In this review, we will be comparing two different type of speakers . Emotiva Airmotiv XC1 is a Center Channel speaker whereas the S 805 is a Floor-standing speaker.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Emotiva Airmotiv XC1 and Jamo S 805 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the Emotiva Airmotiv XC1 and Jamo S 805 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 XC1 and Jamo S 805 compare and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one of these loudspeakers is the better choice for you.
**This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking
through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Drivers
One of the fundamental differences between these two speakers is that Airmotiv XC1 is a 3-way design whereas the S 805 is a 2-way speaker. 3-way designs utilize a midrange driver in addition to the tweeter and woofer on 2-way designs. Designing a crossover for a 3-way speaker is a complicated process and generally increases the overall cost of the speaker.
| Driver |
Emotiva Airmotiv XC1 |
Jamo S 805 |
|
Driver Setup
|
3-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
25×32 mm-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
1 x 4.5-inch |
- |
|
Woofer
|
2 x 5.25-inch
|
1 x 5-inch
|
Airmotiv XC1 features a 25×32 mm" folded ribbon Tweeter , a 4.5" Midrange and 2 x 5.25" woven fiber cone Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 620 Hz, 3.1 kHz. On the other hand, the S 805 features a 1" Tweeter and 1 x 5" Aluminized Polyfiber Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2000Hz.
Frequency Response
Airmotiv XC1 has a frequency range of 50 Hz – 27 kHz whereas S 805 has a frequency range of 49-26k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 49Hz, the S 805 can go slightly deeper then the Airmotiv XC1's min frequency of 50Hz.
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 Center Channel class in our database.
Low Frequency
Center Channel Speakers
High Frequency
Center Channel 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 XC1 is a 4 ohms speaker compared to the S 805 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 XC1 can provide this impedance level.
On the other hand, they have the same sensitivity of 88 dBdB.
Sensitivity
Center Channel 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 XC1 can handle a max power of 120 watts RMS from the amp the whereas S 805 has a max power handling value of 80 watts RMS, 40 watts less than the Airmotiv XC1.
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.
Input Type and Bi-Amping / Bi-Wiring
Airmotiv XC1 features Binding post posts which make bi-amping or bi-wiring possible. S 805 has a Binding post which doesn't feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Emotiva Airmotiv XC1's Binding post terminals allows Bi-amping or bi-wiring
Jamo S 805's Binding post terminals
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Airmotiv XC1 has a rear firing port whereas S 805 has a front firing ports. Jamo S 805's front-firing port gives more flexibility in placement in regards to proximity to walls compared to Emotiva Airmotiv XC1 with its rear-firing port.
Jamo S 805 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 XC1's and Jamo S 805's external dimensions. Emotiva Airmotiv XC1 has external dimensions of 190 x 660 x 241 mm ( 7.5” x 26” x 9.5”) whereas Jamo S 805 has external dimensions of 787.0 x 191.0 x 252.0mm ( 31-1/2 x 9-7/8 x 11-1/8inch) .
Emotiva Airmotiv XC1 is 597mm shorter and 11mm less deeper than Jamo S 805 but it is also 469mm wider.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Emotiva Airmotiv XC1 and Jamo S 805 in scale.
Comparison image of Emotiva Airmotiv XC1 and Jamo S 805 Size and External Dimensions
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 XC1 is approximately 1590.6cm2 / 246.5inch2 and base area of the Jamo S 805 is approximately 481.3cm2 / 74.6inch2. The Airmotiv XC1 requires 230% more surface area than the S 805 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 XC1 weighs 11.30kg / 24.9lbs and the Jamo S 805 weighs 8.60kg / 18.9lbs. This makes the Airmotiv XC1 31% heavier than the S 805.
Here is a comparison of how Airmotiv XC1 and S 805's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Floor-standing class.
Weight
All Center Channel Speakers
What's in the Box of Jamo S 805?
Here are the items that come with the S 805:
2 Floorstanding loudspeakers2 Grilles8 Mounting feet16 ScrewsUser ManualImportant Safety InstructionsWarranty Information
 Max Input Power |
120 watts
vs
80 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 Driver Setup |
3-way
vs
2-way
|
Have a dedicated mid-range driver |
 Woofer Size |
5.25 inches
vs
5 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Number of Woofers |
2
vs
1
|
More woofers |
 High Frequency Response |
27k Hz
vs
26k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Bi-Amping and Bi-Wiring |
Yes
vs
No
|
Allows bi-amping and bi-wiring connections |
 Height |
190mm
vs
787mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Nominal Impedance |
8 ohms
vs
4 ohms
|
Less selective with amplifiers |
| Low Frequency Response |
49 Hz
vs
50 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 Port Position |
Front
vs
Rear
|
Gives more flexibility placing close to walls |
 Base Surface Area |
481cm2 (191x252mm)
vs
1590cm2 (660x241mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
344USD
vs
399USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
Emotiva Airmotiv XC1 |
Jamo Studio S 805 |
| Brand |
Emotiva |
Jamo |
| Speaker Type |
Center channel speaker |
Floor-standing |
| Power Range |
Up to 120 watts |
up to 80 watts |
| Sensitivity |
88 dB |
88 dB |
| Impedance |
4 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
50 Hz – 27 kHz |
49-26k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
2 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
5.25" |
5" |
| Woofer Composition |
woven fiber cone |
Aluminized Polyfiber |
| Woofer Surround Material |
SBR |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
25×32 mm" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
folded ribbon |
n/a |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
4.5" |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
620 Hz, 3.1 kHz |
2000Hz |
| Firing Direction |
rear |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
190.0mm (7.5") |
787.0mm (31") |
| Width |
660.0mm (26") |
191.0mm (7.5") |
| Depth |
241.0mm (9.5") |
252.0mm (9.9") |
| Weight |
11.30kg (24.9lbs) |
8.60kg (18.9lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
n/a |
MDF/Vinyl |
| Available Colors |
Black |
Walnut |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Biamp Inputs |
Yes |
No |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |