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Opinions regarding JMlab Alto Be?

OK, it's decision time soon ... narrowed down speaker list to: JMlab Alto Be, Dynaudio Confidence C2, Wilson Audio Sophia (also considering Focus Audio FS-888, Living Voice Avatar OBX or regular Avatar, Dali Euphonia MS4). I listen to primarily alternative rock/indie rock e.g. Radiohead, MUSE, REM, Beck, PJ Harvey, Wilco, Ryan Adams, Strokes, White Stripes, U2, Lucinda Williams, Interpol, Modest Mouse, Shins etc etc

The electronics (not purchased yet) will likely include Simaudio P-5/W-5 preamp/amp and Simaudio Nova CD player, but I am also considering new Hovland HP200 preamp instead.

I have listened to the JMlab Alto Be repeatedly and to my untrained ears I have been impressed with it's overall musicality, imaging, transparency, driver integration, and reasonably good bass. However, the price is troubling ! Yet, many people feel that Focal speakers are continually troubled by poor bracing/damping and resultant cabinent resonance. Yet, I question whether this is still as much a problem with the new Be series.

Because of its price I was hoping I could happily live with one of the cheaper speakers on my short list.

As I wrestle with my final decision, I would greatly appreciate anyones subjective opinion of the JMlab Alto Be (trying to disregard price in your assessment).
thom_y
jtinn
1,124 posts
 
Jwaugh: My statement was based on the speakers Thom_y was comparing to.
gliderguider's avatar
gliderguider
294 posts
 
I also think you can do better than JMlab. My person preference is the high end Coincidents - specifically the Total Victory, which for my tastes knocked a pair of JMlab Diva Be completely out of the ring recently.

My complaint is that I don't hear enough presence and life (microdynamics?) from JMlab speakers overall. They just sound too polite to me, and the bass isn't what it should be for the money. The Coincidents don't suffer from these faults at all. They sound very alive, with great dynamics and very deep bass. They are an extremely engaging speaker, a true "statement" product at a lower cost than most of the ones under discussion.
tommywall
23 posts
 
Hi-

Quick comment in agreement with JWaugh above- for the price range you're considering, listen to some more speakers, if you can.

I'd recommend looking into-

The new Linn models (Akurate 242s are the floor-standers, I believe)

Whatever Avalon product fits the price range

Wilson-Benesch ACT

Merlin VSM (the favorite of a lot of folks around here)

Good Luck!
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