Great Monitors – Joseph Audio Pulsar ?

I realize that you did not ask for other options, however, the always well-thought-of B&W 805s have a new version just out, the 805 Diamond, that is getting absolutely rave reviews. I have not heard them, but have been trolling various forums and the early returns are that they are spectacular. There is a current thread here on agon about the new Diamond series, and the 805 is mentioned there by some people who have just heard them. I assume you will have no trouble finding a dealer near you that has them. I've heard great things about the new Marten monitor as well, but they are even rarer than a JA speaker. Anyway, please accept my apologies for intruding with another suggestion, but it may be worth checking out. Good luck.

I heard these things at CES 2009 and 2010 and I was amazed by the bass and midrange response. I think each year I asked Jeff Joseph where the sub woofer was, and there was none. I have heard SRV's Tin Pan Alley and John Mayer's Gravity and I have listened to these tracks many many times. I think I was amazed by the imaging, along with vocal clarity. At $6999 its over my budget but doesn't mean I can stop thinking about them.

I did some research into the SEAS Millennium drivers and yes you can build your own system using the same drivers for about 2k in material. I think what makes Joseph Audio stand out is their crossover. You are paying money for that patented infinite slope crossover by Richard Modafferi. If someone buys it, reverse engineer it, and manufacture it in China then we can get for almost at cost. Odds of that happening is nil. Basically you are paying a 'consultant' to fine tune those drivers to make it work in harmony. I heard that the SEAS DIY kits sound very harsh.

I think there is a used pair for sale at $5400. My consolation prize was a used pair of RM7Si's until I can afford 5-7k for a pair of speakers.

I agree completely with Rumadian. These speakers are way over priced for what they are.

The drivers alone cost $200 each at Madisound. Don't tell me Joseph Audio is sprinkling over $6k of fairy dust on these.

I have actually heard these in a domestic like setting very recently at the recent Capital Audiofest.

I thought they sounded was quite nice and fast. There is a good new review here:
http://www.avguide.com/review/joseph-audio-pulsar-tas-203

The reviewer gives a good accounting of the sound as I heard them but is rather lazy in learning what makes them tick. He just rehashes the PR blather about crossovers, etc. Again $6k for a furniture box and crossovers?

I recently decided to research and purchase a similar type speaker for my dedicated two channel system. This eventually led me to buy the Ascend Sierra-1 speaker. I am very impressed by this speaker. It's fast like the Pulsar and it costs $800 for a pair delivered to my door with 30 day return option. Is it better or equal to the Pulsar? Who knows? I think it is damn competitive to what I remember hearing when listening to the Pulsars.

The Pulsars would probably be very competitive if priced under $2k. At $7k, given the hundreds of options out there, I just can't get very enthused.

-CB

I would concur they are pretty highly priced, but therefore they are up against stiff competition---at 7k+ you have the Dyns, B&Ws, and Focals of the world which have in house drivers. the market will prove if they are worthy.

Although i would agree that monitors in general have become very expensive----monitors used to peak out around 5k 5-7 years ago (Wilson Cubs were the top echelon at like 7500)---now that seems like where they start.

I would try to listen to the Marten Dukes. I think they list at $8,500 and have the high tech ceramic drivers from Accuton.

On the less expensive side you might try the Gallo Strada's and maybe add their subwoofer.

Greg