Comparing Jamo S 805 and JBL Stage A180: Which Speaker is Right for You?
Introduction
For any HiFi enthusiast, choosing the right set of speakers can make or break the listening experience. Having spent years delving into the depths of HiFi audio equipment, I’ve had the pleasure of exploring a plethora of models. Today, I’m here to compare two notable contenders: the Jamo S 805 and the JBL Stage A180. Both speakers have their unique set of features, advantages, and a few pitfalls, so let’s get into the nitty-gritty and help you figure out which speaker might best suit your needs.
Initial Impressions
When I first laid eyes on the Jamo S 805, I was struck by its understated elegance. The dark-colored casing and the overall sophisticated look complemented my home decor beautifully. The JBL Stage A180, on the other hand, had a finishing quality that felt premium and on par with some higher-end speakers. Both products arrive without any damage, which is always a good sign. Kudos to the shipping teams!
Sound Quality
Sound quality is, of course, a paramount factor in this comparison. Both speakers deliver, but in different areas. The Jamo S 805 provides a vibrant sound profile with an impressive frequency range from 43Hz to 26KHz. However, the midrange is where it falls short, feeling slightly muted compared to the lows and highs. The JBL Stage A180, in contrast, offers a more balanced sound signature, with a stronger emphasis on midrange clarity. Whether you’re listening to music or watching a movie, the soundstage from the JBLs is more refined and enveloping.
Bass Response
The Jamo S 805 offers smooth and robust bass roll-offs, but it sometimes struggles with the low-end frequencies, particularly at higher volumes. You might need to use a subwoofer to get the full spectrum of sound, which can be an extra investment. The JBL Stage A180, however, excels in this area. The bass is tight and responsive, especially when paired with a quality amp. It won’t just resonate; you’ll feel it.
Treble Detail
The high-end frequencies on the Jamo S 805 are bright but sometimes slightly exaggerated, which can cause listener fatigue if you crank up the volume. However, adding vibration pads improves treble performance. The JBL Stage A180 provides clear and non-fatiguing highs. Although it does experience a little harshness when pushed too hard, it performs well across all volume levels.
Design and Aesthetics
Both speakers look fantastic, but in different ways. The Jamo S 805 stands out for its modern, elegant design with options for wood and white finishes. The sturdy feet and magnetic grills add to the overall aesthetics. The JBL Stage A180, while not revolutionary, offers a robust build and a sophisticated look that blends well with varied decors. While the Jamo almost seems like a piece of art, the JBL feels solid and durable, embodying a more professional audio look.
Special Features
One unique feature of the Jamo S 805 is its adaptability. Depending on the sound source, the speakers adjust to enhance the sound quality. This includes significant advantages when used with high-quality amps and DACs. The JBL Stage A180, on the other hand, shines with its holistic sound experience, making it a versatile choice for both music and movies. Its ability to handle power without distortion adds a layer of reliability to long listening sessions.
Overall Value
When it comes to value for money, the JBL Stage A180 takes the lead. Though it’s slightly more expensive than the Jamo S 805, the increase in price is justified by a significant boost in overall performance and robustness. However, if you’re on a budget or just diving into the HiFi world, the Jamo S 805 offers excellent value for its price, even if it might require some additional equipment to reach its full potential.
Conclusion
In general, both the Jamo S 805 and JBL Stage A180 offer a lot for their respective price points. The Jamo is ideal for those who prioritize aesthetics and are willing to make some tweaks to achieve the best sound. The JBL Stage A180 is a solid choice for those who want an all-rounder that performs well straight out of the box. Whether it’s vibrant midranges or punchy bass, each speaker has its strengths and minor compromises. At the end of the day, your final choice should depend on your personal preferences and specific needs.
Comparing Aspects
User-Based Scores & Our Experts Analysis
JBL Stage A180
Jamo S 805
When it comes to bass performance, the Jamo S 805 and JBL Stage A180 present a marked contrast. The Jamo S 805 offers smooth bass roll-offs, which sound impressive considering its size. However, it does tend to struggle with the low-end frequencies when pushed to higher volumes, and some users recommend the addition of a subwoofer for a fuller experience. The bass performance, while decent, can sometimes bottom out if not correctly adjusted.
On the other hand, the JBL Stage A180 excels in delivering tight and responsive bass, especially with a good amplifier. The bass not only resonates but also adds a physical dimension to the sound experience. Even at louder volumes, the JBL maintains a solid bass profile without significant distortion.
Aspect Verdict:In the context of bass performance, the JBL Stage A180 clearly outshines the Jamo S 805. While the Jamo's bass response is admirable for its size, it does require additional equipment to match the JBL's robust low-end capabilities. Therefore, if bass is a priority for you, the JBL Stage A180 should be your pick.
Treble detail is another area where these two speakers differ. The Jamo S 805 offers bright and somewhat exaggerated highs. This performance is generally pleasing, but there can be instances where it may cause listener fatigue, especially at higher volumes. Interestingly, adding vibration pads to the Jamo S 805 improves the treble performance significantly.
The JBL Stage A180 provides clear highs, with good dialogue clarity at all volume levels. Although there is some harshness when the volume is maxed out, it is not as prone to causing fatigue as the Jamo. The JBL delivers a more consistent and pleasant treble experience overall, suitable for extended listening sessions.
Aspect Verdict:Between the two, the JBL Stage A180 takes a slight edge in treble detail due to its ability to maintain clarity without becoming fatiguing. While the Jamo S 805 does well with high frequencies, the occasional harshness puts it a notch below JBL in this category.
The midrange frequencies are essential for delivering a well-rounded sound. Here, the Jamo S 805 shows some weaknesses. The midrange is noticeably muted compared to its highs and lows, which can make the sound profile feel somewhat imbalanced. Some users noted that the midrange clarity improves significantly when used with quality source equipment, but it still doesn't completely close the gap.
Conversely, the JBL Stage A180 excels in midrange clarity. It handles voice and dialogue with remarkable precision, making it an excellent choice for both music and home theater applications. The midrange is well-defined and strikes a balance that contributes to an immersive listening experience.
Aspect Verdict:When it comes to midrange clarity, the JBL Stage A180 is again the winner. The Jamo S 805’s midrange might be acceptable to casual listeners, but for those who want that extra bit of detail in dialogue and vocals, the JBL Stage A180 is a better choice.
Design is often subjective, but both the Jamo S 805 and JBL Stage A180 have merits in this area. The Jamo S 805 features a modern and elegant design, available in wood and white finishes. Its understated elegance can blend seamlessly into various home decors, with magnetic grills and sturdy feet adding to its aesthetic value.
The JBL Stage A180, while not groundbreaking, features a robust build and a sophisticated look. The finish and construction feel solid, making it visually appealing while ensuring durability. Although it doesn’t offer as many design options as the Jamo, its simple and professional appearance holds its own.
Aspect Verdict:Both speakers have strong points in design, but the Jamo S 805 edges out slightly due to its more flexible aesthetic options and overall elegance. The JBL A180 is still a good-looking and durable speaker, but the Jamo S 805 offers a bit more in terms of design flexibility.
Sound quality is the most critical aspect for any speaker, and both the Jamo S 805 and JBL Stage A180 deliver commendably. The Jamo S 805 has a vibrant and immersive sound, particularly in the 65 to 74 decibel range. While it may require additional equipment to reach its full potential, its sound quality surpasses expectations given the price.
The JBL Stage A180 provides an incredibly balanced and immersive audio experience. With excellent positional audio, it performs well for both music and movies. Its midrange clarity and overall soundstage make it a versatile option for different listening environments.
Aspect Verdict:In terms of sound quality, the JBL Stage A180 stands out. While the Jamo S 805 is no slouch and offers great quality for the price, the overall performance of the JBL Stage A180 is superior. Its ability to maintain balance and detail across different types of audio content gives it a distinct edge.
Value for money is always an essential consideration when evaluating speakers. The Jamo S 805 offers good value, especially when you consider its sound quality and design at a lower price point. However, it does require some additional investments, like a subwoofer, for the best experience.
The JBL Stage A180 is slightly more expensive but justifies the cost with its superior audio performance and build quality. It delivers excellent value by offering a level of sound quality and performance that rivals even more expensive models.
Aspect Verdict:Though both speakers offer good value, the JBL Stage A180 takes the crown in this respect. Even if it's a bit pricier, the extra financial outlay is justified by the superior performance and reliability you get in return.
Final Verdict
All things considered, the JBL Stage A180 stands out as the more well-rounded choice among these two speakers. From its robust bass response and clear mids to its ease of setup and overall superior sound quality, the JBL offers more comprehensive advantages despite its higher price point. The Jamo S 805 is no slouch, especially when it comes to design and achieving vibrant highs, but it does require some additional effort and investment to reach the same level of performance. Depending on your priorities—be it budget, ease of use, or specific sound characteristics—both speakers have their strengths. However, if you're looking for an all-encompassing audio experience with fewer compromises, the JBL Stage A180 should be your go-to.
Comparison and Difference Between
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Brand and Model Specifications
Information about the brand, model release date.
| Manufacturer | Jamo | JBL |
| Model | S 805 | Stage A180 |
| Photo |  |
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| Release Date | 2018 | 2018 |
| HifiSpecs Rating | ||
| Amazon Rating | ||
| Price |
Technical Specs
Technical characteristics of the speakers.
| Amplification Type | Passive | Passive |
| Crossover Type | 2-Way | 2½-way |
| Enclosure type | Bass Reflex | Bass Reflex |
| Frequency Range (+/-3 dB)[Hz] | 49 - 26000 | 40 - 40000 |
| Frequency Range (-6dB)[Hz] | - | - |
| Maximum SPL [dB] | - | - |
| Sensitivity (2,83 V/1 m)[dB] | 88 | 90 |
| Nominal Impedance (Ohms) | 8 | 6 |
| THD (Total Harmonic Distortion) | - | - |
| Recommended Amplifier Power [W] | 80-160 | 20-225 |
| Crossover Frequency [Hz] | 2000 | 2000 |
| Bass Reflex Tuning Frequency [Hz] | - | - |
| Driver Units | Tweeter: 25mm (1”) Soft Dome Tweeter |
Tweeter: 2.5 way, dual 6.5″, 1″ aluminum tweeter |
| Connectivity | Wired | Wired |
| Inputs | Single Wire | Single Wire |
| Outputs | - | - |
| Magnetic Shielding | No | No |
Placements and Distances
Where and how to put them.
| Form Factor | Floor | Floor |
| Distance from Wall [cm] | 15 | 15 |
Dimensions and Weight
Physical characteristics of the speakers (without stands).
| Length | ~7.52 in ~191.01 mm ~19.1 cm |
~9.05 in ~229.87 mm ~22.99 cm |
| Width | ~9.92 in ~251.97 mm ~25.2 cm |
~11.61 in ~294.89 mm ~29.49 cm |
| Height | ~30.98 in ~786.89 mm ~78.69 cm |
~39.37 in ~1000 mm ~100 cm |
| Weight (Single Speaker) | ~19 lb ~8618.26 g ~8.62 kg |
~38.03 lb ~17250.12 g ~17.25 kg |
| Shipping Weight | ~46.5 lb ~21092.05 g ~21.09 kg |
~45.5 lb ~20638.45 g ~20.64 kg |
Colors and Accessories
List of available colors and optional accessories.
| Colors |
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| Accessories | – |
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| Detachable Grilles | No | No |
Price and Warranty
Satisfaction is (not) guaranteed.
| Warranty | 2 Years | 5 Years |
| Amazon Price |
Review Comparison
Hifispecs' professional customer-reviews can help make up your mind.
| Available Reviews |
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