In this review, we will be comparing S 801 and TSi100, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from Jamo and Polk Audio. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Jamo S 801 and Polk TSi100 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the Jamo S 801 and Polk TSi100 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 Jamo S 801 and Polk TSi100 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 TSi100 are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Jamo S 801 |
Polk TSi100 |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 4-inch
|
1 x 5.25-inch
|
S 801 features a 1" Soft-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 4" Aluminized Polyfiber Woofer . On the other hand, the TSi100 features a 1" Dome Tweeter and 1 x 5.25" Organic Fiber Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2500Hz.
Frequency Response
S 801 has a frequency range of 76-26k Hz whereas TSi100 has a frequency range of 61-24k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 61Hz, the TSi100 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
S 801 and TSi100 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 TSi100's is at 89 dB. This 4 dB difference makes the Polk TSi100 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.
S 801 can handle a max power of 100 watts RMS from the amp the whereas S 801 has a max power handling value of 60 watts RMS , 40 watts less than the TSi100.
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 Pair of 5-way Binding Posts - Gold-Plated type posts and TSi100 has a Pair of 5-way Binding Posts - Gold-Plated type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Jamo S 801's Post terminals
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Both S 801 and TSi100 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 Jamo S 801's and Polk TSi100'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 Polk TSi100 has external dimensions of 279.4 x 177.8 x 259.0mm ( 11.0 x 7.0 x 10.1inch) .
Jamo S 801 is 21.8mm narrower and 96mm less deeper than Polk TSi100 but it is also 5.6mm taller.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Jamo S 801 and Polk TSi100 in scale.
Comparison image of Jamo S 801 and Polk TSi100 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 Polk TSi100 is approximately 460.5cm2 / 71.4inch2. The S 801 requires 45% less surface area than the TSi100 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:
Size Comparison image of Jamo S 801 and Polk TSi100 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 Polk TSi100 weighs 4.53kg / 10lbs. This makes the TSi100 68% heavier than the S 801.
Here is a comparison of how S 801 and TSi100's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Bookshelf class.
Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
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 Polk TSi100?
Here are the items that come with the TSi100:
2 Black bookshelf speakers Detachable cloth grille (installed) 8 Self-adhesive rubber feet Owner's Manual Wall-Mount template Online registration sheet Polk Audio product brochure
 High Frequency Response |
26k Hz
vs
24k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Base Surface Area |
254cm2 (156x163mm)
vs
460cm2 (177x259mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Max Input Power |
100 watts
vs
60 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 Sensitivity |
89 dB
vs
85 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Woofer Size |
5.25 inches
vs
4 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
61 Hz
vs
76 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 Mounting Bracket |
Yes
vs
No
|
Allows mounting on walls |
 Height |
279mm
vs
285mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Price per pair* |
149USD
vs
174USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
Jamo S 801 |
Polk Audio TSi100 |
| Brand |
Jamo |
Polk Audio |
| Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
| Power Range |
up to 60 watts |
20-100 watts |
| Sensitivity |
85 dB |
89 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
76-26k Hz |
61-24k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
4" |
5.25" |
| Woofer Composition |
Aluminized Polyfiber |
Organic Fiber |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Butyl 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") |
279.4mm (11") |
| Width |
156.0mm (6.1") |
177.8mm (7") |
| Depth |
163.0mm (6.4") |
259.0mm (10.2") |
| Weight |
2.70kg (5.9lbs) |
4.53kg (10lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
MDF/Vinyl |
Wood-grain vinyl |
| Available Colors |
Walnut, Black, White |
Black, Cherry |
| Mounting Bracket |
No |
Keyhole |
| Recommended Stand Height |
28-31" |
16-30" |
| 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 |