Whether you want to add bass for movie-watching or music, nobody wants to break the bank for improved sound quality. In our review of the JBL Stage A100P, we explain why it’s a good match for many use cases with a great price point to match. We also outline why the JBL Stage A100P might not be the right powered subwoofer for everyone. You can find our main takeaways below followed by a more detailed review.
- Big Power (300 Peak Watts) For Small Size
- Compact Footprint and Unique Design
- Amazing Price Point For Value
- Solid Onboard Controls and Features
Table of Contents
Product Summary: Budget JBL Subwoofer With Clean Bass
Finding a decently priced 10″ subwoofer isn’t always easy. People often opt for a 10″ sub with a more compact footprint, but they’re often underpowered. The JBL Stage A100P is the rare powerful 10-inch subwoofer that’s compact at an affordable price point. With 150 RMS Watts (300 peak Watts), buyers get a great subwoofer to add some real thump. Those looking for a bass boost for action movies or music will also have good placement options. Its output level and size make it one of the best subwoofers for smaller home theaters The JBL A100P is capable of room-filling sound despite its size.
Whether you have an office setup or a home theater, the JBL A100P is a powered subwoofer capable of loud and room-filling sound. Onboard controls including crossover and volume/gain adjustment allow for easy sound quality tweaks. Bass reproduction is impactful without the muddiness that plagues some budget subs. An LFE connection makes setup easy with a receiver or amp. All this, a low price point, and a unique two-tone designed woofer make this affordable JBL sub stand out amongst the crowd. This well-rounded package makes the JBL Stage A100P a worthy 10-inch sub and one of the best subwoofers under $300.
Key Specifications
| Dimensions | 14.1″ (H) x 13.3″ (W) x 17.1 (D) |
| Weight | 30 pounds |
| Subwoofer Type | Powered Subwoofer |
| Enclosure Type | Front Firing Woofer / Rear-Firing Bass Reflex Port (2) |
| Enclosure Material | Wood |
| Power | 150 Watts RMS / 300 Watts (Peak) – Class D Amplifier |
| Frequency Response | 35Hz – 150Hz |
| Woofer: | 10″ Polycellulose Woofer |
| Connectivity Options | LFE Input |
| Warranty | 5 Years (Woofer) & 1 Year (Amplifier) |
| Onboard Controls | Low-Pass Crossover (50Hz – 150Hz), Gain/Volume dial, and Phase Switch |
| Additional Features | Indicator Light (Rear), Auto On/Off, and Detachable Cover |
What’s Included with JBL Stage A100P:
- 10″ Powered Subwoofer [Ported Enclosure]
- Speaker/Woofer Cover
- 6′ AC Power Cord
- Feet Spikes (4)
- User Manual and Safety/Warranty Info
Highlights Of JBL Stage A100P Subwoofer
Great Power In Small Footprint
We’ve highlighted many compact 10-inch subwoofers that we love, but reviews show they often aren’t very powerful. The JBL Stage A100P is a powered subwoofer that bucks that trend with a solid 300 peak Watts (150 RMS). This means it provides the best of both worlds. A compact footprint and power to provide thumping low frequencies. While the JBL Stage A100P doesn’t hit that low (35Hz – 150Hz), it produces smooth and tight bass. It’s a good match for a home theater or music system in small and medium-sized rooms. Those looking for a home theater sub with the deepest bass may want to purchase a sub with a lower frequency response. Those sub-bass frequencies are much less prominent in music.
Compact & Attractive Powered Subwoofer
When it comes to placing all the speakers in your system around your room, size does matter. With dimensions of 14.1″ (H) x 13.3″ (W) x 17.1 (D), the JBL A100P is a great sub if easy speaker placement is a priority. While it weighs 30 pounds, its enclosure takes up less space than similar speakers. This is partly due to two bass reflex ports housed on the rear panel of the subwoofer. While that may be an issue depending on the room, it does provide options. Those looking for max bass can place the rear of the Stage A100P closer to a wall.
The actual design and style of this JBL subwoofer are flexible too. While a speaker cover is provided with this powered sub, it’s optional. Without the cover, you’ll see a black and white two-tone woofer design that’s both unique and endearing. Customers who prefer an understated design can simply use the cover for a more traditional look.
Budget Sub With Useful Features
Trying to save money on a subwoofer can result in mixed results. In this price range, finding a quality subwoofer can come with several pitfalls like poor build quality and loose bass. The JBL Stage A100P avoids those issues, offers 300 peak watts, and often sells for under $250. Those planning to match a subwoofer with an existing system will be happy to know the JBL Stage A100P will play nice with your speakers.
The JBL A100P also offers an LFE input for seamless integration with your receiver’s subwoofer pre-out. This along with dials for low pass crossover (50-150 Hz) and volume control add flexibility for adjusting the sound quality of your system. The JBL Stage A100P powered subwoofer also has a phase switch and options for an automatic mode for added convenience.
Pair With JBL Stage Series Speakers
For those looking to truly enhance sounds in their home theater room, a full speaker system is necessary. Luckily, the JBL Stage A100P is part of the JBL Stage series. The Stage series home theater speakers include subwoofers, a center channel, bookshelf speakers, and floorstanding speakers. The other Stage series speakers come at similarly affordable prices for those looking to max out their budget. Those who purchase additional Stage series speakers can also expect a similar sound signature and design.
Pros and Cons of JBL Stage A100P Sub
Buy If: You need a compact sub for music or a small to medium-sized home theater
Don’t Buy If: You want a top-notch home theater experience with deepest bass
- Compact Size For Flexible Placement
- 300 Peak Watts (150 RMS)
- Great Overall Value + Unique Design
- Capable of Clean Bass With Thump
- Frequency Range Lacking (35Hz – 150Hz)
- Not Ideal For Large Home Theaters
After reviewing the JBL Stage A100P, we like this as an entry-level powered subwoofer music system and small to medium-sized home theaters. Even if you buy two, the disappointing frequency range isn’t optimal for larger home theater or the deepest bass. Those who want to build a great home theater in the short term should spring for a more capable sub.
JBL Stage A100P Review: FAQs
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How Much RMS Power Does The JBL A100P Have?
You’re getting 150 Watts of RMS power and 300 peak Watts. That outpaces many 10-inch subs with similar prices. It also allows for bass with more thump than weaker subwoofers.
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Does JBL Make Good Subwoofers?
JBL is a manufacturer that makes several quality subwoofers for home and cars. Their home subwoofers can also be purchased with similarly designed speakers to complete your home theater setup.
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Does This Sub Have Hard Hitting Bass?
The JBL Stage A100P should hit hard enough for a small and medium-sized home theater room. Customers looking for bass with even more thump and vibration for immersive movie-watching may want a 12-inch or larger subwoofer. That or a more expensive 10-inch subwoofer would be preferable for large home theaters. This is less of a concern for those looking to play music.
Keith Collins has been writing for over 15 years for various publications. He’s a lover of music, home theater, and excellent sound quality. His fondness for technology in addition to his non-stop curiosity fuels his writing ventures.