This is a tough one, because the JBL doesn't have the rich mids of the Wharfedale, but I really like its treble response. It's crisp and snappy without sounding too bright or shrill. But, overall, I think the Wharfedale is still the winner, at least with the JBL at $350. But, if the A130 goes back on sale at $179, then that's a different story, since the 12.2 is $499. Maybe it's me, but the 12.2 sounds brighter here than in the last few videos, with crisper and clearer treble. Maybe the mic placement is different, more on the tweeter axis
Another thing I think we've learned from all these recent comparisons is what a great value the AXA25 is, a real stellar sounding amp at such as low price. And, it really does a good job of bringing out the best in all these budget speakers
I was just bought the JBL Stage A130 but I need to know what different between the Wherfedale 12.2. The sound of Wherfedale 12.2 is more to V shape if you know what I mean for the equalizer. JBL A130 has brighter mid-range. I am more prefer to brighter vocal (mid-range). Fortunately, I bought the A130.
I really love the JBL stage A-130's, and at about $200.00, to me they are absolutely wonderful and one of the best sounding speakers you can buy in that price range. That said, they are no where near what the Wharfedale 12.2' s are, nor should they be at about two and a half times the price. If I only had 200 bucks, then the A-130's are what I would buy. If I had a few bucks more, then maybe the Emotiva B1's but they are around 250 usd right now. But the Klipsch RP600M refurbs can be had at about 300.00 so .... I'm trying to decide between the polk R200's and the 12.2's myself. I just don't know if the Polks are worth the extra because I will need to purchase a good sub for either speaker. Thoughts anyone ?? Thanks. -- den
For their price I think the Stage One does ok. It's metal tweeter isn't too sharp but it doesnt have the presence, bass or more life like body of the 12.2.
I have these 2 exact speakers... lol! Got it because it measured well in ASR albeit a broad peak from 800hz to 2khz (very audible making it sound shouty and thin) and a weird sharp peak at 15khz (not really audible but you can hear it once you know about it). The jbl is definitely a more forward sounding speaker with very shallow soundstage depth. It also sounds thin and hollow compared to the 12.2 and on certain genres it will sound harsh. It begs to be played loud, but when you do it might get hissy on your ass. Its definitely a rock out speaker, or a civilized party speaker. A good speaker for its price (i got it for 190 bucks in the mahogany finish) but its nowhere near classy and mature as the 12.2. One is like fine dining in a 3 michelin star restaurant, the other is like getting all pissed high in a rock concert. Oh and youll need a sub for the a130, you could get away (barely) without one for the 12.2. Remember the price difference though, the 12.2 is nearly 3 times the price of a discounted a130. Selling off the a130 among others to make space for the Polk Reserve R200. Bring on the q350 vs 12.2, that should be a great match up despite the price!
@@DougMen1 for its price, it better be. My guess is it will sound more appealing to many due to its brighter sound, Ive never heard the Q350 in real life before but its regarded as a really good speaker.
@@AbsoluteFidelity I know you think the MA Bronze 100 is too bright also, but I quite liked it compared to the Q350 in his comparison here between the two. The mids on the MA sound more natural to me, and makes the Q350 sound a bit too forward, with a bit of a shouty character. So, I'd really like to hear the Bronze vs. the 12.2 also. I'd also like to hear the Bronze 50, because I think that big 8" woofer on the 100 might be holding the midrange back some, compared to the smaller woofer on the 50. In my room, I usually even prefer a 5.25" woofer over a 6.5" one for that reason
@@DougMen1 the Bronze 100 has a lot going for it due to its bright nature, soundstage is HUGE on those but damn, those are some bright speakers. If you listen to it on axis you will most probably tap out before the end of Gruzzo by Daniele Di Bonaventura and Alfredo Laviano. If you listened to it off axis by 30 degrees it would still have boosted higher mids and lower treble while rolling off too early at 12khz. Its just a very imbalanced speaker but it will sound good to most. At least it isnt peaky, its boosted in a very linear fashion. I seem to like how it sounds too, one of the best on this channel.
@@AbsoluteFidelity I had the older Bronze 1, before the BR series, and those Bronzes were much more like the Diamond 12 series, with a lush midrange and neutral treble. I think that MA is seeing how well B&W (and Klipsch) are doing in the marketplace, with their smiley face response curve (boosted bass and treble, and reccessed mids) and is following suit to gain more market share. It's very dissapointing to me, being a huge MA fanboy. Of course, I'm in my 60s, and so I can't hear anything over 15khz, so brightness in the top octave that might bother younger listeners isn't an issue for me. And, I've always liked bright speakers, but only with a slight boost on top, and only if it's still smooth and not shrill
JBL for me, clearly. Thanks for your comparisons, just a word of advice; you leave too much time on one pair of speakers and the ear tends to get used to it, plus it makes the song change and it becomes more difficult to compare.
The 12.2 really shines, very notable on tracks like 'Punkd'. Well defined, balanced and also fantastic bass. The JBL reminds me at times of Klipsch, love it or hate it. The 'Stage' in the name is most likely there because it projects in a more 'lively' and forwarding way. It can be a bit bright and piercing. The 12.2 is the most talented contender here, imo. Cheers to E Project for making it possible! 😄
@@AbsoluteFidelity That makes sense. Just looked them up and was shocked by it's low price. Quite impressive and hold their own. Sensitivity, 86dB, 4/8 Ohm, seems a bit low compared to Klipsch, but prob. to benefit bass output.
@@34332 for 180, it is in a class of its own. For 350, it will get slain by many. If someone's budget is below 200 bucks, these will fit the bill. Better than the SSCS5. Lol!
These guys arn't worlds apart. The 12.2 is more fleshy and filled out in the midrange and mid bass, but the JBL''s are fairly good, and better than average for the price. As expected with a horn loaded metal tweeter, there's a shimmery spike at the very top, but it's not too bad. A good soft dome just renders acoustic sound more naturaly.
@@williammiebach1798 they are worlds apart in my system. Not even comparable to an extent. Definitely not in the same league. No charts involved here. 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
The JBLs have the better thump. They seem flatter in the mid-range. The Diamonds seem fuller in that range but with less bass. Both fall short in high range.
JBL A130 is a bit boxy but the forward sound is quite nice. Diamond 12.2 feels bigger, has recessed mids, so the sound is tighter overall. If you want to impress your friends, then pick the Diamond 12.2 since it leaves good first impression. The JBL A130 should be less tiring after long periods of listening because all the mid details are there, forward, no need to try very hard to hear...
I beg to differ, you can listen to the 12.2 for days and not get tired, the a130 will give you listening fatigue real fast. One is warm and laidback, the other is forward and brash (not really but it is next to the civilized 12.2)
@@quananginh9446 yeah, some might like the brighter and forward sound of the a130 but regarding listening fatigue, the 12.2 (and most wharfedales) are never known for it.
JBL pulled a bait and switch on the stage series... Don't buy them, you'll regret it for sure! I bought a130's and the a190... Both sound TERRIBLE.. the vocals sound like a $20 radio inside of a cardboard box.
I originally got the Diamond 12.2 and it was a box of distortion and harmonics , awful speaker. I returned the 12.2 and got the EVO 4.1 and what a difference. The EVO 4.1 is light years ahead , the sound is crystal clear , the amount of clarity and details you hear are immense, the base is super deep and tight, much better than Diamond 12.2. And the looks are to die for.
these tracks are a total crap to evaluate an audio system. Please choose better music! anyway, both these speakers sound too hifi, too commercial, they sound like a television, not like a quality audio set up. They are pleasant because they sound fake. Music is not this sound. Spend some more money and buy a professional pair of JBL and an equalizer, then you can speak about music
![LangChain Master Class For Beginners 2024 [+20 Examples, LangChain V0.2]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/yF9kGESAi3M/mqdefault.jpg)
![LangChain Master Class For Beginners 2024 [+20 Examples, LangChain V0.2]](/img/tr.png)
![[Sound Battle] Wharfedale Diamond 12.2 vs Monitor Audio Bronze100 w/ Arcam SA10 Integrated Amplifer](/img/n.gif)
Nice variations of genres in this comparison! 👍
They sound both so different! First impression is that JBL is more linear in the mid-range. It sounds more mid-rangy (brighter).
thanks for sharing!
I love the comparisons and your work. Only we will never hear how it is intended. Why not, most people are not there how it is recorded. :-)
This is a tough one, because the JBL doesn't have the rich mids of the Wharfedale, but I really like its treble response. It's crisp and snappy without sounding too bright or shrill. But, overall, I think the Wharfedale is still the winner, at least with the JBL at $350. But, if the A130 goes back on sale at $179, then that's a different story, since the 12.2 is $499. Maybe it's me, but the 12.2 sounds brighter here than in the last few videos, with crisper and clearer treble. Maybe the mic placement is different, more on the tweeter axis
Another thing I think we've learned from all these recent comparisons is what a great value the AXA25 is, a real stellar sounding amp at such as low price. And, it really does a good job of bringing out the best in all these budget speakers
No doubt!
I was just bought the JBL Stage A130 but I need to know what different between the Wherfedale 12.2. The sound of Wherfedale 12.2 is more to V shape if you know what I mean for the equalizer. JBL A130 has brighter mid-range. I am more prefer to brighter vocal (mid-range). Fortunately, I bought the A130.
I really love the JBL stage A-130's, and at about $200.00, to me they are absolutely wonderful and one of the best sounding speakers you can buy in that price range. That said, they are no where near what the Wharfedale 12.2' s are, nor should they be at about two and a half times the price. If I only had 200 bucks, then the A-130's are what I would buy. If I had a few bucks more, then maybe the Emotiva B1's but they are around 250 usd right now. But the Klipsch RP600M refurbs can be had at about 300.00 so .... I'm trying to decide between the polk R200's and the 12.2's myself. I just don't know if the Polks are worth the extra because I will need to purchase a good sub for either speaker. Thoughts anyone ?? Thanks. -- den
Hard choice. 12.2, with reservations. The price is a consideration, obviously. I own the A130’s and love them.
I HAVE THE JBL STAGE -A130 AND THE SOUND GUALITY IS AWESOME THE JBL SOUND IS BETER FOR ME.I DONT NO BOUT YOU
@@mark17840 You mean “quality”, right? I’ve got your back on that one. They don’t need tone adjustments. They are sweet.
I'd like to hear the 12.2 against the Q350 and Bronze 100, and I wish you'd get the Bronze 50 too
please, give me more time for Bronze 50
Wonderful comparison!
Glad you liked it!
For their price I think the Stage One does ok. It's metal tweeter isn't too sharp but it doesnt have the presence, bass or more life like body of the 12.2.
Diamond 12.2 No.1
The axa25 is a brighter sounding amp, which does not help the A130,but suit's the Warfedale, perhaps another amp would be fair .
It is not!
I have these 2 exact speakers... lol! Got it because it measured well in ASR albeit a broad peak from 800hz to 2khz (very audible making it sound shouty and thin) and a weird sharp peak at 15khz (not really audible but you can hear it once you know about it). The jbl is definitely a more forward sounding speaker with very shallow soundstage depth. It also sounds thin and hollow compared to the 12.2 and on certain genres it will sound harsh. It begs to be played loud, but when you do it might get hissy on your ass. Its definitely a rock out speaker, or a civilized party speaker. A good speaker for its price (i got it for 190 bucks in the mahogany finish) but its nowhere near classy and mature as the 12.2. One is like fine dining in a 3 michelin star restaurant, the other is like getting all pissed high in a rock concert. Oh and youll need a sub for the a130, you could get away (barely) without one for the 12.2. Remember the price difference though, the 12.2 is nearly 3 times the price of a discounted a130. Selling off the a130 among others to make space for the Polk Reserve R200. Bring on the q350 vs 12.2, that should be a great match up despite the price!
Yep, the Q350 will be a quite formidable opponent for the 12.2
@@DougMen1 for its price, it better be. My guess is it will sound more appealing to many due to its brighter sound, Ive never heard the Q350 in real life before but its regarded as a really good speaker.
@@AbsoluteFidelity I know you think the MA Bronze 100 is too bright also, but I quite liked it compared to the Q350 in his comparison here between the two. The mids on the MA sound more natural to me, and makes the Q350 sound a bit too forward, with a bit of a shouty character. So, I'd really like to hear the Bronze vs. the 12.2 also. I'd also like to hear the Bronze 50, because I think that big 8" woofer on the 100 might be holding the midrange back some, compared to the smaller woofer on the 50. In my room, I usually even prefer a 5.25" woofer over a 6.5" one for that reason
@@DougMen1 the Bronze 100 has a lot going for it due to its bright nature, soundstage is HUGE on those but damn, those are some bright speakers. If you listen to it on axis you will most probably tap out before the end of Gruzzo by Daniele Di Bonaventura and Alfredo Laviano. If you listened to it off axis by 30 degrees it would still have boosted higher mids and lower treble while rolling off too early at 12khz. Its just a very imbalanced speaker but it will sound good to most. At least it isnt peaky, its boosted in a very linear fashion. I seem to like how it sounds too, one of the best on this channel.
@@AbsoluteFidelity I had the older Bronze 1, before the BR series, and those Bronzes were much more like the Diamond 12 series, with a lush midrange and neutral treble. I think that MA is seeing how well B&W (and Klipsch) are doing in the marketplace, with their smiley face response curve (boosted bass and treble, and reccessed mids) and is following suit to gain more market share. It's very dissapointing to me, being a huge MA fanboy. Of course, I'm in my 60s, and so I can't hear anything over 15khz, so brightness in the top octave that might bother younger listeners isn't an issue for me. And, I've always liked bright speakers, but only with a slight boost on top, and only if it's still smooth and not shrill
JBL for me, clearly. Thanks for your comparisons, just a word of advice; you leave too much time on one pair of speakers and the ear tends to get used to it, plus it makes the song change and it becomes more difficult to compare.
I like both of them
The 12.2 really shines, very notable on tracks like 'Punkd'. Well defined, balanced and also fantastic bass. The JBL reminds me at times of Klipsch, love it or hate it. The 'Stage' in the name is most likely there because it projects in a more 'lively' and forwarding way. It can be a bit bright and piercing.
The 12.2 is the most talented contender here, imo.
Cheers to E Project for making it possible! 😄
Bingo Mike! Spot on! The JBL is a more civilized version of Klipsch in nearly every sense. Very lively and ready to party.
@@AbsoluteFidelity
That makes sense. Just looked them up and was shocked by it's low price. Quite impressive and hold their own. Sensitivity, 86dB, 4/8 Ohm, seems a bit low compared to Klipsch, but prob. to benefit bass output.
@@34332 for 180, it is in a class of its own. For 350, it will get slain by many. If someone's budget is below 200 bucks, these will fit the bill. Better than the SSCS5. Lol!
These guys arn't worlds apart. The 12.2 is more fleshy and filled out in the midrange and mid bass, but the JBL''s are fairly good, and better than average for the price. As expected with a horn loaded metal tweeter, there's a shimmery spike at the very top, but it's not too bad. A good soft dome just renders acoustic sound more naturaly.
@@williammiebach1798 they are worlds apart in my system. Not even comparable to an extent. Definitely not in the same league. No charts involved here. 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
The JBLs have the better thump. They seem flatter in the mid-range. The Diamonds seem fuller in that range but with less bass. Both fall short in high range.
Hi sir, can you please make comparison video between Cambridge audio sx 50 and wharfedale diamond 12.2...?
JBL A130 is a bit boxy but the forward sound is quite nice. Diamond 12.2 feels bigger, has recessed mids, so the sound is tighter overall. If you want to impress your friends, then pick the Diamond 12.2 since it leaves good first impression. The JBL A130 should be less tiring after long periods of listening because all the mid details are there, forward, no need to try very hard to hear...
I beg to differ, you can listen to the 12.2 for days and not get tired, the a130 will give you listening fatigue real fast. One is warm and laidback, the other is forward and brash (not really but it is next to the civilized 12.2)
@@AbsoluteFidelity so it really depends on what we're looking for in the music I guess.
@@quananginh9446 yeah, some might like the brighter and forward sound of the a130 but regarding listening fatigue, the 12.2 (and most wharfedales) are never known for it.
@@quananginh9446 if you like bright sounding speakers, try looking at the Emotiva. Many like them too!
@@AbsoluteFidelity I actually have a pair of Emotiva B1+ right now, but they sound more like the 12.2 than the A130.
Son plus étouffé sur les Wharfedale 😮
The Diamond 12.2's outshine the JBL's in every way.
For electronic "music"where bass is all you have, yes. For music with instruments and vocals, no.
JBL Stage A130 sounds better. More live sound.
The Wharfdales sound EQ'd. The JBL sounds more flat. I guess it's a matter of personal preference.
It is matter of Personal~
wharfedale Diamond 12.2 with deeper bass jbl more open sound airy
JBL pulled a bait and switch on the stage series... Don't buy them, you'll regret it for sure! I bought a130's and the a190... Both sound TERRIBLE.. the vocals sound like a $20 radio inside of a cardboard box.
I originally got the Diamond 12.2 and it was a box of distortion and harmonics , awful speaker. I returned the 12.2 and got the EVO 4.1 and what a difference. The EVO 4.1 is light years ahead , the sound is crystal clear , the amount of clarity and details you hear are immense, the base is super deep and tight, much better than Diamond 12.2. And the looks are to die for.
12.2 better
these tracks are a total crap to evaluate an audio system. Please choose better music! anyway, both these speakers sound too hifi, too commercial, they sound like a television, not like a quality audio set up. They are pleasant because they sound fake. Music is not this sound. Spend some more money and buy a professional pair of JBL and an equalizer, then you can speak about music