Speaker Asylum: REVIEW: JMLab Chorus 706S Speakers by jonbee

Model:	Chorus 706S
Category:	Speakers
Suggested Retail Price:	$450
Description:	two way stand mount
Manufacturer URL:	JMLab
Model Picture:	View

Review by jonbee ( A ) on November 12, 2004 at 12:50:45
IP Address: 65.219.140.66

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for the Chorus 706S

The Chorus "S" models are complete redesigns of the well reviewed Chorus line. The drivers, cabinets and xovers are all substantially tweaked or redesigned. The construction quality of the drivers and the cabinet finishing are easily the best I've seen at this price point. The really look nice, and that's high praise coming from one who dislikes vinyl finishes generally.
I particular, the Focal inverted dome tweeter has been redesigned, and while the older versions all sounded to sharp to me, this version offers all the detail, but is almost perfectly neutral. It's now easily the best tweeter I've heard in a speakers at this price point.
The mids are also very smooth and clean, with good detail retrieval and very low coloration. The mids are not as revealing as the tweeter, so there is a slight discontinuity in presentation from the mids to the highs. I want to emphasize slight; you'll have to listen for this effect to notice it. The mids are also a but less dynamic than the top end, but the harmonic content of the instruments is remarkably accurate, from vocals to horns to piano; the presentation is very believable. The only thing the mids lack compared to high priced competitors is some detail resolution, and a certain dynamic politeness.
The bass is rich and full sounding down into the 50s, which gives the speakers a full sound. The bass is a bit woolly and indistinct compared to the rest of the range, and is probably the weakest point, but it's not so bad as to intrude on the overall natural balance and presentation.
Compared to the $500 Triangle Titus 202, my current standard for the price range, the 706 is less resolved and dynamic, but has a more natural yet equally detailed top end, and considerably more bass energy and a more fleshed out, full bodied sound. I personally think the Titus sounds a bit thin and lightweight w/o a sub, and the Chorus can better stand alone. With a sub, I prefer the resolution and speed of the Titus. Neither gives the whole story, and by going up to the $700 Triangle you could get a more balanced package, perhaps.
Compared to the Axioms M3ti, M22ti, and Epos ELS 3, all of which I've owned recently, I would choose the better balanced, more natural sound of the JM Labs, partnered with an amp with some snap to it. Partnered with a laid back amp, it could well be too mellow and slow sounding.
The 706S is worthy competition sonically for the best at its' price point, and better looking too, IMO. You won't quite get true high end sound with these or any other at this price point, IMO, but you can get as believable a facsimile as any, and very listenable, enjoyable music.

Product Weakness: A tad wooly in the bass; not as quick in the mids as some others.
Product Strengths: Smooth, clean, and well balanced; very fine top end. Fine construction quality drivers and cabinets.

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	NAD 340;Panny xr50
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	none
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Panny DV47
Speakers:	see review
Cables/Interconnects:	homemade
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	lots
Room Size (LxWxH):	10 x 12 x 8
Time Period/Length of Audition:	1 week
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner

Product Weakness:	A tad wooly in the bass; not as quick in the mids as some others.
Product Strengths:	Smooth, clean, and well balanced; very fine top end. Fine construction quality drivers and cabinets.