL Stage A170 a relatively difficult to drive speaker compared to more frequently found 8 ohms speakers from nominal Impedance perspective.

Sensitivity

89dB of the JBL Stage A170 is an average sensitivity for stereo speaker so it is neither easy nor difficult to drive Sensitivity wise. Work out how loud the JBL Stage A170 plays in your room →

Running more than one pair from a single amplifier? Check the load it would present →

What amplifier does the JBL Stage A170 need?

At normal listening levels in a medium room, about 13–200 W per channel into 6 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

A170 has 5-Way post type connectors and lets bi-amping/bi-wiring. Bi-wiring can enhance the overall transparency of your loudspeakers by using separate speaker wires for the low and high-frequency drivers from a single amplifier. Bi-amping, on the other hand, involves using separate amplifiers for the high and low-frequency drivers, potentially resulting in a greater dynamic range and reduced distortion.

Work out what gauge speaker cable this run needs →

JBL Stage A170 External Dimensions and Weight

JBL Stage A170 has external dimensions of (Height x Width x Depth) 38-7/16 x 10-1/2 x 13inch (977.0 x 267.0 x 331.0mm ).

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 A170 is approximately 883.8cm2 / 137.0inch2.

To get a better perspective on the real life size of JBL Stage A170, let's compare it with a standard size Compact Disc which has a diameter of 4.7inch (120mm).

JBL Stage A170 Real Life Body Size Comparison
JBL Stage A170 Speaker Size Compared to a Compact Disc

Here we place the JBL Stage A170 virtually next to a standard width amplifier and turntable on a media center to get a better idea about the size.

JBL Stage A170 placed next to a Media Stand
JBL Stage A170 Floor-standing Speaker next to a Media Stand

Find speakers that fit your shelf or alcove →  ·  Work out where they should sit in the room →

Weight

The JBL Stage A170 weighs 14.37kg / 31.6lbs per piece. Here is a comparison of how A170's weight compares with the average, max and min weights in its class.

Weight
All Floor-standing Speakers
JBL Stage A170
Min
Average
Median
Weight
Floor-standing Speakers under $750
JBL Stage A170
Min
Average
Max

How does the JBL Stage A170 compare to the JBL Stage A180?

One of the natural alternative to the JBL Stage A170 is the A180 which is located one step higher in JBL's Passive Floor-standing selection.

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

JBL Stage A170 vs JBL Stage A180 Size Comparison - Front View
Comparison image of JBL Stage A170 and JBL Stage A180 Size and External Dimensions

Check the Detailed Comparison of JBL Stage A170 vs A180 for more details.

Cabinet type and Materials

JBL Stage A170 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 Stage A170 comes with the parts below which you can use to secure your loudspeaker on the surface that you are putting on:

  • 4 Outriggers
  • 4 Rubber feet
  • 4 Spikes

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.

Available colors

JBL Stage A170 is available in Black.

Does the JBL Stage A170 come with a Grille?

A170 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.

What's in the Box of JBL Stage A170?

Here are the items that are included inside the box of A170:
  • Floorstanding loudspeaker
  • Grille
  • 4 Outriggers
  • 4 Rubber feet
  • 4 Spikes
  • 8 Screws
  • 2 Terminal jumpers (pre-installed)
  • Owners Manual
  • Warranty Card

Recommended Accessories

Here is a list of accessories that we think you may need for the JBL Stage A170.

  • 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 Stage A170 Alternatives in Passive Floor-standing Speakers
Model Type Sensitivity Impedance Frequency
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 A190
Compare
2-way 91 dB 6 ohms 36-40k Hz
JBL A130
Compare
2-way 86 dB 6 ohms 55-40k Hz
Polk XT60
Compare
2-way 86 dB 8 ohms 38-40k Hz
Polk ES50
Compare
2-way 88 dB 8 ohms 38-40k Hz
Sony SS-CS3
Compare
3-way 88 dB 6 ohms 45-50k Hz
Polk XT70
Compare
2-way 86 dB 8 ohms 35-40k Hz
Frequently Asked Questions about JBL Stage A170

What amplifier do you need for the JBL Stage A170?

JBL rates the JBL Stage A170 for 20-200 watts of amplifier power. It is a 6-ohm speaker, which most amplifiers and receivers handle without trouble.

Is the JBL Stage A170 easy to drive?

The JBL Stage A170 has a sensitivity of 89 dB. That is about average for a home speaker, so it is neither hard nor especially easy to drive.

Does the JBL Stage A170 need a subwoofer?

The JBL Stage A170 reaches down to 44Hz (full range 44-40k Hz). That is deep enough that many listeners will not feel the need for a subwoofer with music.

What drivers does the JBL Stage A170 use?

The JBL Stage A170 is a 2-way design using a 1" HDI (High Definition Imaging) waveguide tweeter and 2 x 5.25" Polycellulose woofers.

Is the JBL Stage A170 sealed or ported?

The JBL Stage A170 uses a Ported enclosure. A ported design uses a tuned vent to get more low-end output from the same driver, but it wants some breathing room behind it.

Can the JBL Stage A170 be bi-wired or bi-amped?

Yes. The JBL Stage A170 has two sets of terminals, so it can be bi-wired or bi-amped: bi-wiring runs separate cable to the treble and bass sections, bi-amping gives each its own amplifier channel. It uses 5-Way post terminals.

Can the JBL Stage A170 be wall mounted?

The JBL Stage A170 does not include a wall-mount bracket or keyhole, so it is designed to sit on a stand, shelf or the floor.

Does the JBL Stage A170 come with grilles?

Yes. The JBL Stage A170 comes with removable grilles.

How big and heavy is the JBL Stage A170?

The JBL Stage A170 weighs 14.37kg / 31.6lbs each and measures 38-7/16 x 10-1/2 x 13inch (HxWxD).

How much does the JBL Stage A170 cost?

The JBL Stage A170 has a manufacturer's list price (MSRP) of $600 per pair.


JBL Stage A170 Detailed Specifications

General
BrandJBL
Full Model NameJBL Stage A170
Speaker Type2-way Floor-standing
Power Range20-200 watts
Sensitivity89 dB
Impedance6 ohms
Frequency Response44-40k Hz
Release Date2018
DRIVERS
Woofer Size5.25-inch
Woofer CompositionPolycellulose
Woofer SurroundRubber
Tweeter Size1-inch
Tweeter TypeHDI (High Definition Imaging) waveguide

CONNECTIONS
Connector Type5-Way post
Biamp InputsYes
PHYSICAL SPECS
Height977.0mm ( 38-7/16-inch)
Width267.0mm ( 10-1/2-inch)
Depth331.0mm ( 13-inch)
Height977.0mm ( 38-7/16-inch)
Weight14.37 kg (31.6 lbs)
EnclosureBass Reflex
FinishMDF, Vinyl
Available ColorsBlack
Mounting BracketNo
GrilleYes
Moisture ResistanceNo
OTHER
Handheld RemoteNo
Parts Warranty5 Years
Labor Warranty5 Years
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