This review delves into the Pylon Jasper 18 bookshelf speakers, examining their performance and design in detail. Priced at approximately €3950 (depending on finish), these speakers boast a premium aesthetic and utilize high-quality Scanspeak Revelator drivers. We explore their sonic characteristics, focusing on both their strengths and weaknesses, providing an in-depth analysis for discerning audiophiles considering a high-end purchase.The Jasper 18s deliver remarkable clarity and detail at lower volumes, showcasing the capabilities of their meticulously engineered components. However, the review also addresses certain sonic nuances, including a pronounced mid-bass and a peak around 2kHz, which become more noticeable at higher listening levels. We investigate the impact of room acoustics on the overall sound and offer practical suggestions for optimizing placement and room treatment to mitigate any potential issues. The review concludes with an overall assessment of the speaker's performance, weighing its unique sonic signature against its price point and intended audience.
Pros And Cons
- Looks nice
- Stands out at low volumes with extra midbase thump and attack in the 2kHz area, making instruments jump out
- Good bass extension (around 60Hz in most rooms) at lower volumes
- Uses Scanspeak Revelator midwoofer and tweeter
- Sounds too bright, thumpy, and energetic at high volumes (75-85dB at 10 feet)
- Mid-range is recessed, making vocals sound hollow
- Peaking around 2kHz is too much and draws too much attention
- Dip around 4kHz exacerbates the 2kHz peak
- 100Hz bump is too strong (3-5dB)
- Bright even when towed off-axis in rooms with sidewall reflections
- Bass response drops at high volumes
- Soundstage sweet spot is limited to ±60°
- Midwoofer resonance causes higher second-order distortion
- Linearity issues above 96dB
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Build Quality and Price
The Pylon Jasper 18 bookshelf speakers boast a premium design and build. Their aesthetically pleasing appearance immediately captivates the eye. The high-end nature of these speakers is reflected in their price point, which varies depending on the finish selected.
While the model reviewed retailed for approximately €3950, other color options are available at a lower price, around €2950 for a pair. This range of pricing options caters to different budgets while maintaining the overall high-quality construction and materials.
Sound Performance at Low and High Volumes
At lower volumes, the Jasper 18 speakers truly shine, offering a remarkable level of detail and clarity that surpasses many competitors. The pronounced mid-bass thump and enhanced attack in the 2 kHz region add considerable impact and dynamism to the listening experience.
However, at higher listening levels (75-85dB at 10 feet), this extra energy in the 2 kHz range becomes somewhat excessive, potentially leading to listener fatigue. This is further exacerbated by a noticeable mid-range recession, causing vocals to sound slightly hollow.
Room Acoustics and Speaker Placement
The speaker's brightness is amplified in rooms with noticeable sidewall reflections. To mitigate this, strategic placement and room treatment are crucial. Towing the speakers outward, away from the listening position, helps to even out the high-frequency response.
Implementing absorption panels at the first reflection points on the side walls will significantly improve the overall sound, reducing excessive brightness and improving tonal balance. Directing the speakers outwards, rather than directly at the listener, is also recommended.
Driver Units and Frequency Response
The Pylon Jasper 18 utilizes Scanspeak Revelator mid-woofers and tweeters, renowned for their quality. While these drivers are generally excellent, the mid-woofer exhibits some resonance in the midrange, leading to higher-than-ideal second-order distortion.
This resonance, likely a combination of cone edge and surround interaction, manifests as a slight dip in the on-axis response and contributes to the overall sound signature. Despite this minor flaw, the reviewer expresses personal preference for the Scanspeak Revelator woofer.
Data Analysis and Measurement Results
Measurements reveal a mid-range scoop, a peak around 2kHz, and a dip around 3-4kHz. These characteristics contribute to the speaker’s distinct sound signature, although some might find it less neutral. The 30° off-axis response is more linear than the on-axis measurement.
The bass response extends to approximately 60Hz, but at higher volumes, some bass control is lost. Harmonic distortion is slightly elevated, particularly in the midrange, again attributable to the mid-woofer resonance. Impedance is around 4 ohms minimum, requiring a powerful amplifier.
Conclusion and Overall Assessment
The Pylon Jasper 18 speakers are visually striking and offer a unique sonic character. However, their sound signature may not appeal to those seeking completely neutral reproduction. The pronounced mid-bass and 2kHz emphasis can be overwhelming at higher volumes, and the mid-range recession impacts vocal clarity.
Room treatment is essential to tame the brightness and improve the overall balance. While the use of high-quality Scanspeak drivers is a plus, the mid-woofer resonance results in some distortion. Despite these points, the speaker offers exceptional detail and clarity at lower listening levels, making it a suitable option for those who appreciate its distinctive sonic character.