Long review with no listen or measurable feedback...

Just finished it. Should have it uploaded tonight.👍

There is a polarity error on some A130. The connection at the binding posts needs to be swapped.

Its typical poly stuff, I'd say its ok. Its a tuff decision to mess with these because out of the box they measure and perform very well. Better than some speakers like B&W 607 coasting way more. I'll probably add a brace on the inside, some acoustic foam (no rez is too expensive and not necessary for these), and upgrade the xover components. But I'm not really expecting it to make much difference with these. The improvement is more noticeable when correcting speakers that have lots of issue's.

'decent enough' at ASR is equal to 'not that well' with Erin. semantics.

@@herrtrigger7220 That may be the case, but the objective measurements themselves are quite different and they both are using the Klippel NFS.

​@@herrtrigger7220If you look at Erin's presented data it's hardly a textbook perfect frequency response though is it?

There is a polarity screw up on some A130. The connection at the binding posts needs to be swapped. Please just try it. The texture it reveals will blow your mind.

100% percent agree. Someone should explain this and to that noob called: Amir, which sleep with his measuring instruments in his bed, and which thinks that life means only graphics and numbers. Personaly I don't give 2 cents on his forum and his measurements. I only care about how it sounds for my ears, in my place.

There is a polarity error on some A130. The connection at the binding posts needs to be swapped.

There is a polarity error on some A130. The connection at the binding posts needs to be swapped.

@@eriktomas9194 How could I tell? They seem to be working.

FYI there is a polarity error on some A130. The connection at the binding posts needs to be swapped. Mine were purchased in 2023 and had flawed midrange until it occured to me that it might be a polarity issue.

I powered these with the SMSL SA300 in testing and it had plenty of power to drive these in a bedroom sized area maybe even a bit bigger. I agree if you want further control a used reciever with LFE is a great option to pair a sub at about 80hz.

This is just my opinion. I've become a big fan of DSP (digital signal processing) and prefer to use it along with EQ to improve or correct a speaker in any room you use it in. I'm not aware of any improved xover designs as the stock ones are decent and the speaker already performs quite well out of the box. It does suffer from a little bix resonance so a little bracing inside could help. But the room and position you place them will effect them the most. I highly recommend getting a calibrated mic like the UMM-6 $70 on PartsExpress and use the free REW measurement software to measure your system in the space it will be used. This will allow you to look at a basic frequency response graph so you can see where corrections can be made with equalizer software like Equalizer APO. It may seem complicated but really isn't, its also much cheaper and easier than taking a speaker apart and messing with the xover. Some speakers that are way outta wack may need this but I don't think the Stage A130 need it. You can also use this equipment to correct other setups around the house or if you move the speakers to a different area or different room. I really need to make a video of this process sorry. I think Joe N Tell did one 🤔.

@@iowaudioreviews tks man! Appreciate

There is a polarity error on some A130. The connection at the binding posts needs to be swapped. Ask me how I know.

I was just looking at the even bigger Stage 180! Really want to try them.

170s are much better than one would believe. Liked them better than 190s ( in my room ). Room size, wall boundries, amp, etc all interact with a speakers sound.

same, i replaced a pair of 6.5 inch old floor speakers, and once i hooked the jbl's up, i was amazed by the amount of power these 5.25's do... i did buy a A100P sub with these, but now i see that i didn't even need a sub for these. maybe the sub adds the extra 40 hz layer, but it can easily be handled by the A170's@@spooner1

I haven't tried the Wharfdale either. Heard good things though. If good measurements and frequency responseatter the JBL are hard to beat for the money. AudioScienceReview tested theme and they really did great.

I guess the A130 could be considered objectively good cause they measure very well and people like them. Then the Sony CS5 don't measure as well BUT subjectivity many people still think they sound good. So you could have both in that sense I guess. I own both and like both...

@@iowaudioreviews thank you. Would you consider the Rb42’s close in sound profile to the Sony?

@@frederickmaloney7547 No. I know many other people rav over the RB42. Overall its pretty good for a small speaker but not the best option in it price. Read the ASR review and measurements its got problems. OSD Audio Studio Nero 5 or even the Neumi BS5 are better and also quite small.

More similar than they are opposite of each other. I have both and was expecting a little more difference. JBL has tighter, more focused, and deeper bass. High end needs some slight taming ( -3db 16k on an eq), where the sonys are bright but not fatiguing by default. Similar soundstage with the Sonys having this X factor of air that I like, but I'd say the JBL is objectively the more well rounded speaker. At $180 sale price, the JBLs are still a fun AB alternative to the Sonys, but no way at $300, especially if looking for a truly different speaker.

Yes, but in a good way. I'd say detail even in the upper end of treble that some music does have 15khz to 18khz is clean and articulate. I've never been a fan of metal domes BUT JBL proves here when done right with a well engineered wave guide they can be very pleasing. Because of their low distortion these speakers remain surprisingly friendly even when turned up. This may relate to how well they take power and get loud without screeming at you and losing composure. I power mine with a Harman Kardon HK3490 which put about 150w into these and they take enough for me to throw the towel in. Here the ASR link, I know measurements are only part of the story but these speakers measure WAY above their price and far more expensive competitors. www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/jbl-stage-a130-review-speaker.18260/

Nope. Unscrew pull them out a bit flip them over and screw back in. Takes like 5 min super easy.

@@iowaudioreviews thanks for your reply!

There is a polarity error on some A130. The connection at the binding posts needs to be swapped.

In order #1 JBL Stage A130, #2 Klipsch R51m, #3 Jamo S803. The Stage A130 plays ball with speakers well over $500. Look at the measurements on AudioScienceReview link is in the description.

Did you ever find a set of these?

Yep. Just can't be up against the wall because their rear ported. Stay within 30° horizontally off axis and ear level. Should be good.

The port is offset to the woofer. These speakers do very well placed 9" from a wall.

There is a polarity "mistake" on some A130. The connection at the binding posts needs to be swapped. Ask me how I know. With polarity corrected the A130 sound like they were designed to ....like headphones, jaw dropping resolution and texture. Mine were purchased late last year. Just try it and see if the midrange opens up.

Might just be you. The measurements and thousands of other reviews say different.

🤣🤣 Hahaha. ....looks like you're all over the place with the same old rant....this is surely just you , too bad you got a crappy pair of speaks ,which is highly doubted.