In this review, we will be comparing Sib-T and S 801, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from Focal and Jamo. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Focal Sib-T and Jamo S 801 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the Focal Sib-T and Jamo S 801 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 Sib-T and S 801 are 2-way speakers.
Driver |
Focal Sib-T |
Jamo S 801 |
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
Tweeter
|
.75-inch
|
1-inch
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
Woofer
|
1 x 5.125-inch
|
1 x 4-inch
|
Sib-T features a .75" Dome Tweeter and 1 x 5.125" Polyflex Woofer . On the other hand, the S 801 features a 1" Soft-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 4" Aluminized Polyfiber Woofer .
Frequency Response
Sib-T has a frequency range of 80-20kHz whereas S 801 has a frequency range of 76-26k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 76Hz, the S 801 can go slightly deeper then the Sib-T's min frequency of 80Hz.
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 Bookshelf class in our database.
Low Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
High Frequency
Bookshelf 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
Sib-T is a 4 ohms speaker compared to the S 801 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 Sib-T can provide this impedance level.
These two speakers also have different sensitivity levels. Sib-T sensitivity is rated at 90 dB and the S 801's is rated at 85 dB. This 5 dB difference makes the Focal Sib-T a more sensitive speaker compared to Jamo S 801, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.
Sensitivity
Bookshelf Speakers
Input Type and Bi-Amping / Bi-Wiring
Sib-T features Post type posts and S 801 has a Post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
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 Focal Sib-T's and Jamo S 801's external dimensions. Focal Sib-T has external dimensions of 64.0 x 143.0 x 170.0mm ( 2-1/2 x 5-5/8 x 6-11/16inch) whereas Jamo S 801 has external dimensions of 285.0 x 156.0 x 163.0mm ( 11.2 x 6.1 x 6.4inch) .
Focal Sib-T is 13mm narrower and 221mm shorter than Jamo S 801 but it is also 7mm deeper.
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 Focal Sib-T is approximately 243.1cm2 / 37.7inch2 and base area of the Jamo S 801 is approximately 254.3cm2 / 39.4inch2. The Sib-T requires 4% less surface area than the S 801 which gives it a small advantage 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 Focal Sib-T weighs 2.60kg / 5.7lbs and the Jamo S 801 weighs 2.70kg / 5.9lbs. This makes the S 801 4% heavier than the Sib-T.
Here is a comparison of how Sib-T and S 801's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Bookshelf class.
Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
What's in the Box of Focal Sib-T?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Sib-T:
One 100V/4-ohm commercial speakerAdjustable mounting bracket (installed)3 Drywall anchors w/ 2 screws5mm Allen key (attached to mounting bracket)User manual
What's in the Box of Jamo S 801?
Here are the items that come with the S 801:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers 2 Grilles User Manual Important Safety Instructions Warranty Information
Sensitivity |
90 dB
vs
85 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
Woofer Size |
5.125 inches
vs
4 inches
|
Larger woofer |
Mounting Bracket |
Yes
vs
No
|
Allows mounting on walls |
Height |
64mm
vs
285mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
Base Surface Area |
243cm2 (143x170mm)
vs
254cm2 (156x163mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
Nominal Impedance |
8 ohms
vs
4 ohms
|
Less selective with amplifiers |
Low Frequency Response |
76 Hz
vs
80 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
High Frequency Response |
26k Hz
vs
20k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
Price per pair* |
174USD
vs
698USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
General |
Focal Sib-T |
Jamo S 801 |
Brand |
Focal |
Jamo |
Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
Sensitivity |
90 dB |
85 dB |
Impedance |
4 ohms |
8 ohms |
Frequency Response |
80-20kHz |
76-26k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
Woofer Size |
5.125" |
4" |
Woofer Composition |
Polyflex |
Aluminized Polyfiber |
Woofer Surround Material |
Not given |
Rubber |
Tweeter Size |
.75" |
1" |
Tweeter Type |
Dome |
Soft-Dome |
Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
Firing Direction |
n/a |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
Height |
64.0mm (2.5") |
285.0mm (11.2") |
Width |
143.0mm (5.6") |
156.0mm (6.1") |
Depth |
170.0mm (6.7") |
163.0mm (6.4") |
Weight |
2.60kg (5.7lbs) |
2.70kg (5.9lbs) |
Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
Finish |
Plastic |
MDF/Vinyl |
Available Colors |
White |
Walnut, Black, White |
Mounting Bracket |
Yes |
No |
Recommended Stand Height |
2-1/2" |
28-31" |
Grille |
n/a |
Yes |
Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Biamp Inputs |
No |
No |
Other |
|
|
Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |