In this review, we will be comparing R-51PM and S 801 PM, two Powered Bookshelf speakers from Klipsch and Jamo. Being Powered speakers, they both have built-in amplifiers so you don't need an external power amp or an integrated amp to power them.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Klipsch R-51PM and Jamo S 801 PM first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
| Key Specs | Klipsch R-51PM | Jamo S 801 PM |
|---|
| Brand | Klipsch
United States · founded 1946 | Jamo
Denmark · founded 1966 |
|---|
| Design | 2-way | 2-way |
|---|
| Built-in amplifier | 120-watt RMS (240-watt peak) | 50-watt RMS (100-watt peak) |
|---|
| Tweeter | 1.0" Tractrix Horn | 1" Soft-Dome |
|---|
| Woofer | 5.25" Copper-spun IMG | 4" Polyfiber |
|---|
| Frequency response | 68-21k Hz | 76-26k Hz |
|---|
| Max depth / sample rate | 24-bit / 96 kHz | 24-bit / 96 kHz |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Built-in 3.0 | Built-in 3.0 |
|---|
| Weight | 4.80kg / 10.6lbs | — |
|---|
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | 13" x 7.0625" x 10.25"
330.2 x 179.4 x 260.3mm | 11.25" x 6.1875" x 7.8125"
285.8 x 157.2 x 198.4mm |
|---|
The sections below take each area in turn: drivers, frequency response, physical size and what you get in the box.
Drivers
Both R-51PM and S 801 PM are 2-way speakers.
Klipsch R-51PMJamo S 801 PM
TweeterWoofer
Front view, drawn to scale - cabinets and drivers share one scale, so sizes are directly comparable. Hover a driver for its size.
| Driver |
Klipsch R-51PM |
Jamo S 801 PM |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1.0-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 5.25-inch
|
1 x 4-inch
|
R-51PM features a 1.0" Aluminum LTS Tractrix Horn Tweeter and 1 x 5.25" Copper-spun IMG Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 1663Hz. On the other hand, the S 801 PM features a 1" Silk Soft-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 4" Polyfiber Woofer.
Frequency Response
R-51PM has a frequency range of 68-21k Hz whereas S 801 PM has a frequency range of 76-26k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 68Hz, the R-51PM can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the S 801 PM's min frequency of 76Hz.
The graph below depicts how these two speakers compare with the max, min and average Low Frequency values of other speakers in the Bookshelf class in our database.
Low Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
Neither pair reaches down to 20Hz, the usual definition of full-range, which is normal for speakers of this size. If you want the bottom octave for movies or bass-heavy music, add a subwoofer to whichever you choose. Visit our Powered Subwoofers section to find out more about the available options.
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Both R-51PM and S 801 PM 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
The size of a speaker can sometimes be an important decision factor due to space constraints or in some cases purely for esthetic reasons. In this section, we are going to compare Klipsch R-51PM's and Jamo S 801 PM's external dimensions. Klipsch R-51PM has external dimensions of 330.2 x 179.4 x 260.3mm (13 x 7.0625 x 10.25inch) whereas Jamo S 801 PM has external dimensions of 285.8 x 157.2 x 198.4mm (11.25 x 6.1875 x 7.8125inch).
Klipsch R-51PM is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 22.2mm wider, 44.4mm taller and 61.9mm deeper than Jamo S 801 PM.
Size, drawn to scale
Both speakers and both views share one scale, so everything here is directly comparable. Hover a box for its dimensions.
One scale for both, standing on the same surface and pushed back to the same wall, so the deeper one visibly sticks out further.
Klipsch R-51PM needs about 50% more floor or shelf area. Klipsch R-51PM is 62mm deeper, so it stands that much further out from the wall. Klipsch R-51PM is 44mm taller.
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 Klipsch R-51PM is approximately 467.0cm2 / 72.4inch2 and base area of the Jamo S 801 PM is approximately 311.9cm2 / 48.3inch2. The R-51PM requires 50% more surface area than the S 801 PM which gives it a small disadvantage on placement in tight spaces.
What's in the Box of Klipsch R-51PM?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of R-51PM:
- Powered speaker (right)
- Passive speaker (left)
- 2 Grilles
- 68-inch AC power cord
- Remote control
- 2
What's in the Box of Jamo S 801 PM?
Here are the items that come with the S 801 PM:
- Powered speaker (right)
- Passive speaker (left)
- 2 Grilles
- AC power adapter (attached 56-inch DC cord)
- AC plug insert
- Remote control
- 2 AAA batteries
- 6.5-feet Length of 18AWG speaker wire (bare tinned wire on each end) }
- 6-feet USB-A to USB-B cable
- Instruction Booklet
- Important Safety Instructions