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New Joseph Audio Pulsar Graphene 2

Just wanted to update my prior thread where this topic may have gotten lost.  As many of you may know by now, Joseph Audio has come out with the new Pulsar Graphene 2. This new iteration of the venerable Pulsars has a graphene coated magnesium midrange-woofer cone, and the drive motor, suspension system, etc., have been revamped. From what I have been told, the upgrade is pretty significant ... the sound is fuller and has greater ease, yet is very resolved. Jeff Joseph advises that an upgrade path will be available for existing owners of the Pulsars, too. Also, note that the price quoted in the Soundstage piece was in Canadian dollars ... Jeff informs me that the price in USD is $8,999 per pair. I am eager to hear the new Pulsars.
rlb61
prof
3,454 posts
 

fleschler,

Honestly I wouldn't be expecting the Joseph speakers to have the same kind of low-level-listening performance as something like a 98db efficient speaker.  In fact if anything I found the Joseph speakers could use some volume to get them to open up dynamically. 


Mark reports more satisfactory performance at low listening levels for the "2" version, so that sounds promising.  I'd certainly welcome that.
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astewart8944
499 posts
 
@fleschler I second prof's comment above. The Pearl 3s really shine when they get juice (your 130W tube monos is plenty of power) but they need the volume up somewhat--it doesn't need to be outlandish but you've probably been spoiled on low-level listening with your highly efficient speakers. Everything else (wide listening area, imaging and depth) is positive. 
rlb61 OP
746 posts
 
With the right power amp, the Pulsars sound terrific at low levels.
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markalarsen
634 posts
 

@fleschler The fletcher Munson curve (ISO 226:2003) is the primary problem with low level listening. I have no scientific explanation why the perspective2s sound so much louder than the measured 2+ dB. I think this positively impacts lower level listening.

Next time I hear is the pearl3s, I will come home and listen to the perspective2s at a similar low level volume and report back.

BTW, We purchased an LGOLED TV. You made the right decision but maybe not for the right reason. The LGOLED TV is subject to burn in, similar to the problem plasma TVs experienced.



fleschler
1,938 posts
 
I don't listen to my audio systems at low levels, but a minimum of 70 db to a max about 100 db on rare peaks.  Sometimes I have friends and want to have music as background levels but retaining the tonal richness and dynamic contrasts.  I hope to hear the Joseph speakers at the June LA/Orange County Audio show.

Luckily, both of my parents high end Panasonic plasma TV haven't developed burn-in, after about 8-10 years use.  Yes, the LG burn-in issue was a consideration from show and news logos staying on for 1/2 hour to 2 hours. 
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