New Joseph Audio Pulsar Graphene 2

talllica13 posts04-08-2019 6:22pm
. Without question they have been rated and still one of the best sounding speakers in the world (yes very true)


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Worlds best due to Seas Engineered product, not anything to do with JA labs. 
The Seas Excel line of Midwoofers are indeed the worlds best sounding, along with Scanspeak's top of the line which are 2X's the price as Seas.

I prefer Seas Graphene over the Scanspeak. 
Now as for the Seas tyweeter, I'd say its the best dome tweeter, having not heard their newest Cresendo, which my guess is out shoots the Millennium 
But as I've said many times here, I've dumped all dome tweeters in place of
a  4 inch FR($200/pair) + Magnovox 1963 horn tweeter(rare/under $100). 
This combo far superior to any dome/Seas/Scanspeak midrange/tweeter. 
The FR/horn completely totally annihilates all dome tweeters in the 2k-15k hz. 
Domes are dinasaurs. 
The best sounding speaker in my opinon is a  
W22 Graphene /Mundorf SESGO
+ 
Vox 5 Inch FR, well if you got the extra cash a AER FR. But thats a  10 inch thus making the W22 completely un-necessary. 
Nothing would come even close. (excluding the incredible FC's)

This new iteration of the venerable Pulsars has a graphene coated magnesium midrange-woofer cone, and the drive motor, suspension system, etc., have been revamped. From what I have been told, the upgrade is pretty significant ... the sound is fuller and has greater e

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AS i've mentioned often here, I have the Thors MTM which has the W18E001, The Original Pulsars I believe has the EX001. 
This new Seas Graphene EX001 has  a  superior cone material and a  titanium voice coil. IMHO its the worlds finest midwoofer made. Although Scan speak has some incredible/phenomenol midwoofers at $1000 each = $2G's/pair.
Madisound   should be stocking the Graphene  from what they told me some weeks ago, $500  each and well worth the cash, based on how wonderful the E001;'s sound.
Thing is the JA's use the Millennium tweeter. The db is too low for my taste.
I am nota  fan of any dome tweets. 
For all range mids i use a FR. But will hang on to the W18E001's for bass, up to 1200hz.
I don't want to take away from JA's fine product, but here you can easily do a  DIY with the same Graphene , with the W22 at near same price as the W18Graphene. 
How does the W22Grap compare with Scan's massive midwoofers..I have no idea.
I am a Seas fan, so I'd go Seas over Scan. Scan no doubt will go deeper,almost like a  sub sound, but thats not what I want.. I think the GrapW22 is more a  *musical bass* vs Scan's.= More softer, but rich and full for sure.
JA employing the Graph is a huge bonus over the EX001, 
And anyone with a  original EX001 can very easily swap out for the Graph. 
Last note, if you are going Graph, I highly recommend going with Mundorf SESGO caps only in the woofer. If you can not afford those go Silver Supreme. 8, 10, or 12 uf as prefence. 
This will really *Hot Rod* your Graphene for max performance. 
Graphene worlds finest midwoofer made today. 

Using my Pulsar 2's with a Pass XA25.  In my medium sized room sound is wonderful.  Sound Anchor stands help as well.

I think a Luxman might work well also.

Higher power tubes should work as well.

Have no intention of swapping out the JA's.

They do have a bigger sound and go lower in the bass, but there’s no holographic feeling.

Bingo!  Totally different sound/experience and journey.  I’d try something like a Raven or other tube amp with the Pulsars as a potential best of both worlds compromise.  But I’m a huge JA fan so maybe I’m not the best person to make alternative suggestions.  Best of luck with this. 

Question to folks with experience listening to JA (or owners): did you ever have the chance to compare them to Klipsch Heritage, like Forte IV or Cornwall IV? If yes could you describe your experience?
I own the Pulsar 2G and have had major issues with low bass and standing waves, until I rotated my room around so that the Pulsars fire down the long wall, problem solved. I’ve had quite a few emotional listening sessions since, amazing holographic imaging! However, on the journey, I stumbled upon Decware Zen 2w amp, and I was very intrigued, so I’ve been thinking about going down the high sensitivity speaker way, but where I live the selection is limited to Klipsch. I’ve been testing a pair of Forte IV, but not quite convinced:-) They do have a bigger sound and go lower in the bass, but there’s no holographic feeling. 

just bought a pr of the Pulsar Gs. awaiting arrival. Am looking forward to seeing them run in and what can he done to optimize them.

There's simply no way a traditional 2-way mini-monitor is worth $9k.

"Worth" is of course subjective.

If I wanted a premium DIY build I could get that for a quarter of that price.

Of course, that goes without saying.  It has always been the case that you can have something much cheaper if you put the work in doing it yourself.


When buying an audio product you are paying for the many years of building experience and experimentation from the builder that led to the performance of the product, and for their overhead, what they need to run the business, shipping, advertising etc.   Nothing new here.


Whenever people say 'that's a rip off because I can get it much cheaper doing it myself" it reminds me of people who attack fine dining "Look at those small portions!  I could have a way cheaper meal that would be more filling just cooking at home!"


Kinda misses the point to say the least.   It depends what you value.I highly value "being cooked for" and the feeling of going to a nice restaurant and trying dishes that I would never put the effort in to making.  Other people don't.  Likewise, I'll pay what I can afford for a speaker that looks and sounds exactly as I want, because I'm not remotely interested in turning speaker-making in to my own hobby.My free time is far more valuably (to me) spent on other things I like as well.

There's simply no way a traditional 2-way mini-monitor is worth $9k. If I wanted a premium DIY build I could get that for a quarter of that price.

I'd been waiting forever for one of the top audio mags to finally review The Pearls, just out of curiosity.  They were finally reviewed recently in The Absolute Sound.  (Unfortunately I found the review to be fairly lame and not very well written).

I some how missed this post from a few months ago, but I've been a fan of Joseph speakers for years, and a dealer now for a little over 10 years.  I have both the Pearl 20/20 and Perspective2s setup for demo (as well as Pulsar2s).  

The Perspectives are flat out awesome speakers in my opinion, and would be perfect for large majority of systems out there.  With that said, there is no doubt that the Pearls offer a much fuller sound with quite a bit more low end response and detail.  

In the end, both are fantastic speakers.  I would suggest listening to both and see which you prefer!

Have you ever tried otherwhatsapp?

@riaa. Toe to toe LOL.  you win virtually.  

Has anyone compared the prospective 2 and the pearl 20.20 with an audition?   I heard the former at CAF and fell in love.   They might be the only speaker that can pry my Thiel 3.6 and cs6 out of my system.

i have a large room and although the prospectives blew me away they were in a very small room.  Wondering what the step up factor would be with the Pearls.

@pops I've heard both but in a different room, different systems, different times. Not very meaningful impression. But, Pearl 20.20 being driven my top of the line Doshi and reel-to-reel SOTA front end sounded better than Perspective 2. The later was being driven by much more modest system. But the difference was less than you'd expect.

Jim Smith (author of Get Better Sound), recently sold off his mega buck Tannoy system and replaced it with the Perspective 2s. You can see his room here: https://www.audioshark.org/audioshark-members-systems-101/my-roomplay-reference-sound-room-18528.html.

The room looks really big. I don't think Perspectives will have any problem filling a large space. It comes with a foam liner in the port that you can remove to extend bass frequency and impact. I think in a medium room Perspective 2 would have an advantage over Pearl and may actually sound little better.

I have found that the expensive speakers are, at times, a little too honest and revealing of what you are feeding them... including the quality and mastering of the recording/source.  So if your media isnt top notch the expense is wasted and actually detracts from the overall enjoyment and perception.

So yes, less expensive speakers can “sound” considerably better than their more expensive counterparts.

Anyone who cant agree with that is fooling themselves and doesnt understand as much, or has experienced as much, as they think they do.

Ok, thanks.  What are your other speakers?  Sounds like you have quite a collection.
(I had 7 pairs of speakers not long ago, but I've been cutting down).

I was merely pointing out the Pearl vs Perspectives in my initial post...2 Speakers. Celo took it down an entirely different road which wasnt my intention nor do I understand WHERE it came from.

Im from New Jersey/New York area. We all have attitudes...see POTUS.
I dont use my Pearl’s. They need more room to breathe than I can offer at this time. Will probably cash them in or trade in the near future.

riaa_award_collectors_on_facebook
So do you actually disagree with the point that bigger and more expensive doesn't mean "better?"

Like celo, I've heard $100,000 speakers that I would never take over my Joseph Perspectives (or my Thiel 2.7s).   Surely you can agree with that main point?

And if you can dial down the confrontational attitude a bit...

You own the Pearls?  How do you like them?

And I would be interested in knowing that long list of speakers you own.

A forum member has the upgraded JA Perspectives listed for sale on the other site.  If I were in driving distance of KY I'd be loading them into my van right now. :)  Really eager to try these speakers, and the next RMAF is another 15 months away, at a minimum.

@prof thanks for explaining it like you explain to a little kid. My fault that I thought he was smart enough to understand me. Kids are kids, I know! 

Not necessarily moniker too long to copy.
With a little more experience with high end equipment you will understand, especially with speakers.  But thanks for the worthless feedback.  

@riaa 

I see no point in discussing ideas with people who talk like a little kid. If you grow up, then we can talk.

^^^ Well...that was snippy!


celo’s point is not unreasonable.


Many audiophiles, myself included, have listened to various speakers within a company's line, and have found that certain designs hit a sweet spot to our ears. In other words, I may find a model in the mid/upper range that pushes all my buttons, and while the bigger, more expensive model may sound bigger, it may not necessarily sound "better" to my ears. Adding ever more complexity doesn’t determine better sonics.It certainly CAN, but doesn’t always.


Now, whether this is the case with Joseph Audio I can’t say. I heard the Pearls once, with limited content and they were amazing. And Jeff Joseph is a heck of a speaker designer, so I would not be surprised if the Pearls outperform the Perspectives.


But celo was making a general point that on principle is valid: bigger and more expensive does not automatically entail better. Many of us have direct experience of this, so it’s best not to assume.

Celo, So you think Joseph Audio would make their 36K Speaker sound inferior to their 13-15K Model?? Do you have an ounce of common sense at all? Im not surprised with your vast intellect and reasoning skills that you cant afford a pair of the perspectives.

@riaa
I disagree. I haven’t heard the Pearls but more expensive doesn’t mean better IMO. I have heard $100K speakers that didn’t impress me at all. The best speakers I have heard so far at any price is the Perspective2s. I hope I can afford them one day. Probably would be my last speakers that I purchase. 

Im kinda thinking a 36K Speaker will be a substantial improvement over a 13K speaker but hey thats just me.

Has anyone compared the prospective 2 and the pearl 20.20 with an audition?   I heard the former at CAF and fell in love.   They might be the only speaker that can pry my Thiel 3.6 and cs6 out of my system.

i have a large room and although the prospectives blew me away they were in a very small room.  Wondering what the step up factor would be with the Pearls.    

Personally, I have no use for people describing their "feelings" when describing audio gear.   If they can relay how it sounds, that's helpful.But emotional reactions completely vary between people

I'm sure you're probably right, and if I did more extensive and careful comparisons, I might be able to articulate the differences (as you did so very well in another thread.)   I find that I really struggle with A/B comparisons, and it's hard to describe the differences in sound.  I've listened to many systems at dealers, and one visit to RMAF, and heard systems that are shockingly expensive and probably technically excellent, but that left me unmoved.

But sometimes a system really works for me, and I get a powerful emotional reaction, an audio nirvana experience that I can't explain in technical terms.  It's that experience of pure joy that's really hooked me on high end audio.  Of course, part of that might be my mood and other things going on in my head at the time that allow or prevent me from having that experience.

IMO, if people cannot describe their “feeling” when they listen, there is close to zero value to their input.

Personally, I have no use for people describing their "feelings" when describing audio gear.   If they can relay how it sounds, that's helpful.But emotional reactions completely vary between people - I can be utterly unmoved by a speaker that makes someone else swoon.(And that's also why "sounds like music" is the most useless phrase in all of audio reviewing).

Bumping this thread - anyone  have more comments on the Perspective2 in the last year?  I'm hoping to hear them soon, or maybe after the pandemic. Had to bump the thread when I read this.  :)
<Keep in mind that to many the sound they are “hearing” is entirely in their heads.>
Actually, *everyone* is hearing a sound that is entirely in their heads. It's just sound waves until the brain processes it.  IMO, if people cannot describe their “feeling” when they listen, there is close to zero value to their input.

So with respect to the original post, as an owner of original Pulsars interested if anyone can comment with respect to discernible acoustic differences between the original Pulsars and their latest revision?
Remain amazed by the pictures these small speakers are capable of painting, but if the revisions can offer even more and the difference is quantifiable (my call),  I'd very much like to know.
Todd

Look at the Stereophile CJ Premiere 12 chart.  The simulated speaker load they use is pretty close to what the Pulsars have.  Shows about 0.5 dB boost.

Perfectly manageable with placement, and of course, in a good room. :)

Thanks erik. I admit I’m still somewhat in the weeds though, as I guess you can’t give a definitive answer and it will be just a play-and-try situation.

I have just been a bit worried if the new model was "harder to control" in the bass region or something for my amp. My current perspectives a nicely controlled in the bass and *just on the edge* of overwarmth in some situations, so I was trying to understand if I upgrade whether I should anticipate any bass issues.

As to the top octave balance, I did hear a slightly more relaxed sound from the Graphene version. (Occasionally I wondered "too relaxed?")Having read JA’s Perspective2 review/measurements I went in knowing the top had a slightly less extended balance but was happy that this didn’t lead to a "darker" sound, at least from my limited exposure. It still seemed vivid and open sounding where it counts.

I wrote:

Both amps share quite a bumpy ride

I meant:

Both _speakers_ share quite a bumpy ride

Hi @prof,

For an example, see Stereophile's measurements of the CJ 12.  In particular, the first graph showing the output into a simulated load.

https://www.stereophile.com/content/conrad-johnson-premier-twelve-monoblock-amplifier-measurements

See that bump at ~ 60 Hz?  That's what I'm talking about. :) The greater the impedance of the speaker, the more that bump will rise.

What, if any, consequences would this have for driving the Perspective2 vs the original version? I use the CJ Premier 12 tube monoblocks. Are there any implications as to the Perspective2s being harder to drive or whatever vs the originals (which I own)?

Hi @prof

Thanks for trusting me to answer this question.

For a solid state (i.e. low output impedance) amplifier the consequences are probably very little.

As the amp’s output impedance rises (damping factor drops) the frequency response of the amp’s output starts to tracks the impedance. So, the math says that increases in impedance will lead to increases in output. The other thing that is noticeable, and almost coincident is the phase angle is now bigger just above, ~ -45 degrees vs. ~ - 25 for the original. So long as this is coincidental with a high impedance this should not be an issue.

The Perspective 2 isn’t what is normally thought of as "hard to drive" but if you ask if the change in impedance has the opportunity to alter the sound of the amp/speaker combo then yes, it is possible that there would be more output at the impedance peak, how much and whether or not it is unpleasant is another story. :)

Both amps share quite a bumpy ride between the bass (150 Hz) to 20 kHz, but if you already like the sound of the original, I’m sure the new one won’t be much different, with potentially a stronger output at the peak.

You know, I thought I had seen specs from JA which showed the speaker to be impedance compensated. Clearly these two examples are not!

Something you did not ask about: The overall balance.

Based on the impedance, frequency and assuming JA has kept the original tweeter, it looks like he’s not trying to get the tweeter as flat to 20 kHz as before. I would expect the new model to sound a little more relaxed in the top octave.

Neither model exhibits frequency aberrations, so I just note this as a mild shift in goals.


Best,

E

@erik_squires

In the measurement section of of JA's review of the updated Perspective 2Graphene, JA makes this comment:

the Perspective2’s plot of impedance magnitude and electrical phase against frequency (fig.1) suggest that the speaker is an easy load for the partnering amplifier to drive. However, while the Perspective’s minimum magnitude was 6.27 ohms at 135Hz, the Perspective2’s minimum was a little lower, at 5.36 ohms at 139Hz. The bass impedance peak was also greater, at 34.4 ohms at 59Hz compared with 15.6 ohms at the same frequency for the original speaker.

https://www.stereophile.com/content/joseph-audio-perspective-loudspeaker-perspective2-graphene

Can you enlighten me: What, if any, consequences would this have for driving the Perspective2 vs the original version? I use the CJ Premier 12 tube monoblocks. Are there any implications as to the Perspective2s being harder to drive or whatever vs the originals (which I own)?
Thanks.

pops,

The CS6 was one of my favorite all time speakers (I had them for a while, long ago). I’m still a Thiel guy. I don’t see getting rid of my 2.7s any time soon.

I love having the Joseph speakers too, though.

Obviously no speaker is perfect and I can, like others, pick nits in every speaker I own. But having said that, I get obsessive when researching speakers before a prospective purchase. I have probably bookmarked everything someone said on the internet about the Joseph speakers :-)And I don’t think I have ever seen as close to that much consensus of approval about a speaker brand anywhere else (that I’m aware of).


It's not like everyone wants to *own* a Joseph speaker of course.   But whether it’s reviews, or user reports, or show reports, whether in "objectivist" or "subjectivist" audio forums, and from users of all different types of speakers from panel to horn, people who have heard the Joseph speakers almost always say how impressed they were.Almost any other speaker I can think of seems more divisive.

Lots of really great information on JAP2, well done Prof and the rest!  I fell in love with these speaks at CAF last Nov.  Despite a challenging listening environment in a tiny room this speaker turned heads, certainly mine.

I’ve always like JA speakers but have only heard them at the CAF - might be my next speakers but I need to spend some time with them and no dealer in my area.  Like some of you guys I have Thiel CS6 in my system and have been a Thiel guy for 20 years. 

@prof I agree. Today, there are so many gear choices, it is ridiculous. There are $400 speakers sounding amazing. There are $100K speakers sounding meh. However, still they all sound fine. I mean they’re good. But to find that “special” one is hard. I swear, at the FL Show, there was systems that cost $500K and it really didn’t do it for me. I don’t want to name them here but JA should cost at least ten times more than most “high end” speakers at the show. 

@radiohead99

Great user report.

And wow, nice speaker list of the ones you let go.   I'm curious what you'd have to say about the PAP Horn1 speakers.  They seem very different from the Josephs.

I agree on your assessment of the Joseph sound.  It's so rare to hear a speaker that has as open, sparkling an vivid upper frequencies which are at the same time so relaxed and smooth.   I have sensitive ears and worried somewhat that the vividness of the Joseph Perspectives, especially the originals that I bought, might be fatiguing over time.  I found the opposite.  I was able to listen more comfortably to loud levels than probably any other speaker I've owned.  The Perspective2s would be even more comfortable, from what I've read and what I heard.
And, as you mention which I've said as well, the JA speakers seem to do well with a wide range of music because they have that exquisitely refined midrange and highs which give you wonderful tone for acoustic music, but also that juicy, punchy bass that keeps the fun factor for rock, funk, pop or whatever. 


There's a track on the Collateral Soundtrack - Korean Style - that I heard on the Perspectives years ago and it completely grabbed me with it's swirling array of synths punching in and out, going through envelope filters that move the sound from thin/bright to opening up to lush and thick.  This is where that beautiful timbral pallet of the Josephs paid dividends beyond acoustic music.  That track is just so vivid and juicy on the Perspectives.  I haven't found another speaker that quite does it justice like the Perspectives - it's "fine" on other speakers but "wow that sounds amazing!" on the Perspectives.

celo,

I kept writing the same thing over and over again making myself think if I really got paid by Jeff to write:)

Ha, I've had the same feeling as I've written so much about the JA speakers for quite a while here, and elsewhere.

I think if he paid me to write for speakers that I didn’t like, I would have hated my job

That's how I felt.  I did a little audio reviewing in the late 90's and had no interest in reviewing speakers I didn't...or even might not like.  So I only took the gig if I could write about the speakers I wanted to write about.  Basically, I wanted to select out the speakers that excited me so I could tell others about those speakers.

The slightly paradoxical thing for me is that I simultaneously love audio and checking out high end gear, but when it comes to "would I want to own this?" - particularly speakers - the list is vanishingly small.  It is the rare speaker that has a magic factor for me.  Most hold my interest just long enough to get a gist, and then I don't feel compelled to keep listening.  It's the ones that keep my butt immobilized wanting to hear track after track that are keepers.  (Which of course is how many other audiophiles feel about auditioning equipment).  The Joseph Perspectives did this every single time, without fail.

I have a friend who reviews who is much more suited to being an audio reviewer.  He can appreciate a much wider range of equipment.  Whereas most of the speakers he reviews have me interested for moments, and then I wouldn't want to have to keep listening to them much longer.

emailists,
Correct.  I do sound design (not a mixer - editor) for film/tv, so yes was referencing room tones and air tracks.  I'm often either mixing and matching room tones I provide, or matching the room tone audible in between the dialogue in the production track .  Especially if they are keeping the original dialogue recording and there is an artifact, e.g. room hum or the very particular buzz of the lights in that room, I will try to match it.   Same with exterior "air tracks" - I may have to select or adjust tracks I place in to exactly match the timbre of something in the dialogue tracks, be it background traffic, an industrial hum of some sort, or any other artifacts. 

Sometimes I'm balancing and carefully mixing up to 60 separate tracks of sound or so - minute volume changes, eq, processing to make some stand out, some blend in.   It always cracks me up when a fellow audiophile has no other resort but to try to diagnose someone's hearing acuity over the internet to call his ability to perceive audible differences in to question.  Especially someone in my vocation.  I'd love to see how some self-designated golden ears who profess to hear differences with every tweak would do if their ability were *really* put to test in my editing seat ;-)

I kept writing the same thing over and over again making myself think if I really got paid by Jeff to write:) I think if he paid me to write for speakers that I didn’t like, I would have hated my job. 

I first heard JA speakers at CES in the late 90s. It was good but nothing special that drew my attention. Then last year at FL Audio Expo and it still didn’t do it for me.

Two weeks ago, I went to FL Audio Expo again. So, we were passing in front of Jeff’s room but since I am biased and think they’re not for me, I told my wife “Nah, skip it”. Well, we had to pass his room again because it was on our way back to the other floor. My wife convinced me this time and I was floored how real the sound was. I couldn’t believe it. We left the room and before we left the show, I had to go back because I had to make sure it wasn’t just that moment/track. Well, I liked it even better second time. It was unreal how beautiful and live the sound was. I swear you could close your eyes and think you were in a church when he was playing a track had pipe organ in it.

I have heard speakers from A to Z. I own Harbeth SHL5 and Falcon LS3/5As. And I hadn’t heard or read about them before either. I came across the Harbeth’s at a dealer and heard the LS3/5As at FL Audio expo last year. When I audition speakers, I never pay attention and try to evaluate them. They find me. If I hear something very different from the speakers, then I turn my radars on. 

There aren’t many speakers that could do that for me. The JA Perspective2s, did this for me in the most realistic way. Probably the best speakers I have ever heard.

Some update after living with my Perspective 2 for few months.

I bought/sold 5 speakers in last 1.5 year - Daedalus Athena V2, PAP Horn1, Wilson Sabrina, Harbeth 30.2 and JA Perspective 2. Except Sabrina, I was happy with all the other speakers. Sabrina is great except that it’s really high maintenance and fussy - you need top notch front end for it to not sound harsh and fatiguing on bad recordings. I just couldn’t deal with it. In this 1.5 years - I’ve attended 3 audio shows, went to at least 10 dealers for extensive demos and listened to hundreds of speakers of all price classes.

The 5 speakers I’ve went through (except Sabrina) - they all have these traits in common - very organic, non-fatiguing, rich, musical sounding. However, all of them were missing something in different ways albeit very satisfying. I had the Athena for longest - 4 years. So obviously it’s a fantastic speaker. But I wanted to try something new and that led me down this path. All the rest of the speakers, within few weeks of playing - I could feel it in my guts that I was not going to keep them eventually.

But with Perspective 2 - it’s a different story all together. I’ve owned JA Pulsar in the past. But wasn’t my type - too soft and polite on rock music. Not enough oomph. So, I wasn’t really considering JA speakers during my search. However, RMAF and CAF visiting JA room changed all that. I know show conditions are not ideal. However, I just couldn’t be apart from that new JA sound. I had to have them. I’ve never felt that way about any speakers in recent times. I just couldn’t get the sound out of my head.

So, after the honeymoon phase is over - does it live up to my initial infatuation?

The answer is - YES, a resounding yes. And you know what’s encouraging - I’ve not really put enough time to optimize the speaker or have the electronics (except my source) worthy of the Perspective 2 yet. So, it can only get better and better from here.

I’ll try to be brief. Some important characteristics that makes me smile everytime I listen to them:

- Music sounds effortless and relax (regardless of the type of genre).

- Even bad quality recordings are immensely enjoyable. This one is the holy grail for me. Example: "Night shift" by Lucy Dacus. Modern pop/rock album. Wonderful song. However, around 4:11 - the noisy/lo-fi electronic guitar riff used to pierce my ear even on my previous Harbeth. However, on JA Perspective 2 - it is immensely listenable without taking away the rawness of the track. I honestly do not understand how JAP2 does this balancing act.

- Female art pop/folk songs are rendered with all the right emotions and timing. Angel Olsen’s "Never be Mine" or "Chances" - sounds as haunting as ever.

- Voice and acoustic music has the elusive soul. One of the best album of last decade - "A Crow Looked at Me" by Mount Eerie, I get swept up in the emotion that the artist went through with teary eyes. Not that other speakers didn’t have the same effect on me. But on JAP2 - I think it feels more real; as if I can empathize him better.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Crow_Looked_at_Me

- Modern rock songs have the proper punch, authority, drive, meat on the bones. The song "Air" by Waxahatchee from the album Ivy Tripp, sounds as dynamic as I’ve ever heard on any speakers.

- Classic rock: One of my go to song for speaker auditioning is T. Rex - Main Man, and The Slider. I’ve played these on system costing north of 6 figures. But I don’t know why the sounded the absolute best on JAP2. Obviously, the max SPL, life like dynamics room filling capability of JAP2 is not going to be like the Avantgarde super horn I played them on. But it wasn’t as musical as it is on JAP2 in a real world setting. JAP2 has rich, juicy bass that lends itself really well to older rock recordings I think.

- Electronic music: Thom Yorke’s Anima, the new Tame Impala album, Air - they all sounded really really good. Electronic music doesn’t have the nuances/refinement for JAP2 to highlight. But it’s an excellent speaker for this genre given their impactful bass, warm and accurate midrange and wonderful macro and micro dynamics.

I wanted to write some of the traits that of JAP2 that I’m looking to improve. But it’s getting too long. Probably in a follow up post.

@prof 

Yeah, we went through that in this thread :-)

Exactly, but it seems like it's all new again. :)

Having liked the original Pulsars and being interested in Graphene, I thought I’d read a few posts but got sucked into reading the entire 9 page thread containing everything Jerry springer could ask for. Physical threats, a fight where a city got called an armpit, lots of praise for horrible sounding speakers no one asked about, and a village idiot!

Also Is Prof. an audio mixer for film? After having to defend his hearing, it seems like the air in the room he’s describes is room tone.

Rereading I didn't  make that very clear did I 

@prof they do sound as smooth as butter, for sure :)

Ohh you meant the current price for the upgrade. Thought you were asking the current/new price of the latest model.