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Speaker Asylum: REVIEW: Joseph Audio RM-7 si signature Speakers by jonbee General speaker questions for audio and home theater. |
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146.129.249.194
Model: RM-7 si signature Category: Speakers Suggested Retail Price: $1800, depending on finish Description: two-way standmounted speaker system Manufacturer URL: Joseph Audio
Review by jonbee on May 08, 2008 at 10:01:20
IP Address: 146.129.249.194Add Your Review
for the RM-7 si signature
My direct experience with Joseph Audio was with the RM25si, which I heard a few years ago. I was totally entranced by their performance. State of the art soundstage, accurate timbre, wonderful detail, and a real "you are there" presentation. They were $3200 then and I felt they were the best value I had ever heard.
The other thing I've noticed over the years is that while Joseph has sold a lot of speakers over a long time periond, there are relatively few for sale on the used market. To me, that speaks volumes about owner satisfaction, which is, after all, what we are looking for. Joseph also rarely changes their lineup, which also speaks to the confidence they have in their designs.
This is about the RM7si Signature mk 11, which is the third and latest incarnation of the RM7, introduced in 2002 I believe. It uses an upgraded metal cone woofer, and uses the "Infinite Slope" xover, in an asymmetrical configuration.
I must say I'm very impressed by them. To me, they are a true monitor speaker- you get a very clean accurate view of the recording. Ambience and soundstage are realistic, dynamics are fully presented, and there is no bloat, haze, or obfuscation in any part of the spectrum. The cleanliness and punch of the midbass is as good as I've ever heard,and the whole bass range is extremely flat and focused, to around 40 hz. There is also no upper midrange suckout which many "monitors" use to sweeten the sound. I would rank their performance at the top of the real world monitor class, ahead of the Revel M20, MA GR10, Silverline SR11, to name a few, and generally on a par with the Merlin TSM-M (not MM, MX, though). I've owned all of these and many more. The Merlin is the closest, with a more laid back, draw-you-in presentation, whereas the Joseph is more upfront and dynamic.
The front port makes them easy to place, particularly in a smaller room.
So what don't they do?
The top end, while very nice, is not as extended or as finely detailed as the best, such as a ribbon.
The midrange is so open and transparent you can hear microscopic details of vocals, but at times it seems that the upper mids are pushed forward a bit.
Those are nitpicks,though. These were the Sterophile 2002 Joint Loudspeaker of the Year, and for my taste, they deserved it. A classic speaker, if there is such a thing.
Product Weakness: Top end not as extended or detailed as the best. Slight emphasis in upper mids? Product Strengths: Transparency, speed, integration, soundstaging, lack of coloration. No sweetening.
Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier: PS audio GCC250 Preamplifier (or None if Integrated): none Sources (CDP/Turntable): Modwright/Sony 9100 Platinum Sig Truth Speakers: RM7, VMPS RM30 Cables/Interconnects: pure silver Music Used (Genre/Selections): lots Room Size (LxWxH): 16 x 19 x 8 Type of Audition/Review: Product Owner
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