In this review, we will be comparing Airmotiv T-Zero+ and S 809, two Passive Floor-standing speakers from Emotiva and Jamo. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Emotiva Airmotiv T-Zero+ and Jamo S 809 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the Emotiva Airmotiv T-Zero+ and Jamo S 809 speakers good for?
The size of the room in which you are planning to use these loudspeakers is an important decision factor. Here we have compared their suitability to various sizes of environments considering their size and max power parameters:
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the Emotiva Airmotiv T-Zero+ and Jamo S 809 compare and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one of these loudspeakers is the better choice for you.
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Drivers
Both Airmotiv T-Zero+ and S 809 are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Emotiva Airmotiv T-Zero+ |
Jamo S 809 |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
25×32 mm-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
2 x 5.25-inch
|
3 x 5-inch
|
Airmotiv T-Zero+ features a 25×32 mm" folded ribbon Tweeter and 2 x 5.25" woven fiber cone Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2500Hz. On the other hand, the S 809 features a 1" Tweeter and 3 x 5" Aluminized Polyfiber Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2000Hz.
Frequency Response
Airmotiv T-Zero+ has a frequency range of 48-28 kHz whereas S 809 has a frequency range of 37-26k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 37Hz, the S 809 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the Airmotiv T-Zero+'s min frequency of 48Hz.
Below graphs depict how these two speakers compare with the max, min and average values of the Min and Max Frequencies of other speakers in the Floor-standing class in our database.
Low Frequency
Floor-standing Speakers
High Frequency
Floor-standing Speakers
None of these speakers achieves full range experience which is commonly agreed as 20Hz-20kHz. In order to achieve lower lows / deeper bass, we recommend you pair these with a subwoofer. Visit our Powered Subwoofers section to find out more about the available options.
Impedance and Sensitivity
Airmotiv T-Zero+ is a 4 ohms speaker compared to the S 809 which has a nominal impedance of 8 ohms. Lower impedance speakers, especially the ones that are rated at 4 ohms may put more pressure on the amplifier unit especially when played at high volume levels, so make sure the amp you pair with the Airmotiv T-Zero+ can provide this impedance level.
These two speakers also have different sensitivity levels. Airmotiv T-Zero+ sensitivity is rated at 87 dB and the S 809's is rated at 90 dB. This 3 dB difference makes the Jamo S 809 a more sensitive speaker compared to Emotiva Airmotiv T-Zero+, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.
Sensitivity
Floor-standing Speakers
Power Range
Power
range is the range of input power in watts RMS that a loudspeaker is designed to handle. While using an amplifier within this range ensures the nominal performance , inputting a power that is higher than the max wattage can result in a damaged speaker.
Airmotiv T-Zero+ can handle a max power of 120 watts RMS from the amp the whereas Airmotiv T-Zero+ has a max power handling value of 100 watts RMS , 20 watts less than the S 809.
Keep in mind that a higher max power handling value doesn't necessarily make that a louder speaker
compared to a lower max handling speaker. Loudness or the sound level is also impacted by parameters
such as Impedance, sensitivity and system efficiencies.
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Airmotiv T-Zero+ has a rear firing port whereas S 809 has a front firing ports. Jamo S 809's front-firing port gives more flexibility in placement in regards to proximity to walls compared to Emotiva Airmotiv T-Zero+ with its rear-firing port.
Jamo S 809 Port
Physical Specs
Size of a speaker can sometimes become an important decision factor due to space constraints or in some cases purely for esthetic reasons. In this section, we are going to compare Emotiva Airmotiv T-Zero+'s and Jamo S 809's external dimensions. Emotiva Airmotiv T-Zero+ has external dimensions of 969.0 x 969.0 x 267.0mm ( 38-1/8 x 38-1/8 x 10-1/2inch) whereas Jamo S 809 has external dimensions of 1042.0 x 191.0 x 252.0mm ( 41.0 x 7.5 x 9.9inch) .
Jamo S 809 is 778mm narrower and 15mm less deeper than Emotiva Airmotiv T-Zero+ but it is also 73mm taller.
Base Surface Area Comparison
Base surface area of a loudspeaker may become a determining factor when the space in your room or desk is limited.
The base surface area of the Emotiva Airmotiv T-Zero+ is approximately 2587.2cm2 / 401.0inch2 and base area of the Jamo S 809 is approximately 481.3cm2 / 74.6inch2. The Airmotiv T-Zero+ requires 438% more surface area than the S 809 which gives it a small disadvantage on placement in tight spaces.
Weight Comparison The weight of a loudspeaker can become an important factor if you need to move and reposition the unit often. Weight of a speaker can also "sometimes" be an indicator of the rigidity of the enclosure and the quality of the internal components used. The Emotiva Airmotiv T-Zero+ weighs 13.20kg / 29lbs and the Jamo S 809 weighs 13.60kg / 29.9lbs. This makes the S 809 3% heavier than the Airmotiv T-Zero+.
Here is a comparison of how Airmotiv T-Zero+ and S 809's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Floor-standing class.
Weight
All Floor-standing Speakers
What's in the Box of Jamo S 809?
Here are the items that come with the S 809:
2 Floorstanding loudspeakers2 Grilles8 Mounting feet16 ScrewsUser ManualImportant Safety InstructionsWarranty Information
 Woofer Size |
5.25 inches
vs
5 inches
|
Larger woofer |
 High Frequency Response |
28k Hz
vs
26k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
969mm
vs
1042mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Price per pair* |
499USD
vs
634USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Max Input Power |
120 watts
vs
100 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 Sensitivity |
90 dB
vs
87 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Nominal Impedance |
8 ohms
vs
4 ohms
|
Less selective with amplifiers |
| Number of Woofers |
3
vs
2
|
More woofers |
| Low Frequency Response |
37 Hz
vs
48 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 Port Position |
Front
vs
Rear
|
Gives more flexibility placing close to walls |
 Dolby Atmos Drivers |
Optional Jamo S 8 ATM Dolby Atmos upward-firing speakers
vs
No
|
Dolby Atmos Compatibility |
 Base Surface Area |
481cm2 (191x252mm)
vs
2587cm2 (969x267mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
| General |
Emotiva Airmotiv T-Zero+ |
Jamo Studio S 809 |
| Brand |
Emotiva |
Jamo |
| Speaker Type |
Floor-standing speaker |
Floor-standing speaker |
| Power Range |
Up to 100 watts |
120 watts |
| Sensitivity |
87 dB |
90 dB |
| Impedance |
4 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
48-28 kHz |
37-26k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
2 |
3 |
| Woofer Size |
5.25" |
5" |
| Woofer Composition |
woven fiber cone |
Aluminized Polyfiber |
| Woofer Surround Material |
n/a |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
25×32 mm" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
folded ribbon |
n/a |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
2500Hz |
2000Hz |
| Firing Direction |
rear |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
969.0mm (38.1") |
1042.0mm (41") |
| Width |
969.0mm (38.1") |
191.0mm (7.5") |
| Depth |
267.0mm (10.5") |
252.0mm (9.9") |
| Weight |
13.20kg (29lbs) |
13.60kg (29.9lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
HDF |
MDF/Vinyl |
| Available Colors |
Black |
Walnut |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Biamp Inputs |
n/a |
No |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |