The full review
Jamo S 805 Floorstanding Speakers Review
First Impressions
I recently started building my stereo collection, slowly growing into it while working on a budget. Naturally, when the time came to buy speakers, I was looking to upgrade from my previous Bluetooth-enabled production to something more traditional. This led me to the Jamo S 805 Floorstanding Speakers, which seemed the perfect fit for look, size, and price. They arrived elegantly understated with a dark-colored casing that perfectly matched my home decor.
Performance Test
Upon setting up, I connected them to my Denon amp and ran a conventional sound test. I experimented with different tracks ranging from "Hey Nineteen", "YYZ", "Once in A Lifetime" live, "Madonna Music" and "Roundabout". The performance output was impressive.
The sound quality was better than I expected at this price point, especially in the 65 to 74 decibels range, which seems to be the optimum range for these speakers. They delivered a vibrant and immersive sound, completely justifying the stellar reviews I had encountered during my initial research.
Sound Quality
Given their output, these Jamo S 805 Floorstanding Speakers are relatively small and almost subtly deceptive. When connected to an adequate amp and DAC, the speakers transformed into a powerhouse of impeccable sound quality. They boast a frequency response ranging from 43Hz to 26Khz, and while this might not seem capable of delivering a full-range sound at first, these speakers certainly do.
The bass roll-offs were smooth and full, meaning the speakers sounded significantly more significant than they appeared. The highs, while bright and slightly exaggerated, did not cause fatigue. However, the only niggle I encountered was with the midrange, which seemed a tad bit muted compared to the rest of the sound.
Special Features
What I found highly appealing about these speakers is their level of revealing sound. Depending on the sound source, the speakers adapt, improving the sound quality. Another unique observation was that attaching vibration pads to the base resulted in better highs, adding a new dimension to my listening experience. I also liked that the grilles added an aesthetic touch that reminded me of "the good old days."
Downsides
- Inconsistent performance: There is a notable difference in sound output quality when the volume is cranked over a particular level. Also, there might be instances of the woofers bottoming out if the bass is not adjusted correctly.
- Need for additional equipment: The speakers deliver splendidly for their size but may need the support of a subwoofer or a more powerful preamp to enhance the overall sound experience.
- Lack of clarity in mids: The midrange is somewhat muffled and does not match up to the quality of the highs and lows.
- Quality control issues: There are occasional delivery mishaps with damaged speaker cabinets. Although these incidents are rare, better quality control would promptly eliminate such errors.
- Comparatively lesser performant: Compared to speakers in a similar price range, like the Klipsch R-610Fs, the Jamos do not quite meet the expected standards.
Appealing Aesthetics
Apart from their impressive sound at this price point, one of the most appealing aspects of the Jamo S805 speaker is its modern, elegant design. They come with sturdy fits, adding to their overall aesthetic appeal and stability. The magnetic grills lend a chic, upscale look while the overall design fits perfectly with most decors. Additionally, they are available in wood and white finishes, catering to various preferences.
Optimal Sound Quality Requires Tuning
The Jamo S 805's sound quality is very revealing - it becomes significantly better with more power. If you're willing to invest in a better preamp and provide 50 watts or more per channel, your ears will thank you. If you want to enhance the sound experience further, adding vibration pads to the base improves the high notes.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Good value for the price
- Sturdy yet classy design
- It has decent bass for its size
Cons:
- Lacking in the midrange department
- Some distortion at high volumes
- Could use a subwoofer for added depth of sound
Overall Verdict
Despite the minor cons, the Jamo S 805 speakers are a good value for money. They pack an impressive punch for their size and are designed to fit almost any space, making them an ideal choice for beginners or those on a budget. Ratings would be five stars, considering the quality, price, and customer satisfaction derived from overall sound.