In this review, we will be comparing S15 and S 803, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from Polk Audio and Jamo. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Polk S15 and Jamo S 803 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the Polk S15 and Jamo S 803 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 Polk S15 and Jamo S 803 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 S15 and S 803 are 2-way speakers.
Driver |
Polk S15 |
Jamo S 803 |
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
Woofer
|
1 x 5.25-inch
|
1 x 5-inch
|
S15 features a 1" Terylene Dome Tweeter and 1 x 5.25" Mica-reinforced polypropylene Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2500Hz. On the other hand, the S 803 features a 1" Soft-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 5" Aluminized Polyfiber Woofer .
Frequency Response
S15 has a frequency range of 50-40k Hz whereas S 803 has a frequency range of 57-26k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 50Hz, the S15 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
S15 and S 803 have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. S15 sensitivity is rated at 88 dB and the S 803's is at 87 dB. This 1 dB difference makes the Polk S15 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.
S15 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 S15.
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
S15 features Post type posts and S 803 has a Post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Cabinet Type and Port Position
S15 has a rear firing port whereas S 803 has a front firing ports. Jamo S 803's front-firing port gives more flexibility in placement in regards to proximity to walls compared to Polk S15 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 Polk S15's and Jamo S 803's external dimensions. Polk S15 has external dimensions of 304.8 x 190.0 x 260.4mm ( 12.0 x 7.4 x 10.2inch) whereas Jamo S 803 has external dimensions of 353.0 x 191.0 x 252.0mm ( 13.8 x 7.5 x 9.9inch) .
Polk S15 is 1mm narrower and 48.2mm shorter than Jamo S 803 but it is also 8.4mm deeper.
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 Polk S15 is approximately 494.8cm2 / 76.7inch2 and base area of the Jamo S 803 is approximately 481.3cm2 / 74.6inch2. The S15 requires 3% more surface area than the S 803 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 Polk S15 weighs 5.90kg / 13lbs and the Jamo S 803 weighs 5.40kg / 11.9lbs. This makes the S15 9% heavier than the S 803.
Here is a comparison of how S15 and S 803's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Bookshelf class.
Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
What's in the Box of Polk S15?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of S15:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers2 Grille (attached)8 Self-adhesive rubber feetWall-mount templateOwners ManualOnline Product Registration
What's in the Box of Jamo S 803?
Here are the items that come with the S 803:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers 2 Grilles User Manual Important Safety Instructions Warranty Information
Max Input Power |
100 watts
vs
80 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
Sensitivity |
88 dB
vs
87 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
Woofer Size |
5.25 inches
vs
5 inches
|
Larger woofer |
Low Frequency Response |
50 Hz
vs
57 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
High Frequency Response |
40k Hz
vs
26k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
Mounting Bracket |
Yes
vs
No
|
Allows mounting on walls |
Height |
304mm
vs
353mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
Port Position |
Front
vs
Rear
|
Gives more flexibility placing close to walls |
Base Surface Area |
481cm2 (191x252mm)
vs
494cm2 (190x260mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
Price per pair* |
229USD
vs
259USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
General |
Polk Audio Signature S15 |
Jamo S 803 |
Brand |
Polk Audio |
Jamo |
Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
Power Range |
20-100 watts |
up to 80 watts |
Sensitivity |
88 dB |
87 dB |
Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
Frequency Response |
50-40k Hz |
57-26k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
Woofer Size |
5.25" |
5" |
Woofer Composition |
Mica-reinforced polypropylene |
Aluminized Polyfiber |
Woofer Surround Material |
Butyl rubber |
Rubber |
Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
Tweeter Type |
Dome |
Soft-Dome |
Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
Crossover Frequency |
2500Hz |
n/a |
Firing Direction |
rear |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
Height |
304.8mm (12") |
353.0mm (13.9") |
Width |
190.0mm (7.5") |
191.0mm (7.5") |
Depth |
260.4mm (10.3") |
252.0mm (9.9") |
Weight |
5.90kg (13lbs) |
5.40kg (11.9lbs) |
Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
Finish |
Meddite MDF |
MDF/Vinyl |
Available Colors |
Black, Walnut, Brown Walnut |
Walnut, Black, White |
Mounting Bracket |
Keyhole |
No |
Recommended Stand Height |
24-30" |
24-28" |
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 |