Aruna

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Used product for
More than 1 year

Visitors rate this review
3.00 of 5, 1.00 votes

Price Paid:  $3500.00 from Music Lovers Audio

Summary:
I bought these speakers after reading reviews in Stereophile and listening to them with my own ears almost two years ago. This is my first real pair of high-end speakers, and they do not disappoint! After bedding in the speakers for about two to three months, the clarity that emerges from them is astounding. The depth of bass it truly amazing to behold, and without a dedicated sub! They are mated to a CJ tube pre-amp and solid state amp, which provide ample amounts of juice to power the speakers to a considerable volume. :) The treble isn't too shrill, the bass is fantastic, deep, and rumbling, and the mid-range is soothing and mellow. It's not too sharp, yet you can hear the small details clearly.

Strengths:
A wonderful deal! Small footprint, large bass signature.

Weaknesses:
Not as sharp treble as the Wilson Sophias which I also listened to.

Similar Products Used:
None. My first pair of high-end speakers!

Price Paid:  $4000.00 from A&B Sound, Vancouver

Summary:
I have owned these speakers for about 10 days and felt compelled to write. These are absolutely fabulous! Stunning is the word that comes to mind. They have replaced a pair of PSB Stratus Gold i's. These were very nice speakers, but I was ready for an upgrade. I listened to about 8 or 9 speakers in the $3000 - $5000 Cdn price range and the hands down winners were the Joseph and the Totem Mani 2. Since the two were at different dealers it was hard to compare them, but I preferred the Joseph and the fact that A&B was clearing out their high end audio resulted in them being about $700 cheaper than the Mani 2's. I paid $4000 Cdn ($3000 US). This was the clincher. The sound of the RM25Si Mk2 is a wonderful balance between polite and revealing. I find the JMLab line to be just a bit hot in the treble for my taste (your ears may vary..). The British speakers are a bit too polite. These Josephs are a wonderful middle ground. The imaging has to be heard to be believed! The amount of bottom end is also amazing - far better than the PSB even though that speaker has a 12 in. woofer. You would never believe the Joseph only has twin 6.5 inch drivers plus the tweeter. Believe me most of you will not need any more bottom end! When you first hear these speakers they seem a tad bit bright, but then you realize you are simply hearing information you never knew was in your recordings. I have listened to a broad selection of my CD library with music ranging from Bach to Zappa. Everything sounds wonderful. The imaging is incredible and all vocals are very clear and sound very uncoloured to my ear. While I do not have a super audiophile system, it is decent gear: Krell KAV300i integrated, Adcom GCD750 CD player and good balanced cables. I am currently using a single run of Wireworld speaker cable and may experiment with bi-wiring in the future. I am now thinking about a source upgrade when I can afford it just to see how good these speakers can sound. Believe me if you are considering speakers in this price range please hear these before buying anything - the imaging and full range sound are not to be believed at this price point! These are twice as good as the PSB's they replaced...... I have heard various models from B&W, PMC, JMLab, Gershman at this price point and I would take these in a minute. Again second choice would be the Totem Mani 2. Happy listening.

Strengths:
Incredible imaging and very uncoloured sound. Amazing bass extension for a speaker in this price range.

Weaknesses:
None that I have heard so far...You'd have to spend double to significantly improve on these...

Similar Products Used:
PSB Stratus Gold i, JMLab Electra series, Gershman Avante Garde, PMC FB1,Totem Forest, Totem Mani 2, others in that price range.

Price Paid:  $3400.00 from Soundworks

Summary:
I have only been it to high end stereo components for 2 years and I have listened to many many speakers and then I heard the joseph RMsi and was sold on what speakers I would buy. I heard the first series I and knew that they were the ones I wanted then the MKII can out and man I'm glad I waited they we even better faster cleaner and more accurate then the series 1 not the the 1's were not great but if you have a chance to listen to the MKII's do and you'll see what I mean.
I would highly recommend these speakers as the speaker to own. Someday I hope to upgrade to the RM33si's but I am in no big hurry for the one's I have will give more then enough listening pleasure.

Strengths:
Detail beyond belief, fast and accurate solid weight. Great looking speakers

Weaknesses:
Absolutly None

Similar Products Used:
Sonus Faber Concertos