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JM Labs Electra 937Be vs.Diva Utopia Be vs. Mezzo

Just got back from the audio shop this afternoon and had a fairly quick audition of the Electra 937. Very impressed I was. I was hoping to do an A/B comparison with the Diva, but for a variety of reasons was unable to do so. Perhaps will have a chance later.

I've now checked out the 907 and 927 Be, the first of which I liked a lot and the second of which I thought was disappointing. But the 937 is a whole different matter.

What I'd like to know is if others have made these comparisons as well and what were the impressions. Also how do the 937 and the Diva compare with the older Mezzo Utopia? If you had a choice, which would be the best choice and why? I had a very, very brief audition with the Mezzos a month or so ago, and liked them, but I didn't have a chance at that point for a full check with my own music. I'm still pretty blown away by the beryllium tweeter, which is just amazing with my musical tastes. Could someone also explain in more basic terms some of the technological distinctions between these three speakers? Thanks in advance.
washline
cylinderking_1
130 posts
 
Keep in mind in the 70`s Yamaha made the ns-1000 speaker`s which were the first to use beryllium in the cone`s the process proved to be quite a diffacult and costly process for them. Selling off there manufacturing equ. to TAD. So this is nothing new, allthought it most certainly does have great benefit`s for stength and wieght issue`s on the tweeter cone`s at higher hrz 50K.All I was saying JM Lab`s has redesigned the Utopia line saying it`s new and improved and BETTER raising the price 2to 3K. I feel JM Lab already made a very fine product. David
washline OP
202 posts
 
David, I certainly appreciate what you are saying. I'm sure the Mezzos are a dynamite speaker for your system and certainly one that I'm strongly considering as well. Yes, the prices are good on that one. I wasn't aware of Yamaha's experiments previously with beryllium.

Glai and Aball, thanks for posting your associated equipment. Glai, I'm guessing you found the Cardas and Ridge St. had the best synergy with your Divas. And Aball, you found the MITs more satisfying. thanks for the info and I'll keep it in mind.
queequeg115c71
1 posts
 
It is true that Yamaha experimented with Beryllium in the late 70's. The difference between the Yamaha drivers and that of the Utopia and the Electra Be's is not the material however the application of the material. Yamaha used vapor deposition which is a poor use (or process) of the material. Vapor deposition is the spraying of Beryllium (in this case) onto a copper backing. This tends to make the drivers very heavy which defeats the purpose. JMlabs was the first manufacturer to develop a pure Beryllium diaphram. the fact that it is pure or solid is what makes the difference. I would disagree with David on the one fact of "this is nothing new" is way off base.
biomimetic
252 posts
 
Usually when I hear people say you have to experiment to get what you want out of them - it's a good sign meaning they are transparent. When I hear people say they sounded right in their system they were looking for a house sound. Usually I'm more impressed with the former than the latter, as long as it's not b/c the former is just an unresponsive turd of a speaker. I believe the JM's to be very well made - mainly I have heard they hooked up to singled-ended Mastersound amps. Not an easy load, but they handled it making the music sound live.
washline OP
202 posts
 
I agree with your point. Thanks for adding in so late on this topic. I ended up buying the Alto Utopia Be's used. I'm as happy as a clam with these speakers. The others were great as well, but the Altos are really fabulous speakers. The only drawback to the Altos is that they are beasts in terms of size and difficult to move. :-)
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