I know these Jamo THX Ultra2 speakers cost less than Klipsch KL65-THX Ultra2, but how would you compare them?
I would like to see S&V/HTM & AH measure and review the Jamo D600 (to compare to the Klipsch KL65-THX).
I don't know if they really are comparable. Here's why: Their applications are really different. Sure, they both play sound (they are speakers after all), but I picture the room they would go into to be completely different.
1st: They do NOT share any technical features or parts even through Klipsch now owns both companies. Jamo and Klipsch engineered their THX systems separately.
- The Jamo is way way way better for a family room or space that isn't "dedicated" to theater or audio or spaces where the speakers are exposed and aesthetics are a concern. No normal thinking person would look at the Klipsch vs. the Jamo and think other wise. The Klipsch are better off in cabinetry, behind a screen, or in an area where nobody cares (or likes the industrial look). I have done the Jamo D500 behind a screen and the results were excellent. This was in a HUGE room, BTW.
The Klipsch can't really wall mount or look good around a flat panel. Period. So, to get a high performance at a high output like what the Jamo D600 gives, for example, is really pretty neat for a $600 speaker. the D500 at $349 is a crazy deal, IMO. Maybe the best deal on a "theater" grade speaker I can think of. It's THAT good and THAT cheap for what you get.
PLEASE NOTE: The D600 is kind of a matte grey finish while the D500 is gloss black with rounded corners. I wish they would do the D600 in the same look and finish as the D500. The D500 is BY FAR the prettier of the two.
- Sound is presented differently as well. The Jamo being a traditional cone & dome while the Klipsch is a horn load. the Jamo can be driven with a beefier receiver and still get "best" results. The Klipsch is going to benefit from spending some $$ on power.
- If I had a dedicated room with a projection system and cost was no object, I would probably look at the Klipsch before the Jamo given just those two options. However, I have used and seen them used in both types. Years ago a competitor did a home show and I really thought their dedicated theater was excellent. He had the last iteration of the Jamo THX Ultra2 that the D600 replaced hanging in a false wall behind an AT screen and acoustic panels. For the money invested I thought it was unbelievable. We used to be direct with Jamo but now it's really just sold through distribution. I'll spec it in from time to time when the design calls for it. All factors considered I have absolutely 0 bad words to say about the D500 or D600.
- If I had a flat panel (large or small) that I wanted to design a system around, I would choose the Jamo over the Klipsch. Dynamically it's an excellent performer. it presents a very solid image. And it can play LOUD without distorting in a family room or even a larger open area.
- If I were going to also lean towards critically listening to a lot of 2 channel stuff and, again, only had these two to choose from I would consider it a push. However, it might be nice to note that the Jamo is a 3-way closed system vs. the Klipsch 2-way slot porting. They definitely sound different!
- One thing that people have brought up as a concern is the mounting height of the Jamos. They are DESIGNED to be mounted below the screen. not on the floor, mind you, but below the screen. the manual shows this. It's fine in that regard.
- Last fun fact is that the Jamo D600 has much smaller dimensions than the Klipsch KL-65 and weights 11lbs less (28lbs to 39). For such a small box it's an extremely well built, well engineered speaker.
Anyway, I hope that this goes to show that the speakers are going to present sound differently and are really meant for different applications!
