In this review, we will be comparing A120 and S 801, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from JBL and Jamo. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of JBL A120 and Jamo S 801 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the JBL A120 and Jamo S 801 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 JBL A120 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 A120 and S 801 are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
JBL A120 |
Jamo S 801 |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 4.5-inch
|
1 x 4-inch
|
A120 features a 1" aluminum Hard-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 4.5" Polycellulose Woofer . On the other hand, the S 801 features a 1" Soft-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 4" Aluminized Polyfiber Woofer .
Frequency Response
A120 has a frequency range of 60-40k Hz whereas S 801 has a frequency range of 76-26k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 60Hz, the A120 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the S 801's min frequency of 76Hz.
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
A120 is a 6 ohms speaker compared to the S 801 which has a nominal impedance of 8 ohms.
These two speakers also have different sensitivity levels. A120 sensitivity is rated at 86 dB and the S 801's is rated at 85 dB. This 1 dB difference makes the JBL A120 a more sensitive speaker compared to Jamo S 801, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.
Sensitivity
Bookshelf 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.
A120 can handle a max power of 125 watts RMS from the amp the whereas S 801 has a max power handling value of 60 watts RMS, 65 watts less than the A120.
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
A120 features Post type posts and S 801 has a Post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
JBL A120's 5-way post terminals
Jamo S 801's Post terminals
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Both A120 and S 801 have rear firing ports. Rear ported speakers generally need more room between the backside of the speaker and the wall compared to sealed and front/bottom ported speakers. Placing the speakers too close to the walls may cause the bass to sound boomy.
If you are limited in space and can't get the speakers away from the backwall, check our Speakers with Front Firing Ports page.
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 JBL A120's and Jamo S 801's external dimensions. JBL A120 has external dimensions of 286.0 x 172.0 x 189.0mm ( 11-1/4 x 6-3/4 x 7-7/16inch) whereas Jamo S 801 has external dimensions of 285.0 x 156.0 x 163.0mm ( 11.2 x 6.1 x 6.4inch) .
JBL A120 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 16mm wider, 1mm taller and 26mm deeper than Jamo S 801.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of JBL A120 and Jamo S 801 in scale.
Comparison image of JBL A120 and Jamo S 801 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 JBL A120 is approximately 325.1cm2 / 50.4inch2 and base area of the Jamo S 801 is approximately 254.3cm2 / 39.4inch2. The A120 requires 28% more surface area than the S 801 which gives it a small disadvantage on placement in tight spaces.
Here is an another comparison that shows both speakers on a BDI Octave Media Cabinet, next to a standard size amplifier and turntable in scale:
Size Comparison image of JBL A120 and Jamo S 801 on a Media Console
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 JBL A120 weighs 3.82kg / 8.4lbs and the Jamo S 801 weighs 2.70kg / 5.9lbs. This makes the A120 41% heavier than the S 801.
Here is a comparison of how A120 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 JBL A120?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of A120:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers2 Grilles2 Foam plugs4 Brackets8 Rubber feet8 Screws (M6 x 8mm)Owner-feets ManualWarranty Card
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
 Max Input Power |
125 watts
vs
60 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 Sensitivity |
86 dB
vs
85 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Woofer Size |
4.5 inches
vs
4 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
60 Hz
vs
76 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
40k Hz
vs
26k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Mounting Bracket |
Yes
vs
No
|
Allows mounting on walls |
 Nominal Impedance |
8 ohms
vs
6 ohms
|
Less selective with amplifiers |
 Height |
285mm
vs
286mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
254cm2 (156x163mm)
vs
325cm2 (172x189mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
174USD
vs
250USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
JBL Stage A120 |
Jamo S 801 |
| Brand |
JBL |
Jamo |
| Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
| Power Range |
20-125 watts |
up to 60 watts |
| Sensitivity |
86 dB |
85 dB |
| Impedance |
6 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
60-40k Hz |
76-26k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
4.5" |
4" |
| Woofer Composition |
Polycellulose |
Aluminized Polyfiber |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
Hard-Dome |
Soft-Dome |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
rear |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
286.0mm (11.3") |
285.0mm (11.2") |
| Width |
172.0mm (6.8") |
156.0mm (6.1") |
| Depth |
189.0mm (7.4") |
163.0mm (6.4") |
| Weight |
3.82kg (8.4lbs) |
2.70kg (5.9lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
MDF, Vinyl |
MDF/Vinyl |
| Available Colors |
Black |
Walnut, Black, White |
| Mounting Bracket |
Keyholes w/ bracket |
No |
| Recommended Stand Height |
26-28" |
28-31" |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Biamp Inputs |
No |
No |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |