AudioCircle
Audio/Video Gear and Systems => Critic's Circle (Equipment Reviews) => Speaker Reviews => Topic started by: Dave G on 11 Mar 2008, 08:31 pm
-
Are there any owners of Duke LeJeune's Jazz Modules speakers who care to weigh in with their reviews of the speakers? I've read several positive audio show mini-reviews of Duke's speakers, but I've yet to see anything from a real, live owner.
I'd be interested in anything an owner might want to discuss -- sound, room placement, how they work with rest of your system, how they work with different kinds of music, fit and finish, how they work with different amplifiers, is Duke as good a guy as everybody says? -- whatever. If you've played any full orchestra or large-scale choral works through the Jazz Modules, I'd especially love to hear how you think the speakers handled them.
For those who aren't familiar with the speakers, here's a description from the AudioKinesis website: Jazz Modules (http://www.audiokinesis.com/product/content_audiokinesis.htm#jazzmodule)
Thanks for your help.
Dave
-
Dukes customer service is second to none.
I came from modded magnepans so direct comparison is not really scientific, IMHO. (but I must compare them to something so damn the torpedoes)
I love that I can park these speakers against the back wall.
I like that the Jazz Modules are tuneable for bass(via a collection of port tuning tubes), and tuneable for treble(via external binding posts for resistor swapping).
The Jazz Modules are set up crossfiring in front of the listener so they are towed in 45%.
They have a room fill that rivals the modded magnepans I had.
The are VERY dynamic, just as Duke advertises, uncompressed peaks up to 120db.
I use my 2ch rig for sound on my gaming set up and gunshots are loud!
The wolfy demo cd has the Copland Fanfare for a Common Man as an opener and the kettle drum really pounds your chest.
They are detailed without being shrill or sybiliant.
They make my amps sound better than I thought they were, FWIW, I am running the Jolida Music Envoys.
I am switching between a Exemplar Audio Exception II linestage and the Randall Museum class linestage.
The speakers have a low level ambiance that is very nice and then you cane them a bit and they really turn on.
They have a split personality, Duke says there are guys running these speakers with 300b SET amps, and I can believe SET amps would give listenable results.
Still too much of a metal whore, not to mention punk, so when the knob goes to 11 these guys don't wilt, get shrill, or do anything bad. They just get very loud and sound very controlled.
Duke says he designed these speakers around the Atma-Sphere 40wpc stereo amp, I can't wait to hear that combination.
Please keep the questions coming, just trying to fill all the gaps.
Regards, Bill
-
... is Duke as good a guy as everybody says?
I don't own his speakers, but the answer to that question is yes.
His speakers sound pretty darned good, too.
-
I heard even Lynn Olson gave his approval and praise at another Audio Forum.
I am now building a 2-way speakers based on a similar concept, ie compression driver and a mid/woofer housed in an MLTL cabinet(floor standing about 80litre tall). The bass will get down flat to about 40Hz. I believe it will sound terrific.
cheers.
-
Are there any owners of Duke LeJeune's Jazz Modules speakers who care to weigh in with their reviews of the speakers? I've read several positive audio show mini-reviews of Duke's speakers, but I've yet to see anything from a real, live owner.
Sorry not an owner. Duke lives nearby; I was (happily) invited to hear his Jazz Modules first visit last year & heard the new Dream Maker (bipolar version of JM) more recently.
...sound, room placement
It's terrifying to accept (though will) Duke's gracious offer to bring both models to audition in my room. It might cause an irrestible desire for another new speaker but am willing to risk it for the audio education. Soundwise they are among the most musical, very easy on the ears yet very dynamic (a unique combination), easy to drive (almost ruler flat impedance curve above the bass peak), extremely smooth yet very detailed, play all types of music effortlessly (several hours first vist w/ a medium size group of audiofools) & at all volume settings from very quiet to insert (loud) modifier here.
Duke heard my system. We agree his speakers would have greater dynamic realism & punch but not quite image/stage as well as my current speakers (among the best in this quality). Proof of Duke's modesty & honesty: I actually believe his speakers would more closely approximate the image/stage performance of my speakers than does Duke! That truly is the kind of guy he is. He may be the most trustworthy & reliable person I've met in this business & may be in any business. A true audiophile rarity indeed.
Both models seem easy to site. Port locations: JM single front, DM dual rear. DM port is altered to compensate for boundary effects in the case of close proximity to the front wall (behind the speakers).
...how they work with different kinds of music, fit and finish, how they work with different amplifiers
JM played w/ equal aplomp every type of music from the several persons in attendance at the first big meeting. I played Dohnanyi's version of Beethoven's 9th at the first meeting (I think) & certainly later on the DM: thrilling!
is Duke as good a guy as everybody says?
Yes, see above. He not only let me borrow his Atma-Sphere S-30 Mk III OTL amp, but engineered an outboard XO mod to make it work splendidly w/ my current speakers. He wanted to charge me for the parts only; I was happy to double that & he almost wouldn't accept it. He's an A-S dealer. I can't recommend him highly enough. I will later purchase an amp from him when finances allow & may purchase speakers too.
I've been very curious about A-S amps for some time. W/ the xo mod it went from being not acceptable to the best amp I've ever heard, maybe the best money could buy (we're talking only $3500 or so; Duke says he can replicate the mod for speakers having only one impedance peak above the bass range as do mine; possibly might work w/ two peaks.) I would likely NEVER have discovered how to make the A-S amp work w/ my speakers were it not for Duke.
From my perspective Duke is among the most knowledgable speaker designers.
If you've played any full orchestra or large-scale choral works through the Jazz Modules, I'd especially love to hear how you think the speakers handled them.
See above. This is what really made me desire to hear them at home.
In case Lynn Olson's comments were missed re. the DM:
http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&postid=1326088&highlight=audiokinesis#post1326088
http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&postid=1326309&highlight=audiokinesis#post1326309
http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&postid=1328343&highlight=audiokinesis#post1328343
http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&postid=1381737&highlight=audiokinesis#post1381737
-
I'm about to pull the trigger on the Jazz Modules myself and have not heard a chance to hear these speakers either, so appreciate the input from those with hands on experience. Was also thinking about the SP Tech's but with my amp (KR Audio Kronzilla SXi) am leaning toward the Audiokinesis. I've talked to Duke a few times and he really is a great guy and generous with his time and advice. I think he will allow a return if you don't like them, but says that has only happened once, due to WAF I believe.
So I'm just about ready to take the plunge.
-
Thanks for all the great responses.
ro7939: Thanks for your comments on how well the JMs played different types of music, and thanks especially for your summary of the JMs' virtues:
Soundwise they are among the most musical, very easy on the ears yet very dynamic (a unique combination), easy to drive (almost ruler flat impedance curve above the bass peak), extremely smooth yet very detailed, play all types of music effortlessly (several hours first visit w/ a medium size group of audiofools) & at all volume settings from very quiet to insert (loud) modifier here.
Isn't that what we all want from our speakers?
Jim/Double Ugly: I hope it was obvious that my question about whether Duke is a good guy was tongue in cheek. He's clearly one of the real gems in the business.
Bill:
Thanks for responding. I was hoping you’d respond, since I knew from your posts on the NorCal Circle, especially the thread on the February 10 listening session, that you had a new pair of Jazz Modules. Your comments are really helpful, but I of course have a few questions about some of your comments.
I love that I can park these speakers against the back wall.
That’s good to hear, since I can’t bring my speakers way out into the room – 24 inches or perhaps 30 inches is the most I can do. But do you really have them backed right up against the wall? And have you fooled around with placement to see how things change as you move them from place to place? My sense is that these speakers are not that fussy about placement, but please tell me if you think I’m wrong.
I like that the Jazz Modules are tuneable for bass (via a collection of port tuning tubes), and tuneable for treble (via external binding posts for resistor swapping).
I think I understand how the bass tuning works (the different port tubes change the diameter of the port tube, right?), but I hadn’t realized that these came with the speakers. Have you tried tuning the bass for your room? Same goes for treble tuning – have you tried that? Is this something you’d do by ear?
They are VERY dynamic, just as Duke advertises, uncompressed peaks up to 120db.
Are the dynamics there at lower sound levels? I tend to listen at about 75-80 dB, with higher peaks. I don’t necessarily want to be able to play symphonies at concert hall sound levels, but I very much want speakers that can handle the dynamics of that kind of music at lower sound levels.
They are detailed without being shrill or sibilant.
What about tonal accuracy or purity? I’ve heard some detailed speakers that did not produce a pleasing or realistic tone.
The speakers have a low level ambiance that is very nice and then you cane them a bit and they really turn on.
The few comments and mini-reviews I’ve seen tend to talk about how well the Jazz Modules handle louder music, but a lot of what I listen to is small group acoustic music – chamber music, female vocals, acoustic guitar, jazz, bluegrass, folk, etc. – at moderate sound levels. Your comment that they “have a low level ambiance that is very nice” seems to indicate that you’d agree that the Jazz Modules would be very good on this type of music. Is that right?
They make my amps sound better than I thought they were, FWIW, I am running the Jolida Music Envoys. . . . They have a split personality, Duke says there are guys running these speakers with 300b SET amps, and I can believe SET amps would give listenable results. . . . Duke says he designed these speakers around the Atma-Sphere 40wpc stereo amp, I can't wait to hear that combination.
Your amps (the Jolida Music Envoys) are beasts! Aren’t they something like 200 wpc? My current amp, a Red Wine Audio Signature 30, produces only 30 wpc, so it’s nice to hear that others are happy with lower wattage SET amps. Sounds like the Signature 30 would at least have a chance of playing well with these speakers.
What’s the finish on your speakers? Maple? Birch? I read the thread on the NorCal circle about the February 10 meet at your place and it had some nice pictures of your speakers. They look great!
Thanks again for all the feedback.
Dave
-
Good drivers count for alot. He is using very, very good drivers, the TAD 1102 and I believe the better BMS compression driver with Nd magnet, and a modern, DDS 90' waveguide. Add outstanding implementation, and you have a big winner.
I thought his speakers were the best at the show. I really want to hear the DreamMakers. If room were not a consideration, I would be scoping out either one of these gems. Duke is great and you get him in the bargain.
-
Dave
...Are the dynamics there at lower sound levels? I tend to listen at about 75-80 dB, with higher peaks. I don’t necessarily want to be able to play symphonies at concert hall sound levels, but I very much want speakers that can handle the dynamics of that kind of music at lower sound levels...
I'd rate both models well above average in above aspect, maybe as good as you'll get. Tend toward horn dynamic qualities but no perceived honking/beaming (I'm like Lynn Olson in that I can just not tolerate horns for any significant length of time because of this drawback.) I've heard horns such as Audio Classics & Edgar Horns that very much minimize but don't completely eliminate that drawback.
What about tonal accuracy or purity? I’ve heard some detailed speakers that did not produce a pleasing or realistic tone...
We're just sharing opinions; although I've had a fewexperiences where undisclosed audio opinions turned
out to be almost identical, just as frequently or more often two listeners may differ, esp in fine points, which is where this is going. I'd rate both models very high in having very good detail w/ completely natural, lifelike tone. Incredibly this quality seems constant throughout the range from bottom to top. They might be less "sweet" on top vs. my reference, but now we're really getting personal & I barely know you... :lol: Just kidding...um....my reference has among the sweetest treble I've heard & may well veer from nuetral in this respect, but I'd always prefer that vs. the opposite quality. Even though, in an absolute sense, I might prefer the treble sweetness of my reference vs. Duke's treble, this in no way should be taken as prefering the overall treble performance of one vs. the other. Plus my CDP, room & cables are different & part of this equation too so take above w/ a grain of salt.
"Pleasing and realistic tone": you will approve unless our ears & systems are far off (always a possibility).
I very much like the overall cosmetics. I'd rate finish pretty high; not Wilson Audio territory but few things are. B+. I like the shape, the wood & the overall cosmetic philosophy.
It would be a great service to members if Duke eventually got a forum here.
Jimbo
-
Good drivers count for alot. He is using very, very good drivers, the TAD 1102 and I believe the better BMS compression driver with Nd magnet, and a modern, DDS 90' waveguide. Add outstanding implementation, and you have a big winner.
I thought his speakers were the best at the show. I really want to hear the DreamMakers. If room were not a consideration, I would be scoping out either one of these gems. Duke is great and you get him in the bargain.
Duke & Bill can quote the ratio of parts prices to retail. I can't remember exactly but it's very impressive & in the buyer's favor. The price, absolute performance & ease to drive are already great. Add parts cost to the equation & it looks even sexier. A great sounding full-range speaker that can play jet plane takeoff levels w/ only 30W is capable of saving a heck of a lot of money as an overall amp/speaker package...a good thing, as Martha says.
You guys are getting me hot to request Duke bring both models down now, but I'll wait till I get the new amp to save him from lugging that w/ the four speakers. As good as my current amp is Duke's A-S was loads better. If I wasn't working on my dirt bike & still organizing my garage I'd call him right now.
-
Jimbo, just curious, what are your reference speakers?
-
French ASA (Atelier de Synergie Acoustique) Pro Monitors, best guess a half-dozen pairs max in the USA & a few more pairs in Europe. Last MSRP estimate $7k USD (dont'cha love that exchange rate?), not to be confused w/ the more affordable "Baby" &/or "Standard" Monitors.
-
Aw, shucks...
Thanks guys. Seriously.
Let me just comment on a couple of things. First, the port tuning. It's done by removing the port and changing the length, not by using inserts to change the diameter (although that would work too). I use a single 4" Precision Port on the Jazz Modules, and two 3" Precision Ports on the Dream Makers. Here's a link to Precision Port's website: http://www.psp-inc.com/ . They are available through Madisound and Parts Express if anybody wants to DIY with 'em.
I'm fairly open about the parts I use because I'm a one-man show and if I buy the farm next week and you need a replacement part, I want you to know what to look for. The only thing I don't go public with is my crossover design - gotta maintain the mystique - but you can get the parts values by removing the crossover boards; I try to remember to mount the components label-up so you can read the values. Oh yes - I do a minor modification to the compression driver, but it's probably not noticeable except at very high sound pressure levels.
On parts cost, one thing that gives me a fairly attractive (from the buyer's perspective) parts-to-retail ratio is that I don't sell through a dealer network. Obviously I'm not the only small manufacturer taking this approach. If anybody wants to know specifics about my costs, please contact me privately.
Jimbo said something to the effect that from his perspective yours truly ranks "among the most knowledgable speaker designers." Well, I can't let that stand. Within my little niche what you've seen has been pretty good, but you haven't seen my failures. For example, I've spent way too long trying to make a really good small (1/2 cubic foot or so) reasonably priced speaker - I'd love to have something that could be easily shipped out for an audition. Unfortunately, I can't even get the darn things to not scream "BOX!!" at you, much less begin to approach the realm of "sounds really good". Yet many other designers accomplish this and more. For example, Jimbo's little ASA speakers are truly humbling to listen to.
Jimbo mentioned a circuit I made to smooth the impedance of his speakers so they'd work well with the little Atma-Sphere amp. If someone else is in that situation, feel free to contact me about possibly doing something like that. And yes, he overpaid; I considered that to be a prototype trial run, which was educational for me. But the rest of you, I'll probably stick it to you and charge some mark-up. My launch customer - slash- guinea pig normally gets a bit better price, though in this case Jimbo declined and was insistent. Man, I love it when customers talk me UP in price!
I've thought abount launching a campaign aimed at having a circle of my own, but don't think I'm a big enough blip on the radar screen yet.
Duke
-
I would be happy to demo these speakers for anyone that is in the Bay area or passing through.
Regards, Bill
-
I would be happy to demo these speakers for anyone that is in the Bay area or passing through.
Regards, Bill
I'm probably coming through within a few months. Could you include a 14oz barbecued NY steak? I'll bring plenty of Pacifico. :lol:
-
I would be happy to demo these speakers for anyone that is in the Bay area or passing through.
Regards, Bill
I'm probably coming through within a few months. Could you include a 14oz barbecued NY steak? I'll bring plenty of Pacifico. :lol:
That is the LEAST I could do old retired buddy!
Bill
-
Theoretically, anyway, cause I haven't heard them, these speakers are speakin MY language. I do wish they were $2500 a pair, however.
-
Theoretically, anyway, cause I haven't heard them, these speakers are speakin MY language. I do wish they were $2500 a pair, however.
Given that Duke's cost is apparently 60% of the selling price, I don't think that will happen anytime soon. :wink:
-
Hi jimdgoulding,
I do have a couple of less expensive options on the drawing board that are conceptually similar to the Jazz Modules, but of course some tradeoffs will be involved.
Consider also SP Technology - the Timepiece Mini is pretty close to your price range and while I haven't heard it let's just say that I believe very, very strongly in what Bob Smith is doing. If I wasn't making my own speakers, I'd be a dealer for him.
Duke
-
I'm 53 & have been into audio & the music business as a hobby & sometimes professionally since about age 18 (soley a hobbyist for several years). I can think of no other instance when a manufacturer had the guts, honesty & integrity to point potential profits toward a competitor's pocketbook.
Duke is a great person in the audio world. He really is. :thumb:
-
Hi Duke. Thanks so much for your reply. I admire what you're doing. I think you know that. And I admire what Bob Smith is doing also. You keep up the good work, ya hear! I look forward to hearing more about your work in the future.
-
Can I add to the Duke lovefest? He's a real gentleman, and I sincerely wish I had the space to fit a pair of the Jazz Modules.
-
Can I add to the Duke lovefest? He's a real gentleman, and I sincerely wish I had the space to fit a pair of the Jazz Modules.
Amen to the above. You reap as you sow, and Duke deserves good things....for his integrity, transparency, and audio engineering. :thumb:
-
Three pages of Duke.
I must add to it again.
I had an epiphany about a year ago. I was buying gear based on a lot of internet recommendations. The thing I was missing was the human connection.
The gear I was getting had either poor support or poor resale.
System building can be a be a heavy journey.
I realized that dealing with people I would consider friends added a huge dynamic to my stereo quest.
Duke is a person I am pleased to be friends with.
Bill
-
These look exceptionally well done. The first time I saw Duke's Jazz modules I thought to myself, finally someone came out with the speaker that I think has been missing from the market. A real medium efficiency two way using hi quality pro sound drivers and the best modern waveguides.
This has been what I had day dreamed about offering if I ever built speakers for a living (which I'm not considering). :thumb:
I am jealous of Duke's access to TAD 1101's. I want a pair.
-
For readers who did not read the related link posted earlier of Lynn Olson's comments re. the 96 dB Dream Maker: Lynn has a music test piece w/ 70 dB dynamic range; apparently he regularly uses it to test for live SPL capability at shows. Lynn mentioned that Duke's room was one of (I believe) three rooms that passed that test at RMAF.
I asked Duke about it during a visit. Duke said Lynn walked into Duke's room at RMAF & put on the disc. IIRC Duke said it was the loudest he's ever experienced, at least in a show venue. Of course, Duke being Duke, he did NOT turn down the volume or tell Lynn to turn it down (just imagine how any other manufacturer would react). Rather, Duke waited patiently, curious what would be the first component to fail.
Nothing failed. Duke reminds me of a Bill Walsh press conference before the '9ers would blow out a team 55-10...something like: I just don't know how we can win against that offense & defense...or some such nonsense like that.
The amp employed above was the Atma-Spere S-30 Mk III, 30-40W depending on load (also my next audio purchase, from Duke). When considering the Jazz Module &/or Dream Maker one should include it's low-mid power requirements as part of the overall cost equation. The speakers appear worthy of the best associated components, including amplification. The lower the power requirements the less costly the amp, for the same overall level of performance. Plus, in many amplifier technologies (probably excludes Atma-Sphere), power & resolution/refinement are inversely related. Finally, heat, mass, size, & AC power drain all go up w/ power output. AC power ain't gettin' no cheaper!
As someone who heard Duke's S-30 at home, it appears to be among the top of the heap when properly matched to the correct speaker.
-
I am jealous of Duke's access to TAD 1101's. I want a pair.
I've heard many references to alnico magnets having a sound.
There is an effortless bass reproduction that is very engaging.
I am wondering what part the alnico magets of the tad woofers makes to the overall sound of these speakers.
Perhaps Duke has tried other non-alnico woofers and can comment on what the alnico sound might be?
-
Hi Jim,
What happened with that Mercury "Pictures at an Exhibition" disc was this: I had been out roaming and came back to hear this loud music from down the hall, and turned out it was coming from my room. That was the loudest I'd ever heard my system play, but I have heard louder at an audio show in other rooms (Pipe Dreams and 400-pound Gamut amps come to mind). Anyway, I was nervous but decided to see this as an unscheduled test of system dynamic capability, and I knew Lynn would leap up (on his one good leg) and lunge for the volume control if he started to hear signs of distress. I figured my crossover parts would cook before the drivers did, or so I hoped anyway - but it was a little unnerving for me. Lynn's procedure with that disc is to turn the level up until he can just barely hear the tape hiss at the listening position, which he estimates is about 40 dB. Given the 70 dB dynamic range of that recording, that would put estimated peaks around 110 dB - right at the ragged edge of what one might optimistically hope from that amp/speaker combo (45 watts into a 16-ohm, 92 dB efficient speaker). Lynn Olson included me in his top three from RMAF in a couple of posts, alongside Feastrex and the Raal ribbons, and in another post he gave me the top nod. Of course, that's the one that I link to from my website! I recall him commenting to me at the end of the show that mine did a better job than anything else there that he'd subjected to his "Pictures at an Exhibition" torture test, but I don't know if that specific comment made it into one of his internet posts. I suppose it's implied.
Bill, I chose the Pioneer woofers based on their parameters and midrange performance. If they had been ferrite or neodymium and still met my other requirements, I'd have used them. Alnico has self-shorting properties but that can be replicated by using a shorting ring with a less expensive magnet material. Lynn Olson ascribes sonic benefits to Alnico that I can't confirm - I have heard people more experienced than myself argue both ways. Maybe Pioneer figured that if they were going to charge so much for a woofer, it better sound pretty darn good so they made a point of getting everything else right while they were at it.
Alnico's thermal properties probably aren't a factor at the power levels my speakers typically see.
My "less expensive" version of the same basic concept as the Jazz Modules, the discontinued Stormbringer, used a Ciare woofer with a neodymium magnet that was less than half the price of the TAD woofer. The TAD is a bit better in the region between 1000 and 2000 Hz, but in the bass region the Ciare actually has a bit better impact. So it's a trade-off.
Duke
-
I just wanted to step in and say that these speakers were such a revelation to me. I have owned and heard many models from Von Schweikert, B+W, Quad, Wilson, the list goes on... these speakers have just floored me since I first piped music through them..Huge Sound Stage, Depth of Image, Timbral Accuracy(but with a "sweetening" effect much like a good tube microphone(Marek Designs, a good U47, Schoeps m221b) has.. I have never, in all my years on this earth heard any sound quite so beautiful, huge, and accurate...........amazing. Just amazing. I own and use tube amps from Mastersound, LFD, FM Acoustics, and Bryston, and each amp works beautifully with em.
Couple that with Duke LeJeune's golden Character ..hell....Pure Bliss.
Duke, you are the man, and these speakers have me smitten. God Bless ya!
Yall need to give them a listen.
-
I just ordered a pair of the Jazz Modules and should be getting them within the next couple of weeks. Can't wait to hear they sound with my Kronzilla amp!
Howard
-
ncdrawl,
I read your message earlier, but just noticed that it is your first Audio Circle post. Welcome to Audio Circle! I hope you stick around -- it's a nice place to chat about good audio stuff.
Dave
-
I just ordered a pair of the Jazz Modules and should be getting them within the next couple of weeks. Can't wait to hear they sound with my Kronzilla amp!
Good for you, Howard! I hope you'll give us your thoughts once you've had some time with the speakers. What finish did you go with?
Dave
-
I love the fact that AC is a hub of owner/designer/manufacturer companies with such amazing equipment on offer, with the added benefit of one-on-one communication.
I'd be curious to see if there are any owners of Duke's speakers in the intermountain West, particularly Salk Lake City, Grand Junction, CO, Northern Idaho/Eastern Washington?
I presently live in SLC, but will be moving to Coeur D'Alene in October.
I'd love the opportunity to give 'em a listen, and compare/contrast them to the MaxHemps that have given me tremendous joy so far.
Warmly,
Michael
-
I just ordered a pair of the Jazz Modules and should be getting them within the next couple of weeks. Can't wait to hear they sound with my Kronzilla amp!
Howard
I run my Jazz Modules with 200 triode WPC, via the Jolida music Envoys. I really like the combination.
what pre are you using?
regards, Bill
-
I run my Jazz Modules with 200 triode WPC, via the Jolida music Envoys. I really like the combination.
what pre are you using?
regards, Bill
I have the Kronzilla SXi integrated, so I'm using it's passive preamp. I'd like to try it with a nice preamp sometime, but so far enjoying it as an integrated.
Thanks for talking to me a while back about the Jazz Modules, that was really helpful in my decision to go ahead with the purchase.
Howard
-
I took these at RMAF 2006
Lori & Duke LaJeune and Guess Who with Jazz Module
(http://www.audiocircle.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10035/042aIMG_1860_%282%29_640x480.jpg)
Jazz Modules
(http://www.audiocircle.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10035/041IMG_1851_%282%29_640x480.jpg)
I'd be proud to own a pair :thumb:
Jeff
-
I just ordered a pair of the Jazz Modules and should be getting them within the next couple of weeks. Can't wait to hear they sound with my Kronzilla amp!
Good for you, Howard! I hope you'll give us your thoughts once you've had some time with the speakers. What finish did you go with?
Dave
Dave, I went with the walnut finish. I'll certainly post my impressions when they arrive. They should ship next week and arrive the following week after a cross country journey from Idaho to North Carolina. Howard
-
Got my Jazz Modules on Monday and am having a great time. They sound and look great! Still playing around with position, etc. but getting them dialed in. After they have a chance to break in, I'll play with the ports to see how much bass out of the Jazz Modules my small room can handle. I'll post more when I have spent more time listening and have more time to post. Off the bat, I'm wowed by the dynamics and realistic tone and timbre. Plus, they sound great no matter where you sit on the couch. If you are in North Carolina and want to hear them, give me a holler!
Howard
-
Photo please.
:)
Mike
-
How big is your room? And x2 on the photos.
Congratulations on your new speakers :thumb:
-
I'd be proud to own a pair :thumb:
Jeff
Me too! I want these! :drool:
(http://cryo-parts.com/images/dreamdancer-480x640.jpg)
Lee
-
How big is your room? And x2 on the photos.
My room is only 12x14 feet. I have Real Traps in the room and am playing with moving side reflection panels to the wall behind speakers, as Duke claims that side reflections are not so much of an issue when you toe the speakers in 45 degrees as he recommends. So far that seems to be the case.
I'll post photos ASAP, hopefully before I head out of town Saturday for a week (it will hurt to be away from my new babies!).
-
Just curious, hchilcoat, how the Jazz Modules are working out.
thanks, Russell
-
Just curious, hchilcoat, how the Jazz Modules are working out.
thanks, Russell
Sorry, Russell, just saw your message. I am really enjoying the Jazz Modules. It took a little bit of playing around with positioning and I'm happy with a toe-in slightly less than 45 degrees. Dynamics are phenomenal -- plenty of punch and snap. They mate really well with my KR Audio Kronzilla amp with deep and very musical bass. Highs are very clear and midrange very engaging. I'm getting a nice layered depth of soundfield, and find that is sensitive to speaker toe in, as is degree of high end. What I find is that I'm really enjoying listening to music now instead of fretting about what else I need to do to my system. I'm sure I'll want to go mucking around with something new at some point, but it isn't going to be the speakers.
The Jazz Modules are a real joy.
Howard
-
Glad you're happy. :thumb:
That's a nice situation to be in - where you can relax and forget the system and just enjoy the music.
I think most of the few of us who have actually gotten to that point have paid handsomely for the self-education involved, in the form of equipment bought and sold.
As time goes on, I am more and more convinced that the critical factor is the speakers, after all.
-
A speaker with quicker response, wider dynamics, cleaner transients, air and space, I have not heard. Heard The Planetarium Beta System yesterday and it blew me out of my socks. Never thought I would hear the detail from a dynamic speaker that I have heard from electrostatic speakers in the past, but I did. And these things construct real images not only in sound but in size. I took some records, classical and jazz and even a single of Janet Jackson's Rhythm Nation and my host played some plus a high rez Patricia Barber and Jennifer Warnes track from his server. Those last two had a sweet civility to them I wasn't expecting after the bombastic stuff we had been listening to. My host sold his big Sound Lab speakers to make room for these. I asked him what he missed about them and he said nothing, that Duke had used Sound Labs as his reference when making these (Duke is a dealer for Sound Labs, this I know). I'm puttin this under this topic about the Jazz Modules cause they are the same speaker on a smaller scale and, fellas, these things ARE efficient. The volume and scale we were getting from a relatively low output tube amp was simply stunning. Hail to the chief.
Damn, I was mesmerized. The whole system consisting of the towers and four self powered subs (The Swarm) plus an active crossover to integrate the subs cost 10k. That's not a meager sum but for what you get I think it has to be the best value in all of audio.
I invited myself back and will take some recordings that I know will come alive in ways not possible in my small solar system.
And what Russell said.