Jamo S 805 vs JBL Studio 580: A Comparative Review of Affordable Floorstanding Speakers
As someone who has spent years delving into the world of HiFi and audio production, I understand the daunting task of choosing the right pair of floorstanding speakers, especially when budget is a significant consideration. Today, I’ll be comparing two popular models in the affordable HiFi space: the Jamo S 805 and the JBL Studio 580. Both speakers have their unique strengths and weaknesses, and I’ll dissect them across several critical aspects to help you make an informed decision that suits your needs.
Build and Design
First impressions count, and both the Jamo S 805 and JBL Studio 580 strive to catch the eye with their design. The Jamo S 805 sports a chic, modern aesthetic with its understated dark casing and magnetic grills that lend a bit of nostalgia. It’s compact yet elegant, suitable for most decors, available in wood and white finishes. The speakers’ feet are sturdy, contributing to their overall appeal and stability.
On the other hand, the JBL Studio 580 has a more robust and architectural design. However, this sturdiness comes at a cost – its plastic feet have been a point of contention among users, often seen as a weak link. While the speakers are substantial in weight, the materials and overall finish do not entirely convey a premium feel. For this comparison, I would give the Jamo the win in design and build quality due to its refined look and more reliable construction, even though both have room for improvements.
Sound Quality
Sound quality is what ultimately defines a speaker’s worth, irrespective of its appearance. Both Jamo S 805 and JBL Studio 580 exhibit impressive sound quality for their price points, although they cater to slightly different preferences.
The Jamo S 805 shines in the treble range and maintains good clarity in the highs. It has a frequency response ranging from 43Hz to 26kHz, which might seem limiting but packs a punch in actuality. The bass roll-offs are smooth, making the speakers appear more significant than their petite size. However, the midrange clarity is a bit of a missed opportunity. The mids can seem stepped back, making certain tracks sound less immersive than intended. For optimal experience, the Jamo needs additional components like a better preamp or perhaps a subwoofer to fill in the gaps.
The JBL Studio 580 provides crystal-clear sound with a mix of powerful highs and detailed midrange. The treble is sparkling and has a lot of detail but can be slightly forward and sharp at times. Regarding the bass, the Studio 580 can be a mixed bag. While some users appreciate its punchiness, others feel it lacks the depth they seek in floorstanding speakers. Room adjustments can improve the bass, but it takes trial and error. Nonetheless, the Studio 580 excels in providing a transparent soundstage with realistic instrumentation – a feature that stands out in its price range.
Performance Under Different Conditions
Both speakers have their peculiarities when it comes to performance under different conditions. The Jamo S 805 needs careful volume management, as pushing them too hard can lead to noticeable distortion and even the risk of woofers bottoming out. They reveal their full potential when paired with quality equipment and played within an optimal volume range.
The JBL Studio 580, conversely, adapts well to various setups with some tweaking. Proper room treatment and careful speaker placement can significantly enhance its bass performance. The high-end can become a bit overwhelming, especially with certain high-frequency tracks, but strategic positioning often helps temper this issue.
Value for Money
For budget-conscious audiophiles, getting the best bang for the buck is crucial. The Jamo S 805 speakers are a fantastic entry-point for those just starting to build their HiFi setup. They offer a good mix of sound quality and design at a price that doesn’t break the bank. They excel when you invest a bit more into complementary equipment, and to that end, they represent value in the long run.
The JBL Studio 580’s value proposition hinges significantly on the price at which they’re bought. At a discounted price, they offer sound quality that rivals much more expensive models, making them highly sought-after. Full-priced, they might seem a bit steep, considering some of the physical design flaws. Nevertheless, catching them on a good deal would make them hard to beat, thanks to their impressive sound quality that punches well above their weight.
Final Thoughts
Both the Jamo S 805 and JBL Studio 580 offer compelling features and sound quality at reasonable prices, but they cater to different types of listeners. The Jamo S 805 is ideal for those who prioritize a sleek design and good introductory sound quality, especially in mids and highs. It’s perfect for a beginner’s stereo collection.
Alternatively, the JBL Studio 580 is perfect for more discerning listeners looking for exemplary sound clarity and an adaptable performance. Despite its quirks in design and build quality, its sound capabilities can be fully exploited with a bit of room experimentation and careful placement.
In the end, the choice boils down to your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritize design and ease of setup, the Jamo S 805 might be your speaker of choice. However, if you seek top-notch sound quality with detailed mids and sparkling trebles, the JBL Studio 580 could very well be the ideal addition to your audio setup.
Comparing Aspects
User-Based Scores & Our Experts Analysis
JBL Studio 580
Jamo S 805
7.5
Bass Response
6.8
The bass capabilities of both speakers bring out differing opinions among users for valid reasons. The Jamo S 805 is generally praised for its smooth bass roll-offs, although its performance can waver with higher volumes. Moreover, its size limits its ability to dig deep into the lows, making some users prefer adding a subwoofer for enhanced bass delivery. JBL Studio 580, on the other hand, presents a mix of reactions too. While some users enjoy its punchy and articulate bass, others feel it's a bit light and lacking the deeper resonance one would expect from a floorstanding speaker. The significant factor here is room treatment and speaker positioning. Users who took the time to adjust placements and tweak the settings manage to derive more satisfying bass from the JBLs compared to those who didn't. Thus, the JBL Studio 580 edges a bit ahead in bass response due to its potential for tweaking and the depth of bass that can be achieved with some effort.Aspect Verdict:JBL Studio 580 slightly outperforms the Jamo S 805 in bass response due to its tweakable nature and enhanced bass depth potential.
8.0
Treble Detail
8.1
When it comes to treble detail, both speakers show notable characteristics. The Jamo S 805 delivers a very clear and articulate treble that, while somewhat bright, avoids significant listening fatigue. It provides a degree of clarity one might not expect at its price point, making high-frequency sounds crisp and satisfying. The JBL Studio 580, known for its sparkling treble, also impresses with its ability to extract loads of detail. However, it occasionally leans towards sounding a bit forward or sharp, especially at higher volumes. What's more, its treble's transparency is highly appreciated by users who enjoy intricate details in sound. Both speakers have their kicks when it comes to trebles, but the Studio 580's trebles offer a tad more liveliness and clarity.Aspect Verdict:JBL Studio 580 takes the lead in treble detail due to its livelier and more detailed high-frequency reproduction.
8.2
Midrange Clarity
6.7
In the midrange department, we face another interesting comparison. Jamo S 805 provides a midrange that might seem slightly stepped back compared to its treble and bass, sometimes giving a feeling of an incomplete range. This can result in a less immersive listening experience, although improvements are noted when paired with better source equipment. Conversely, JBL Studio 580 typically garners high praise for its accurate and crisp midrange sound. The midrange feels more well-adjusted within the overall sound profile, producing accurate and enjoyable nuances across many genres. Despite minor inconsistencies at higher levels, the midrange of the Studio 580 stands out more robustly than that of the Jamo S 805.Aspect Verdict:JBL Studio 580 excels in midrange clarity with a well-balanced and precise sound, giving it a clear edge over the Jamo S 805.
7.4
Design
8.4
Design is one aspect where personal preferences tend to play a significant role. The Jamo S 805 appeals to those who appreciate a sleek, modern look. Its magnetic grills and sturdy fits enhance its aesthetic, making it a versatile choice for various decors. Users particularly praise the overall look of these speakers, considering their price point. Meanwhile, JBL Studio 580 showcases a more architectural design that leans towards industrial rather than modern elegance. The main downfall here is the use of plastic feet, which seem out of place on an otherwise relatively premium build. The detachable feet can cause stability issues, detracting from the overall visual experience. While both designs have their merits, the more refined and universally appealing aesthetic of the Jamo S 805 gives it a slight edge in this aspect.Aspect Verdict:Jamo S 805 takes the crown in design due to its sleek, modern look and reliable construction, which fits elegantly in varied settings.
8.4
Sound Quality
7.8
Evaluating overall sound quality for these two speakers reveals certain remarkable attributes and differences. The Jamo S 805 offers impressive sound quality for its size and price, especially in the treble range. Its smooth bass and vibrant highs make it a pleasing choice for many listeners, even though the midrange leaves something to be desired. However, it requires additional complementary equipment for optimal performance.
JBL Studio 580, on the other hand, is commendable for its pristine audio performance. Its clarity and detail are consistently praised, and it offers a transparent sound stage that resonates with users. Even though the bass performance can be finicky, attentive room treatment and speaker placement can yield better results. Overall, the Studio 580 manages to deliver a more richly detailed and realistic sound experience than the Jamo S 805, making it a strong contender in this category.Aspect Verdict:JBL Studio 580 edges out Jamo S 805 in overall sound quality due to its remarkable clarity, detail, and comprehensive transparent soundstage.
8.8
Value for Money
7.9
When considering value for money, both speakers present a strong case. The Jamo S 805 offers substantial value, especially for those on a budget. Its combination of sound quality and design at an affordable price makes it a solid entry point for beginners or casual listeners. The additional investment in better equipment can significantly improve its performance, which still maintains good value compared to its affordability.
The JBL Studio 580 stands out even more in this regard. When bought at a discounted price, it's challenging to find another speaker matching its performance for the same cost. Users lauding its high-end sound quality that rivals much more expensive models further solidifies its place as a great investment. At full retail price, its value might come into question due to some build quality concerns, but overall, it remains a worthwhile contender.Aspect Verdict:JBL Studio 580 wins the value for money aspect owing to its high-end sound performance at a competitive price, especially when discounts are applied.
Tweeter: 25mm (1″) compression driver with neodymium magnet and
one-piece Teonex® diaphragm on a glass-filled ABS Mid/Bass Drivers: Two 165mm (6-1/2″) PolyPlas™ cones with SFG magnet structures,
cast frames and rubber surrounds, magnetically shielded
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
~8.84 in ~224.54 mm ~22.45 cm
Width
~9.92 in ~251.97 mm ~25.2 cm
~13.70 in ~347.98 mm ~34.8 cm
Height
~30.98 in ~786.89 mm ~78.69 cm
~42.08 in ~1068.83 mm ~106.88 cm
Weight (Single Speaker)
~19 lb ~8618.26 g ~8.62 kg
~48.94 lb ~22198.81 g ~22.2 kg
Shipping Weight
~46.5 lb ~21092.05 g ~21.09 kg
~53 lb ~24040.4 g ~24.04 kg
Colors and Accessories
List of available colors and optional accessories.
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