JBL Stage 220P Subwoofer

The JBL Stage 220P Subwoofer is the larger of the two subwoofers in the range. It has a 12” driver and has been upgraded to a 250-watt amplifier. The unit is intended for use with JBL’s range of AV receivers that have two line-level subwoofer outputs.

The crossover frequency can be varied between 50 Hz and 150 Hz. You can also set the auto on feature, level, and phase. Finally, two rear-firing bass reflex ports drop the bass response down to 28Hz.

Large 10” driver

The large 12” driver, in the JBL Stage 220P Subwoofer, can move plenty of air for thunderous bass with movies and music. The cone is made of Ribbed Polycellulose. Normally speaker cones are made of paper pulp or cellulose. However, more modern materials such as polypropylene are also used.

Polycellulose combines the properties of both. As a result, there is less distortion and the cone is less susceptible to moisture. Lastly, the ribbing provides rigidity and a high excursion capability.

Why a subwoofer?

Bookshelf speakers tend to have small bass drivers. As a result, they do not produce as much bass as larger speakers. Consequently, they are often paired with subwoofers such as the JBL Stage 220P Subwoofer. This is especially important with movies that have an LFE track. LFE stands for Low Frequency Effects. Music also benefits from a subwoofer with more realistic instruments and bass extension.

A quality resonance-free cabinet

Subwoofers produce a lot of power at low frequencies. As a result, the cabinet needs to be heavy enough to suppress vibration. It also needs to be well-braced and rigid to avoid resonances. As a result, the cabinet of the JBL Stage 220P Subwoofer is made of audio-grade MDF and has extensive internal bracing. Next, there are two rear-firing bass ports. These extend the low frequencies down to 28 Hz.

Setting up a subwoofer

There are various setup procedures to follow with the JBL Stage 220P Subwoofer. Firstly it is designed to go with AV receivers that have a line-level output. However, JBL also produces subwoofers that can take a speaker-level input. Firstly, the phase needs to be checked. There is a switch that can be used to change this. Set it so that the bass is enhanced.

If the phase is reversed the subwoofer will cancel out the bass from the main speakers. Next, set the level so that the subwoofer does not overpower the main speakers. Lastly, the crossover frequency can be set by ear. For example, Bookshelf speakers will have a higher cut-off frequency than large floor standers.

The JBL Stage range of speakers and AV receivers

Along with the JBL Stage 220P Subwoofer JBL also produce a range of speakers for home cinema systems. There are two sets of Bookshelf speakers as well as two sets of floor standers. Additionally, there is a well-specified centre speaker with four bass/mid drivers. Next, there are two sizes of subwoofers and an upward-firing Dolby Atmos speaker. The JBL AV receivers can create 5.2,7.2 or 9.2 systems.

Available in Espresso or Latte woodgrain finish with solid color front baffles and matching grilles.

- 12-inch (300mm) Polycellulose Ribbed Cone Low-Frequency Woofer
- 250W RMS (500W Dynamic)
- Dual Rear-Firing Tuned Ports
- Crossover, Level and Phase Control