Might want to try and get listen to the new Kef Reference 1..
Any monitors clearly better than Pulsars?
After some recent amp and preamp upgrades, I'm wondering if it's possible to push further on my speakers.
Right now, I'm running Joseph Audio Pulsars, which I enjoy thoroughly. Because I live in an apartment, floorstanders are out of the question, and I know the Pulsars are some of the best monitors around.
My question is: are there any monitors that are clearly head and shoulders above the Pulsars, which might be worth a listen? Budget-wise, I could probably go up to $12k used.
In terms of what I'm looking there, really there is nothing specific. I'd say the same about upgrading from the LS26 to the REF 5SE; I wasn't looking for anything specific there, but the 5SE is clearly better :)
That said, I'd be hoping to find a speaker that is clearly an upgrade. If any other monitor would be a minor step up, or more of a lateral move, then I'm happy standing pat with the Pulsars.
Right now, I'm running Joseph Audio Pulsars, which I enjoy thoroughly. Because I live in an apartment, floorstanders are out of the question, and I know the Pulsars are some of the best monitors around.
My question is: are there any monitors that are clearly head and shoulders above the Pulsars, which might be worth a listen? Budget-wise, I could probably go up to $12k used.
In terms of what I'm looking there, really there is nothing specific. I'd say the same about upgrading from the LS26 to the REF 5SE; I wasn't looking for anything specific there, but the 5SE is clearly better :)
That said, I'd be hoping to find a speaker that is clearly an upgrade. If any other monitor would be a minor step up, or more of a lateral move, then I'm happy standing pat with the Pulsars.
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- 52 posts total
Rrolack- The ARC Ref5 SE is nothing less than outstanding. I do not think you will find better money spent on a pre-amp. Now, to address your loudspeakers. Having heard both the Pulsar & Perspecive models. Until I can demo the Pearl 2 or Pearl 3, you might want to consider a Magico or Wilson Audio speaker. Keep me posted & Happy Listening! |
hello, this is an old thread, nevertheless i wonder if anyone have more experience with the monitors mentioned in the discussion above, namely these speakers : Joseph Audio Pulsars vs Alta Audio Celesta FRM-2 and Raidho's C series or XT series. anyone had A/B before? would appreciate everyone whom share info as i'm searching for monitors with good ribbons. JA Pulsar act as a reference point for comparisons. Thank you. -Ph |
@philipwu I have been enamored with the Joseph speakers, started off wanting the Pulsars, moved to wanting the Perspectives. I auditioned tons of speakers including the Raidho X1s and C 1.2, which were being offered in a very good deal from my local dealer. I’d been quite impressed by Raidho monitors briefly hearing them at shows. But on a longer listen I decided they weren’t for me. In a nutshell, though the Raidho tweeter does indeed make for very fine high frequencies, the actual tone and voicing of the speakers were a bit too obviously scuplted to my ear. I found the Joseph speakers to be more tonally beautiful and convincing and also more neutral-sounding (in a good way) than the Raidho. Also the Joseph speakers have stellar high frequencies as well in terms of natural, ease, and sounding "unmechanical." I can certainly understand why someone would choose a Raidho instead, as of course it will come down to personal taste. You can find some more detail on my Rhaidho audition in this thread: https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/contemplating-devore-speakers-and-others-long-audition-report... |
- 52 posts total