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New Speakers ... Can't Stop "Listening"

I’ve had my new JA Pulsars for about a month now, and something really strange has happened ... I’m actually interested in "listening" to the music. With my old B&Ws, I’d put on the system and read or surf the internet; being "involved" with the music typically was not something I had experienced. Now, reading a magazine or surfing the ’net is virtually impossible. It's almost as if I'm compelled to pay attention. I never knew I could be so engaged by my system. Other than greater detail, what am I hearing now that I hadn’t heard before? Has anyone had a similar experience?
rlb61
erik_squires
16,514 posts
 
I have not looked inside the JA Pulsars, but I have to say, the impedance curve and measurements lead me to believe these are fairly conventional crossovers, but Kudos to JA for being so well implemented. The curious thing is the dip just below 2 kHz, leading me to believe there’s probably a notch filter or something there. Probably to adjust those woofers.

https://www.stereophile.com/content/joseph-audio-pulsar-loudspeaker-measurements

Without that dip, this looks like a very very normal impedance and frequency response charts. What IS unusual is Stereophile liking something that measures so well. - HAH!

There is usually about a 10x markup between drivers and sales price, so I think the $7,700 retail price is not bad at all. These are pretty high quality parts. 

E
prof
3,491 posts
 
erik,

Since you are here....

A very common reaction to the JA sound, one that I have as well, is finding it to be particularly clear and grain-free.  A really "black background" as it were with a particular purity to the sound.

Can you notice anything in particular about the design that might account for this?
erik_squires
16,514 posts
 
By the way, as I was looking for something entirely different I found a Seas 2.5 way tower kit at Madisound, using similar parts. Worth checking out, especially for the price! 

Around $1,800 for the drivers with crossovers. You could probably get Lee at Taylor Speakers to build cabinets for you for $1k, or assemble them in their entirety for a little more. 

https://www.madisoundspeakerstore.com/2.5-way-speaker-kits/seas-delling-excel-kit-pair/

http://www.taylorspeakers.com/


kalali's avatar
kalali
1,977 posts
 
erik, I saw that kit. It'll make a great sounding speaker and with the right cabinet will compete with $10K-$15K commercial speakers. Makes for a great summer project.
rlb61 OP
792 posts
 
OK, I'll bite. JA claims that the SEAS drivers are customized for them. They claim also that the Modaferri xover is unique to them as a licensee. So, even if you bought the kit and had it installed in cabinets, would it sound similar to the Pulsars for 1/2 the price? I have no regrets about buying the JA's, but I'm curious about the extent to which it is an off-the-shelf speaker, if at all.
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