Polk and Jamo are two renowned and well respected brands in the audio industry that produces high quality speakers, headphones, soundbars, and subwoofers
In this article, we will cover a general overview of both brands, looking specifically at sound quality, durability, price and so on. Of course, each brand has different devices at different price points, however we will compare them as closely as we can.
Polk is a well-known brand in the audio industry known for its high-quality speakers and home theater systems, while Jamo is a well-regarded brand known for its high-quality speakers and home theater systems.
Pros and Cons of Polk:
- Pros: Known for producing a wide range of speakers, including home theater systems, soundbars, and outdoor speakers. Many of their products are well-regarded for their sound quality and value for money.
- Cons: Some users have reported issues with their Polk speakers cutting out.
Pros and Cons of Jamo:
- Pros: Jamo is kown for producing high-quality speakers and home theater systems with excellent sound quality and strong bass response. Many of their products are well-regarded for their value for money.
- Cons: Some users have reported issues with the durability and reliability of some of their products.
Quick History
Polk Audio Quick History
Polk Audio is an American audio device manufacturer best known for its home and car speakers headquartered in San Diego, California.
A wide range of additional audio devices, such as amplifiers and FM tuners, are also produced by Polk Audio. Polk audio was purchased by Directed Electronics in 2006.
Jamo Quick History
Jamo, (pronounced yah-mo) is a Danish manufacturer of audio products like home theatres, soundbars and speakers.
The company started off in 1966 with Preben Jacobsen building loudspeakers and was later joined in 1968 by Julius Mortensen— Jamo is formed from the first two letters of their names. The company is based in Glyngøre, Denmark, where it was founded.
Sound Quality
Polk Audio Sound Quality
The downside to Polk devices is that they aren’t of the best quality when it comes to sound, so if you’re looking for a high-end sound system, it could be worth stepping up your budget a little. Polk speakers are best as entry-level speakers.
This means that they may not appeal to expert audiophiles and cannot be used for professional purposes.
Jamo Sound Quality
Jamo devices deliver decent audio output, though you can’t expect the purity of more high-end brands. They produce clear midtones and crisp highs, but the bass is soft and shallow in some devices. Nevertheless, they have exceptional detail and clarity.
Features
Polk Audio Features
Polk audio devices come with some features that make them more suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.
- Auto-off timer
- More physical input such as (HDMI in port, AUX port)
- All controls are on the rear edge
- Slim, compact design that allows you to place them on walls.
Jamo Features
Here are some features that Jamo devices come bundled with:
- Several Optical and Analog Audio Inputs
- Dolby Audio® Decoding Built In for all Dolby media contents
- Bluetooth® Wireless Technology for connecting to all Bluetooth devices
- Virtual Surround Mode for immersive three-dimensional sound
Build Quality
Polk Audio Build Quality
On average, Polk audio build quality is comparable to industry standards. The Polk T50 is a great example of this.
Although Polk made the T50 sound better by sacrificing some build quality, the speaker is still reasonably strong and, given its popularity, replacement parts are easy to come by.
Jamo Build Quality
The clean finish of Jamo devices betrays their midrange prices, featuring the sophisticated and elegant looks associated with high-end brands like Klipsch or B&W. Both internal and external components are constructed from durable and efficient materials for long life and maximum enjoyment.
Jamo devices use such components as Hybrid Composition Conical Cone (HCCC) woofers and silk dome tweeters for detailed and balanced audio. The chassis is constructed from sturdy plastic, wood, and aluminum.
Ease of Use
Polk Audio Ease Of Use
The controls on Polk Audio Bluetooth equipment are easy to use. A lightweight design and high-quality materials ensure that the user is comfortable while using them.
Jamo Ease Of Use
Jamo devices are quite easy to use, requiring just a plug-and-play installation. The clearly labeled controls and remote used with some devices make the operation quite easy for anyone.
Cost
Polk Audio Cost
Polk’s speaker collection shows that good-sounding speakers do not have to be expensive. They have home speakers to suit every budget.
So do you want tower speakers but don’t want to spend more than $500 on them? There are Polk audio speakers that sell for less than $500 and still have great sound. They’re commonly available for around $300 or less a pair, and they sound fantastic.
Here are some price ranges for Polk audio products:
Home speakers: $200 – $2500
Soundbars: $100 – $500
Car speakers: $100 – $500
Jamo Cost
Jamo devices are inexpensive, with many full home theater setups costing just a bit above $1000. The price ranges for some Jamo devices are given below:
Space Requirements
Polk Audio Space Requirements
Most Polk Audio devices are space-efficient. Take, for example, Polk’s LSiM 703s speakers which are 16.8-inch tall bookshelf speakers with a 6.5-inch midbass, a 3.5-inch woofer for low frequencies, and a 1-inch tweeter for high frequencies. This implies that only a minimal amount of space is needed.
Jamo Space Requirements
Jamo devices have a wide range of sizes. These range from portable bookshelf speakers to full-sized floorstanders. The Jamo C 95 II floorstanding speaker measures 38.7 x 8.5 x 12.5 in (HWD) and weighs 43.8 lbs, compared to the Jamo J 112 Sub with dimensions of 17.63 x 17 x 18.5 mm (HWD) and a weight of 57.31 lbs.
Remote Controls
Polk Audio Remote Controls
Polk Audio produces speakers that are compatible with their own remote control as well as those of other remote control manufacturers such as HQRP and Motiexic littlefishlittlecat.
This remote is powered by lithium batteries and has a 10-meter range. Note that no program or special setup is required.
Jamo Remote Controls
Some Jamo devices come with a wireless remote control right out of the box. This can be used for basic controls like pause/play, mute, or more advanced functions such as digital and analogue signal processing.
Connectivity Options
Jamo Connectivity Options
Jamo devices can be connected in several ways. Some of the connection options are USB, Bluetooth, optical and analogue audio input, LFE RCA, and WA-2 Wireless Port.
Power Range
Jamo Power Range
The power output of Jamo devices is quite decent, but some might require an amplifier if you want really powerful sound. The Jamo C 95 II speaker has a power range from 165 to 330 W, which is only just powerful enough for a floorstander. The power range for their devices typically lies within the range of 50W to 700W.
Frequency Response
Polk Audio Frequency Response
Polk audio frequency responses are usually in the region of 50Hz to 50kHz. The Polk Audio Signature Series S10 2-Way Surround speakers, for example, have a Medite MDF cabinet frequency response of around 67Hz to 40 kHz for excellent treble reproduction. It can endure 20 to 100 watts of continuous power.
Jamo Frequency Response
The frequency response for Jamo devices is close to the normal required frequency range, but it would be great if they go a little deeper on the low end. The frequency ranges for their devices generally lie within 20Hz to 30KHz. The frequency range of the Jamo studio SB 36 ranges from 55Hz – 18KHz
Conclusion
Polk is unquestionably a fantastic option if you need a good home audio system, but there are other companies that are equivalent or even better than Polk audio. However, if you need a good entry level speaker that doesn’t cost much, Polk Audio may be your go-to. Jamo is a brand that manufactures high-performance devices with affordable price tags. Their devices deliver great value for money, but the sound output may not be the best for audiophiles.