The JBL Stage 220P Sub-Woofer is easy to set up and provides a great bass boost to the overall audio system. It comes with carpet spikes to prevent it from moving around on a soft floor in a living room environment.
What I liked most about the system is that it’s well matched with the JBL MA510 AVR as an upgrade to a typical Sound Bar system. It works great in a home theater environment, or as a classic bookshelf style AV system. JBL offers multiple options for the MA 510 system including a center speaker, a pair of front speakers and a pair of surround speakers and a subwoofer. Notably, you can add a second sub-woofer if you choose. This means you provide your own wiring for components, including TVs, speakers and sub woofers as well as network wiring if necessary. So, on that basis if you want to get started quickly and easily, you can start with a simple Stereo installation and gradually add the well matched JBL speaker components as your space or budget allows.
The JBL system is easy to set up once you gather sources for content and the necessary wiring for speakers taking twenty to thirty minutes for a 2.1 channel, stand-alone system without permanent installation such as with hidden cables. This Sub-Woofer would certainly beef up your gaming audio if you chose to do so.
Otherwise, if you are planning to install the system permanently, it obviously takes a lot more planning than I have committed to. I would highly recommend matching this sub-woofer with the MA 510 or MA 710 AVR systems including the Center and Surround Speakers to bring the system up to a minimum of 5.1 channels. However, because I am not game oriented, the two extra channels in a 7.1 system just seems superfluous.
The Stage 220 P pairs well with the matching JBL Stage 2-250B speakers are an awesome combination together with the MA 510 AVR. JBL made it easy to match the various components of a top-notch system. Plus, the sound quality is terrific. The is modern look in the Espresso color also goes well in a traditional environment.
In summary, this JBL system provides an easy to set up, well-matched upgrade from a ‘Soundbar’ System.

JBL and Harman have been iconic names in professional and consumer audio for decades. Both names date back to the audio products of the 1940’s and 1950’s. By the late 1960’s and early 1970’s JBL speakers were the premier speakers in Fender guitar amplifiers and speaker cabinets as well as many stage monitors. In the mid 1970’s the Grateful Dead toured with their famous “Wall of Sound” which contained a reported 586 JBL speakers (5”, 12” and 15”). James B. Lansing was associated with a lot of great music.
By the 1970’s Harman Kardon stereo receivers were a favorite among audiophiles. JBL and Harman Kardon were responsible for some of the most respected and popular professional audio equipment as well as consumer products.
Through the decades the companies experienced ownership and management changes wherein fast-forward to the present day, Harman International is a subsidiary of Samsung, and includes JBL and a collective of some of the most renowned and respected audio products companies.
JBL Harman just released the new product line comprised of MA (Modern Audio) series AV receivers and JBL Stage 2 series speakers. Among the factors that attracted me to these new components is that the MA AV receivers and Stage 2 speakers are matched components.
From my perspective, there are several compelling advantages to using matched components, particularly as compared to cobbling together a home theater system from components from various manufacturers or even various products from a single manufacturer.
First, all of the speakers share the same physical appearance characteristics, including their modern, minimalist design style, and their availability in either an Espresso (dark) or Latte (light) woodgrain speaker enclosure finish, with complimentary colored black or gray, magnetically attached removable grilles. The MA receivers are available with either a black or white face on a black cabinet.
More importantly, they are matched technically. All of the speaker enclosures share the same construction and sound shaping characteristics with similar tuned rear ports, transducer design, construction and electrical characteristics, similar crossover networks and matched impedance. These speakers are also technically matched to the new MA model AV receivers, including matched power handling, with the intention of producing outstanding sound reproduction. In fact, towards those end-goals, the new MA AV receivers and the Stage 2 speakers were all designed and engineered at the JBL Harman Acoustic Engineering Center of Excellence in Northridge, California. The speakers and receivers will perform optimally together, because they are purposefully designed for perfect integration and compatibility.
Another important attribute of the MA series receivers and Stage 2 series speakers is that JBL designed and engineered them for simplicity of setup/installation and simplicity of operation. People who are neither devoted audiophiles, engineers or industry professionals are able to rely on these components being the perfect accompaniments for each other. There are enough selections available to get just what you want and need, but there is no overwhelming complexity to create a difficult or intimidating experience when selecting, setting up or using these terrific components.
I am extremely impressed with the performance of my JBL Harman components, all of which sound terrific.
My outstanding JBL Harman home theater system is comprised of:
MA7100HP – 7.2 Channel AV Receiver
Stage 280F – Floorstanding (Tower) Speakers – Front Channels
Stage 240H – Atmos Height Modules (Atmos Caps) – Mounted on 280F Speakers
Stage 245C – Center Channel Speaker
Stage 250B – Bookshelf Speakers – Rear Channels
Stage 220P – 12” 250 Watt RMS Powered Subwoofer
This assemblage of perfectly matched JBL Harman components is a stellar home theater system which sounds absolutely amazing!
I am incredibly impressed and completely satisfied with the Stage 220P Subwoofer Speaker. The 220P Subwoofer is the larger of the two powered subwoofer speaker models available in the JBL Stage 2 series.
SPECIFICATIONS – STAGE 220P (From JBL Documentation):
Type: Powered Subwoofer
Low Frequency Driver: 12-inch (300mm) Polycellulose Ribbed High Excursion
Amplifier Power: 250W RMS (500W Dynamic)
Frequency Response ± 6dB: 26Hz-150Hz (Conflicts with other JBL Documentation stating: 29Hz-150Hz)
Crossover Frequencies: 50Hz-150Hz (variable) 24dB/octave
Controls: 35Hz-150Hz (Conflicts with other JBL Documentation stating: 50Hz-150Hz)
Controls: Auto Power, Crossover, Level, Phase
Inputs: One (1) Line-Level LFE Input
Enclosure Tuning: Bass-Reflex via Dual Rear-Firing Tuned Ports
Power Requirements: 120V, 60Hz (US) 220-230V, 50/60Hz (EU)
Power Consumption: <0.5W (standby) / 205W/1.6A (max – 230V) / 205W/3.15A (max – 120V)
Finish: Espresso or Latte
Dimensions (HxWxD): 16.4in x 15.9in x 17.5in (416mm x 405mm x 444mm)
Product Weight: 41.2 lbs. (18.7 kg)
Shipping Weight: 51.4 lbs. (23.3kg)
The large and fairly heavy Stage 220P active, powered subwoofer is equipped with a front firing 12” polycellulose transducer which very effectively moves a lot of air and produces energetic, palpable bass notes. The 250 watt RMS powered amplifier coupled to the large speaker delivers very deep, room filling bass even in a large room.
Proper subwoofer placement and crossover frequency selection optimize production of deep, accurate and smooth bass. Since low frequencies are not directional like higher frequencies, placement near a room corner is frequently the preferred location for optimizing bass response by capitalizing on low frequencies being reflected by hard surfaces like walls, and minimizing absorption by soft furnishings.
The magnetically attached grille with its orange frame exposed at the sides matches the other Stage 2 series speakers. The rear panel includes the jack for the detachable power cord and a protected voltage selection switch which also allows use of the 220P on 220-240V mains. The rear panel also has the RCA connector for the subwoofer input cable, a rotary knob for the 50Hz – 150Hz crossover network, a volume control knob, a phase reversal slide switch, a similar switch to select “auto-power”, and a power LED. There are a pair of stacked ports on the rear of the subwoofer enclosure which JBL describes as “ Bass-Reflex Design with Dual Rear-Firing Flared Ports. The Bass-Reflex design of the 220P use dual rear-firing flared ports. This new flared design reduces the velocity of the air when exiting the speaker cabinet, eliminating any chuffing or coloration of output”.
I adhere to the generally accepted “standard” of setting the low-pass crossover of my receiver at 80 db and directing the low frequencies to the powered subwoofer. Adjustment of subwoofer gain is subjective, but I like to set up my subwoofer to deliver strong, palpable yet smooth bass presence, holding short of overdriven thumping distorted bass.
The JBL Stage 220P is an absolutely outstanding Low Frequency Effects (LFE) speaker that is ideally matched with the rest of my JBL home theater components. It has more than sufficient power to compliment the substantial and impressive audio being delivered by the large Stage 2 speakers which are driven by the powerful MA 7100HP receiver. The bass in music as well as the low frequency effects in movies is powerful, accurate and realistic. Low frequencies are felt by the body as much as they are heard by the ear, and the Stage 220P really delivers!
The matched design and engineering of the Stage 2 series speakers and the MA series AV receivers makes it extremely simple and easy to specify and select a complete home theater system comprised of excellent, premium level components from an outstanding audio component manufacturer, with a very long and rich company heritage.
Our listening and viewing experience has improved significantly with the Harman JBL home theater components. Whether playing streamed movies or music, or using my Blu-Ray player, CD changer, or turntable, we are now enjoying the experience more than we did previously.
The Stage 2 speakers and MA7100HP AVR provide extraordinary, room filling, high resolution audio with incredible fidelity across the full sound spectrum. As soon as I had connected and configured the system, running Top Gun Maverick, with its powerful soundtrack including plentiful height effects and powerful low frequency effects, was really incredible and satisfying! A few movies and concert videos later I was beyond impressed with how outstanding the Harman JBL components are! This is really how high-performance component audio should sound. The home theater experience with these components is truly a theater experience!
I am confident that the Stage 220P powered subwoofer is the best choice for low frequency effect speaker in this great home theater system. I am extremely impressed with it, and I am enjoying its powerful performance.

This 12” powered subwoofer digs and digs deep. I have a fairly large theater room and the JBL Stage 2 220P has no issues pressurizing the room. The built-in amp is rated for 250W RMS and can shake my whole house with the proper placement. The frequency response range is 26Hz-150Hz. It’s rear ported which helps reduce the overall height of the box so I can also easily fit it underneath my projector screen when compared to front ported boxes. The dark wood looks amazing in my decor and I highly recommend this sub for anyone building out their home theater. Set a proper crossover within your AVR for your speaker types and let this sub do all the heavy lifting. I recommend setting all your speakers to “Small” and start with a 80Hz crossover to the 220P. Set your crossover knob to the max crossover on your sub and let your AVR do all the crossover for you. Adjust the volume knob of the sub to match the dB levels of your entire system.
Proper placement is key to have tight and deep bass. Best way I found is to do the infamous “sub crawl”. Simply put the sub directly on your main sitting position and listen to your favorite bass heavy track. Then slowly move on your hands and knees around the perimeter of your home theater until you can hear and feel the most bass. There are usually a few spots that will sound the loudest and that’s the spot to put the sub. Next for proper calibration is to do room correction if your AVR is capable of doing it. The minimum one should do is set the distance of the sub to your sitting location and set the level to match the rest of your setup. The distance will ultimately set the delay and the level will make sure you’re within range of your set dB at reference level listening. Best practice is to adjust all your speakers to 75dB with an SPL meter capable of C weighted readings at reference level volume to your main sitting position. Then bump the volume of your subwoofer +10dB if you like a heavier bass presence or adjust the subwoofer level within your AVR.
In summary, I do recommend the JBL Stage 2 220P subwoofer for your home theater. It hits so hard that I’m considering getting a 2nd one to help balance out the room.

JBL has jumped into the home theater speaker space with the zest that only an established brand can. They are coming out swinging with their stage2 set of speakers and the Stage2 250B 2-Way 5.25-inch (130mm) Bookshelf Loudspeakers are another example of quality with a price tag that reflects value. You get a pair of these for $400, but let me tell you, they punch above their weight class when it comes to the price.
JBL has been around for generations. They developed their first speakers in 1946! The American company has made a name for themselves throughout the last 80 years as a value-centric option for your speaker needs – especially when it comes to headphones, earbuds and portable speakers. Lately they have dominated the portable speaker market with their options, which are high-quality, yet less expensive than so many other options out there.
The new Stage2 speaker line-up gives a very nice modern look, and offer the same hint of orange on the speaker grills as the other speakers in the line-up (floorstanding R&L, dolby atmos speakers, center speaker, and most stylish being, the new receiver options. I’m impressed with the style JBL chose – as it’s not overwhelmingly modern. The color choices (Espresso and latte) fit any decor and are consistent among the products. These look awesome!
Feature wise these loudspeakers include a 5.25-inch (130mm) Polycellulose Ribbed Cone Woofer.
Each speaker in the Stage 2 series features Polycellulose ribbed cone woofers, which help with consistency and a sound that emphasizes that consistency. According to the descriptions, it includes a pure pulp cone has a proprietary mix of other materials added to improve its rigidity and the ribs echo legendary JBL designs. The conclusion is that these woofers produce deep, accurate, room filling bass and excellent sound. They also include a 1-inch (25mm) Anodized Aluminum Tweeter that JBL says is in “Next Generation HDI™ Waveguide.” Through intense research of previous waveguide designs, JBL has developed a new complex geometry that improves directivity, reduced diffraction, and an overall neutral frequency response both on and off axis. The Stage 2 HDI Horn is coupled to an anodized aluminum dome tweeter to enhance efficiency and dynamics. This new design offers a neutral frequency response both on and off axis.
Premium components are used to construct the crossovers fitted to the Stage 2 line. The High frequency section features air core inductors and mylar capacitors that reduce distortion and improve sonic performance. The low frequency section includes laminate core inductors and electrolytic capacitors. These premium materials can handle more power and transmit energy faster elevating system performance.
Sturdy 5-way binding posts provide the listener with their choice of high-quality connection. They also match the binding posts on the JBL MA AVRs, carrying the cohesive look throughout.
JBL has premium details throughout the line including magnetically attached grilles, unique trim rings and the floating front baffle design – upscale features not typically found on loudspeakers in this price range.
A flared port is featured on the 250B. This new flared design reduces the velocity of the air when exiting the speaker cabinet, eliminating any chuffing or coloration of output. The 250B includes anti slip pads to hold the speaker securely in place, minimize vibrations.
For $400, these speakers are a value and offer such a fluid sound when coupled with the rest of JBL’s Stage2 lineup. I’m going from a Klipsch set of premium speakers, coupled with an Onkyo RZ-50 (which has had its fair share of technological issues) and have been super impressed with the clear, robust sound. There is a beautiful separation with these speakers that you can tell have been fine tuned by the developers, who obviously know what they’re doing. I’m excited for what’s to come with JBL if this is their first stab into upper-mid tier Dolby home theater.