Short answer: the Arendal 1961 Monitor. It ranks #8 of 179 bookshelf speakers by sound quality (rated 4.3/5) at $1,150 and is still sold new; the Jamo S 803 ranks #176 (rated 1.4/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used.
The Arendal 1961 Monitor is the better-sounding pick. A tank built sealed monitor with two 5.5 inch woofers, neutral sound and low distortion, great as home theater mains or surrounds. The catch: Bass rolls off around 70-80Hz, so it cannot be used as full-range mains for music without a subwoofer, and a sub is recommended for home theater use as well.
The Jamo S 803 is the deeper-bass option. A cheap, compact discontinued bookshelf speaker with a front port and punchy bass, suited to desktops or surround duty. Its bass reaches about 60.1Hz before falling 3dB, against 84Hz for the Arendal 1961 Monitor. Watch for: A textbook V-shaped response rather than accurate reproduction.
Buy the Arendal 1961 Monitor. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the Jamo S 803 is discontinued, so it is only available used.
Want more options? Browse the full Passive Home rankings.
A tank built sealed monitor with two 5.5 inch woofers, neutral sound and low distortion, great as home theater mains or surrounds.
A cheap, compact discontinued bookshelf speaker with a front port and punchy bass, suited to desktops or surround duty.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Arendal 1961 Monitor | Jamo S 803 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1150 per pair | $119.99 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #8 of 179 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers | #176 of 179 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 60Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 48.7Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 84Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 60.1Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Crossover Frequency | 1500Hz | - |
| Dimensions | 16.6”H x 6.4”W x 5.9”D (421.6 x 162.6 x 149.9 mm) | 13.9”H x 7.5”W x 9.9”D (353 x 191 x 252 mm) |
| Impedance | 4 ohms nominal (4.1 ohms minimum above 80Hz, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner) | 8 ohms nominal (manufacturer specified) |
| Sensitivity | 85.9dB (measured average, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 81dB (measured average 300Hz-3kHz, Erin’s Audio Corner; 87dB manufacturer specified) |
| Drivers | 2 x 5.5” woofers, 28mm tweeter | 5” polyfiber woofer, 1” soft-dome tweeter with waveguide |
| Weight | 16 lbs (7.25 kg) each | 13 lbs (5.9 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | sealed | ported, front slot |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.38 | 3.59 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.69 | 6.10 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Frequency Response | - | 57Hz-26kHz (manufacturer specified) |
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