In this review, we will be comparing S 803 and M126Be, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from Jamo and Revel. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Jamo S 803 and Revel M126Be first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the Jamo S 803 and Revel M126Be 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 Revel M126Be 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 M126Be are 2-way speakers.
Driver |
Jamo S 803 |
Revel M126Be |
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 M126Be features a 1" beryllium Hard-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 6.5" DCC Aluminum Woofer .
Frequency Response
S 803 has a frequency range of 57-26k Hz whereas M126Be has a frequency range of 54-44k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 54Hz, the M126Be can go slightly deeper then 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 M126Be 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 M126Be's is at 86 dB. This 1 dB difference makes the Jamo S 803 a more sensitive speaker compared to Revel M126Be, 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 150 watts RMS from the amp the whereas S 803 has a max power handling value of 80 watts RMS , 70 watts less than the M126Be.
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 Binding post type posts and M126Be has a Binding post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Cabinet Type and Port Position
S 803 has a front firing port whereas M126Be 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 Revel M126Be 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 Revel M126Be'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 Revel M126Be has external dimensions of 388.0 x 212.0 x 262.0mm ( 15-1/4 x 8-5/16 x 10-5/16inch) .
Revel M126Be is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 21mm wider, 35mm taller and 10mm deeper than Jamo S 803.
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 Revel M126Be is approximately 555.4cm2 / 86.1inch2. The S 803 requires 13% less surface area than the M126Be which gives it a small advantage on placement in tight spaces.
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 Revel M126Be weighs 10.00kg / 22lbs. This makes the M126Be 85% heavier than the S 803.
Here is a comparison of how S 803 and M126Be'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 Revel M126Be?
Here are the items that come with the M126Be:
Bookshelf loudspeakerGrilleFoam port plugOwners Manual
Sensitivity |
87 dB
vs
86 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
Port Position |
Front
vs
Rear
|
Gives more flexibility placing close to walls |
Height |
353mm
vs
388mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
Base Surface Area |
481cm2 (191x252mm)
vs
555cm2 (212x262mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
Price per pair* |
229USD
vs
4400USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
Max Input Power |
150 watts
vs
80 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
Woofer Size |
6.5 inches
vs
5 inches
|
Larger woofer |
Low Frequency Response |
54 Hz
vs
57 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
High Frequency Response |
44k Hz
vs
26k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
General |
Jamo S 803 |
Revel PerformaBe M126Be |
Brand |
Jamo |
Revel |
Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
Power Range |
up to 80 watts |
50-150 watts |
Sensitivity |
87 dB |
86 dB |
Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
Frequency Response |
57-26k Hz |
54-44k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
Woofer Size |
5" |
6.5" |
Woofer Composition |
Aluminized Polyfiber |
DCC Aluminum |
Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
Tweeter Type |
Soft-Dome |
Hard-Dome |
Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
Firing Direction |
front |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
Height |
353.0mm (13.9") |
388.0mm (15.3") |
Width |
191.0mm (7.5") |
212.0mm (8.3") |
Depth |
252.0mm (9.9") |
262.0mm (10.3") |
Weight |
5.40kg (11.9lbs) |
10.00kg (22lbs) |
Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass reflex |
Finish |
MDF/Vinyl |
Wood/Lacquer |
Available Colors |
Walnut, Black, White |
Walnut,Black,White,Silver |
Mounting Bracket |
No |
No |
Recommended Stand Height |
24-28" |
22-26" |
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 |