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Joseph Audio Perspective2 vs Perspective

Anyone got a chance to compare the two? I've heard the Perspective2s which IMO are the best speakers I have heard. However, they are over my budget. Maybe I can get a used pair of the originals but don't know how much different they are.
celo
paullb
113 posts
 
I've never compared the two models, but JA did in his review of the Perspective 2s. He noted that the treble on the originals was tipped up which could make them sound bright. He thought the updated model was better balanced. His measurements confirmed that the newer models have less high-frequency output.
northman
236 posts
 
Interesting that some of us Joseph Audio fans are also fans of Harbeth.Both brands have a "rightness" and believability in timbre and tone, yet at the same time have quite different "sound" or presentations.

These two speakers are at the top of my list (along with Vandersteens, which I've never heard). I've auditioned the Pulsar2 but not the Perspectives. I hope to do some more listening, once the world returns to a bit more normalcy.

I'm wondering if someone can compare those different "sounds," those presentations, between JA and Harbeth speakers.  Thanks!
celo OP
158 posts
 
@northman

I will try. I own the SHL5s. I Iike it better than the Plus version. I found the Plus version to be brighter. It has more “hifi” sound, whatever that means:) I think SHL5s are more enjoyable to listen to. It can be dark sounding a little but I can listen to them for hours with zero fatigue.


I have never cared for the Joseph Audio speakers before. Either I didn’t pay attention before or it just didn’t do anything special for me, I don’t know. So, in 2019 I have heard the Pulsar (not 2 Graphene version). I still didn’t find them special for my taste or maybe like I said I didn’t give enough attention. However, that’s when I find my speakers, when I don’t give attention to the sound and the sound finds me:)


In 2020, I was at the same show. I didn’t even want to visit JA’s room. My wife forced me to go in because she said it sounded good from outside. I am glad I listened to my wife:) The Perspective2s are the best speakers I have heard, at any price. I had to visit his room twice to make sure what I heard wasn’t just that time. I liked it even better the second time. The sound is so real and detailed yet sounds very easy on the ear like the Harbeths. Remember I don’t like SHL5 Plus because they sound detailed maybe but bright, losing Harbeth’s house sound/musicality. Perspective2 are best of both worlds. The bass is also incredible on the JA P2s which even Harbeth 40s cannot match. I will buy them one day for sure after this craziness is gone. I HIGHLY recommend them.


I always wanted to hear the Vandersteens too. Maybe they’re better than JA, I don’t know but I am not so sure when the JA Perspective2s beat 100K-speakers at the show.


northman
236 posts
 
Thank you, Celo. I appreciate your response. When I heard the Pulsar2s, I was impressed by the realism and detail that you describe, but maybe not so "easy on the ear." I do think that the "forward" sound I was hearing might well have been the nature of the audition; I'd like to hear them again. And now I really want to hear the Perspective2s.

Hearing the difference between speakers isn't all that difficult, but knowing which will sound best in your home, for long listening sessions, with different kinds of music, over many years--that is the great challenge.
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