Short answer: the Parts Express Copperhead Desktop Kit, though neither ranks well in its class. It ranks #142 of 179 bookshelf speakers by sound quality (rated 2.5/5) at $119.98 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. Both are rated below 3.0/5 among the 179 bookshelf speakers, so if sound quality matters, consider the Neumi BS5 instead, ranked #38 at $139.99.
The Parts Express Copperhead Desktop Kit is the better-sounding option. An inexpensive beginner flat-pack desktop kit with one full-range driver per side, made for near-field listening with a subwoofer. The catch: Despite the ‘full-range’ label, output rolls off around 120-150Hz and a subwoofer with an unusually high 100-200Hz crossover is effectively mandatory.
The Jamo S 803 is the more accurate, deeper-bass pick. A cheap, compact discontinued bookshelf speaker with a front port and punchy bass, suited to desktops or surround duty. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 3.59 against 2.11 for the Parts Express Copperhead Desktop Kit. Its bass reaches about 60.1Hz before falling 3dB, against 98.1Hz for the Parts Express Copperhead Desktop Kit. Watch for: A textbook V-shaped response rather than accurate reproduction.
Buy the Parts Express Copperhead Desktop Kit. It is rated higher for sound quality; the Jamo S 803 is no longer sold new.
Want more options? Browse the full Passive Home rankings.
Measured Differences
- Bass depth: the Jamo S 803 reaches 48.7 Hz (10 dB down) against 69.3 Hz for the Parts Express Copperhead Desktop Kit, about half an octave deeper. You hear more of the lowest bass notes and kick drums.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Parts Express Copperhead Desktop Kit | Jamo S 803 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $119.98 per pair | $119.99 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #142 of 179 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers | #176 of 179 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Frequency Response | 120Hz-20kHz +/-3dB (manufacturer specified) | 57Hz-26kHz (manufacturer specified) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 98.1Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 60.1Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 69.3Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 48.7Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Dimensions | 8”H x 5”W x 6.5”D (203 x 127 x 165 mm) | 13.9”H x 7.5”W x 9.9”D (353 x 191 x 252 mm) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms (manufacturer specified) | 8 ohms nominal (manufacturer specified) |
| Sensitivity | 81dB @ 1W/1m (measured by Erin’s Audio Corner and manufacturer specified) | 81dB (measured average 300Hz-3kHz, Erin’s Audio Corner; 87dB manufacturer specified) |
| Drivers | 3.5” Dayton Audio PS95-8 full-range driver | 5” polyfiber woofer, 1” soft-dome tweeter with waveguide |
| Power Handling | 10W RMS / 20W maximum; 25W RMS with 50Hz high-pass | - |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, bottom | ported, front slot |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 2.11 (spinorama.org) | 3.59 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 5.35 (spinorama.org) | 6.10 |
| DIY Kit | Yes | No |
| Weight | - | 13 lbs (5.9 kg) each |
Where the Ratings Come From
- Parts Express Copperhead Desktop Kit: Spinorama.org measurements and reviews by Erin’s Audio Corner.
- Jamo S 803: Spinorama.org measurements and reviews by Erin’s Audio Corner.
This comparison is generated from the ratings, specifications and measurements on each product’s own page, and it updates when that data changes. How we rank explains how each rating is decided.
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