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  1. Home
  2. Jamo Speakers
  3. Passive Bookshelf Speakers
  4. Jamo S 803
Jamo S 803 Review
Jamo S 803 - Front View

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Main Features

  • 1" Soft-Dome Tweeter
  • 5" Aluminized Polyfiber Woofer
  • 57-26k Hz Frequency Response
  • 87 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 8ohms
  • Power Range: up to 80 watts
  • Weight: 11.88 lbs / 5.40 kg
  • Dimensions(HxWxD): 13.8"x7.5"x9.9" / 353.0 x 191.0 x 252.0mm
MSRP: $229 (list price)
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Jamo S 803 Review
Jamo S 803 Jamo S 803
Check price atAmazon›

Made by Jamo · Denmark · since 1966 · sold through dealers

Jamo S 803 is a 2-way Passive Bass Reflex Bookshelf speaker by Jamo. It was released in 2017. It features a 1" Soft-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 5" Aluminized Polyfiber Woofer. The speaker has a frequency range of 57-26k Hz and a sensitivity of 87 dB. Jamo S 803 has an MSRP of 229$ per pair but can often be found around 149$ per pair.

Room Size Suitability

The size of the room where you plan to use the Jamo S 803 is a crucial factor in your decision. We have assessed its suitability for various room sizes based on its dimensions and maximum power output:

Listening Environment* Suitability
Near-fieldAverage
Small RoomGood
Mid-size RoomAverage
Large RoomPoor
Very Large RoomBad

(* 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.)

Jamo S 803  Lifestyle
Jamo S 803 Lifestyle

Jamo's Studio 8 Series of Loudspeakers

S 803 is a member of Jamo's Studio 8 series of Passive speakers. The Studio 8 Series are Jamo's affordable home-theatre speakers. Below you can see the main specs of these speakers.

See all 4 Jamo Studio 8 models compared »

Jamo Studio 8 Series Speakers
Model Frequency SensitivityImpedance Woofer
Jamo S 801
Compare
76-26k Hz 85 dB8Ω 1 x 4"
Jamo S 803
57-26k Hz 87 dB8Ω 1 x 5"
Jamo S 83 CEN
Compare
65-26k Hz 87 dB8Ω 2 x 5"
Jamo S 81 CEN
Compare
71-26k Hz 86 dB8Ω 2 x 4"
Jamo Studio 8 Series Speakers
Jamo Studio 8 Series Speakers

Frequency Response of the Jamo S 803 Speaker

Jamo S 803 has a Frequency response range of 57-26k Hz and Power Range of up to 80 watts. With a minimum frequency of 57 Hz, S 803 delivers moderate bass depth so depending on your use case, you might want to consider adding a subwoofer to your system.

Here we have a comparison of how S 803's Low frequency value compares with the average, max and min Low frequency values in its class.
Low Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
Jamo S 803
Min
Average
Median
Thinking about a subwoofer for the Jamo S 803?
  • Work out the crossover setting - it follows from this speaker's 57 Hz low end
  • Powered subwoofers under $300 - a similar price range to these speakers
  • Every powered subwoofer we cover, whatever the budget

Impedance and Sensitivity

Jamo S 803's nominal impedance level is 8 ohms and has a sensitivity of 87 dB.

Sensitivity
Bookshelf Speakers
Jamo S 803
Min
Average
Median

8 Ohms is pretty much the standard nominal impedance amongst stereo speakers and amplifiers so Jamo S 803 is not considered a difficult to drive speaker from nominal Impedance perspective.

Sensitivity

With a sensitivity level of only 87 dB, Jamo S 803 is a difficult to drive speaker from Sensitivity perspective, make sure to choose an amplifier with a high output if you like listening to your music at high volume levels. You may especially have a hard time using Tube amplifiers which are traditionally very low power compared to Class A/B or Class D amps. Work out how loud the Jamo S 803 plays in your room →

What amplifier does the Jamo S 803 need?

At normal listening levels in a medium room, about 15–80 W per channel into 8 ohms. Set your own conditions and we will rank every amplifier we cover.

We check power, impedance safety and current delivery - not just watts.

Prefer to browse? Integrated amplifiers under $300, or every amplifier we cover.

Input Type

S 803 features Post type connectors. Bi-amping and Bi-wiring are not possible.

Work out what gauge speaker cable this run needs →

Jamo S 803 Back View
Jamo S 803 Back View

Jamo S 803 External Dimensions and Weight

Jamo S 803 has external dimensions of (Height x Width x Depth) 13.8 x 7.5 x 9.9inch (353.0 x 191.0 x 252.0mm ).

Base Surface Area
Base surface area of a loudspeaker may become a determining factor when the space in your room or desk is limited. The base area of Jamo S 803 is approximately 481.3cm2 / 74.6inch2.

To get a better perspective on the real life size of Jamo S 803, let's compare it with a standard size Compact Disc which has a diameter of 4.7inch (120mm).

Jamo S 803 Real Life Body Size Comparison
Jamo S 803 Speaker Size Compared to a Compact Disc

Here we place the Jamo S 803 virtually next to a standard width amplifier and turntable on a BDI Octave Media Cabinet to get a better idea about the size.

Jamo S 803 placed next to an amplifier and turntable
Jamo S 803 Speaker next to an amplifier and turntable

Find speakers that fit your shelf or alcove →  ·  Work out where they should sit in the room →

Weight

The Jamo S 803 weighs 5.40kg / 11.9lbs per piece. Here is a comparison of how S 803's weight compares with the average, max and min weights in its class.

Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
Jamo S 803
Min
Average
Median
Weight
Bookshelf Speakers under $300
Jamo S 803
Min
Average
Max
Jamo S 803  on a Stand
Jamo S 803 on a Stand

Cabinet type and Materials

Jamo S 803 has a Bass Reflex type cabinet and a MDF/Vinyl finish. Bass Reflex type loudspeakers (aka Ported, Vented or Reflex Port) have enclosures that uses a port, hole or vent cut into the cabinet. Ported designs are generally more efficient than the Sealed designs.

Port Position

Jamo S 803 is a front-firing port speaker, which gives you more flexibility compared to rear firing speakers when you need to place it close against a wall or other surfaces.

Available colors

Jamo S 803 is available in Walnut, Black and White.

Wall Mounting

S 803 doesn't sport any built-in mounting bracket, so you need an external structure to mount it on walls.

Does the Jamo S 803 come with a Grille?

S 803 comes with grilles. The purpose of the grille is to protect the delicate driver elements from external impacts while still allowing the sound to pass as clearly as possible.

Jamo S 803  with Grille
Jamo S 803 with Grille

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

Recommended Accessories

Here is a list of accessories that we think you may need for the Jamo S 803.

  • Speaker Cable and Connectors
    • Speaker Cables with Banana Plugs: If you know the lenght of the cable you need, this is the easier option to connect your speakers with your amp.
    • Speaker Cables without Connectors: If you are not sure about the lenght or need longer than standard cables with plugs, choose this option.
    • Banana Connectors and Plugs: If you chose the cables without connectors option or already have some cable around, pick the banana plugs separately.
  • Vibration Isolators: IsoAcoustics isolators are our favorite isolators but you may find more affordable options too.
  • Acoustic Panels and Treatments: Your room is as important as your stereo equipment so acoustic treatments goes a long way in improving the overall performance.
  • Speaker Stands: Stands bring your bookshelf speakers to ideal height (rule of thumb is to have the tweeter level with your ear in your listening position), helps stability and acoustical isolation.

User's Manual

For more information about how to setup, use and maintain the Jamo S 803, use the direct link below to download the official manual document:
Download User Manual for Jamo S 803

Official Brochure

Here is a link to download the official brochure for the Jamo S 803 speaker:
Official Brochure for Jamo S 803

Official Product Page

Official manufacturer's product page for the Jamo S 803 speaker can be found below:
Official Product Page for Jamo S 803

Warranty

5 Years of parts warranty and 5 Years of labor warranty is generally provided by the manufacturer.

Jamo S 803 Alternatives in Passive Bookshelf Speakers
Model Type Sensitivity Impedance Frequency
Jamo S 801
Compare
2-way 85 dB 8 ohms 76-26k Hz
Klipsch R-51M
Compare
2-way 93 dB 8 ohms 62-21k Hz
KEF Q150
Compare
2-way 86 dB 8 ohms 51-28k Hz
Klipsch R-41M
Compare
2-way 90 dB 8 ohms 68-21k Hz
Sony SS-CS5
Compare
3-way 87 dB 6 ohms 53-50k Hz
JBL A130
Compare
2-way 86 dB 6 ohms 55-40k Hz
Klipsch RP-600M
Compare
2-way 96 dB 8 ohms 45-25k Hz
Wharfedale 220
Compare
2-way 86 dB 8 ohms 56-20k Hz
Frequently Asked Questions about Jamo S 803

What amplifier do you need for the Jamo S 803?

Jamo rates the Jamo S 803 for up to 80 watts of amplifier power. It is an 8-ohm speaker, the usual nominal load, so almost any amplifier or receiver can drive it.

Is the Jamo S 803 easy to drive?

The Jamo S 803 has a sensitivity of 87 dB. That is about average for a home speaker, so it is neither hard nor especially easy to drive.

Does the Jamo S 803 need a subwoofer?

The Jamo S 803 reaches down to 57Hz (full range 57-26k Hz). That covers most music, though a subwoofer still adds the bottom octave for home theatre.

What drivers does the Jamo S 803 use?

The Jamo S 803 is a 2-way design using a 1" Soft-Dome tweeter and a 5" Aluminized Polyfiber woofer.

Is the Jamo S 803 sealed or ported?

The Jamo S 803 uses a Ported enclosure. A ported design uses a tuned vent to get more low-end output from the same driver, but it wants some breathing room behind it.

Can the Jamo S 803 be bi-wired or bi-amped?

No. The Jamo S 803 has a single pair of terminals, so bi-wiring and bi-amping are not possible. It uses Post terminals.

Can the Jamo S 803 be wall mounted?

The Jamo S 803 does not include a wall-mount bracket or keyhole, so it is designed to sit on a stand, shelf or the floor.

Does the Jamo S 803 come with grilles?

Yes. The Jamo S 803 comes with removable grilles.

How big and heavy is the Jamo S 803?

The Jamo S 803 weighs 5.40kg / 11.9lbs each and measures 13.8 x 7.5 x 9.9inch (HxWxD).

How much does the Jamo S 803 cost?

The Jamo S 803 has a manufacturer's list price (MSRP) of $229 per pair.


Jamo S 803 Detailed Specifications

General
BrandJamo
Full Model NameJamo S 803
Speaker Type2-way Bookshelf
Power Rangeup to 80 watts
Sensitivity87 dB
Impedance8 ohms
Frequency Response57-26k Hz
Release Date2017
DRIVERS
Woofer Size5-inch
Woofer CompositionAluminized Polyfiber
Woofer SurroundRubber
Tweeter Size1-inch
Tweeter TypeSoft-Dome
Port Positionfront

CONNECTIONS
Connector TypePost
Biamp InputsNo
Port Positionfront
PHYSICAL SPECS
Height353.0mm ( 13.8-inch)
Width191.0mm ( 7.5-inch)
Depth252.0mm ( 9.9-inch)
Height353.0mm ( 13.8-inch)
Weight5.4 kg (11.9 lbs)
EnclosureBass Reflex
FinishMDF/Vinyl
Available ColorsWalnut, Black, White
Mounting BracketNo
Recommended Stand Height24-28
GrilleYes
Moisture ResistanceNo
OTHER
Handheld RemoteNo
Parts Warranty5 Years
Labor Warranty5 Years
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