Short answer: the JBL Stage A130 for better sound quality, the Fluance Signature HFS for the lower price. The JBL Stage A130 ranks #44 of 56 bookshelf speakers at $399. The Fluance Signature HFS ranks #45 at $199.99, $199.01 cheaper.
What the JBL Stage A130 gets right: 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. The catch: 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).
On the Fluance Signature HFS side: Front-facing port and pre-installed wall-mount brackets make it flexible for bookshelf or surround/height duty. Set against that: CEA2034 spinorama shows serious flaws in the midrange - both the direct sound and the directivity are compromised, a combination the reviewer flagged as poor for controlled listening tests.
Buy the JBL Stage A130 if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Fluance Signature HFS if the price matters more than sound quality.
If sound quality matters at all to you, skip both of these and look higher up the 56 bookshelf speakers instead.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Stage A130 | Fluance Signature HFS | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $399 Discontinued | $199.99 |
| Ranked | #44 of 56 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers | #45 of 56 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Crossover Frequency | 3.2kHz | - |
| Dimensions | 12.6"H x 7.5"W x 9.1"D (321 x 190 x 230 mm) | 12.8H x 7.87W x 8.22D in |
| Impedance | 6 ohms nominal, about 4.3 ohms minimum (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 8 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 85.2dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 86dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Drivers | 5.25" (133mm) polycellulose woofer, 1" (25mm) aluminum dome tweeter | 1" neodymium silk dome tweeter (ferrofluid cooled), 5" glass-fiber-treated woofer (butyl rubber surround) |
| Discontinued | Yes | - |
| Weight | 12 lbs / 5.45 kg each | 9.7 lbs each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported | ported, front |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 66Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 78Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 50Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 60Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Power Handling | - | 30-120W recommended |
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The Two Speakers In Full
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 |
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- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- JBL Stage A130 vs JBL Control 1 Pro
- JBL Stage A130 vs Q Acoustics 5020
- JBL Stage A130 vs Micca RB42
- JBL Stage A130 vs Polk T15
- JBL Stage A130 vs Definitive Technology ProMonitor 1000
- JBL Stage A130 vs Q Acoustics 3020i
- JBL Stage A130 vs KEF Q100
- JBL Stage A130 vs ELAC Uni-Fi 2.0 UB52
- See all 20 comparisons
Fluance Signature HFS: $199.99 Amazon
Pros: Front-facing port and pre-installed wall-mount brackets make it flexible for bookshelf or surround/height duty. Distortion in the low end is well controlled per the measurements, and the glossy front baffle adds a touch of style well beyond the budget price.
Cons: CEA2034 spinorama shows serious flaws in the midrange - both the direct sound and the directivity are compromised, a combination the reviewer flagged as poor for controlled listening tests. Multiple attempted EQ fixes “could not rescue” the sound, and the reviewer said the result was “close” to the lowest possible rating. Online reviews seeded by the company were positive; the reviewer’s measured and subjective experience was not.
Full Fluance Signature HFS review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 60Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 78Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Dimensions | 12.8H x 7.87W x 8.22D in |
| Drivers | 1" neodymium silk dome tweeter (ferrofluid cooled), 5" glass-fiber-treated woofer (butyl rubber surround) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms |
| Power Handling | 30-120W recommended |
| Sensitivity | 86dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Weight | 9.7 lbs each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, front |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Fluance Signature HFS vs JBL Control 1 Pro
- Fluance Signature HFS vs Polk T15
- Fluance Signature HFS vs Definitive Technology ProMonitor 1000
- Fluance Signature HFS vs Q Acoustics 5020
- Fluance Signature HFS vs Micca RB42
- Fluance Signature HFS vs Q Acoustics 3020i
- Fluance Signature HFS vs Pioneer Elite SP-EBS73-LR
- Fluance Signature HFS vs KEF Q100
- See all 13 comparisons