In this review, we will be comparing S 803 and S 801, two Passive Bookshelf speakers by Jamo Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Jamo S 803 and Jamo S 801 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
S 803 and S 801 are members of Jamo's Studio 8 series of speakers. Below you can find the loudspeakers from this series.
What size room are the Jamo S 803 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 Jamo S 803 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 S 803 and S 801 are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Jamo S 803 |
Jamo S 801 |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 5-inch
|
1 x 4-inch
|
S 803 features a 1" Soft-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 5" Aluminized Polyfiber Woofer . On the other hand, the S 801 features a 1" Soft-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 4" Aluminized Polyfiber Woofer .
Frequency Response
S 803 has a frequency range of 57-26k Hz whereas S 801 has a frequency range of 76-26k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 57Hz, the S 803 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 803 and S 801 have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. S 803 sensitivity is rated at 87 dB and the S 801's is at 85 dB. This 2 dB difference makes the Jamo S 803 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 803 can handle a max power of 80 watts RMS from the amp the whereas S 801 has a max power handling value of 60 watts RMS, 20 watts less than the S 803.
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 803 features Post type posts and S 801 has a Post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Jamo S 803's Post terminals
Jamo S 801's Post terminals
Cabinet Type and Port Position
S 803 has a front firing port whereas S 801 has a rear firing ports. Jamo S 803's front-firing port gives more flexibility in placement in regards to proximity to walls compared to Jamo S 801 with its rear-firing port.
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 803's and Jamo S 801's external dimensions. Jamo S 803 has external dimensions of 353.0 x 191.0 x 252.0mm ( 13.8 x 7.5 x 9.9inch) whereas Jamo S 801 has external dimensions of 285.0 x 156.0 x 163.0mm ( 11.2 x 6.1 x 6.4inch) .
Jamo S 803 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 35mm wider, 68mm taller and 89mm deeper than Jamo S 801.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Jamo S 803 and Jamo S 801 in scale.
Comparison image of Jamo S 803 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 Jamo S 803 is approximately 481.3cm2 / 74.6inch2 and base area of the Jamo S 801 is approximately 254.3cm2 / 39.4inch2. The S 803 requires 89% 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 Jamo S 803 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 Jamo S 803 weighs 5.40kg / 11.9lbs and the Jamo S 801 weighs 2.70kg / 5.9lbs. This makes the S 803 100% heavier than the S 801.
Here is a comparison of how S 803 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 Jamo S 803?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of S 803:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers 2 Grilles User Manual Important Safety Instructions Warranty Information
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 |
80 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 |
5 inches
vs
4 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
57 Hz
vs
76 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 Port Position |
Front
vs
Rear
|
Gives more flexibility placing close to walls |
 Height |
285mm
vs
353mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
254cm2 (156x163mm)
vs
481cm2 (191x252mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
174USD
vs
229USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
Jamo S 803 |
Jamo S 801 |
| Brand |
Jamo |
Jamo |
| Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
| Power Range |
up to 80 watts |
up to 60 watts |
| Sensitivity |
87 dB |
85 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
57-26k Hz |
76-26k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
5" |
4" |
| Woofer Composition |
Aluminized Polyfiber |
Aluminized Polyfiber |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
Soft-Dome |
Soft-Dome |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
front |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
353.0mm (13.9") |
285.0mm (11.2") |
| Width |
191.0mm (7.5") |
156.0mm (6.1") |
| Depth |
252.0mm (9.9") |
163.0mm (6.4") |
| Weight |
5.40kg (11.9lbs) |
2.70kg (5.9lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
MDF/Vinyl |
MDF/Vinyl |
| Available Colors |
Walnut, Black, White |
Walnut, Black, White |
| Mounting Bracket |
No |
No |
| Recommended Stand Height |
24-28" |
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 |