Found a local JM Lab retailer

[Duds]

I discovered yesterday that an audio/video store in my area is now carrying JM Lab speakers. I plan on going there Saturday to audition the Chorus 705's and 706's. My question is, what can I expect from these campared to the B&W 601s3's and the Paradigm Studio 20v3's?

As stated in a previous post, a Marantz SR-7000 will supply the power, and I listen to music such as Pink Floyd, Tool, A Perfect Circle, The Gathering, Tori Amos, etc. I don't need a lot of bass, just tight and accurate bass.

Thanks for your help!

[jasmit]

JMLab speakers, made by a respected French speaker company, are excellent speakers. Among the speakers I auditioned were the Chorus 707's, B&W 602 S3's and Paradigm Reference Studio 20's. I went with the Studio 20's as I thought they sounded the best to me, but the Chorus 707's were really nice. BTW, Focal-JMLab makes speaker drivers for quite a few other speaker companies.

[Duds]

Thanks for the info! so what did you like about the studio 20's over the 707's?

[Florian]

I would definetly consider the Focals to be more musical than the B&W's, but i think that they would prefer a tube sounding unit.

[Duds]

What do you mean by a "tube sounding unit?" what sound does a tube amp have?

[Florian]

Tubes generally have a very warm and mellow sound. SS amps have a more harder direct sound. I use a mixture of the two, but if you get a sensetive speaker you can try a pure tube unit or for a jmlab chorus you can try something like a Pathos Acustics Classic One which is a hybrid.

[jasmit]

Thanks for the info! so what did you like about the studio 20's over the 707's?

While all three speakers seemed to be well built and sounded great, to me, the B&W DM602 S3's were a little on the laid back side; the JMLab Chorus 707's were a little on the forward side; the Studio 20's were just right. I thought the Studio 20's sounded more natural and imaged better than the other two speakers.

BTW, I did not audition any of the three speakers together; they were at different stores. And you have to keep in mind that each store had different room acoustics which very probably had an effect on how they sounded to me. There was not mistaking, however, the superb imaging of the Studio 20's. I auditioned them at three different stores and their imaging ability was unmistakable.

[IRG]

While all three speakers seemed to be well built and sounded great, to me, the B&W DM602 S3's were a little on the laid back side; the JMLab Chorus 707's were a little on the forward side; the Studio 20's were just right. I thought the Studio 20's sounded more natural and imaged better than the other two speakers.

BTW, I did not audition any of the three speakers together; they were at different stores. And you have to keep in mind that each store had different room acoustics which very probably had an effect on how they sounded to me. There was not mistaking, however, the superb imaging of the Studio 20's. I auditioned them at three different stores and their imaging ability was unmistakable.

How much are the 707s going for? I've been talking with a dealer (not local to me) and I can get the 706 s for $440 (plus no tax). This seems like a good deal. I have a pair of Energy C-3 now, and like them, but I just want a change. Is the JM Lab a step up, a lateral move, or a step down? I also would like the Von Schweikerts but they are too much for me now. The other contenders are the Monitor Audio S1 or S2, The Monitor Audio GR10 (used), Boston Acoustics VRM60.

FYI, I will be powering the JM Labs (or whatever I get) with a NAD T743 receiver, and eventually a dedicated 2 channel amp, but for now the NAD will suffice, and a sub, and the room size is about 13 x 9, with one wall open. HT will be 80%, music 20%, but it is the music that I worry about first. To me, that is the much harder thing to get right than HT. I have no rear surrounds yet. Still looking for a location.

Thanks.

[topspeed]

I also would like the Von Schweikerts but they are too much for me now.

What is your budget? Used VR1's are available on audiogon right now for around $650 and believe me, they are worth it.

You might want to consider the big picture here. A good set of speakers will satisfy you for decades, not until the next upgrade bug hits you. It sounds like you're gradually upgrading your system, so look for a speaker that will scale upwards with the front end. You absolutely do not want the speaker to be the limiting factor in your rig. If this means holding off for a few months to save up for something better, so be it. Just a thought...

[jasmit]

How much are the 707s going for? I've been talking with a dealer (not local to me) and I can get the 706 s for $440 (plus no tax). This seems like a good deal. I have a pair of Energy C-3 now, and like them, but I just want a change. Is the JM Lab a step up, a lateral move, or a step down? I also would like the Von Schweikerts but they are too much for me now. The other contenders are the Monitor Audio S1 or S2, The Monitor Audio GR10 (used), Boston Acoustics VRM60.

FYI, I will be powering the JM Labs (or whatever I get) with a NAD T743 receiver, and eventually a dedicated 2 channel amp, but for now the NAD will suffice, and a sub, and the room size is about 13 x 9, with one wall open. HT will be 80%, music 20%, but it is the music that I worry about first. To me, that is the much harder thing to get right than HT. I have no rear surrounds yet. Still looking for a location.

Thanks.

Sorry IRG, I don't recall what the JMLab Chorus 707's cost; I think they were generally competetive with the B&W 602 S3's and the Paradigm Monitor 5's -- $600ish? I'm not familiar with Energy speakers so I don't know if the Chorus 707's would be a step up.

When I was auditioning speakers, I also listened to Monitor Audio Bronze series speakers. I recall them as being very nice sounding for their price. While I didn't hear any of the Silver series speakers, I imagine they are great sounding.

Happy speaker hunting!

[Rock789]

The 706 S are very nice! goodluck with your search
Mike

[Shwamdoo]

You may want to consider several other speaker brands. B&W, Paradigm, and Focal are the three that are the most prominent in my mind. However, many other groups make great speakers in the same price range. I have listed great budget speaker brands before. If you need a list again I will happily type it out. (Just not if i don't have to.)

I like the Focal Chorus series...a bunch. I heard the 706 and the 707 and was impressed. I personaly liked the Focal Chorus speakers better than the B&W 600 series and the Paradigm Studio series.