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REVIEW: Joseph Audio RM25XL Speakers

154.20.147.152


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Model: RM25XL
Category: Speakers
Suggested Retail Price: $4199
Description: 2-1/2 way floorstanding spaeker
Manufacturer URL: Joseph Audio
Model Picture: View

Review by carbonman on June 20, 2008 at 22:30:30
IP Address: 154.20.147.152
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for the RM25XL


I owned Joseph Audio RM25si speakers for several years, and upgraded the crossovers to the Mk.II version. I was very satisfied with these speakers, but was forced to purchase a new pair of speakers after my stereo was stolen.
I didn't have any hesitation with asking my favorite audio dealer to order me a replacement pair of RM25's, the XL series this time.
My wife and I were very pleased to hear the improved sound of the new speakers. As happy as I was with the old ones, these sound noticeably better. My salesman thinks they sound almost as good as his RM33si's.
Bass is deeper - it sounds as if there is an extra 1/2 octave of extension in this iteration. Treble is smoother too. They will play very loudly without strain. The relatively narrow cabinets and the Asymmetrical Infinite Slope crossover help give these speakers excellent dispersion and soundstage. Listening fatigue is only due to poor recordings or edgy sources. These speakers forgive average electronics and reveal the strengths of top quality sources and amplification.
It's very important to not toe these speakers in much. I would recommend facing both speakers straight forward and evaluate them this way for an extended audition. Toe in just makes the sound too bright and collapses the soundstage.
These speakers sound good within 2'(60cm) of the front wall, measured from the front of the cabinets. Moving them to 3-1/2' (1m) or so farther out gives a deep stereo image, extending slightly back through the front wall.
Construction, finish and drivers (metal cone woofers, silk dome tweeter) are all top quality. The cabinets look like pieces of fine modern furniture. The brass cones supplied with the black painted bases have rounded ends to be kind to hardwood and laminate floors.
Back to the bass response - I can't believe how much clean, tight bottom end these speakers can produce. It's obvious to me that Richard Modaferri knows a lot about loudspeaker design. The fact that this model is Jeff Joseph's best seller is no mistake. It's an astounding speaker in this price range or even at twice the price. I think the majority of JA customers agree with me because most Joseph Audio models are rarely found in the used speaker market.
Do yourself a favor and find a pair of these speakers to audition. You will love them.
Cheers,

Graham

"Blue meters, big watts. This must be Heaven!"


Product Weakness: <br>Not widely distributed, though you can obtain a pair for home audition direct from Joseph Audio
Product Strengths: Very easy load to drive - no problems for modest amplifiers <br>Forgiving of placement close to walls <br>Small footprint similar to a minimonitor with big floorstander bass extension <br>


Associated Equipment for this Review:

Amplifier: McIntosh MC252
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated): McIntosh C45
Sources (CDP/Turntable): McIntosh MCD205
Speakers: Joseph Audio RM25XL
Cables/Interconnects: Kimber 8PR, Canare 4S11
Music Used (Genre/Selections): Rock, Jazz, Blues, Pop, etc.
Room Size (LxWxH): 27' (8.2m) x 12' (3.6m) x 8' (2.4m)
Room Comments/Treatments: Carpet, angled fireplace/corner wall
Time Period/Length of Audition: 11 months
Other (Power Conditioner etc.): Richard Gray's Power Company 400 Pro
Type of Audition/Review: Product Owner




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Topic - REVIEW: Joseph Audio RM25XL Speakers - carbonman 22:30:30 06/20/08 ( 7)