In this review, we will be comparing two different type of speakers . Emotiva Airmotiv XC2 is a Center Channel speaker whereas the S 809 is a Floor-standing speaker.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Emotiva Airmotiv XC2 and Jamo S 809 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the Emotiva Airmotiv XC2 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 XC2 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
One of the fundamental differences between these two speakers is that Airmotiv XC2 is a 3-way design whereas the S 809 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 XC2 |
Jamo S 809 |
|
Driver Setup
|
3-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
25×32 mm-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
1 x 5.25-inch |
- |
|
Woofer
|
2 x 6-inch
|
3 x 5-inch
|
Airmotiv XC2 features a 25×32 mm" folded ribbon Tweeter , a 5.25" Midrange and 2 x 6" woven fiber cone Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 600 Hz, 3.1 kHz. 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 XC2 has a frequency range of 40 Hz – 27 kHz whereas S 809 has a frequency range of 37-26k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 37Hz, the S 809 can go slightly deeper then the Airmotiv XC2's min frequency of 40Hz.
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 XC2 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 XC2 can provide this impedance level.
These two speakers also have different sensitivity levels. Airmotiv XC2 sensitivity is rated at 89 dB and the S 809's is rated at 90 dB. This 1 dB difference makes the Jamo S 809 a more sensitive speaker compared to Emotiva Airmotiv XC2, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.
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 XC2 can handle a max power of 150 watts RMS from the amp the whereas S 809 has a max power handling value of 120 watts RMS, 30 watts less than the Airmotiv XC2.
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 XC2 features Binding post posts which make bi-amping or bi-wiring possible. S 809 has a Post which doesn't feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Emotiva Airmotiv XC2's Binding post terminals allows Bi-amping or bi-wiring
Jamo S 809's Post terminals
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Airmotiv XC2 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 XC2 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 XC2's and Jamo S 809's external dimensions. Emotiva Airmotiv XC2 has external dimensions of 216 x 800 x 260 mm ( 8.5” x 31.5” x 10.25”) 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 609mm narrower and 8mm less deeper than Emotiva Airmotiv XC2 but it is also 826mm taller.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Emotiva Airmotiv XC2 and Jamo S 809 in scale.
Comparison image of Emotiva Airmotiv XC2 and Jamo S 809 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 XC2 is approximately 2080.0cm2 / 322.4inch2 and base area of the Jamo S 809 is approximately 481.3cm2 / 74.6inch2. The Airmotiv XC2 requires 332% 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 XC2 weighs 16.80kg / 37lbs and the Jamo S 809 weighs 13.60kg / 29.9lbs. This makes the Airmotiv XC2 24% heavier than the S 809.
Here is a comparison of how Airmotiv XC2 and S 809'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 809?
Here are the items that come with the S 809:
2 Floorstanding loudspeakers2 Grilles8 Mounting feet16 ScrewsUser ManualImportant Safety InstructionsWarranty Information
 Max Input Power |
150 watts
vs
120 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 Driver Setup |
3-way
vs
2-way
|
Have a dedicated mid-range driver |
 Woofer Size |
6 inches
vs
5 inches
|
Larger woofer |
 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 |
216mm
vs
1042mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Price per pair* |
599USD
vs
634USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Sensitivity |
90 dB
vs
89 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
40 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
2080cm2 (800x260mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
| General |
Emotiva Airmotiv XC2 |
Jamo Studio S 809 |
| Brand |
Emotiva |
Jamo |
| Speaker Type |
Center channel speaker |
Floor-standing speaker |
| Power Range |
Up to 150 watts |
120 watts |
| Sensitivity |
89 dB |
90 dB |
| Impedance |
4 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
40 Hz – 27 kHz |
37-26k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
2 |
3 |
| Woofer Size |
6" |
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 |
5.25" |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
600 Hz, 3.1 kHz |
2000Hz |
| Firing Direction |
rear |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
216.0mm (8.5") |
1042.0mm (41") |
| Width |
800.0mm (31.5") |
191.0mm (7.5") |
| Depth |
260.0mm (10.2") |
252.0mm (9.9") |
| Weight |
16.80kg (37lbs) |
13.60kg (29.9lbs) |
| 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 |