There are brands in our industry that have been around for a long time, even if they haven’t been around for very long. Simply because at some point they fell into the hands of skilled marketers who spent a lot of effort to make a specific name widely known in narrow circles. But some companies suddenly enter the market, as if out of nowhere, and then you dig into their history and realize that there is no “out of nowhere”: behind the buzz in the information field, there is a very dense, solid background.
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Something like this happened to the Poles Pylon Audio and their presence on the Russian market. Almost no one has heard of them, although in slightly less narrow circles (at the global level, not locally) the company has already managed to establish itself. And initially – as a manufacturer of acoustic enclosures.
It was only later that they decided to fill the cabinets with electronics themselves, and not just by collecting ready-made components from around the world and assembling speakers like a construction set. No: now the company has a full-fledged full-cycle production, and for some models, it even makes the speakers itself.
No compromises!
Active acoustics have as many advantages as disadvantages compared to a classic multi-component system. The advantages are simple: you don’t have to worry about choosing equipment, you save space, and enjoy the perks of convenience and digitalization. The disadvantages are also quite obvious: upgrade options are limited, active speakers lose their relevance faster than passive ones, and at the same time, they often don’t shine with technology.
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Active speakers are most often seen by people as a compromise and therefore are much more clearly represented in the entry-level and mid-price segments. Like, if you are going to go with convenience anyway, then why do you need high-end solutions, the latest technologies, and all that stuff that will make the process of listening to music much more exciting and cool?
The side walls are deceptively smooth: there is not a single parallel surface inside and, as the developers themselves say, “cubic shape”, and therefore there are no unwanted resonances and other things that make the air move unpredictably and unattractively. For the same reason, the front panel was made layered. As a result, one speaker weighs 31 kg – which, by the way, is strange, because on the official website, the passive version weighs the same.
But inside the active Jasper 25 mkII there are as many as three 150 W amplifiers – one per speaker. And yes, it is class D, efficient, fast, clear, and light, but it still has some weight.
The system is 2.5-band: two 18-cm ScanSpeak Revelator drivers play both the lows and the mids, starting from 32 Hz. At the highs, a large 26-mm tweeter with the lightest silk dome is connected – only 0.18 grams. Pylon Audio decided not to go in the direction of ultrasound, limiting the top to 20 kHz.
The front and side of the Jasper 25 mkII active are indistinguishable from the passive version: they stand on the same massive pedestal, into which you can screw in both spike-type feet and peg-type feet with rubber pads. And to be honest, their activity is not that noticeable from the back, because all the interfaces are located in a separate hub.
There are two phase inverter ports on the back wall – one is approximately at the level of the lower speaker, and the second is slightly lower. Under them, there is a panel where the passive version has terminals for connecting an audio cable, and the active version has an XLR connector, a three-pin power connector, a switch, USB for updating, a ±6 dB level lever and LED indicators of what role the speaker currently occupies in the system.
There are two main types of active speaker systems. The simplest and most common is the “master-slave” design, where all the electronics are concentrated in one speaker, and the second one is simply passively attached to it by a cable. In the second, more complex one, the speakers exchange signals not with each other, but with a hub, and do this, as is now customary, over the air. (There is also a third option, like KEF, for example, where each speaker has its amplifiers, but the interfaces are thrown into only one, but we will not dwell on it.)
Some companies are trying to develop proprietary wireless data transmission protocols, but most are happily occupying the unused 5 GHz and higher band. Pylon Audio decided not to reinvent the wheel and rely on an existing system for distributing audio signals wirelessly — and implemented WiSA.
The delay of this system is minimal, the transmission quality is up to 24 bit/192 kHz, and cinema systems support up to 16 channels. That is why on the back wall of the Jasper 25 mkII active there is a panel with LEDs, where you can see that the speaker can be used as a front speaker, and even, if you want, as a surround: based on WiSA, or more precisely, the HT version, which is used in this line of speakers, you can build a full-fledged wireless home theater.
If you look at the hub, it becomes clear that it is also designed to work in systems not only for audio entertainment but also for visual ones: it has as many as three optical inputs and HDMI with ARC support. There is, of course, a linear input, a simple human 3.5-mm AUX, and a couple of USBs (one, USB B, for music, and the second, USB A, for service).
The acoustics are integrated into the home system using Chromecast. The process is similar to what I went through with Harman/Kardon at the time — just as simple. Then, in the proprietary application, you can control the equalizer, select inputs, and even launch room correction.
Naturally, since the entire set is completely online, it is also compatible with streaming right out of the box: in addition to Chromecast, Roon, DLNA/UPnP, and AirPlay 2 are supported. And there is even Bluetooth.
In general, the solutions are quite high-end – both in terms of acoustic design and in terms of functions available to the user, so the developers decided not to make this compromise.
But the second compromise – the impossibility of upgrading – was also bypassed by the skilled Poles. Because the XLR connectors on the speakers are not needed to connect them to the hub:, they can only communicate with the hub wirelessly. But with the help of XLR, each speaker can be connected to an external preamplifier – and thus affect the character of the system’s sound.
Where no man has gone before
That’s what we did: we took the Aurender, plugged it into the Ferrum Wandla DAC, then directly into the speakers, and started listening. And it was strange, because my classic test playlist, full of barely organized noise with a minimum of voices, did not suit them at all. And then I decided to move the speakers – and then the magic began.
The wall of noise in Nine Inch Nails and Noisia finally acquired texture once I spaced the speakers wider, leaving about three meters between them, and sat further away. It’s a very interesting sensation: the more space between the speakers, the more detail and texture there is in the sound, and the more expressiveness. It’s as if the music finally has enough space to fully open up.
So it is not without reason that acoustics are recommended to be placed in rooms from 25 meters: they need air. And with the right arrangement, everything falls into place. The stage becomes deep and at the same time pleasantly focused in the center. Vocals are most often located slightly above the speakers, raising the performers to a small pedestal.
Minimalistic trip-hop sounds very beautiful, with a soft rhythm, with fewer instruments, like Morcheeba: the bass is dense and soulful, and on this backing everything from the album “Big Calm” plays very friendly and enveloping. Even with other performers in the presentation, you can feel a certain warmth – the same DJ Krush with his dark “Jaku” plays a little kinder.
If you go for something faster and more aggressive, like Puscifer or the soundtrack to the anime “Ghost in the Shell,” then epicness and scale are added: the bass is quite nimble, and the sound is big and convex, but this convexity is created not by bloated lows, but rather by detailed mids and highs that dominate them.
In terms of noise, the acoustics like to highlight rustling-whistling after-sounds, which, oddly enough, adds some kind of vinyl-like coziness to the melodies – this is very well felt on the recordings of Underworld. But if there are no rustles in the tracks, then the acoustics, of course, will not add them on their own.
Lyrical metal like Within Temptation or Epica sounds very mesmerizing: the vocals feel both grandiose and fragile, which are shaded by the thundering wave of instruments behind them, and in Tool, the complex drums paired with almost apocalyptic vocals and desperate guitars come together to form a single angry-sad story. Anything where the vocals dominate and where there is an interesting rhythm, the Jasper 25 mkII active plays better than anything else.
Electronic music with this acoustics seems cyberpunk-tactile – samples of Yello and Infected Mushroom seem to be possible to touch with hands, pull out from the general mix, and examine from all sides. Or you can leave them in place and just feel how they circle: this is especially facilitated by Yello’s love for flanger.
A video game analogy comes to mind: this speaker is less about constant skirmishes and squabbles with opponents and more about exploring the world. With its attention to detail and the way it gathers melodic elements together, it paints a backdrop against which life happens, organically interweaving the real world and music, hooking the canvas of reality with a bright top-like hook, and seething beneath it with a rolling rhythm. It creates a mood – precisely because of how detailed it is.
At the same time, this approach does not make the music dry and analytical: yes, the word “monitor” is in the name only for bookshelf speakers, but floor-standing speakers also have something monitor-like in their sound, although musicality, despite all the acoustics’ attention to detail, does not disappear.
And if the track has vocals, then the feeling of this new reality drawn by the speakers will only intensify – because it is the vocals that they play, it seems, with maximum attention.
All by ourselves, by ourselves
This acoustics surprises with how organically its sound combines detail and friendliness. While dumping information on the listener, Jasper 25 mkII actively does not poke his nose into all the details but allows him to freely dig into them, if there is a desire. And if there is no desire, then the music simply envelops the listener.
And what is even more surprising is that these speakers are active. And built in such a way that they are not looked at as a compromise solution. Because Jasper 25 mkII active is a full-fledged solution. Which later, perhaps, will make sense to supplement with something else. And in the form in which the speakers are initially, they are already self-sufficient – just give them more space.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Pylon Audio Jasper 25 mkII speakers stand out as an exceptional choice for audiophiles and music lovers alike. With their refined design, high-quality components, and impressive soundstage, these floor-standing speakers deliver a captivating listening experience that beautifully balances detail and warmth. Their versatility makes them suitable for various music genres and home theater setups, ensuring that every note is reproduced with clarity and depth. Whether you’re an experienced listener or just beginning your audio journey, the Jasper 25 mkII offers remarkable performance that will enhance your enjoyment of music and movies alike. Investing in the Pylon Audio Jasper 25 mkII means embracing a new level of audio fidelity that truly brings your favorite tracks to life.
FAQs for Pylon Audio Jasper 25 mkII
1. What type of speakers are the Pylon Audio Jasper 25 mkII?
The Jasper 25 mkII is a floor-standing loudspeaker designed for high-fidelity audio performance, suitable for both music and home theater applications.
2. What are the key specifications of the Jasper 25 mkII?
The Jasper 25 mkII features:
- Drivers: 2 x 6.5-inch woofers and 1 x 1-inch silk dome tweeter
- Frequency Response: 38 Hz – 25 kHz
- Sensitivity: 88 dB
- Impedance: 8 ohms
- Power Handling: 50 – 150 watts
3. How do the Jasper 25 mkII speakers perform with different genres of music?
These speakers are designed to deliver a balanced sound profile, making them versatile for various music genres, from classical and jazz to rock and electronic.
4. What type of amplifier is recommended for the Jasper 25 mkII?
A quality amplifier with a power output between 50 and 150 watts per channel is recommended to drive the Jasper 25 mkII effectively.
5. Are the Jasper 25 mkII suitable for home theater setups?
Yes, the Jasper 25 mkII speakers are well-suited for home theater systems, providing clear dialogue and an immersive soundstage for movies and TV shows.
6. What is the design of the Jasper 25 mkII?
The speakers have a sleek and modern design, available in various finishes to complement different interior styles.
7. Is there a break-in period for the Jasper 25 mkII?
Yes, like many high-performance speakers, a break-in period of around 50-100 hours is recommended to allow the drivers to reach optimal performance.
8. What are the dimensions and weight of the Jasper 25 mkII?
The Jasper 25 mkII typically measures around 1000 mm in height, 250 mm in width, and 310 mm in depth, weighing approximately 18 kg.
9. What warranty is offered with the Pylon Audio Jasper 25 mkII?
Pylon Audio usually offers a standard manufacturer’s warranty, which may vary by region, so it’s advisable to check with the retailer for specific details.
10. Where can I purchase the Pylon Audio Jasper 25 mkII?
You can find the Jasper 25 mkII at authorized audio retailers, both online and in-store. Check the official Pylon Audio website or reputable audio equipment shops for availability.
Specifications
- Type: Floor-standing loudspeaker
- Drivers:
- 2 x 6.5-inch (165 mm) bass drivers
- 1 x 1-inch (25 mm) silk dome tweeter
- Frequency Response: 38 Hz – 25 kHz
- Impedance: 8 ohms
- Sensitivity: 88 dB (1W/1m)
- Power Handling: 50 – 150 watts
- Crossover Frequency: Typically around 2.5 kHz
- Dimensions (H x W x D): Approximately 1000 mm x 250 mm x 310 mm (39.4″ x 9.8″ x 12.2″)
- Weight: Approximately 18 kg (39.7 lbs)
- Finish Options: Available in various finishes, including walnut, black ash, and white.
