In this review, we will be comparing S 801 and Prime Bookshelf, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from Jamo and SVS.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Jamo S 801 and SVS Prime Bookshelf 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 )
SVS Prime Bookshelf Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1" Hard-Dome Tweeter
- 6.5" Woofer
- 48-25k Hz Frequency Response
- 87 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:25-150watts
- Weight:7.03kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 337.8" x 8.0" x 10.2"( 337.8 x 203.2 x 261.6mm )
What size room are the Jamo S 801 and SVS Prime Bookshelf 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 |
SVS Prime Bookshelf |
| 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 SVS Prime Bookshelf 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 Prime Bookshelf are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Jamo S 801 |
SVS Prime Bookshelf |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 4-inch
|
1 x 6.5-inch
|
S 801 features a 1" Soft-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 4" Aluminized Polyfiber Woofer . On the other hand, the Prime Bookshelf features a 1" aluminum Hard-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 6.5" Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2300Hz.
Frequency Response
S 801 has a frequency range of 76-26k Hz whereas Prime Bookshelf has a frequency range of 48-25k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 48Hz, the Prime Bookshelf 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 Prime Bookshelf 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 Prime Bookshelf's is at 87 dB. This 2 dB difference makes the SVS Prime Bookshelf 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 150 watts RMS from the amp the whereas S 801 has a max power handling value of 60 watts RMS , 90 watts less than the Prime Bookshelf.
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 5-way post type posts and Prime Bookshelf has a 5-way post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Jamo S 801's Post terminals
SVS Prime Bookshelf's 5-way post terminals
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Both S 801 and Prime Bookshelf 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 SVS Prime Bookshelf'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 SVS Prime Bookshelf has external dimensions of 337.8 x 203.2 x 261.6mm ( 13.2 x 8.0 x 10.2inch) .
SVS Prime Bookshelf is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 47.2mm wider, 52.8mm taller and 98.6mm deeper than Jamo S 801.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Jamo S 801 and SVS Prime Bookshelf in scale.
Comparison image of Jamo S 801 and SVS Prime Bookshelf 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 SVS Prime Bookshelf is approximately 531.6cm2 / 82.4inch2. The S 801 requires 52% less surface area than the Prime Bookshelf 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 SVS Prime Bookshelf 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 SVS Prime Bookshelf weighs 7.03kg / 15.5lbs. This makes the Prime Bookshelf 160% heavier than the S 801.
Here is a comparison of how S 801 and Prime Bookshelf'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 SVS Prime Bookshelf?
Here are the items that come with the Prime Bookshelf:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers 2 Grilles (pre-installed) 8 Self-adhesive rubber bumpers Owners Manual SVS brochure Online Product Registration Card
 High Frequency Response |
26k Hz
vs
25k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
285mm
vs
337mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
254cm2
vs
531cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
174USD
vs
600USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Max Input Power |
150 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 |
48 Hz
vs
76 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
| General |
Jamo S 801 |
SVS Prime Bookshelf |
| Brand |
Jamo |
SVS |
| Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
| Power Range |
up to 60 watts |
25-150 watts |
| Sensitivity |
85 dB |
87 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
76-26k Hz |
48-25k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
4" |
6.5" |
| Woofer Composition |
Aluminized Polyfiber |
|
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Polypropylene |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
Soft-Dome |
Hard-Dome |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
n/a |
2300Hz |
| Firing Direction |
rear |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
285.0mm (11.2") |
337.8mm (13.3") |
| Width |
156.0mm (6.1") |
203.2mm (8") |
| Depth |
163.0mm (6.4") |
261.6mm (10.3") |
| Weight |
2.70kg (5.9lbs) |
7.03kg (15.5lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
MDF/Vinyl |
MDF/Wood-grain vinyl |
| Available Colors |
Walnut, Black, White |
Black Ash,Piano Gloss Black |
| Mounting Bracket |
No |
No |
| Recommended Stand Height |
28-31" |
24-28" |
| 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 |