Short answer: both are discontinued, so this only matters if you are buying used. Used, the Wharfedale Diamond 220 is the better pick: it ranks #51 of 160 bookshelf speakers by sound quality (rated 3.7/5), against #129 (rated 2.5/5) for the JBL Stage A120. If you want one new, the Wharfedale Diamond 12.1i replaces the Wharfedale Diamond 220 and is rated 4.0/5 at $499.
The JBL Stage A120 is the deeper-bass choice. Comes with a port bung, letting you experiment between ported and sealed configurations: the reviewer found the sound improved somewhat with the port sealed. Its bass reaches about 71Hz before falling 3dB, against 117.2Hz for the Wharfedale Diamond 220. The tradeoff: A pronounced “Batman”-shaped frequency response: boosted bass, a scooped midrange, and elevated treble (about 3-4dB above the midrange), driven partly by confirmed cabinet panel resonance around 800Hz-1.7kHz.
The Wharfedale Diamond 220 is the better-sounding option. Amir found the on-axis response smooth once the grille is removed, calling grille removal “a huge improvement” since the stock grille caused unusually strong comb filtering around 5kHz. Watch for: Response rolls off below 200Hz, so a subwoofer is recommended for full-range use.
Buy the Wharfedale Diamond 220 only if you find one used in good condition; both are discontinued, and it is the better rated of the two. For a new speaker, buy the Wharfedale Diamond 12.1i, which replaces the Wharfedale Diamond 220.
Still deciding? The full Passive Home rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Stage A120 | Wharfedale Diamond 220 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $299 per pair Discontinued | $299 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #129 of 160 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers | #51 of 160 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Drivers | 0.75” tweeter + 5” woofer | 5” (130mm) woven Kevlar woofer, 1” (25mm) tweeter |
| Weight | 10.6 lbs (4.8 kg) | 11.7 lbs (5.3 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported | ported, bottom-firing into secondary enclosure |
| Sensitivity | 83dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 86.9dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review; 86dB manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 6 ohms | 8 ohms |
| Dimensions | 11.3”H x 6.8”W x 7.4”D (285.8 x 171.5 x 188.9 mm) | 12.4”H x 6.9”W x 8.9”D (315 x 174 x 227 mm) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 71Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 117.2Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 53Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 58.0Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.50 | 3.40 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.24 | 6.64 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
Related Speaker Comparisons
How Wharfedale Diamond 220 compares with other leading options:
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Prices on this page were last checked October 7, 2026 at 9:25 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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The Two Speakers In Full
JBL Stage A120: $299 per pair Discontinued eBay
Newer model: the JBL Stage 2 240B, ranked higher, estimated 2.7/5.
Same family: the JBL Stage A130 (larger bookshelf, ranked lower, rated 2.1/5), the JBL Stage A180 (floorstanding, rated 3.8/5), the JBL Stage A125C (smaller center, rated 3.4/5) and the JBL Stage A135C (larger center, rated 2.9/5).
Pros: Comes with a port bung, letting you experiment between ported and sealed configurations: the reviewer found the sound improved somewhat with the port sealed. Distortion at 96dB is broadly comparable to competitors in this price range outside of some elevated low-end THD. Wide horizontal radiation pattern for a compact bookshelf speaker in the low-to-midrange. Measured bass extension of 71Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 83dB.
Cons: A pronounced “Batman”-shaped frequency response: boosted bass, a scooped midrange, and elevated treble (about 3-4dB above the midrange), driven partly by confirmed cabinet panel resonance around 800Hz-1.7kHz. Directivity shows significant back-to-back peaks and dips, making the speaker harder to correct with EQ since the off-axis sound doesn’t track the direct sound cleanly. Elevated treble that some might call “detailed” reads as an unwelcome boost to the reviewer rather than genuine resolution. Compression testing shows the low end degrading substantially at high output (102dB). Overall considered one of the weaker speakers the reviewer has tested in this class, with a competing model (Emotiva Airmotiv B1+) recommended instead at a similar price. Discontinued.
Full JBL Stage A120 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 53Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 71Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 11.3”H x 6.8”W x 7.4”D (285.8 x 171.5 x 188.9 mm) |
| Drivers | 0.75” tweeter + 5” woofer |
| Impedance | 6 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 83dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.50 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.24 |
| Weight | 10.6 lbs (4.8 kg) |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported |
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Wharfedale Diamond 220: $299 per pair Discontinued eBay
Newer model: the Wharfedale Diamond 12.1i, ranked higher, estimated 4/5.
Pros: Amir found the on-axis response smooth once the grille is removed, calling grille removal “a huge improvement” since the stock grille caused unusually strong comb filtering around 5kHz. Good horizontal dispersion from the waveguide-loaded tweeter and controlled distortion. After some EQ (a room mode filter and treble shelf), the reviewer called it “a truly hifi speaker” where “every audiophile track..sounded very good,” and said he was “happy to recommend” it for the budget class. Measured bass extension of 117.2Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 86.9dB.
Cons: Response rolls off below 200Hz, so a subwoofer is recommended for full-range use. Some port rattling was noted at high volumes, traced to vibration rather than the woofer itself. Best performance requires removing the grille and applying the reviewer’s EQ filters. Discontinued, with only limited remaining stock available direct from Wharfedale.
Full Wharfedale Diamond 220 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 58.0Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 117.2Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 12.4”H x 6.9”W x 8.9”D (315 x 174 x 227 mm) |
| Drivers | 5” (130mm) woven Kevlar woofer, 1” (25mm) tweeter |
| Impedance | 8 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 86.9dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review; 86dB manufacturer specified) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.40 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.64 |
| Weight | 11.7 lbs (5.3 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, bottom-firing into secondary enclosure |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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