SpeakerDecision
  • SPEAKERS by TYPE
    • Passive Bookshelf Speakers
    • Passive Floor-standing Speakers
    • Passive Center Channel Speakers
    • Passive In-wall Speakers
    • All Passive Speakers
    • Powered Subwoofers
    • Powered Stereo Speakers
  • AMPLIFIERS
  • SMART FIND

KLH Model Three vs Jamo S 801 Comparison

x
Speaker to replace
Change

KLH Model Three

Passive Bookshelf | 46-20k Hz

KLH Model Three
CHECK PRICE
Change
    
Jamo S 801

Passive Bookshelf | 76-26k Hz

Jamo S 801
CHECK PRICE
KLH Model Three KLH Model Three
See at AMAZON
Jamo S 801 Jamo S 801
See at AMAZON
KLH Model Three
See at AMAZON
Jamo S 801
See at AMAZON
KLH Model Three vs Jamo S 801 Speaker Comparison

In this review, we will be comparing Model Three and S 801, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from KLH and Jamo.

Let's have a brief look at the main features of KLH Model Three and Jamo S 801 first before getting into our more detailed comparison.

KLH Model Three Key Specs

  • 2-way Design
  • 1" Tweeter
  • 8" Pulp-Paper Cone Woofer
  • 46-20k Hz Frequency Response
  • 88 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 6ohms
  • Power Range:30-150watts
  • Weight:13.20kg
  • Dimensions (H x W x D): 482.0" x 12.25" x 10.5"( 482.0 x 311.0 x 267.0mm )

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 )

What size room are the KLH Model Three 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:

Listening Environment* KLH Model Three Jamo S 801
Near-field Poor Good
Small Room Average Good
Mid-size Room Good Average
Large Room Average Poor
Very Large Room Poor No way

(* 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 KLH Model Three 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.


**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 Model Three and S 801 are 2-way speakers.

Driver KLH Model Three Jamo S 801
Driver Setup 2-way 2-way
Tweeter 1-inch 1-inch
Midrange - -
Woofer 1 x 8-inch 1 x 4-inch

Model Three features a 1" Aluminum Tweeter and 1 x 8" Pulp-Paper Cone Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 1600Hz. On the other hand, the S 801 features a 1" Soft-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 4" Aluminized Polyfiber Woofer .

Frequency Response

Model Three has a frequency range of 46-20k Hz whereas S 801 has a frequency range of 76-26k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 46Hz, the Model Three 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

Model Three
S 801
Min
Average
Max
High Frequency

Bookshelf Speakers

KLH Model Three
Jamo S 801
Min
Average
Max

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

Model Three is a 6 ohms speaker compared to the S 801 which has a nominal impedance of 8 ohms.

These two speakers also have different sensitivity levels. Model Three sensitivity is rated at 88 dB and the S 801's is rated at 85 dB. This 3 dB difference makes the KLH Model Three a more sensitive speaker compared to Jamo S 801, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.

Sensitivity

Bookshelf Speakers

Model Three
S 801
Min
Average
Max

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.

Model Three 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 Model Three.

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

Model Three features Post type posts and S 801 has a Post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.

KLH Model Three Terminals
KLH Model Three's Binding post terminals

Jamo S 801Post Terminals
Jamo S 801's Post terminals

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 KLH Model Three's and Jamo S 801's external dimensions. KLH Model Three has external dimensions of 482.0 x 311.0 x 267.0mm ( 19.0 x 12.25 x 10.5inch) whereas Jamo S 801 has external dimensions of 285.0 x 156.0 x 163.0mm ( 11.2 x 6.1 x 6.4inch) .

KLH Model Three is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 155mm wider, 197mm taller and 104mm deeper than Jamo S 801.

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 KLH Model Three is approximately 830.4cm2 / 128.7inch2 and base area of the Jamo S 801 is approximately 254.3cm2 / 39.4inch2. The Model Three requires 227% more surface area than the S 801 which gives it a small disadvantage 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 KLH Model Three weighs 13.20kg / 29lbs and the Jamo S 801 weighs 2.70kg / 5.9lbs. This makes the Model Three 389% heavier than the S 801.

Here is a comparison of how Model Three and S 801's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Bookshelf class.

Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
KLH Model Three
Jamo S 801
Min
Average
Max

What's in the Box of KLH Model Three?

Here are the items that are included inside the box of Model Three:
  • Floorstanding loudspeaker
  • Riser base
  • Grille
  • Owners Manual
  • 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

  • Reasons to choose KLH Model Three over Jamo S 801
    Max Input Power 150 watts vs 60 watts Handle more power from your amplifier
    Sensitivity 88 dB vs 85 dB Play louder with same amount of amplification power
    Woofer Size 8 inches vs 4 inches Larger woofer
    Low Frequency Response 46 Hz vs 76 Hz Generates deeper bass

    Reasons to choose Jamo S 801 over KLH Model Three

    Nominal Impedance 8 ohms vs 6 ohms Less selective with amplifiers
    High Frequency Response 26k Hz vs 20k Hz Generates higher frequency
    Height 285mm vs 482mm Easier to fit in smaller spaces
    Base Surface Area 254cm2 vs 830cm2 Takes less floor space
    KLH Model Three vs Jamo S 801 Specs Table
    Detailed comparison of specifications
    General KLH Model Three Jamo S 801
    Brand KLH Jamo
    Speaker Type Bookshelf speakers Bookshelf speakers
    Power Range 30-150 watts up to 60 watts
    Sensitivity 88 dB 85 dB
    Impedance 6 ohms 8 ohms
    Impedance 3.7 ohms n/a
    Frequency Response 46-20k Hz 76-26k Hz
    Drivers
    Woofer Quantity 1 1
    Woofer Size 8" 4"
    Woofer Composition Pulp-Paper Cone Aluminized Polyfiber
    Woofer Surround Material Rubber Rubber
    Tweeter Size 1" 1"
    Tweeter Type n/a Soft-Dome
    Aimable Tweeter No No
    Midrange Driver No No
    Crossover Frequency 1600Hz n/a
    Firing Direction n/a rear
    Physical Specs
    Height 482.0mm (19") 285.0mm (11.2")
    Width 311.0mm (12.2") 156.0mm (6.1")
    Depth 267.0mm (10.5") 163.0mm (6.4")
    Weight 13.20kg (29lbs) 2.70kg (5.9lbs)
    Enclosure Acoustic Suspension Bass Reflex
    Finish MDF/Wood Veneer MDF/Vinyl
    Available Colors English Walnut, West African Mahogany Walnut, Black, White
    Mounting Bracket No No
    Recommended Stand Height n/a 28-31"
    Grille Yes Yes
    Moisture Resistancy No No
    Connections
    Biamp Inputs No No
    Other
    Parts Warranty 10 Years 5 Years
    Labor Warranty 10 Years 5 Years

    Most Popular Speakers
    Klipsch Reference R-51M
    Klipsch R-51M
    2-way | 93 dB | 8 ohms
    Wharfedale Elysian 2
    Wharfedale Elysian 2
    3-way | 89 dB | 4 ohms
    ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2
    ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2
    2-way | 87 dB | 6 ohms
    Bowers & Wilkins 606 S2 Anniversary Edition
    B&W 606 S2
    2-way | 88 dB | 8 ohms
    KEF Q150
    KEF Q150
    2-way | 86 dB | 8 ohms
    Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-500M
    Klipsch RP-500M
    2-way | 93 dB | 8 ohms
    Wharfedale EVO4.1
    Wharfedale EVO4.1
    2-way | 87 dB | 8 ohms
    Bowers & Wilkins 606
    B&W 606
    2-way | 88 dB | 8 ohms
    Copyright © 2025 by SpeakerDecision
    About Privacy Contact US Camera Decision

    Report a Correction