Short answer: the Dynaudio Emit M10 for better sound quality, the JBL Stage A130 for the lower price. The Dynaudio Emit M10 ranks #35 of 63 bookshelf speakers at $800. The JBL Stage A130 ranks #51 at $399, $401 cheaper.
What the Dynaudio Emit M10 gets right: CEA2034 spinorama shows impressive, headphone-level distortion through the midrange and tweeter at 86dB SPL, with a well-executed port that keeps resonance low below the crossover. 28mm soft dome tweeter and 14cm MSP mid/bass driver. Watch for: Tuned toward a mild showroom sound with boosted upper bass and treble and a recessed midrange - the reviewer prefers speakers that get the 100Hz-3kHz range right, which this doesn’t.
The case for the JBL Stage A130: More constant, better-behaved directivity than the smaller A120 once past the tweeter crossover point, giving a more consistent radiation pattern that likely explains some of its positive reception among other reviewers. Set against that: Still shows the same underlying “Batman”-shaped response pattern as the A120: a bass bump, a midrange dip, a cabinet-resonance peak around 800Hz-1.7kHz (confirmed via accelerometer testing on the cabinet panels), and roughly a 5dB treble bump around 10kHz.
Buy the Dynaudio Emit M10 if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the JBL Stage A130 if the price matters more than sound quality.
If sound quality matters at all to you, skip the JBL Stage A130. It ranks near the bottom of the 63 bookshelf speakers, so look higher up the list instead.
Specifications Side By Side
| Dynaudio Emit M10 | JBL Stage A130 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $800 | $399 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #35 of 63 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers | #51 of 63 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 78Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 66Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 60Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 50Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | 83.5dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review) | 85.2dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Impedance | 6 ohms nominal | 6 ohms nominal, about 4.3 ohms minimum (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz - 23kHz (+/-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Drivers | 28mm soft dome tweeter, 14cm MSP mid/bass driver | 5.25" (133mm) polycellulose woofer, 1" (25mm) aluminum dome tweeter |
| Weight | 12.3 lbs / 5.6 kg each | 12 lbs / 5.45 kg each |
| Dimensions | 11.5"H x 6.7"W x 9.4"D (292 x 170 x 240 mm) | 12.6"H x 7.5"W x 9.1"D (321 x 190 x 230 mm) |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported | ported |
| Crossover Frequency | - | 3.2kHz |
| Discontinued | - | Yes |
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The Two Speakers In Full
Dynaudio Emit M10: $800
Pros: CEA2034 spinorama shows impressive, headphone-level distortion through the midrange and tweeter at 86dB SPL, with a well-executed port that keeps resonance low below the crossover. 28mm soft dome tweeter and 14cm MSP mid/bass driver.
Cons: Tuned toward a mild showroom sound with boosted upper bass and treble and a recessed midrange - the reviewer prefers speakers that get the 100Hz-3kHz range right, which this doesn’t. His verdict: cheaper speakers deliver much more balanced tonality, so he wouldn’t buy it for himself.
Full Dynaudio Emit M10 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 60Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 78Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Dimensions | 11.5"H x 6.7"W x 9.4"D (292 x 170 x 240 mm) |
| Drivers | 28mm soft dome tweeter, 14cm MSP mid/bass driver |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz - 23kHz (+/-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 6 ohms nominal |
| Sensitivity | 83.5dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Weight | 12.3 lbs / 5.6 kg each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported |
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- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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JBL Stage A130: $399 Discontinued
Pros: More constant, better-behaved directivity than the smaller A120 once past the tweeter crossover point, giving a more consistent radiation pattern that likely explains some of its positive reception among other reviewers. Distortion at 96dB measures slightly better than a direct competitor (Emotiva Airmotiv B1+) in the low end, though slightly worse at high frequencies. The tweeter itself sounded decent to the reviewer, who considers it a reasonable value at its price point despite other reservations. Wide, well-filled horizontal radiation through the midrange.
Cons: Still shows the same underlying “Batman”-shaped response pattern as the A120: a bass bump, a midrange dip, a cabinet-resonance peak around 800Hz-1.7kHz (confirmed via accelerometer testing on the cabinet panels), and roughly a 5dB treble bump around 10kHz. Does not include a port bung, so sealed-cabinet listening requires DIY stuffing rather than a proper factory solution. The reviewer’s own measurements notably diverge from another well-known publication’s results on this same model, possibly reflecting a running production change, though this couldn’t be confirmed. Overall sound quality struck the reviewer as not a good-sounding speaker despite the more favorable measurements relative to the A120. Output-limited at extreme volumes (102dB), similar to its smaller sibling. Loses to the similarly-priced Emotiva Airmotiv B1+ in overall linearity and neutrality, according to the reviewer’s direct comparison. Discontinued.
Full JBL Stage A130 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 50Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 66Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Crossover Frequency | 3.2kHz |
| Dimensions | 12.6"H x 7.5"W x 9.1"D (321 x 190 x 230 mm) |
| Discontinued | Yes |
| Drivers | 5.25" (133mm) polycellulose woofer, 1" (25mm) aluminum dome tweeter |
| Impedance | 6 ohms nominal, about 4.3 ohms minimum (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | 85.2dB (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Weight | 12 lbs / 5.45 kg each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
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- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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