I, too, heard the Pulsars at Axpona NYC and they were coupled with a Bel Canto front end (DAC and Power Supply) and Bel Canto monoblocks (I assume the top of the line reference ones but I am not certain). As someone else stated, they were running computer files to the DAC. I came away very impressed by the Pulsars. They are transparent, dynamic, have very extended high frequencies, and can really pull off the disappearing act. They set the speakers up at an odd angle in the room (not parallel with any wall) but this shows Bel Canto/Joseph Audio tried their best to optimize the sound for the lousy room they were in and this was the best solution. I will concede that they might not be every one's cup of tea. I can see some listeners thinking that they are hyperdetailed on top with too much treble energy and perhaps too forward in their presentation. In addition, we have to remind ourselves that these are pricey standmounters in some very competitive floorstander territory. Many of us are used to hearing/ auditioning good small standmounters in the $2K to $3K range and we might have a tendency to compare the Pulsars to those, but these Pulsars are more than double that.
Joseph Audio Pulsar?
I'm in the market for the best possible reproduction (within the budget, obviously) from 70 Hz and up. Budget is as much as $6000, although $5K would be more comfortable. I recently heard a pair of the Pulsars and was thoroughly impressed. Retail price is out of range and used pairs don't seem to come up for sale. So, I would welcome any and all opinions from those who 1) auditioned the Pulsars, AND 2) have a slightly less expensive alternative. The only caveat is that I must be able to listen before buying (say, within 200 miles of the audio wasteland known as Houston), or alternatively, have an offer of in home trial. The speakers will be driven by my tube amp (VAC Phi Beta 110i). Thanks in advance for your thoughts.