In this review, we will be comparing Crystal 4.2 and S 803, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from Wharfedale and Jamo. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Wharfedale Crystal 4.2 and Jamo S 803 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the Wharfedale Crystal 4.2 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 Wharfedale Crystal 4.2 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 Crystal 4.2 and S 803 are 2-way speakers.
Driver |
Wharfedale Crystal 4.2 |
Jamo S 803 |
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
Woofer
|
1 x 5-inch
|
1 x 5-inch
|
Crystal 4.2 features a 1" Soft-dome Tweeter and 1 x 5" Woven Kevlar Woofer . On the other hand, the S 803 features a 1" Soft-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 5" Aluminized Polyfiber Woofer .
Frequency Response
Crystal 4.2 has a frequency range of 60-20k Hz whereas S 803 has a frequency range of 57-26k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 57Hz, the S 803 can go slightly deeper then the Crystal 4.2's min frequency of 60Hz.
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
Crystal 4.2 and S 803 have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. Crystal 4.2 sensitivity is rated at 88 dB and the S 803's is at 87 dB. This 1 dB difference makes the Wharfedale Crystal 4.2 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.
Crystal 4.2 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 Crystal 4.2.
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
Crystal 4.2 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
Crystal 4.2 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 Wharfedale Crystal 4.2 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 Wharfedale Crystal 4.2's and Jamo S 803's external dimensions. Wharfedale Crystal 4.2 has external dimensions of 266.0 x 181.0 x 220.0mm ( 10-7/16 x 7-1/8 x 8-5/8inch) whereas Jamo S 803 has external dimensions of 353.0 x 191.0 x 252.0mm ( 13.8 x 7.5 x 9.9inch) .
Jamo S 803 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 10mm wider, 87mm taller and 32mm deeper than Wharfedale Crystal 4.2.
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 Wharfedale Crystal 4.2 is approximately 398.2cm2 / 61.7inch2 and base area of the Jamo S 803 is approximately 481.3cm2 / 74.6inch2. The Crystal 4.2 requires 17% less surface area than the S 803 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 Wharfedale Crystal 4.2 weighs 4.20kg / 9.2lbs and the Jamo S 803 weighs 5.40kg / 11.9lbs. This makes the S 803 29% heavier than the Crystal 4.2.
Here is a comparison of how Crystal 4.2 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 Wharfedale Crystal 4.2?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Crystal 4.2:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers2 Grilles (pre-installed)User-feets ManualInstallation Guide
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 |
Height |
266mm
vs
353mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
Base Surface Area |
398cm2 (181x220mm)
vs
481cm2 (191x252mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
Low Frequency Response |
57 Hz
vs
60 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
High Frequency Response |
26k Hz
vs
20k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
Port Position |
Front
vs
Rear
|
Gives more flexibility placing close to walls |
General |
Wharfedale Crystal 4.2 |
Jamo S 803 |
Brand |
Wharfedale |
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 |
60-20k Hz |
57-26k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
Woofer Size |
5" |
5" |
Woofer Composition |
Woven Kevlar |
Aluminized Polyfiber |
Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
Tweeter Type |
Soft-dome |
Soft-Dome |
Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
Firing Direction |
rear |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
Height |
266.0mm (10.5") |
353.0mm (13.9") |
Width |
181.0mm (7.1") |
191.0mm (7.5") |
Depth |
220.0mm (8.7") |
252.0mm (9.9") |
Weight |
4.20kg (9.2lbs) |
5.40kg (11.9lbs) |
Enclosure |
Bass reflex |
Bass Reflex |
Finish |
Wood-grain vinyl |
MDF/Vinyl |
Available Colors |
Walnut |
Walnut, Black, White |
Mounting Bracket |
No |
No |
Recommended Stand Height |
24-28" |
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 |