Review! The Jamo S803 Bookshelf Loudspeakers! 

This brand has been around for a while. Over twenty years ago I heard them at a hifi exhibition and those were floor standing, they sounded absolutely amazing. I have no doubts these are good too. A very honest and easy to follow review.

I bit the bullet and bought these after watching Z-reviews,and i couldnt be happier! they really did impress me,and i dont know about the boosted treble,they sound great to me,and the bass is deep and smooth i love these things

The best reviewer on the web. Appreciate your work.

There is a reason we trust Z Reviews... He reviews this stuff for real. He shows you his set up. His mess of an apartment with tons of audio gear. He shows you how he sets it up, he shows you how he enjoys it, he does not mince words about what he loves and does not.... Here, I never see him plug it in, for all I know he just read a spec sheet and phoned it in. I want to see it, I want a sound demo, I want to see you plug it in and use it, if not, I have no reason to trust a word you are saying. That's just my two cents of what makes a good review channel. Load all the pretty B reel you want, if I don't see you actually do your job, I'm not buying it.

I am glad to watch yours reviews

The new microphone is amazing. Thanks!

Some more great bang for the buck! Nice looking product. Great review, great pertinent information for a prospective buyer.

I am your 500th like ;) I got these babies' big brother S809 system a few days ago and love them so much that I want to get these for my PC setup.

thanks again for a great review , i'm a fan of the circle ZF,SG,Zeos,Thomas,

Man I like your review. Thanks for this. Good perspective.

Thank you for your review of these. I like that you focus on what they bring to the table within this price range. I have them in addition to many others in this range and frankly speaking I really enjoy the V-shaped signature, it's fun and engaging.

Very good review. Very clear on all aspect. Thx!

Thanks for the shout out. Good to see we came to pretty much the same conclusion. Also, audio and video look a lot better now! How you do those one-takes, I have no freaking clue. 👊😎 Also, if your comparing mics, check out the Deity V-Mic D3 for $99 or the $199 D3 Pro for that I reviewed and I think you'll thank me for it.

I guess that would be good for TV listening. Great review as always .

They image like crazy good (as the S801's too) and the EQ problem (?) can be mitigated with slight tone control adjustment if wanted. For the current price - so much better then most of the competition hands down.

Used to think the double binding posts on the back are for bi-wiring and bi-amping. Another great review. Thanks!

I bought them after Z reviews video and I really like them. Thanks for the video!

I have always adjusted my sound with equalization. In essence, I prefer that, "V" curve, but also adjust for the recording / sound dynamics. As we age, we lose the sensitivity to the higher frequencies, and as such, a boosted treble response is perfect for the older generations. This fear within the audiophile community to stay away from tone controls actually baffles me. It is as if they think that every recording, every room, every ear, every music taste is consistent with everything & everything. When the recordings are mastered, they are essentially colored by the audio engineer. Usually on the equipment that they have, and based upon their subjective analysis of the mix. Point is, there are an infinite number of variables when it comes to the production & listening of sound. I would never knock a good equalizer / DSP to adjust the sound so that it seems perfect to my ears. From the feedback I have gained from many of the RU-vid reviewers, these speakers, to me, are perfect to what I am looking for in a small yet high performing speaker package. The affordability seals the deal.

Subscribed. 👍🏻 Nice introduction about speakers, simple & easy to understand. Nice channel.

Thank you for posting this video. It was very interesting, & informative as well. I also looked up more of your video's. Man you are just Awesomeness hands down. You sir have a new subscriber. Keep up the great work. P.S.- I want to buy this product. Thank you once again..

Nice take. Much appreciated

Took your advice and received mine two days ago. I bought the Elac 6.2 two months ago and Craigslisted it after a week. These speakers... wow! Keepers.

Perfect review man, you do a great job at describing the sound. I wonder how these compare to Elacs?

Great and honest reviews, as always - thanks. Please review any of the speakers in the B&W 600 series.

Hmm... Observation... This review time was quicker than the past... you did not spend too much time on it. And there wasn't much solid critique on the sound qualities. It's a standard review. As usual clean, crisp and clear. You OWN these qualities (instead of rambling incoherently and going into nostalgic narration, how you've experienced $300K systems...yada yada - Big Deal!). Thank you Sean!

I like the way you did this video.

I remember the Jamo Oriel, Amazing!

Thank you. One clarification for viewers, the atmos module gets its signal from the pegs in the speaker. So you connect the receiver to the top binding posts and the atmos module starts working. Connecting from top posts as an "out" wouldn't make sense because it'd get the same signal as the speaker. The way you said it may be confusing. Thank you. Great review

Thank you for the review. I have these speakers and they indeed have a boosted treble and v shaped (especially pronounced with female vocals). Coming from the JBL305s, I still prefer the 305s to these.

Thanks for the review. I just ordered the speakers to be part of my new 5.1 movie system and have high hopes. Paid $394 for 5 speakers from Amazon which includes center channel and 2 satellite speakers. Also bought a Kanto sub 8 to go with it. hooking it up to a basic but decent Yamaha TSR- 7850 receiver. Wish me luck!

i like the v curve myself... its the old 5 band rock EQ from the 80's im just used to it

, got a thumbs up for background scenery for sure.

Jamo should have provided little plugs to cover the top screw holes for those who are not putting the Atmos module. Thanks for your review.

, these speakers are designed for movies more so than music. this is due to the frequency response. it is curved, not flat like the Pioneer bs22lr. some like it, some don't. the mid-range is lowered a bit.

Dude, you’re a good reviewer don’t be so self conscious who cares what “Z” says we want to know what you think.

Very good video! 👍

Thank you from Australia 😃👍🇦🇺

I hope In the future you review the RP160m or the newer RP600m but I know a lot of people wanting you to do so many speaker reviews thanks again sean I remb back when you started with the klispch Rf7g2 those were badass!

I have the S805s, which I really like. They don't have the Atmos holes and they are basically a mini tower version of the S803s. They can be found for $175 if you're lucky. I just saw the S803s for $140! I can see why frequency response is a big part of the channel's reviews for the 803's and 807's. The treble can be quite forward. I eq the treble out for certain types of music, but I understand some people don't like doing that or don't have that option. I think sub $200 you can't really go wrong with the s805s, and I'm sure the s803's are similar. The soundstage, punch, and clarity are great.

Good review!!

I wanted to put a sound system in my garage. I just bought a pair of these re-branded as Klipsch KD-51M. To power them I bought a Sony STR-DH190 The speakers look awesome. Now a perfect rectangle, with a gloss black tweeter sound guide and port opening. The rest is a nice matte black. The woofer is the same material but copper colored. I'm pretty sure the crossover has been changed from what all the reviews of the 803S are saying. I was able to tame the tweeter with ease. I understand why the Jamo version may have been bright because when I bring them to a tolerable level, there isn't much sound stage or depth, especially without the midrange of these. I also found myself cranking up the bass to get a more full sound before I could grab any good emotions or depth. The front port then gives this hollow echo bass (I didnt like). that using foam in the ports cured. I was testing back to back with The Fives which I am extremely happy with, and could be considered unfair to some. No matter what I played, or how I adjusted them, I just wasnt happy and even told my wife, the Klipsch desktop system with 8" powered sub were more fun and satisfying. They absolutely Rock! As soon as that thought entered my mind, I knew it was over. I just boxed them back up and will be returning them. If you like Klipsch horns, and the Klipsch sound, I would pass on these as Jamo's or the KD-51M. If you think these are good, knock yourself out. I just ordered a pair of Neumi BS5 Bookshelf speakers and took delivery of an Elac 1010 Sub today. If those suit me, great. If not, I'll wished I just put the Fives in the garage, and would not have needed a sub, receiver , or speaker wire. Buy a new pair of The Nines for in the house. This cheap garage system is $467.30 with tax. That JBL Partybox 110 would have rocked me out of my garage for a lot less money and effort. Even a Harmon Kardon Onxy Studio!

I was really considering these. I was looking to upgrade from the Pioneer BS22 speakers. I ended up feeling they weren’t enough of an upgrade. I think the Jamo & BS22 are in the same category. they’re both great speakers for their price & solid choices especially for your first speakers. I ended up getting the Kef Q150. Really really crisp with outstanding imaging! Great video!!!!

👍 good review

Thanks for making quite a short video! I am still waiting for your Elac BS U5 review. Or at least Andrews new Carina series.

Hey Sean, great review. You have reviewed so many 2-way monitors on the channel. Which ones tick most of the boxes or rate highest in terms of all of the things you mention in the review. Which pair would you use right now if you had to pick one? Which pair would you suggest to an audiophile who likes to listen to lots of music genres, rock, jazz, metal etc?

I recommend you review the Kef LSX. I have them and use them as PC speaker via the optical cable. Fantastic sound and for 1300 euro they are well worth. I would like to see how well they compare to their older brother ‘LS50w’.

Great review and thanks for sharing! I am tempted to buy these speakers, but the real thing that worries me is how do you replace a woofer, or tweeter, in the lung run, if they break after the warranty expires? The cabinet has no screws on the front, right? So, will you have to throw them away, or they are "supposed to last forever"?

Very nice and user friendly information. Please review PSB P5 if possible.

You do not run cables from the Atmos terminals to the Atmos module.... That's actually built into the speaker... That's why there are the 4 contact points on top of the speaker. Quite a clever feature!

And gosh, they sure are pretty!

These are marked down to $159 right now on Amazon. You saved me $159 with this video.

Awesome channel sir, great reviews. I am actually in a dilemma right now, and was wondering if you can help me.. Between buying these Jamo 803's and Klipsch R-51M's, both for music listening and later HT build? After watching your reviews for both of these, i'm still not sure.. :)

nice to know about the characteristic sound of this speaker, don't think it was made clear in the other reviews. i cant imagine i would like this speaker over time, but sure fun for a little time to test. my own preferences is sound quality first and jamo picked many other things first. it's really to bad since the drivers seems like they are of good quality.

Another great review...any chance that you may be able to review the Quad Z-1s? If they sound as good as they look, I'm in.

It's all a matter of taste in the sound one prefers.

Thanks Sean - after seeing the Australian price on these (you don't wanna know), my decision is easy - another pair of IEMs and some beer ;)

Z is a powerful voice. .. however, I appreciate your take on things too. =) .. I know of a company that was poking around for influences on youtube for reviews that may appreciate your attention on some products =)

Hey Sean another good review how would you rate these against the elac debut 6.2 ?

I like pickle pigs feet.. I like hog maws:) Great review as usual

Nice Review bud, what stand is that you have the speaker sitting on? Thanks.

@Zero Fidelity Great review, I have been looking at these speakers. Part of the design concept of these speakers is for them to be used not only in 2.0 system but also for a theater set up and used with a sub. I wish you could have touched on this. With that being said how do you think they would perform In a 5.1, 7.1, or even a 2.1 set up, with the low frequency going to the sub and the bookshelf's taking the highs and mids?

Awesome video! What are the speaker stands you are using in this video?

Thinking it would be interesting if you reviewed, magnenpan, ohm and vandersteen

Spot on, as always. This is the very definition of the Jamo sound at the low end of their price range. That said, I miss old-school Jamo; don't like where Klipsch has has taken the brand/sound.

Awesome and honest review. Thanks. I own a pair. At 87db sensitivity I find them a little hard to drive so they don't get the loudest I heard. The build quality isn't that great. Came with scratches on the corners and there's a plastic 'string' left inside the port that flutters around which I can't reach to. Other than this I like the sound you get for the price. So much bass for a small enclosure and nice Soundstage.

Do you think using an amp with tone controls and maybe the gril wouldn't help tame the treble and maybe lower the bass presence a bit so it could become a bit more balanced? I like that it soundstages well, i like that it has bass (most speakers in this price range either lack bass or it's just a bloated mess) i like the looks and I like the price. But I don't like bright sounding speakers nor bass that hides the rest of the music. Also I like a bit of warmth in the mids... I don't mind a bit of U shape, but this seems a bit too V shaped for my liking... If my initial question doesn't come with a favorable could you give some alternatives taking in acount the type of sound that i like? (and in the same price range - around $200) Thanks.

Cool ... Z is gonna want those white ones....

The fact you could buy the these in a 5 speaker HT setup as low as $200 sort of made them a no brainer. And the holes on top were for atmos modules without wiring

I hope you'll get to listen to the Mission QX-2 eventually

Hey bro, newbie from Mexico here! So, I'm between these and the PSB Alpha 5. I've seen both of your reviews and I can't decide which should I get. Both are priced similarly here. What would you buy? Again, I'm a rookie audiophile. Cheers!

Hello, anybody knows how to disassemble tweeter and woofer of this speaker? I can not see any screw or smth. to open it. Thank you for information.

The " V " shape sound could help the vocals a bit unless its forced out of the tweeter .

Jamo be there... up and over.

Hi love your reviews quick question i have a pair of polk tsi 300 towers i would like to know if these would be an upgrade running vinyl with a 730 twin reciever h/k any help would be appreciated also the room size is about 15by2O ty

I would like to hear about these in a setup with a center speaker for A/V. With the "V" curve and large sound stage, it would stand to reason that the center speaker would fill in the mid-range with dialog.

I bought the speakers, the only thing i dont like is that sometimes theyre kinda harsh to my ears, but they look really sexy. How do you compare them to the Elac debut 2.0?

Can get them with a center and a pair of their little brothers, the 801s, for $219 on Amazon

Finally

First! Mic sounds so crisp and clean!

do you still need a 7.1 reciever that does atmos even if youre connecting the S803 and a atmos enabled speaker or is a 5.1 reciever good enough

Whew, i thought you were about to show us a teeny tiny bi-wired set of speakers. But they are Atmos set up.

Where did you get those awesome looking speaker stands? I can't find anything like that on amazon.

Hey buddy I just came across this video because I’m considering buying the speakers for my bedroom upstairs for listening or just adding them to a TV instead of a sound bar I was curious what amplifier or stereo receiver would you recommend for the speakers I would like to keep the budget under $600 for the amplifier thanks for any advice that you can give me buddy thank you

My budget system is all Jamo 5.2.2 with a Denon 4K AVR Atmos receiver. Movies sound amazing but when listening to HQ music I find myself going to stereo with both subs which sounds better than 7ch stereo, which is ok because, well... it sounds killer. I don't really care how many speakers are being used, as long as I'm "wow'ed" . I'm a metal/ rock guy so the V shaped EQ is right up my alley. I'm sure if I fiddled with EQ settings on my receiver when on 7ch I could prolly get it to sound good but I'm usually too drunk to fiddle with that bs when I'm jammin out :)

I don't think you've tried them, but it would be cool if you could review the Q Acoustic 3020i bookshelf speakers. Otherwise, I never really took Jamo seriously, as they were great for consumer level hi-fi, in my opinion. Maybe not the upper echelon of Jamo, though.

Is the height module controlled by the internal crossover, or is it dependent on receiver settings?

An incredibly helpful review :) I know you value tone...sounds like for you personally these speakers probably aren’t for you eh?

I'm getting this in white with the center and surrounds, but not sure how they sound in a home theatre setup?

Lindas!

Perfect speakers for hip hop

for the holes on top....there are a few solutions. 1)buy the Atmos topper speakers. 2) buy some black or white electrical tape and cover the holes w/1/2" square pieces (the walnut finish might need a slightly different approach). 3) leave them empty and cover the tops w/a hankerchief runner (or similar textile product. 4) cover them w/you favorite emoji face sticker 😂😍😁😊🤔🤣😐👽

Hey have you ever heard ascend acoustics or Philharmonic speakers? I'd love to see a review of those. Do you have any favorite recommendations for bookshelves in the $750-2000 range? Budget of a concern, but willing to spend that much if worth it. Looking for a well rounded speaker, music of higher importance and will be used with a sub

I used to like when Jamo was made in Denmark.

Right. But what type of amp do you need to power them? Would a schiit magni/modi 3 work?

If I had to like any grills on a speaker. It would be the ones that come on these. Yeah the 4 mounting holes on top does look bad. You almost have to get the atmos speakers just to make it look good. I do like the way these speakers look at their price. I would like a 6in version. But im not sure their sound signature is for me.

Actually. You CAN tone down the brightness if you receiver has something called Dynamic Volume. It will turn the V shape into more of a U. Sure, you'll magically not turn it into a different speaker but you'll want to calm the exaggerated treble if you are using them in smaller rooms and Dynamic volume can do that.

Just got a pair of these Jamo S803's in and your impressions are spot-on with my experience. I was able to find a good deal on these ($160) so I was hoping I would like the sound signature. Unfortunately, I cannot get over the fact that the midrange is so recessed/thin/hollow sounding. I don't consider myself an audiophile really, but a speaker is not appropriate for music if the mids are not done right IMO. The mids are where the soul of the music is. I can deal with rolled off highs or light on bass impact, but I can't get over a poorly done midrange. I will say the soundstage is great and the airy/detailed treble coupled with the bass slam make these enjoyable for home theater use. But my priority is two-channel music listening so these will likely be returned. I've also had the KEF Q150 in for extended audition and I'm curious about your thoughts on KEF's entry level Uni-Q model. I really like this speaker for music and at the sale price of $300 (which it often goes on sale for) I think it is pretty fantastic. Often cited as one of the top bookshelf speakers ~$500 and under (along with ELAC's Uni-fi UB5) and modeled after the LS50 as a reference. But it seems like none of the top RU-vid reviewers like you, Joe N Tell, Z Reviews, Thomas & Stereo, Tharbamar, etc. have put them through their paces yet.

can't you EQ the treble if they're too bright for your liking? i got the Jamo c93's based off of Z's review and absolutely love them. some have said these 803's sound even better. i have a hard time imagining that since i'm so happy with my c93's.

I was tempted to purchase these at a crazy sale price, but I don't see them being able to best my Energy RC-10

BTW This speaker does not look like a bandpass to me, more like a standard ported speaker. (unless there is another driver inside)