I recently communicated with Jeff Joseph concerning my possible purchase of a tube power amp to drive my Pulsars. Jeff said that tube amps were fine for the Pulsars, but that he would recommend at least 60 wpc.
A tubed integrated amp for Joseph Audio Pulsars?
I'm running a modified Jolida 502B integrated of long use with my Pulsars. Thinking it's near time to try something new. I want to continue in the tube integrated realm and it's very hard to get a take-home amp to test. I'm interested in synergy and an amp with the ability to handle more demanding passages. I love a grand, full, tactile mid-range, but don't want to skirt elsewhere. A little tempo is important. Flabby bass unforgivable if it comes out of tight, little speakers like these. Extension? Soundstaging? Bring it!
I have a hard time understanding what kind of power I need for these Pulsars, knowing not all wattage is created equally. So I worry about attractive amps like Leben or Luxman or anything not over 50w, even though that worry might be unfounded. I want to make magic. So, what's a perfect fit? Who has been down this road with these speakers and has tales to tell and guidance to share? Under $10K, please.Oh, and it's got to be built to last for-evah.
I have a hard time understanding what kind of power I need for these Pulsars, knowing not all wattage is created equally. So I worry about attractive amps like Leben or Luxman or anything not over 50w, even though that worry might be unfounded. I want to make magic. So, what's a perfect fit? Who has been down this road with these speakers and has tales to tell and guidance to share? Under $10K, please.Oh, and it's got to be built to last for-evah.
Showing 4 responses by rlb61
As a fellow Pulsar owner, I would recommend sticking with SS for power. Although Jeff Joseph told me that a tube amp with at least 60 wpc would work, I have reservations about the efficacy of tube power given the 83dB sensitivity of the Pulsars. Also, I would recommend separates rather than an integrated as I think you will have much more control over the speakers and the overall sound of your rig. |
Apparently, cone material not the only upgrade. The latest report by Soundstage on the Pulsar 2 says that the midrange-woofer driver’s entire motor system and suspension have been improved for better bass and midrange performance. Moreover, Soundstage states: "The new Pulsar 2 Graphene is priced $12,000 per pair ..." That’s an increase of $4,300 over the price of the original Pulsars. Unless the upgrade is a spectacular game changer, and unless an upgrade would be offered to existing Pulsar owners at a significant discount, I likely would pass. Thanks @prof for the head’s up from Soundstage. |
As far as I can tell, the new SEAS cone is still cast-magnesium (like in the original Pulsar), but is now "coated" with graphene. Not sure that this is a night and day difference; however, the fact that they are using the same base material (i.e., magnesium) with a mere coating of graphene leads me to believe that any sonic improvement may be slight. See www.audioxpress.com/news/seas-announces-new-excel-graphene-woofer-series |