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Jamo S 801 vs KEF Q350
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Jamo S 801

Passive Bookshelf | 76-26k Hz

Jamo S 801
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KEF Q350

Passive Bookshelf | 63-28k Hz

KEF Q350
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Jamo S 801 vs KEF Q350 Speaker Comparison

In this review, we will be comparing S 801 and Q350, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from Jamo and KEF. Let's have a brief look at the main features of Jamo S 801 and KEF Q350 first before getting into our more detailed comparison.

Jamo S 801 Key Specs

  • 2-way Design
  • 1" Soft-Dome Tweeter
  • 4" Aluminized Polyfiber Woofer
  • 76-26k Hz Frequency Response
  • 85 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 8ohms
  • Power Range:up to 60watts
  • Weight:2.70kg
  • Dimensions (H x W x D): 285.0" x 6.1" x 6.4"( 285.0 x 156.0 x 163.0mm )

KEF Q350 Key Specs

  • 2-way Design
  • 11th Generation Uni-Q Driver
  • 1" Dome Tweeter
  • 6.5" Aluminum Woofer
  • 63-28k Hz Frequency Response
  • 87 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 8ohms
  • Power Range:10-120watts
  • Weight:7.60kg
  • Dimensions (H x W x D): 358.0" x 8.2" x 12.0"( 358.0 x 210.0 x 306.0mm )

What size room are the Jamo S 801 and KEF Q350 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:

Listening Environment* Jamo S 801 KEF Q350
Near-field Good Poor
Small Room Good Average
Mid-size Room Average Good
Large Room Poor Average
Very Large Room No way Poor

(* Approximate Room sizes: Small < 100sq. ft / 9 m2, Mid-size: 100-220 sq. ft / 9-20 m2, Large 220-400 sq. ft / 20-36 m2, Very Large: > 400 sq. ft / 36 m2. Average Floor Height: 9" / 2.7m. Typical room sizes differ from country to country, and the actual listening experience changes depending on floor height, room shape, surface materials, listening position, speaker locations, etc.)

In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the Jamo S 801 and KEF Q350 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

Both S 801 and Q350 are 2-way speakers. S 801 features a 1" Soft-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 4" Aluminized Polyfiber Woofer . On the other hand, the Q350 features a 1" vented aluminum Dome Tweeter and 1 x 6.5" Aluminum Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2500Hz.

Frequency Response

S 801 has a frequency range of 76-26k Hz whereas Q350 has a frequency range of 63-28k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 63Hz, the Q350 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

S 801
Q350
Min
Average
Max
High Frequency

Bookshelf Speakers

Jamo S 801
KEF Q350
Min
Average
Max

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

S 801 and Q350 have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. S 801 sensitivity is rated at 85 dB and the Q350's is at 87 dB. This 2 dB difference makes the KEF Q350 a more sensitive speaker compared to Jamo S 801, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.

Sensitivity

Bookshelf Speakers

S 801
Q350
Min
Average
Max

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.

S 801 can handle a max power of 120 watts RMS from the amp the whereas S 801 has a max power handling value of 60 watts RMS , 60 watts less than the Q350.

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

S 801 features Post type posts and Q350 has a Post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.

Jamo S 801 Terminals
Jamo S 801's Post terminals

KEF Q350Post Terminals
KEF Q350's Post terminals

Cabinet Type and Port Position

Both S 801 and Q350 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.

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 Jamo S 801's and KEF Q350's external dimensions. Jamo S 801 has external dimensions of 285.0 x 156.0 x 163.0mm ( 11.2 x 6.1 x 6.4inch) whereas KEF Q350 has external dimensions of 358.0 x 210.0 x 306.0mm ( 14.0 x 8.2 x 12.0inch) .

KEF Q350 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 54mm wider, 73mm taller and 143mm deeper than Jamo S 801.

Below you can see the front view size comparison of Jamo S 801 and KEF Q350 in scale.

Jamo S 801 vs KEF Q350 Size Comparison - Front View
Comparison image of Jamo S 801 and KEF Q350 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 Jamo S 801 is approximately 254.3cm2 / 39.4inch2 and base area of the KEF Q350 is approximately 642.6cm2 / 99.6inch2. The S 801 requires 60% less surface area than the Q350 which gives it a small advantage 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:

Jamo S 801 vs KEF Q350 Size Comparison on a Media Console
Size Comparison image of Jamo S 801 and KEF Q350 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 Jamo S 801 weighs 2.70kg / 5.9lbs and the KEF Q350 weighs 7.60kg / 16.7lbs. This makes the Q350 181% heavier than the S 801.

Here is a comparison of how S 801 and Q350's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Bookshelf class.

Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
Jamo S 801
KEF Q350
Min
Average
Max

What's in the Box of Jamo S 801?

Here are the items that are included inside the box of S 801:
  • 2 Bookshelf loudspeakers
  • 2 Grilles
  • User Manual
  • Important Safety Instructions
  • Warranty Information
  • What's in the Box of KEF Q350?

    Here are the items that come with the Q350:
  • 2 Bookshelf loudspeakers
  • 2 Foam port plugs
  • 8 Self-adhesive rubber feet
  • Owner's Manual
  • Warranty Registration Card

  • Reasons to choose Jamo S 801 over KEF Q350
    Height 285mm vs 358mm Easier to fit in smaller spaces
    Base Surface Area 254cm2 (156x163mm) vs 642cm2 (210x306mm) Takes less floor space
    Price per pair* 174USD vs 750USD costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time)
    Reasons to choose KEF Q350 over Jamo S 801
    Max Input Power 120 watts vs 60 watts Handle more power from your amplifier
    Sensitivity 87 dB vs 85 dB Play louder with same amount of amplification power
    Woofer Size 6.5 inches vs 4 inches Larger woofer
    Low Frequency Response 63 Hz vs 76 Hz Generates deeper bass
    High Frequency Response 28k Hz vs 26k Hz Generates higher frequency


    Jamo S 801 vs KEF Q350 Specs Table
    Detailed comparison of specifications
    General Jamo S 801 KEF Q350
    Brand Jamo KEF
    Speaker Type Bookshelf speakers Bookshelf speakers
    Power Range up to 60 watts 10-120 watts
    Sensitivity 85 dB 87 dB
    Impedance 8 ohms 8 ohms
    Impedance n/a 3.7 ohms
    Frequency Response 76-26k Hz 63-28k Hz
    Drivers
    Woofer Quantity 1 1
    Woofer Size 4" 6.5"
    Woofer Composition Aluminized Polyfiber Aluminum
    Woofer Surround Material Rubber Rubber
    Tweeter Size 1" 1"
    Tweeter Type Soft-Dome Dome
    Aimable Tweeter No No
    Midrange Driver No No
    Crossover Frequency n/a 2500Hz
    Firing Direction rear rear
    Physical Specs
    Height 285.0mm (11.2") 358.0mm (14.1")
    Width 156.0mm (6.1") 210.0mm (8.3")
    Depth 163.0mm (6.4") 306.0mm (12")
    Weight 2.70kg (5.9lbs) 7.60kg (16.7lbs)
    Enclosure Bass Reflex Bass Reflex
    Finish MDF/Vinyl MDF/Vinyl-wrapped
    Available Colors Walnut, Black, White Black, Walnut, White
    Mounting Bracket No No
    Recommended Stand Height 28-31" 18-24"
    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

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