Speaker Asylum: REVIEW: JMLab Cobalt 815 Speakers by JDT

Model:	Cobalt 815
Category:	Speakers
Suggested Retail Price:	$1850
Description:	2-way floorstander speaker
Manufacturer URL:	JMLab
Model Picture:	View

Review by JDT on September 10, 2001 at 00:09:50
IP Address: 66.27.131.4

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for the Cobalt 815

Some people who audition these speakers have commented about them being weak of bass or too bright. These people are not really wrong but I think they may be shopping for the wrong speakers to suit their taste. If you are someone who owns quality 2 channel gear (YBA, Bryston, Sim, etc) and appreciates music as carefully rendered by a pair of fine monitors (Totem Model 1, Dynaudio 1.3, Pro Ac 1, etc), these speakers should appeal to you.
As far as imaging and soundstage mapping, these speakers rate a 9, as good as it gets without going above the $4000 mark. As for details and resolution, they rate an 8, just not quite up there with the Totem Model 1 or the Pro Ac Response 1. Highs are superb with very impressive extension. Midrange lacks that absolute pristine clarity of typical high end speakers but nevertheless quite good overall. Bass is well tuned and without any excessiveness. These speakers offer somewhat of an analytical presentation rather than a romantic one. I personally think they are a really nice match with tubes due to this plus the fact they are quite easy to drive (91 dB, 8 ohms). Cabinet design is quite decent but not top notch, placing them on spikes and reinforcing them with weight on top do compensate for this. For people who do not listen to music at high volume or a lot of rock/pop, I would recommend the Cobalt 810 which is about $500 less. It does everything the 815 does but falls just a tad short on loud volume handling and bass management.
Why consider the 815 instead of monitors if their strong points are those of monitors? In my opinion, it would be versatility. You give up a little bit in terms of micro details but you gain all the benefits of a floorstanding speaker such as bass ability and handling of rock and pop music. Not necessarily a best buy at $1800 but considering what they can do across the board, I do recommend them.

Product Weakness: USA price is high due to import tax
Product Strengths: Fantastic Imaging and Soundstaging

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	Sim Audio I-5 Integrated Amp
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	N/A
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Sony ES CDP
Speakers:	Jm Lab Cobalt 815
Cables/Interconnects:	MIT Shotgun/Kimber KCAG
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Jazz, Vocals, Movie Scores
Room Size (LxWxH):	24 x 16 x 10
Time Period/Length of Audition:	1
Other (Power Conditioner etc.):	Nelson MSB Link DAC
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner
Your System (if other than home audition):	N/A

Product Weakness:	USA price is high due to import tax
Product Strengths:	Fantastic Imaging and Soundstaging