In this review, we will be comparing S 803 and Bronze 2, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from Jamo and Monitor Audio. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Jamo S 803 and Monitor Audio Bronze 2 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the Jamo S 803 and Monitor Audio Bronze 2 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 Monitor Audio Bronze 2 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 Bronze 2 are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Jamo S 803 |
Monitor Audio Bronze 2 |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 5-inch
|
1 x 6.5-inch
|
S 803 features a 1" Soft-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 5" Aluminized Polyfiber Woofer . On the other hand, the Bronze 2 features a 1" Dome Tweeter and 1 x 6.5" C-CAM Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 3100Hz.
Frequency Response
S 803 has a frequency range of 57-26k Hz whereas Bronze 2 has a frequency range of 42-30k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 42Hz, the Bronze 2 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the S 803's min frequency of 57Hz.
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 Bronze 2 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 Bronze 2's is at 90 dB. This 3 dB difference makes the Monitor Audio Bronze 2 a more sensitive speaker compared to Jamo S 803, 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 100 watts RMS from the amp the whereas S 803 has a max power handling value of 80 watts RMS , 20 watts less than the Bronze 2.
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
Bronze 2 features Post posts which make bi-amping or bi-wiring possible. S 803 has a Post which doesn't feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Jamo S 803's Post terminals
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Both S 803 and Bronze 2 have front firing ports. front ported speakers offers more flexibility in placement in regards to proximity to walls&surfaces compared to rear ported speakers.
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 Monitor Audio Bronze 2'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 Monitor Audio Bronze 2 has external dimensions of 350.0 x 185.0 x 281.0mm ( 13.7 x 7.2 x 11.0inch) .
Monitor Audio Bronze 2 is 6mm narrower and 3mm shorter than Jamo S 803 but it is also 29mm deeper.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Jamo S 803 and Monitor Audio Bronze 2 in scale.
Comparison image of Jamo S 803 and Monitor Audio Bronze 2 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 Monitor Audio Bronze 2 is approximately 519.9cm2 / 80.6inch2. The S 803 requires 7% less surface area than the Bronze 2 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 803 and Monitor Audio Bronze 2 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 Monitor Audio Bronze 2 weighs 5.30kg / 11.7lbs. This makes the S 803 2% heavier than the Bronze 2.
Here is a comparison of how S 803 and Bronze 2'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 Monitor Audio Bronze 2?
Here are the items that come with the Bronze 2:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers 2 Grilles 2 Foam port plugs Hex-key Owner's Manual Important Safety Instructions
 Base Surface Area |
481cm2 (191x252mm)
vs
519cm2 (185x281mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Max Input Power |
100 watts
vs
80 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 Sensitivity |
90 dB
vs
87 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Woofer Size |
6.5 inches
vs
5 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
42 Hz
vs
57 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
30k Hz
vs
26k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Bi-Amping and Bi-Wiring |
Yes
vs
No
|
Allows bi-amping and bi-wiring connections |
 Height |
350mm
vs
353mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
| General |
Jamo S 803 |
Monitor Audio Bronze 2 |
| Brand |
Jamo |
Monitor Audio |
| Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
| Power Range |
up to 80 watts |
30-100 watts |
| Sensitivity |
87 dB |
90 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
57-26k Hz |
42-30k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
5" |
6.5" |
| Woofer Composition |
Aluminized Polyfiber |
C-CAM |
| 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 |
3100Hz |
| Firing Direction |
front |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
353.0mm (13.9") |
350.0mm (13.8") |
| Width |
191.0mm (7.5") |
185.0mm (7.3") |
| Depth |
252.0mm (9.9") |
281.0mm (11.1") |
| Weight |
5.40kg (11.9lbs) |
5.30kg (11.7lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
MDF/Vinyl |
MDF/Wood-grain vinyl |
| Available Colors |
Walnut, Black, White |
Walnut, White, Rosemah, Black |
| Mounting Bracket |
No |
No |
| Recommended Stand Height |
24-28" |
30-31" |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Biamp Inputs |
No |
Yes |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |