Audioengine A2+ vs. Jamo S 803

Speaker Comparison

The desktop audio landscape is one that's perpetually evolving, with each new entrant promising a more immersive, more intimate listening experience. Today, we're setting our sights on two notable contenders: the Audioengine A2+ Wireless Bluetooth Speakers and the Jamo S 803 Bookshelf Speakers. These two audio solutions present distinct approaches to sound reproduction, each with its unique flair and set of features.

Design and Build Quality

Let's talk aesthetics and build. The Audioengine A2+ speakers, with their compact form factor and clean lines, exude a modern vibe that's as much about saving space as it is about delivering sound. They're available in black, white, and red finishes, offering a touch of personality for your setup. The Jamo S 803s, on the other hand, take a more traditional route with their larger bookshelf design. They boast a sleek, contemporary appearance with wood accents and woven tweeter grilles that add a touch of sophistication to any room.

Connectivity and Versatility

When it comes to connectivity, the A2+ speakers have a trick up their sleeve with Bluetooth functionality, allowing for effortless wireless streaming from any compatible device. Their versatility is further enhanced by the inclusion of USB audio input, RCA, and a 3.5mm stereo mini-jack, catering to a wide array of audio sources. Conversely, the Jamo S 803s lack Bluetooth capability, which might be a sticking point for those seeking wireless convenience. However, they make up for it with exceptional wired connectivity, accommodating traditional high-fidelity systems with ease.

The versatility of the A2+ is a boon for the modern audiophile who values convenience and minimal setups. The ability to connect to multiple sources without moving a muscle is liberating. The Jamo S 803 speakers, while missing wireless features, adhere to the purist approach, focusing on a singular, uncompromised wired connection that promises a pristine signal path from source to speaker.

Sound Quality and Performance

Delving into sound quality, the Audioengine A2+ presents a remarkably full-bodied sound for such small speakers. Their 2.75-inch Kevlar woofers and 0.75-inch silk dome tweeters, combined with built-in digital-to-analog converters, produce a clear, concise, and surprisingly bass-rich performance that belies their dimensions. The A2+ also offers an impressive soundstage that gives the illusion of a larger setup.

Meanwhile, the Jamo S 803s bring a heavyweight audio performance to the table. With a larger 5-inch polyfiber woofer and a 1-inch soft dome tweeter, these speakers command attention with their dynamic range and authoritative bass response. They're particularly adept at revealing the subtleties in music, creating an enveloping soundstage that allows listeners to sink into the music and discover details they might have missed before.

But it's not just about the components; it's the tuning that sets these speakers apart. Audioengine has meticulously balanced the A2+ for near-field listening, making them ideal for desktop environments. The Jamo S 803s have a broad and forgiving sweet spot, suitable for both focused and casual listening sessions within a larger room.

To sum up this sonic showdown, the Audioengine A2+ Wireless Bluetooth Speakers offer a modern, compact, and versatile listening experience tailored for the tech-savvy user who requires quality sound without sacrificing space or convenience. In contrast, the Jamo S 803 Bookshelf Speakers cater to the traditional audiophile who cherishes a larger, more robust sound and values the nuances that a dedicated wired system can bring to their music. Both sets have their merits, and the ultimate choice comes down to personal preference and the specific requirements of one's listening environment.

In the world of high-fidelity audio, both the Audioengine A2+ and the Jamo S 803 stand as testaments to the fact that size isn't everything, and that whether you're looking for the cutting-edge convenience of wireless technology or the deep-rooted traditions of audiophile-grade wired connections, there's a speaker system out there waiting to resonate with your individual taste and style.