JBL Stage 120

If the listing means the JBL Stage A120, it is a passive two-way bookshelf or surround speaker with a 4.5-inch woofer and 1-inch aluminum tweeter, not a portable 12-inch unit. JBL's separate Stage SUB A120P is the model with a 12-inch powered subwoofer, so check the suffix before buying.

JBL rates the Stage A120 for a recommended amplifier range of 20 to 125 watts and a nominal impedance of 6 ohms. It has speaker-wire terminals rather than a built-in battery or Bluetooth receiver, so it needs an external amplifier or AV receiver.

Yes, JBL describes the A120 as a bookshelf and surround loudspeaker, and it works in a home-theater system when the receiver can drive a 6-ohm speaker. The Stage series also includes matching models such as the A125C center speaker and A120P powered subwoofer.

A practical starting point is to place the pair about 6 to 10 feet apart, with the tweeters near ear height and the cabinets angled toward the listening position. Because the A120 uses a rear-firing bass-reflex port, leave space behind each speaker instead of pressing it flat against a wall.