Joseph Audio Pulsars v. Focal Diablo Utopia's


I have been looking for a pair of Joseph Audio Pulsars to replace my JA 25XL's (which I already like) I've never heard the Pulsars but I like the "Joseph sound" and have seen how everyone raves about them. However, I recently heard some Focal's and wondered if anyone had any thoughts on how the Focal Diablo Utopia's compare with the Pulsars . . . I've got a Theta Dreadnaught 5 channel amp, with a Plinius SA 103 2 channel for the front speakers, and a Marantz 8801 preamp, with Cardas Golden Cross wire for the fronts and Audience Au24's for the center and interconnects. Thoughts?
moto_man

Showing 1 response by moto_man

Thanks for the feedback!  There are no Joseph dealers anywhere near me, so their sound is a mystery to me.  However, I went to a local Focal dealer and listened to the Diablos and they sounded superb. I got a good deal on a pair here and ended up going with them. I got the Diablos in red lacquer, which my wife LOVES as we are in a modern condo in Miami. As soon as I hooked them up instead of the RM25XL's, it was a huge difference in the high end and midrange -- much more expansive.  Since I have a big subwoofer, the bass was not an issue.  It was a little brighter sound than I am used to, as all of my music is FLAC on a server, and not as forgiving on less than good quality recordings.  So I added MIT S3 cables, which really made a difference in the soundstage, I thought, and added a NAIM NDX streamer/DAC.  I have to say that I have obtained audio perfection again.  The system sounds exactly the way I like it.  I guess I never know how the Pulsars would have fared until I find a pair to listen to!

@soix, what preamp would you suggest?  I need one with a home theater bypass as they are used as my front speakers (JA Cynergy 5.1 center, FYI).  I have a Plinius M12 preamp, but I'm not sure if I can rig up an HT Bypass for it (although I read somewhere that the Tape inputs could potentially be used.  I also thought about a Devialet 200 or 250 and eliminating the Plinius amp, but it is a pretty pricey piece of equipment, on top of everything else!  Suggestions?