Joseph Audio: Perspectives and Pearls

grannyring, the Perspectives were measured to around 84dB sensitivity at Stereophile, with a generally even "tube friendly" impedance.

The Joseph speakers had long used a proprietary "infinite slope" crossover design (created by Richard Modafferi).  So not off the shelf in that regard.  Apparently the crossover design has been tweaked over the years and I'm not sure it still fits the original "infinite slope" design.  But it's still quite steep, I believe.

Personally I have no problem with a speaker designer like Jeff Joseph taking the best parts he can find to create his speakers.  Driver makers like SEAS are among the best that exist - they have so much history and expertise.  Some speaker companies brag about creating their own proprietary drivers, but that's certainly no guarantee they are better than a top shelf driver from a far more experienced company like SEAS.

+1 @prof again I'm looking forward to hearing JA speakers in a few weeks

Jeff Joseph builds his own crossovers and he has the cabinets built to his specifications.  Just because he uses off the shelf drivers, as do many speaker manufacturers does not mean he is just an assembler.  It is HIS designs, HIS crossovers and HIS cabinet designs. I have heard his speakers many times at audio shows and although they aren’t for me,the always sound fantastic.  Usually, VPI shows with him. 

+1 @prof ​​​​​@stereo5 

Jeff Joseph is a bonafide designer and not a mere assembler. 
His speakers are world class!

stereo5,

Having done tons of research on the Joseph Speakers while I was deciding whether to buy, I looked over years of reviews, user reports, show reports, and audiophile impressions.

I'm not sure I've seen a speaker manufacture get as much uniformity of praise as I've seen for the Joseph speakers.  Even if, as you say they weren't for you, almost everyone praises the quality of the sound. 

It's interesting the brand isn't bigger than it is.  I guess some look at them as just "more drivers in a box" and there's lots of competition out there.  Aside from the luxurious sound quality, I find the craftsmanship in regard to the design/aesthetics/execution of the speakers to enter the realm of 'audio jewelry' and I'm ok paying some more for that type of pride of owner ship.