The JBL Arena and Stage line on Speaker Ranking spans 3 generations and 13 models, from the JBL Arena 120 to the JBL Stage 2 240B, JBL Stage 250B and JBL Stage 2 260F. Ratings run from 2.1/5 to 4.2/5. Of these, 7 are still sold.
Each column below is one generation, oldest on the left. Each row follows one model into the model that replaced it; a long arrow means a model skipped a generation. Ratings are out of 5, and an estimated rating comes from measured models in the same family.
More from this brand: every JBL speaker ranked.
Generation by generation
Arena 120 to Stage A130
The JBL Stage A130 replaced the JBL Arena 120. It rates lower, 2.1/5 against 3.8/5.
| Spec | Arena 120 | Stage A130 |
|---|---|---|
| Drivers | 1” soft dome tweeter, 5.5” polycellulose woofer | 5.25” (133mm) polycellulose woofer, 1” (25mm) aluminum dome tweeter |
| Sensitivity | 86dB | 85.2dB |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 98.8Hz | 66Hz |
| Weight | 7.7 lbs (3.5 kg) each | 12 lbs (5.45 kg) each |
Stage A130 to Stage 250B
The JBL Stage 250B replaced the JBL Stage A130. It rates higher, 3.2/5 against 2.1/5.
| Spec | Stage A130 | Stage 250B |
|---|---|---|
| Drivers | 5.25” (133mm) polycellulose woofer, 1” (25mm) aluminum dome tweeter | 1-inch aluminum tweeter, 5.25-inch polycellulose woofer |
| Sensitivity | 85.2dB | 86dB/2.83V/1m |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 66Hz | 64.5Hz |
| Weight | 12 lbs (5.45 kg) each | 12.3 lbs (5.6 kg) each |
Full Stage A130 vs Stage 250B comparison
Stage A120 to Stage 2 240B
The JBL Stage 2 240B replaced the JBL Stage A120. It rates higher, 2.7/5 against 2.5/5.
| Spec | Stage A120 | Stage 2 240B |
|---|---|---|
| Drivers | 0.75” tweeter + 5” woofer | 1” (25mm) anodized aluminum dome tweeter, 4.5” (114mm) polycellulose woofer |
| Sensitivity | 83dB | 85dB |
| Weight | 10.6 lbs (4.8 kg) | 10.1 lbs (4.6 kg) each |
Stage A180 to Stage 2 280F
The JBL Stage 2 280F replaced the JBL Stage A180. It rates lower, 3.4/5 against 3.8/5.
| Spec | Stage A180 | Stage 2 280F |
|---|---|---|
| Drivers | 1” aluminum dome tweeter with HDI waveguide, 2x 6.5” polycellulose woofers | 1” anodized aluminum dome tweeter with HDI waveguide, dual 8” polycellulose woofers |
| Sensitivity | 90dB | 89.5dB (2.83V/1m, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 55.7Hz | 48Hz |
| Weight | 38 lbs (17.25 kg) each | 55.1 lbs (25 kg) each |
Stage A125C to Stage 2 245C
The JBL Stage 2 245C replaced the JBL Stage A125C. It rates lower, 3.2/5 against 3.4/5.
| Spec | Stage A125C | Stage 2 245C |
|---|---|---|
| Drivers | 1” aluminum dome tweeter with HDI waveguide, 2x 5.25” polycellulose woofers | 1” anodized aluminum tweeter with HDI waveguide, 4x 4.5” polycellulose woofers |
| Sensitivity | 88dB | 91dB |
| Weight | 17.5 lbs (7.95 kg) | 26.5 lbs (12 kg) |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many generations of the JBL Arena and Stage are there?
Speaker Ranking covers 3 generations of the JBL Arena and Stage, from the JBL Arena 120 to the JBL Stage 2 240B, JBL Stage 250B and JBL Stage 2 260F.
What replaced the JBL Arena 120?
The JBL Stage A130 replaced the JBL Arena 120. It is rated 2.1/5, against 3.8/5 for the JBL Arena 120.
What replaced the JBL Stage A130?
The JBL Stage 250B replaced the JBL Stage A130. It is rated 3.2/5, against 2.1/5 for the JBL Stage A130.
What replaced the JBL Stage A120?
The JBL Stage 2 240B replaced the JBL Stage A120. It is rated 2.7/5, against 2.5/5 for the JBL Stage A120.
What replaced the JBL Stage A180?
The JBL Stage 2 280F replaced the JBL Stage A180. It is rated 3.4/5, against 3.8/5 for the JBL Stage A180.
What replaced the JBL Stage A125C?
The JBL Stage 2 245C replaced the JBL Stage A125C. It is rated 3.2/5, against 3.4/5 for the JBL Stage A125C.