Jamo D7 THX Ultra II Home Theatre Speaker System

I decided to write this review for the Jamo D7 THX Ultra II speaker package as before I purchased them I was only able to find two reviews on the internet – both of which were somewhat lacking in substance. You can find one of them at Robb Report [Just do a search for Jamo on their website]. I agree with Robb Reports exceptionally high praise for the Jamo’s – but here are my own comments in a bit of a story to make it interesting [I hope!]. The other review was written in German [I think] and badly translated to English.

Cost: $20,070.00 RRP inc. GST [As Reviewed 7.2 Configuration w/ 2 X Subwoofers]
Cost $12,900.00 RRP inc. GST [5.1 Speaker System w/ no rear speakers]

Associated Audio Equipment

Marantz Reference Series SR12S1 THX Ultra II Dolby Digital ES / DTS EX Theatre Amplifier
Marantz Reference Series DV12S2 Progressive Scan DVD / DVD-A / SACD Player w/ HDCP DVI
I-Merge 250 Gigabyte Digital Hard Disc Music Server
AudioQuest CV4 PSC+ Speaker Cable
AudioQuest Jaguar and Python Interconnects

Initial Impressions – All this ‘Stuff’
‘Nup’ - you cannot shoehorn a Jamo D7 7.2 THX Ultra II Speaker system into an Audi A4 [Believe me – I tried] So, if you do spring for this speaker system either get your dealer to deliver it, or make sure you have a large station wagon or people mover [The Audi can comfortably swallow a ‘boxed’ 42” plasma in its rear seats – but the Jamo system soundly defeated it! Those subwoofers are just too big!].

With the system home [and with disapproving looks from the wife to get it out of the hallway or sleep on the sofa – At least I think that’s what she was insinuating] I tore open the boxes and got into it. [I know… Its kid in the candy store stuff – But you gotta’ love it!]

All of the speakers are individually boxed [very well boxed] and cleverly packed with plenty of protective packaging [including a protective wooden panel over all the speaker drivers] – so they will travel very well [which is a good thing as I need to re-pack them in 9 months when the new house is finished]. Each box contains a complete manual [In about ten languages] and mounting hardware if you want to mount any of the speakers [other than the subwoofers] on the wall. The subwoofers also include detachable power cables and connection leads [which are promptly discarded and replaced with AudioQuest Jaguar interconnect].

If sex sells – then Jamo is onto something – these speakers have got curves baby! Their slim solid [Read: Built like a battleship] construction is augmented beautifully with shapely speaker grille lines set off with just the right amount of brushed stainless steel [the pictures really don’t do them justice]. This is no boxy XD Falcon speaker package – this is the Danish equivalent of a Pininfarina Ferrari - Well Done Jamo. The ultimate test of course – the WAF [Wife Acceptance Factor] – is passed with flying colors.

A word on construction [and weight] – The Jamo D7 package is extremely well constructed of very think 25mm MDF board. Each subwoofer weighs approximately thirty six Kilograms alone. Add it all up and your way over one hundred kilograms for a 7.2 system.

Set-up – Out of the Box
Set-up is a snap if you have ever installed your own multi-channel speaker system before. There is however, one ‘gotcha’ to be aware of.

The Jamo’s have two sets of speaker terminals on the main LCR speakers, which you would be forgiven for thinking provided bi-wire capability out of the box [Yup – I made this mistake]. In fact, the two terminals are configured differently with a different internal crossover configuration for different speaker set-up locations. One set is for wall mount and the other for stand mount. The stand mount terminals compensate for the unpredictable nature of stand mounting speakers [The speaker response is much more predictable when wall mounted]. For this review I stand mount the speakers [But will be wall mounting them in the new Theatre when finished – If I remember I will revisit this review and update with any comments on how wall mounting affects them].

All speakers are set to small on the Marantz THX Ultra II receiver as per THX Ultra II specifications and subwoofer is set to YES [A Big YES X 2]. The THX Crossover point is 80 Hz. I do not sit very close to the rear wall so THX Ultra II Boundary Gain Compensation is left off. A very nice feature of the Jamo D7 subwoofers is that if you are using this speaker package [or just the Subwoofer] without a THX Ultra II receiver you can use the additional subwoofer input labeled BGC and the subwoofer will provide its own internal Boundary Gain Compensation [to THX Ultra II Specifications] if you sit to close to the rear or side walls and are getting to much ‘boom’. I have not tried this input as have no need for it in my system / room.

Once installed I calibrated the entire speaker system to 75DB C weighted Slow using the test signals on DVE with a Digital SPL Meter and kick back for some ‘out-of-the-box’ listening. One fantastic thing about purchasing a THX speaker package is you are guaranteed even speaker response [I have seen some very expensive left and right main speakers that have had a difference of more than 6DB between them out of the box – which has to be countered electronically in the processor] and all speakers are within .5 of a DB – EXCELLENT.

Comparisons
The Jamo D7 THX Ultra II speaker system [as reviewed] is the most expensive speaker system I have ever owned and is also the most expensive speaker system I have ever written a review for [or bothered to write a review for].

I have not reviewed or even listened to the Snell, Atlantic Technology or JBL Synthesis THX Ultra II speaker systems. So I am going to refrain from comments relating to how these speakers perform in relation to all of the above [Suffice to say the Jamo’s ‘look’ better in my opinion], or any other speaker system for that matter. Likewise, I don’t want to write an essay on the direct comparisons between my previous Mirage Home Theatre Speaker System and the Jamo D7s – again, suffice to say – The Jamo’s are significantly better in all respects – except soundstage size & depth [which Mirage are a clear leader in with their Omni-Polar technology]. When placed well away from the walls the Mirage OM6’s had seemingly limitless soundstage depth – extending well beyond the walls.

Ready Please Mr. Music…

I confess….

I was not a mad fan of THX speakers in their initial incarnation for music. They always sounded great to me for movies – but lacked resolution, layered depth, presence and perhaps most importantly that feeling of ‘you are there’ in the room with the musicians. Perhaps unfairly, this stigma from the first THX specification has somewhat ‘stuck’ to anything wearing the THX badge today and audiophiles tend to run a mile whenever you mention Mr. Tomlinson Holman’s eXperiment. This was one of the biggest psychological obstacles for me to overcome before taking the plunge into an Ultra II system.

Happily - Things have changed and the stigma is ‘busted’ [For Me].

The Jamo D7s extend to 40,000 Khz – or roughly twice the audible range of human hearing, which makes them ideally suited to both SACD and DVD Audio High Resolution formats [Both of which carry frequencies into this range]. I confine the bulk of my music listening to predominantly SACD and my I-Merge Hard Disk Music Server, which provides me with ample source material to test the mettle.

THX Ultra II speakers [Specifically the Jamo D7’s] are VERY good on music. With the somewhat relaxed Ultra II specification for a narrow vertical dispersion [compared to the first incarnation of THX speakers] all of the previous comments [read: complaints] are gone. Music is fluid, with foot taping rhythm, excellent resolution and with truly amazing dynamics. As a footnote to this - I would be lying if I didn’t say I miss the virtually infinite depth and soundstage of the Mirage OM6’s.

Richter Scale

Enough about music…. I purchased this speaker system to serve as the sound system for the dedicated movie theatre I am currently building – not for 2-channel listening [Which has now been relegated to the somewhat vague realm of Multi-room audio through flush mount ceiling speakers *Ducks for Cover*].

The first disc I spin up is the Region 1 DTS Saving Private Ryan – chapter 1 – the D-Day beach landing, which is a work out and literal sonic assault on senses.

The seemingly limitless dynamics and sheer audio impact of the Jamo THX Ultra II speaker system is awe inspiring. The strict Ultra II guidelines have paid off in spades and audio is clean, crisp, with a beautifully integrated soundfield, clear dialogue and tremendous impact and slam during explosions. As per THX’s own website and by their own definition; Ultra II speakers must play extremely Loud for extended periods [115db] with no audible distortion.

Personally I don’t advocate listening to movies at Reference Level in the home – it’s just too dam loud and can be damaging to your hearing. However, the ability of the speaker system to play cleanly at these levels ensures no audible distortion at any comfortable listening level – and that is worth its weight in THX gold.

Disc two is a real subwoofer ‘buster’ – the Region 1 DTS version of U-571 [I think one of only very few discs to receive a 5+ sound rating by Widescreen Review [Along with the DTS version of Saving Private Ryan] – Widescreen Review].

U-571 has a wonderfully integrated soundfield with tremendously powerful deep bass extension during the depth charge scenes.

As the depth charges explode bass is clean, deep [VERY deep], authoritative and has tremendous impact and slam [I think I may need structural house insurance]. I like it! What is also immediately impressive is the Jamo’s ability to hold a coherent soundfield – I can still hear the rivets ricocheting around the interior of the U-boat cleanly. Each sound is wonderfully positioned in space. VERY impressive.

Disc three is the movie that spawned the THX generation – Star Wars. Star Wars has always sounded its best on a THX system [At least I have never heard it sound better on another system] and I am not disappointed. In point of fact, listening to Star Wars on the Ultra II’s reminds me of the excitement of seeing the film for the first time – This is wonderfully addictive and I can see a great many DVD’s that were gathering dust on the shelf having a spin over the coming weeks.

Conclusion – The Audience is Listening…

It is hard to say any speaker package that costs more than a small car is exceptionally good value for money. After all, twenty grand is a lot of money in any language – but stack it up against the performance, battleship build quality, THX Ultra II specification and Exotic Super-Car Looks and its hard to keep the phrase ‘exceptional value for money’ out of the equation .

Priorities are probably one of the biggest factors that are going to draw you [or not] to a speaker package such as this. If you’re a dedicated audiophile [in the true sense of the word] and two-channel is your bread and butter [meaning it takes priority over everything] and you do your listening in solitary confinement as there is only one sweet spot then this is probably not the speaker system for you – Besides, you probably wont want to admit that a THX ULTRA II speaker system can provide such a musical experience.

If however, you are after a Home Theatre Speaker system that is ‘The-Best-it-Can-Be’ and that also excels on music [especially SACD / DVD-A] then you really don’t or perhaps even shouldn’t, look any further than the Jamo D7’s. As a bonus and adjunct to this – they simply look spectacular.

At the end of the day I am in the industry and am lucky enough to have the option of virtually any speaker system I like [Within the confines of the treasuries [Read: Wifes] decrees. I bought the Jamo D7 THX Ultra II 7.2 Speaker package – and I guess that is the highest recommendation I can give.

Ferries Bueller said it best… “If you have the means of picking one up I highly recommend it – it is so choice”

good review worx.

sounds awesome

any chance of posting some pics of how you got it all setup ?

Yes - just waiting on a new piece of joinery at the front of the room - then will take a few pics and post em. [Got the centre channel sitting on a box at the moment!]

Further Musings....

Over the last week I have been giving these speakers a real hammering - spinning up a heap of discs to put them through their paces.

Like all speakers they are getting better and better as they break in - the improvements are the usual with speaker break in - smoother, more fluid etc. [enough anecdotes already I know...]

Thought I would post a little more thoughts on the system however as I really am starting to see the massive value in Ultra II speakers - the more I live with them - the more I like em'. Yuo could say I am Ultra impressed [Boom.. Boom]

I wasn't sure at first due to the large change in speaker - but the Jamo D7's are definately capable of BETTER resolution than the Mirage OM6's [which I found truly quite startling]. As a very good example - I never noticed or heard before the way the wind is whistling ever so gently when C3PO and R2 are standing at the door to Jabbas palace in Return of the Jedi. I actually had to replay the scene twice to make sure I wasnt imagining it - [If you have time or are interested - have a listen on your own system and let me know if you hear it and if so - how it sounds.] Its clearly audible on the Jamo's at 10 DB below reference level [Im not talking about the obvious wind - im talking about the very subtle whistle of a gentle wind around the palace - the sort of wind you get in a Sergio Leonee Western ] Hard to describe...

I had a good listen a few days ago to a Jamo D6 THX Select speaker system [at roughly 1/3 the price] with an Onkyo THX select Receiver - it was good - but it wasnt in the same league as the Ultra II's - as I guess you would expect given the price differential. I only mention it as I did not hear the same detailed wind noise as the D7's.

There are quite a few other instances on other movies where I have had similar experiences with background sounds I had not heard before. Its all adding up to a truly beuatifully intregrated soundfield, which is nothing short of thoroughly engrossing.

Its always hard in a review not to go on raving about a product when you fall in love with it - so hear are a couple of things I dont like to even the score and to try and keep my review and impressions unbiased.

The stands are well... pretty ordinary IMO - they are HEAVY [which is nice] but they are quite a poor fit when put together [they come dissasembled] and one of them needed a little creative surgery with a bench drill to get it to fit together properly. I may have just got a dud stand - but at this sort of price and level they should be perfect. The stands are around $500 each. They do look awesome now I have them properly sorted.

On top of that - the cable management barely accomodates AudioQuest CV4+ - so forget CV6 or anything with a diameter of more than 1cm.

Forget running video cable anywhere near the subwoofers - the magnets in these puppies are massive and spew out a huge field. Video cable run directly past the subwoofer was completley destroyed over VGA from the HD STB [no image at all] and DVI from the Marantz over AudioQuest DVI-D cable was intermittent. I had to relocate the equipment to keep video runs away from the subs. [I think these subs would send a CRT a beautiful shade of purple and blue if placed anywhere within a coowee of the TV].

Both of these are only very small things and neither is really an issue for me - its all about the audio quality and sonic impact at the end of the day and as per my review - these speakers have it in spades. [I promise.. no more raving!]

It is really good to read your finding the jamo ultra a treat worx, as not knowing them, it initially sort of sounded like you were throwing it away with the upgrade. Definetly a step well forward by the sounds.

I'll check out the sergio leone wind if you like on return of the jedi at -10db. My speakers are no where in the league as yours just humble richters & subsonic. The elektra with its detail and my mission mains might hopefully come to the rescue though ! hehehe

I look forward to your "poor man's D7" test al, $20k is a hell of a lot to stash into my secret slush fund!

hehehe

I can hear the wind !

I can hear the wind when they get to jabbas place ch4 around 5min into the movie. Can also hear a howling wind in the background as theyre going through the tunnel and up untill they see jabba still ch4 upto around 7min54 into the movie.

Great little test demo section there worx, lots of details, good test of vocals and some good sub action too when the big metal door shuts !

Now do keep in mind there is a gale force huricane going on outside in melbourne here. Will get the guys to check it out again and verify next time theyre over.

you got any other beaut little test pieces like this one worx.

Scweet! Good stuff! I never noticed it before [it may have been there on my old system - I dont know - but I certinaly never noticed it before the Ultra's.



Yeah - I can shake the house when the door shuts



Umm.... A few old favourites for working the subs and sourrounds....

1. The Speeder bike chase from Return of the Jedi [A real YOU are THERE moment on a good system]
2. Opening scene T2 [Classic]
3. Depth Charged Scene U571 [Subwoofer Buster]
4. Bar Fight Scene Raiders of the Lost Arc. [Indy's got a howitzer!]
5. Beach Landing Saving Private Ryan [A Bit gory...]
6. James Bond Golden eye - Tank through the St. Scene [Bass Overkill]
7. House of Flying Daggers - Bamboo Battle [Lots of delicate surround activity]
8. Opening scene from Empire Strikes Back [AWESOME for smooth back to front panning of sound activity]
9. Opening Battle from Gladiator [Very good for resolution as there is just so much happening]

Im getting my hands on the brand new Version 2. THX Wow Montage in DTS 6.1 next week - this should be an awesome demo as well.

Hi Worx,
Thanks for the great write up, I really enjoyed reading it. I have the Jamo D6 THX Ultra speakers in a 7.2 (the D6 sub + another 10" sub) setup and have been very happy with them. Their clarity and the punishment they can take is outstanding. How big is your room? Having two D7 subs must shake the paint off the walls! The other factor I really like about these speakers is that they are wall mountable which was a mandatory requirement from my wife. The design of the rear speakers really provides a great surround field that imserses you. Try and find a DVD that contacts a scene involving rain and thunder, you will start to wonder why you aren't getting wet! I was originally using them with an Onkyo 787 then replaced this with a Rotel RSP-1098 processor, this made a huge difference to the overall clarity of the sound and the detail in the rear surrounds.
Yor can see see my D6's wall mounted here

cheers,
Stephen

thanks for a few of your old favourites worx. Will have to have a closer listen to some of those. Some already part of my favourite bits - T2, U571, Indy bar scene, beach landing, the bond films mentioned and gladiator of course !

Guess you'll be revisiting all of these in the near future !

Looks real Scwheet Stephen!

Im a little loathe to post pics of the current set-up - I literally have stuff everywhere [Boxes, sofa's, stuff I need to pack etc] while the new house is being built - once its all fnished I will put some pics up as well.

My current room is 4.2 metres X 6 metres - the new theatre room is 4.7m X 6.7m when its finished.

Good point on the amplification - the D6 system I heard used quite a cheap receiver - which, definately did not do the D6's justice.

The SR12S1 Marantz really makes the D7's sing.

alebonau - do u have some favourites u can also reccomend for me to try? Im always looking for new stuff to demo.

hi worx,

all my favs are in here as I've come along them, plus theres some real beauts from others too..

http://www.dtvforum.info/index.php?showtop...indpost&p=74017

also check my couple of reviews - elektra and HK630, I've got some standard stuff I use that I'm very familair with and is a pretty good guage of setup and the system.

look forward to the pics !

Thanks Worx and al.

I'm really enjoying this thread guys, we don't get many in-depth speaker reviews on this forum.... especially ones in this price range (Not that I can afford them right now, but I can always dream).

WOW ! stephen what a setup !

you have done very well there really, nice website too very informative and shows you've really taken a lot of care with it all. Best part I like is it infact is a real lounge too not just a home theatre setup...very neat indeed. Well done this is one of the best setups I've seen pics off on this forum, you should be very proud indeed.

Well Done guys, excellent, i very much ejoyed the review and your web site Stephen.

Thanks

Jim

me too excellent web site and setup very detailed and carefully planned, great use of the room to make it dual purpose. How did you manage to get all the cables hidden so well!!

Hi Guys,
Thanks for the kind words about the site, I really appreciate it. I built the extension to my house about 18 months ago and over that period I've been upgrading gear and tuning things (it really is a kind of hobby as I'm sure you guys will appreciate). I knocked together the site only in the last couple of weeks to hopefully share my experiences with others.

All the cables where run through the walls before the giprock went up. The room has a coffered ceiling so there is a path from the equipment cupboard to projector. My biggest mistake was not putting some plastic piping in the walls from the equipment cupboard to the TV. Running additional cabling to the TV (i.e. HDMI) is going to be a bit of pain and I'll probably have to get a electrician in to do it.

cheers,
Stephen

That setup is awesome for me thats one of those things you could say "if only"

Brilliant Review and great website Stephen

Has anyone compared the Jamo D7 package to the M&K S150 Package ?

I have not compared to the M&K - but did compare to the THX Ultra II Atlantic Technology speakers - I purchased the Jamo Ultra II package - so nuf' said on that score.

I beleive from what I hear that the M&K are also very good. They are a fair bit cheaper than the Jamo package and not as nice aesthetically - but they have an excellent name out there.

Nice review, not trying to be too pedantic but I think you meant to say 40 KHz not 40,000 KHz right?

Bingo!

Great review of the Jamo D7, Worx.

I have a set of Jamo D6 in a 7.1 configuration (I picked up another pair of D6 SURs as rear surrounds), driven from a Pioneer AX-10Ai THX Ultra 2 amp. I've had the D6 for almost 6 years now, and they still sound awesome.

I was wondering where you picked up the D7s from, as I may be interested to upgrade. Also, how have you positioned your 2 subs, as I understand if placed incorrectly, the bass from both subs can eliminate each other's low frequencies.

Thanks!

I am in the industry - so I have direct access to product from 'such' companies. I can access D7 direct from importer if you want to upgrade. I have the two subs positioned as follows.

My theatre is 4400mm Deep X 4300mm Wide X 2700mm High and seats one row of 5 people 3600mm from the front wall [seated head location]. My screen is a Stewart 2070X 830mm 2.35:1 with a Runco RS1100 1920 X 1080p Projector with Cine-Wide anamorphic lens. The first sub is positioned at exactly 2150mm [dead centre of sub] along the front wall - and likewise across the back wall. In other words right in the middle of the front and back walls.

Placing the subwoofers in this configuration provides the smoothest in-room base response and minimises the problem areas I have at approx. 80 hz. and 120 hz - the nastiest problem area in my room given the dimensions. An Audyssey Digital Parametric EQ unit is integrated in my system to further smooth in room response and I have several dedicated custom bass traps built to deal with my problem frequency areas. All of this contributes to the smooth in room response.

Place your subs with A LOT of care - placement for smooth response is critical if you are seating multiple people. Most people stick the sub in the corner - the WORST possible place if smooth in room response is your goal in a dedicated multi-seat theatre [2-channel single seat is a different animal].

My home theatre setup is in the living room that's approximately 3.5m wide by 4 or 4.5m deep. I have a TV unit that's at the front of the living room (2m wide). On the left of the TV unit is a small table, consisting of a DVD Player (Denon A1-XVA) and a CD Transport (Audio Mecca Mephisto II) on the bottom shelf. On the far right of the TV unit is the D6 sub, though it's not right at the corner. All other speakers are wall mounted, with the exception of the 2 side speakers (not practical to wall mount them). The sofa at the back of the living room is against the wall, with the other also against the wall on the right hand side of the room (under a window).

Given such configuration, where do you think is the best place to place the 2 subs should I upgrade to the D7s? Do you know anyone that is willing to take my set of D6s as trade in?

Thanks!

Ok - lets assume for a minute that your room dimensions are 3.5m Wide X 4m Deep - You dont list the height but I will assume a standard height of 2.7m

Based on these dimensions [and all else being equal for room construction and the room being a regular rectangle shape with no arches etc.] then you have the following problem areas :

You have issues at roughly 40-60 hz, 80-125 hz and approx 200 hz. Ignore Tangential and Oblique for the moment - they are less of an issue than axial and harder to deal with. Axial are the most significant anyway.

If you were to place the subwoofers mid way along the front and back walls you would help to minimise the problem areas - you could then add some EQ and treat the problem areas with custom built bass traps.

Your current seating position is terrible and places you in a huge bass hump - try moving the couch off the back wall approx.. 600-800mm and you will get smother response at the seated location.

Ebay is your best bet for on selling your D6 speakers.

Good to see another 2 sub system also adhering to the harman whitepaper alignment

I know the thread has been idle for a while but is this review of the same Jamo D7 Ultra2 system that I can now see at Qualifi for $10,900? Thats a $10k drop? correct...at that price and considering the original review of them I might just go check them out for my next pruchase.

Wow that’s a big drop, maybe this model has been superseded.

No - they are still current.

The price on Qualifi's website is for a 5.1 system - I am running 7.2 - hence the additional cost. There was a price drop of a couple of grand however - making this package phenomenal value for its performance.

In point of fact, the D7's are still only one of about 5 elite brands of speakers to meet the stringent criteria for Ultra II and to be certified with the Ultra II badge.

This speaker package is a 'ball-tearer' IMO and experience. It just doesnt get any better for home theatre.

Hi Worx A4, Joined yesterday so please excuse newbie process. Currently have subsonic fusion 3 speakers [7.1 configuration] and purchased lexicon MC8 processor 6 mths ago. Looking to now upgrade speakers to maximise investment from the Lexicon. Your opinion re the Jamo D7 speaker system within a lexicon configuration would be appreciated. What are your thoughts on Atlantic Technology [8200e THX Ultra 2], Sonus Faber - Cremona, Kilpsch THX Ultra 2 and the B&W systems. Price range for speaker spend is between $10-$15k RRP. Would assume you would obtain 25% discount from RRP. Thanks and regards

I hear you, loud and clear!

Good speakers, like a good screen, should last you a good long time.

Sorry I dont get to this forum very often and just saw your post....

Ok - there are quite a lot of questions there....

1. I have not heard the Klipsch THX, Cremona or Sonus Faber speakers to comment on their performance. I have seen the Klipsch - but not heard it. From memory its horn loaded and I dont as a general rule like horn loaded speakers - there is something about the top end that disagrees with my ears.

2. I do NOT like the Atlantic Tech speakers at ALL. I listened to them extensivley in the USA at THX - they didnt do it for me.

3. I do and did like the M&K THX - but I beleive they are no longer available? I hadnt heard these before I bought the D7's - they are probably the closest competitor IMO.

4. I cant comment on the Lexicon - I know of it - but have never listened to it. In general, its a Harman owned product [I think] and is generally well regarded.

I've lived with the D7's for quite a while now.. and if I was looking for a speaker package today I would not even hesitate on purchasing them immediately. I wouldnt even need or want to audition anything else.

You could easily pick up a 5.1 D7 Ultra II system within your budget and get change.

If you want any further info feel free to PM me.

My Local distributor (not Oz) currently has the D7 series on clearance, so perhaps there's something new in the pipeline?

I also noticed that the Jamo website has a link to "R907" speakers, but no info: http://www.jamo.com/Default.aspx?ID=5966&a...ProductID=18006 which also fuels suspicion that some new products might be just around the corner..

Anyone here with any insider knowledge?

D7 are remaining current - if they have it on clearance they probably just want to move the stock they have on the floor.

The R907 are reference 2 channel speakers that are open infinite baffle. They are not really suited to HT.

Very informative and enjoyable read. Thanks for taking the time to write it up.

I'm more than a little skeptical about the 6dB difference out of the box you refer to. Perhaps it was a function of the location of the speakers. I know that with my own system the left and right fronts are 1.5dB different in levels. If I physically move the speakers to swap their locations, there is no change so it is obviously a room thing. If I bought new speakers that were 6dB different, firstly it would be immediately apparent and secondly they would go straight back to where they were purchased because they are obviously damaged..

You can be skeptical - thats fine.

But I have and do continue to see these kind of variations in speakers that are new out of the box. Measuring it is easy using near field techniques - which works to substantially reduce the rooms influence on the equation.

If that is the case, I would still send them back to the manufacturer under warranty. Fixing the problem by playing with the receiver's settings instead of having the speakers replaced or repaired sounds like a silly idea to me.

100% agree.

Josh,

These speakers are now 4 years old, but seem to still be current on the Jamo website. Are you still a huge fan of them?

Cheers,

Strange question. Do you think new speakers sound better than ones made a few years ago? Apart from efficiency, there's been very little in the way of genuine improvements to loudspeakers in the last 50 years. Our speakers are around 30 years old and I could never replace them today without a Tattslotto win.

I am not sure about better with speakers to be honest. I think it is a personal thing and difficult to be objective about. I am not sure that the statement that there has been no improvement in speakers for 50 years is true though - the ability to do much better structural / sonic modelling of the box, would think cross-over electronics have improved, better construction techniques for drivers, etc. Still I have no doubt there are some great sounding "aged" speakers out there still.

Anyway, not sure it is a strange question - what was great in 2005 may not still be perceived as such in 2009? On the other hand, there is no reason why it may still not be a great set of speakers and technology may not have advanced. Hence the question...

True, as long as the design stays the same, they shoud still sound the same, unless they have changed driver manufacturers, replaced components in the crossover with a different manufacturer with slight differences in tollerances etc.
All could effect the sound in some way, whether it's noticeable or not over a 4 year gap is questionable.

Also in your case where you have speakers that are 30 years old, it possible/ likely that certain items such as voice coils, driver cones and rubber surrounds have degraded/ hardened/ become less efficient over time. A brand new version of your speaker may sound different, if for no other reason as it may be impossible to source the exact same components.

I dont think that's a question Josh is going to be able to answer, unless he has heard the new ones, in his own home.