JBL Stage A130 Review (speaker)

[SMc]

Ok, o get my Jbl A130 and I’m listening to them. Until now I think I’m happy with the sound. Not as bright as B&W.

But, obviously, the bass response of a full tower speaker is missing.

So I’m wondering if I can connect a subwoofer. But how to do it since my amp (Audiophonics HPA S400ET) has only two output (L and R speaker)?

Simplest to get a sub with speaker-level inputs. KEF explains: https://us.kef.com/blogs/news/simple-subwoofer-connection-tips

 

[375HP2482]

Unless you are feeding the sub from a unit (like an AVR) that routes the lows to the sub and everything else to the amplifier powering the A130, the juice isn't worth the squeeze.

 

[Graham849]

Ok, o get my Jbl A130 and I’m listening to them. Until now I think I’m happy with the sound. Not as bright as B&W.

But, obviously, the bass response of a full tower speaker is missing.

So I’m wondering if I can connect a subwoofer. But how to do it since my amp (Audiophonics HPA S400ET) has only two output (L and R speaker)?

Have you tried various positions away from wall? 20cm seems a sweet position for my room.

 

[maruko]

You could buy a subwoofer with built-in pass-through. To connect it, do DAC->Subwoofer->Amp->Mains.

Alternatively, you could connect both the subwoofer and the Amp to your DAC in parallel.
If your DAC has only RCA output, then use RCA splitters:
View attachment 382794

If your DAC has both RCA and XLR output, then do DAC->RCA->Subwoofer and DAC->XLR->Amp.

The drawback of this method is that you cannot apply a high-pass filter to the JBL A130.

Alternatively, you could buy a DSP like a miniDSP Flex or 2x4HD or DDRC-24.
It connects to the subwoofer and the Amp separately, and you can apply different processing to each output.

I would prefer SOLUTION n.2.
So…

• dac > rca > sub;
• dac > xlr > amp.

I’m right?

QUESTIONS

1. So do i need an active sub?
2. Do I need to connect only one of the RCA outputs to the SUB or both?
3. Since i use a PRE (A90) between the DAC and the AMP, is it the same? RCA outputs > SUB? Given that the A90 allows the use of both RCA and XLR outputs at the same time (I don’t remember, I have to check)

 

[staticV3]

So…

• dac > rca > sub;
• dac > xlr > amp.

I’m right?

Yes.

So do i need an active sub?

You cannot run both a passive sub and a pair of passive speakers from your Audiophonics Amp.

If you want to use a passive sub, then you'd have to buy an additional Amp for just the sub.

Do I need to connect only one of the RCA outputs to the SUB or both?

Ideally, both.

Since i use a PRE (A90) between the DAC and the AMP, is it the same? RCA outputs > SUB? Given that the A90 allows the use of both RCA and XLR outputs at the same time (I don’t remember, I have to check)

The split (RCA->Sub, XLR->Amp) must be after the volume control.

If you use the A90 for volume, you need to connect the Amp and sub to it.

If you use your DAC for volume, then you can connect them to the DAC, or to the A90.

 

[maruko]

Yes.

Ok, so...

• I need an active SUB;
• I can connect A90 pre RCA outputs to RCA input on the SUB;
• If the SUB I'll buy has only a single RCA input, I will need RCA splitters (male to female)
• A90 pre support simultaneous output from the RCA and the XLR but, isn't the RCA output 6db lower than the XLR output? Can I compensate with bass level regulation on the SUB?
• Is measurements also important for SUBs or it is good to buy any decent SUB with all features (RCA input) I need since distortion is not so important for low frequencies?

 

[staticV3]

If the SUB I'll buy has only a single RCA input, I will need RCA splitters (male to female)

Do not connect two RCA outputs to one RCA input using a y-cable.

If there's just one RCA input, use either L or R output from your A90.

A90 pre support simultaneous output from the RCA and the XLR but, isn't the RCA output 6db lower than the XLR output? Can I compensate with bass level regulation on the SUB?

Correct. Virtually all active subwoofers have volume control for leveling.

Is measurements also important for SUBs or it is good to buy any decent SUB with all features (RCA input) I need since distortion is not so important for low frequencies?

There are definitely noteworthy differences betwen subs. Most prominently, how deep they can play and how loud before distortion becomes audible.

 

[maruko]

@staticV3
Any suggestion on a good price/performance ratio SUB with RCA input/s?

 

[staticV3]

@staticV3
Any suggestion on a good price/performance ratio SUB with RCA input/s?

Which country are you located in?

 

[maruko]

Europe.

 

[staticV3]

Europe.

Then anything from SVS basically.

 

[maruko]

Then anything from SVS basically.

What about JBL Stage A100 P sub? It’s a lot cheaper than those from SVS

 

[Teeter]

What about JBL Stage A100 P sub? It’s a lot cheaper than those from SVS

Whatever you can afford and give the JBL a try. Possibly see if any reviews. Klipsch subs are good.

Audiophile Home Theater Subwoofer LFE Reviews

A subwoofer is designed to deliver the Low Frequency Effects (LFE) channel in a surround soundtrack. We rate bass output and set the industry standard in objectively testing and reviewing all

www.audioholics.com

 

[Steven Holt]

You could buy a subwoofer with built-in pass-through. To connect it, do DAC->Subwoofer->Amp->Mains.

staticV3, you never cease to amaze. WHY IN THE HELL DIDN'T I THINK OF THIS??

 

[CardiganB]

I didn't get a chance to read through the whole thread, but was there any conclusion on what caused the discrepancies between Amir's A130 and Erin's? Besides measuring (and listening), is there any way to tell what version you have (serial number, different crossover, etc)?

Like I've been saying......this speaker has two quality levels depending on absolute phase.

 

[Teeter]

Like I've been saying......this speaker has two quality levels depending on absolute phase.

Hear is another review 3 years or so ago. https://www.bing.com/videos/rivervi...533E53D60B4B239564BF533E53D60B4B239&FORM=VIRE

 

[Teeter]

@CardiganB I bought my A130's from Crutchfield, in January of 2021, for $170.00 Delivered. At that time, I viewed Amir's review and recently reinstalled the A130's. There have been other reviews of this speaker, via listening, and go along with the listening reviews. Again, reviews are reviews and go with best fits your requirement and what you want to afford. My mains are pointed straight out into the room for best sound stage, in my HT room environment

I'm more of a movie buff and not that critical for how they react to Music. My center channel is most important. But my A 130's sound pretty good in Stereo mode, listening to internet mp3 music. Music is soft rock, 60's, country, and symphony. Piano sounds good too. I do like "The Cheap Audio Man," review on the A130

jbl stage A130 cheap audio man review - Search Videos

www.bing.com

Here is one's take on all Speaker Reviews: https://www.bing.com/videos/rivervi...620B85D7737F7FDD286D620B85D7737F7FD&FORM=VIRE

 

[Lednek]

@CardiganB I bought my A130's from Crutchfield, in January of 2021, for $170.00 Delivered. At that time, I viewed Amir's review and recently reinstalled the A130's. There have been other reviews of this speaker, via listening, and go along with the listening reviews. Again, reviews are reviews and go with best fits your requirement and what you want to afford. My mains are pointed straight out into the room for best sound stage, in my HT room environment

I'm more of a movie buff and not that critical for how they react to Music. My center channel is most important. But my A 130's sound pretty good in Stereo mode, listening to internet mp3 music. Music is soft rock, 60's, country, and symphony. Piano sounds good too. I do like "The Cheap Audio Man," review on the A130

jbl stage A130 cheap audio man review - Search Videos

www.bing.com

Here is one's take on all Speaker Reviews: https://www.bing.com/videos/rivervi...620B85D7737F7FDD286D620B85D7737F7FD&FORM=VIRE

Ah yes, way back before Randy was inducted into the audio shill hall of fame. He is among my least favorite and least credible in the sea of paid youtube reviewers. I did like his channel back then.

 

[Teeter]

Ah yes, way back before Randy was inducted into the audio shill hall of fame. He is among my least favorite and least credible in the sea of paid youtube reviewers. I did like his channel back then.

lol.....He can be a little irritating, but you just have to be patient and listen to the points he makes in his reviews. I prefer listening and measurements are taken into account. One thing he does, is play all kinds of test music, to be his guide to rate speakers. Everybody's ears are different, and measurements are not the gospel, either. You know what I mean.

It depends on who you want to rely on for any speaker reviews. Randy is one of those with detailed info for one's ears, which might be more meaningful, than measurements. We have choices with a number of types of reviews. We have choices to choose from for reliable reviews. Life moves on, my friend.

@Lednek What specifically is wrong with his reviews? Why isn't he credible? What is wrong with You Tube Reviewers? You prefer speaker measurements as the gospel? I would be interested in your position, as others might be too. Have a great week!

 

[EJ3]

lol.....He can be a little irritating, but you just have to be patient and listen to the points he makes in his reviews. I prefer listening and measurements are taken into account. One thing he does, is play all kinds of test music, to be his guide to rate speakers. Everybody's ears are different, and measurements are not the gospel, either. You know what I mean.

It depends on who you want to rely on for any speaker reviews. Randy is one of those with detailed info for one's ears, which might be more meaningful, than measurements. We have choices with a number of types of reviews. We have choices to choose from for reliable reviews. Life moves on, my friend.

@Lednek What specifically is wrong with his reviews? Why isn't he credible? What is wrong with You Tube Reviewers? You prefer speaker measurements as the gospel? I would be interested in your position, as others might be too. Have a great week!

Mix & Match information from different sources.