Gamut RS3i vs. Joseph Audio Pulsars


Very similar form factors, using top quality drivers in both, with a driver cost that is probably similar.


The Gamut is ~ $20k, and the Joseph Audio Pulsar’s are ~ $10k now.


Is the Gamut 2x better sounding than the Pulsar?


I hope to listen to them both in the near future and render a definitive opinion. :)
erik_squires
I suspect the Kef Reference 1 will beat both of them ;)

If you look at the Gamut RS7, which uses the same 1.5" tweeter and 7" woofer, they have the expected directivity issue with the huge FR hole at 2K due to using a 7" midrange driver. A 1.5" tweeter also becomes directional much quicker than a 1" tweeter and the reduced reflections are perceived as a lack of air. I listened to the RS3i at RMAF and honestly there are $4k monitors I've heard that sound better.

As for the Pulsar, it’s horizontal dispersion looks like a lot of Seas tweeters which start getting directional around 4-5K which is why I suspect they added some energy to the tweeter output, explaining the rising treble response.
If you look at the Gamut RS7, which uses the same 1.5" tweeter and 7" woofer, they have the expected directivity issue with the huge FR hole at 2K due to using a 7" midrange driver.

That's not a directivity issue. It's a mismatch between the high pass and low pass points.  This may be deliberate, as a dip here is often associated with improved imaging, and something I used to see in Wilsons.

I am however very surprised they put the tweeter so far away from any other driver.


PS, I agree that it is a compromise to use a tweeter with a 6-7" midwoofer with a 1" tweeter but it's not a terrible one.  In fact, many speakers I've liked a great deal use a similar combination. It's not as bad as you might think.