JBL Stage A130 audio system
JBL
Final week I heaped reward on the JBL Stage A170 tower audio system, however I additionally had the a lot smaller Stage A130 bookshelf audio system available, so I cracked open the field to see how the 2 JBLs evaluate. They share the identical 1-inch aluminum tweeter set right into a waveguide that focuses the high-frequency dispersion, however whereas the A170 has two 5.25-inch polycellulose woofers, the A130 has only one. The speaker stands 12.5 inches excessive, and its impedance is rated at 6 ohms.
The vinyl wrap is a no-frills primary black, however the general construct high quality is sweet. Properly completed black fabric grilles are included, and the rear baffle hosts a flared bass port and durable speaker cable connectors. JBL’s Website sells the A130 direct for $250 a pair, however they’re $200 on Amazon.
The JBL Stage lineup additionally options three towers, the aforementioned A170 ($250 every), A180 ($280 every) and A190 ($360 every), and a smaller bookshelf, the A120 ($160 a pair). For those who’re curious about a home-theater multichannel setup, add one of many Stage center-channel audio system, the A135C ($250 every) or A125C ($200 every), and a powered sub, both the A120P ($450) or A100P ($350).
Listening to the A130
The A130 is a full-blooded JBL, so the sound is not in any manner lightweight; it dealt with high-volume listening periods with grace and poise. These are hurdles for any small speaker, however the A130s weren’t as much as the requirements set by the A170 towers; these sounded larger, with fuller bass, and extra highly effective dynamics and punch.
The A130s stereo imaging depth was simply common, however they produced a clearly outlined heart picture. For those who can double your finances and have room for bigger audio system, the A170s are positively value it. With that out of the best way, again to the A130: it truly is a really decent-sounding small speaker for the cash.
Throughout the bulk of my listening time with the A130s, it was hooked as much as a NAD C 316BEEV2 stereo built-in amplifier. Stepping as much as a Schiit Ager energy amp considerably improved the A130’s sound — it had extra weight and heat, and the treble was sweeter. There was extra complexity to the sound of cymbals, extra of their burnished brassy shimmer. The A130 is able to demonstrating the enhancements that higher electronics, digital converters or turntables can ship. Which, in flip, makes it a terrific “starter” speaker for younger audiophiles who might quickly be able to discover improve choices for higher sound.
There is a likability issue to the A130 that is inconceivable to disregard. Sadly I did not have some other small audio system available for direct comparisons, however I might nonetheless say the A130’s sound has extra heft to it than another small bookshelf audio system I’ve reviewed in current occasions. I am desirous about the Klipsch R-51M or Q Acoustics 3020i, for instance.
Over the course of my listening, it was the A130’s skill to not name consideration to itself as I performed quite a lot of music genres, from classical chamber music, to EDM, jazz and rock. The audio system by no means faltered, probably as a result of there is a slight softness to the treble steadiness, however that is not such a nasty factor to say about any speaker, particularly budget-priced ones which are extra prone to be paired with bright-sounding electronics.
All of that makes the JBL Stage A130 a simple and protected speaker to advocate.
