New Joseph Audio Pulsar Graphene 2

There's simply no way a traditional 2-way mini-monitor is worth $9k.

"Worth" is of course subjective.

If I wanted a premium DIY build I could get that for a quarter of that price.

Of course, that goes without saying.  It has always been the case that you can have something much cheaper if you put the work in doing it yourself.


When buying an audio product you are paying for the many years of building experience and experimentation from the builder that led to the performance of the product, and for their overhead, what they need to run the business, shipping, advertising etc.   Nothing new here.


Whenever people say 'that's a rip off because I can get it much cheaper doing it myself" it reminds me of people who attack fine dining "Look at those small portions!  I could have a way cheaper meal that would be more filling just cooking at home!"


Kinda misses the point to say the least.   It depends what you value.I highly value "being cooked for" and the feeling of going to a nice restaurant and trying dishes that I would never put the effort in to making.  Other people don't.  Likewise, I'll pay what I can afford for a speaker that looks and sounds exactly as I want, because I'm not remotely interested in turning speaker-making in to my own hobby.My free time is far more valuably (to me) spent on other things I like as well.

just bought a pr of the Pulsar Gs. awaiting arrival. Am looking forward to seeing them run in and what can he done to optimize them.

Question to folks with experience listening to JA (or owners): did you ever have the chance to compare them to Klipsch Heritage, like Forte IV or Cornwall IV? If yes could you describe your experience?
I own the Pulsar 2G and have had major issues with low bass and standing waves, until I rotated my room around so that the Pulsars fire down the long wall, problem solved. I’ve had quite a few emotional listening sessions since, amazing holographic imaging! However, on the journey, I stumbled upon Decware Zen 2w amp, and I was very intrigued, so I’ve been thinking about going down the high sensitivity speaker way, but where I live the selection is limited to Klipsch. I’ve been testing a pair of Forte IV, but not quite convinced:-) They do have a bigger sound and go lower in the bass, but there’s no holographic feeling. 

They do have a bigger sound and go lower in the bass, but there’s no holographic feeling.

Bingo!  Totally different sound/experience and journey.  I’d try something like a Raven or other tube amp with the Pulsars as a potential best of both worlds compromise.  But I’m a huge JA fan so maybe I’m not the best person to make alternative suggestions.  Best of luck with this. 

Using my Pulsar 2's with a Pass XA25.  In my medium sized room sound is wonderful.  Sound Anchor stands help as well.

I think a Luxman might work well also.

Higher power tubes should work as well.

Have no intention of swapping out the JA's.