Anybody have Experience with Alta Audio Alyssa Speaker

I’d add the Joseph Audio Prism and Usher Dancer Mini-X to your list, both of which are a bit cheaper than the Alyssa. 

The Alyssa will have a much bigger sound and reach lower, and its high frequency performance will surely surpass that of the Usher.

@blisshifi  I’m not so sure about that.  The Mini-X uses the same diamond tweeter used in Usher’s $40k flagship speakers and I believe is made in house by Usher. No slouch fer sure.

@blisshifi  Interesting.  Thanks for sharing your experience.  I heard one of their top models at a show years ago and was one of the most memorable demos I’ve heard, but those speakers had the Be tweeter and I’ve never heard the DMD tweet.  Incidentally, at that show Usher gave out a custom demo CD that I’ve used for reference material for years.  You can’t find the CD anywhere anymore, but I found it on a website and the sound quality seems pretty good although I haven’t had a chance to compare it to the CD.  Here’s the link…

https://audiophilemusic.io/portfolio/usher-audio-be-there-volume-3-2006/

@blisshifi  That’s very kind, but I actually still have the CD.  I think Usher made several demo CDs so odds are yours may be different, but ya never know.

I listened to Alta Audio Alyssa at an audio dealer (that I highly respect). I found them thick sounding... too much mid-bass for my liking.

@audiojan  The reviews I’ve read of Alta speakers indicate they are a bit polite sounding up top that may also be feeding into your impressions, but it almost sounds like the speakers weren’t optimally set up in the room or maybe an equipment mismatch.  What do you think?

Anyway, the more polite house sound of the Altas is why I recommended the Prism and Mini-X above as they probably offer a lighter/airier perspective in the event the OP finds the Alyssa not to his liking/tastes.  All comes down to personal tastes after all.  Frankly, at $5k and as @blisshifi alluded to above, I’d go for a pair of used Pulsars and call it a day, but that’s me.

https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/650081867-joseph-audio-pulsars-with-custom-sound-anchor-stands-and-upgraded-twl-jumpers/

Based on the reviews of the regular Pulsars they sound great and I don’t think I would need the graphene upgrade.

I 100% agree.  The graphene thing seems much more important for the Perspectives, and there’s no way in hell you’re gonna be disappointed with the original Pulsars.  Go for it!  You can always upgrade them down the road if audiophile insanity kicks in, but personally I wouldn’t bother as the originals are so damn good already.

@stuartk Not sure I used “mesmerizing” but I guess it’s possible.  I just remember hearing the original Pulsars at a show with Hegel electronics and they sounded excellent — very natural sounding.  I heard them previously at another show driven by Bel Canto electronics and they performed at the same high level with that gear as well to the point where I questioned my inherent bias against Class D because it didn’t sound “digital” in the least, and I could’ve easily and happily lived with that system (and the Hegel too).  My takeaway is the Pulsars can play nice with a variety of amps — yet another virtue to add onto the pile.

Several pairs of original Pulsars sold for under $4000 over the past year so a little patience may be all that’s needed as they do come up fairly frequently. 

Besides if we get the construction loan I will have a separate listening room above the garage. A place where I can truly appreciate the Pulsars.

Awesome!  Sounds like a good plan and keeping my fingers crossed for you. 

@airwatcher I’d recommend listening to the Joseph Audio Pulsars if you can.  Given what you described they may well be that best of both worlds speaker you’re looking for.  Just my $0.02 FWIW.

I’ve only heard the Pulsars at shows, but just going by what I’ve read in reviews it seems one of the more defining differences may be in the treble where the Alyssa sounds like it could be a little more laid back relative to the Pulsars.  Not saying one is better than the other and just depends on what kinda flavor you’re partial to up there, but that may be an important area to explore further FWIW.

@stuartk Unfortunately I’ve never had the opportunity to hear any Fritz speakers but have read nothing but very positive things. Given that they’re sold direct I’d guess the Carbon 7s would sell for about the same price as the original Pulsars, and the specs between the two seem very comparable. That said, to me the real magic of JA speakers is in the crossover that can’t be duplicated because it’s patented. I believe this is a big part of why JA speakers just sound special to me, but I’m sure the Carbon 7s are also excellent in their own way with those intriguing series crossovers. From what I’ve read the Alyssas may have been voiced with a little more laid back treble region, and as the Pulsars strike an optimal balance of detail and air to me without sounding bright or edgy if the Alyssas stray from this it’d be a definite no go for me. But not having heard either of them this is just pure conjecture on my part so not really worth much, and at this level I really think it comes down to personal taste more than anything.