Three-way speakers have become the senior model in the updated Jamo Concert 9 Series II series. This time the Danes took care of the unity of form and content, adding a spectacular and Scandinavian laconic design to the high-quality sound.
It is believed that the term WAF (Wife Acceptance Factor) first appeared in 1983 in the American magazine Stereophile. And this notorious factor still invades the plans of a whole army of music lovers, forcing them to convince the family half that the appearance of audio components will not affect the comfort of home.
The second generation of the Concert series, according to the manufacturer, is capable of reconciling the aesthetic feelings of the family (it has a stylish appearance) with the musical expectations of the main music lover (it sounds good). The slightly rounded shape of the front panel made of MDF gives the graceful contours of the speakers a bit of solidity against the backdrop of their “thin” counterparts. The body is offered in two colors: black ash and white oak.
Designers suggest that the stylish and moderately neutral appearance of the speakers can fit into most modern interiors
On the rear wall there is a large bass reflex bell, the material and design of which are designed to minimize the influence of vibrations on the body. Below are the terminals for bi-amping/bi-wiring connections. The columns rest on cross-shaped “studded” legs.
The front panel is covered by a grille made of rough tweed fabric, but unless you have curious children or nasty pets, I recommend leaving the speakers for everyone to see, since they account for a fair share of the effect of the design intent. The metal surround of the one-inch tweeter and three 152.4 mm drivers (MF x 1 and LF x 2) is in harmony with the blunt-nosed aluminum bullets, which simultaneously neutralize phase distortion and remove heat from the coils.
To protect the tweeter from vibrations caused by large speakers, it was separated from the body with an elastic gasket
The developers placed the silk tweeters in a proprietary anti-diffraction waveguide ADW, and the tweeters are protected from unwanted external vibrations by the TDR (Tweeter Distortion Reduction) damping element.
The diffusers of the midrange and low-frequency speakers are made of composite material HCCC (Hard Composition Conical Cone), which includes a load-bearing cellular structure that allows you to combine lightness and low inertia of the material with high rigidity. And finally, another proprietary abbreviation: LDS (Long Displacement Surround) - that is, elastic suspensions that give special mobility to the diffusers.
The Jamo C 97 II speaker set is capable of working as part of a home theater - fortunately, the Concert 9 Series II includes rear and center speakers, and the company's line includes suitable subwoofers - but still its main role is seen in working with stereo components.
Warm and cold
The Magnat RV4 hybrid integrated amplifier with a tube preamp stage was assigned to drive the speakers, both E88CC tubes being Russian-made. The “warm tube” analog sound is provided by a Magnat MTT 990 vinyl player with a Sumiko Rainer pickup head and an external Music Hall pa1.2 phono preamplifier.
The organizers entrusted the digital part to a fellow countryman from Denmark - the Lyngdorf CD-2 CD player, which during the test worked with its own Wolfson WM8740 DAC, although if desired, it was possible to use the built-in Burr-Brown “integrated”. The setup also used cables from David Saltz: Wireworld Luna 8 interconnects and Wireworld Solstice 8 acoustic cables.
Floor-standing speakers Jamo C97 II
At first glance, these speakers impress with their true Scandinavian design - extremely laconic and stylish. They also represent the second generation of the successful C97 model, part of the Concert series. The name was chosen for a reason: when creating the line, the developers set the task of obtaining minimal distortion at concert volume levels. And, as we have seen, it was solved at the most modern engineering level.
Jamo's product range is extremely extensive: the company produces all types of speaker systems - hi-fi, theater, built-in, as well as subwoofers, sound bars and seven models of wireless systems of various calibers and purposes. Jamo is one of the oldest European manufacturers, with 50 years of experience in the field of quality reproduction. Currently, the brand is part of the Klipsch Group, a powerful concern capable of investing in the development of new materials and technologies. In addition, belonging to an international syndicate allows you to reduce transport, licensing and other indirect costs and thereby maintain an attractive price-quality ratio in your products.
The speakers look unusual; from the front they seem a little larger than they actually are, and in addition, the massive front shield better dampens driver vibrations.
Floor-standing three-way systems Jamo C97 II are the eldest in the Concert 9 Series II “concert” line. The appearance of the second generation models is made in accordance with the proprietary Acoustic Furniture concept, which was developed by chief designer Kieron Dunk. You immediately notice the unusual front panel made of MDF with a matte finish, which has a streamlined shape and in the middle part protrudes beyond the dimensions of the classic rectangular case. This solution kills two birds with one stone - the front speakers seem a little larger than they actually are, and in addition, the massive front shield better dampens driver vibrations.
And there are three such drivers in this system: two voice the bass range, and another one – the mid-frequency range. They all feature 6-inch cones made from the company's Hard Composition Conical Cone (HCCC) composite, which, as indicated by . Externally, this material resembles a thin fabric reinforced with a coarse mesh. Such diffusers, combining rigidity and low mass, are capable of operating in piston mode, i.e. with low distortion, throughout their entire operating range. Elastic suspensions LDS (Long Displacement Surround), as the name suggests, are designed for large displacements of the moving system. To avoid turbulent overtones, the bass reflex has a very impressive diameter, is made of vibration-resistant polymer and is decoupled from the body through a viscous insulating material. The lowest declared operating frequency of the Jamo C97 II is 32 Hz, which is very good for such a case volume.
As you can see, the creators of the Jamo C97 II really tried to ensure that this model unconditionally confirmed its belonging to the Concert series.
In the center of all three drivers are massive “bullets” machined from aluminum. Their purpose is twofold: through them heat is removed from the voice coil (thermal distortion is reduced) and the phase characteristic of the radiation is equalized. This means that at high volumes there should be no signal compression, and there should be no local emissions on the frequency response.
The 1-inch silk dome tweeter is mounted inside a proprietary ADW (Anti-Diffraction Wave Guide), which is cleverly designed to reduce interference between the mid and high frequency bands with an extended horizontal polar pattern. To prevent vibrations arising from the vibrations of three solid diffusers from affecting the operation of the tweeter, the latter is mounted on the front panel through a gasket made of elastic polymer. This proprietary solution is called Tweeter Distortion Reduction (TDR). Finally, the crossover filter circuit includes an electronic circuit to protect the tweeter from overload.
As you can see, the creators of the Jamo C97 II really tried to ensure that this model unconditionally confirmed its belonging to the Concert series. If you want to turn up the heat, you can also organize bi-amping - four input terminals will allow you to separately amplify frequency bands.
The speakers are available in matte black, bleached oak finish, and a pure white option will soon be available. The grills, covered with rough tweed fabric, are attached with magnets. At the base of the body there is a metal cross with spikes.
While the creators of the Jamo C97 II took such measures to achieve concert sound, the dynamic qualities of this model are not the only thing you notice. We will return to dynamics later, but I will note what always attracts listeners in Hi-Fi salons and at exhibitions - the ease and transparency of playback. I would even say – sincerity. This is reflected in the fast response of lightweight diffusers, low distortion, soft tonal balance with velvety lower mids and a comfortable top, typical of silk tweeters. I turn up the tone controls in the preamp to maximum, and there is no noticeable overload in the speakers. But this is just an experiment - Jamo C97 II does not need correction at all.
This is reflected in the fast response of lightweight diffusers, low distortion, soft tonal balance with velvety lower mids and a comfortable top, typical of silk tweeters.
The attack is transmitted naturally: whether it’s hitting a drum or plucking a string, everything turns out very carefully and with audiophile precision. By ear, this accuracy is assessed by the rate of increase in volume and the number of accompanying nuances - the feeling of metal in the guitar string, the abundance of harmonic vibrations and high timbral resolution, when instruments even in close frequency ranges are perfectly separated by ear. And the result is a comfortable, non-tiring sound on complex musical genres.
The layout of the space will depend on the distance between the columns. The farther they are from each other, the wider the stage, and without a void in the center. At the appropriate volume, the stereo effect zone of the Jamo C97 II is wide enough to cover a large room. Tweeters and midrange drivers provide clear localization of imaginary sources, including in the depth of the scene. If you want to get a more impressive perspective in the third dimension, place the speakers at a distance of 2.5 - 3 meters and turn them slightly towards the center. If you sit at the intersection of the acoustic axes, some of the instruments can be heard far behind the front line.
If you sit at the intersection of the acoustic axes, some of the instruments can be heard far behind the front line.
The lower register is rapid-fire, with dense filling and without unpleasant artifacts - booming or indistinct muttering. On loud rock or bassy electronics, there is a real blow from the port, so it’s better not to place the speakers close to the wall. But you can’t hear any rustling or “breathing” from the ports - given their diameter and the shape of the outlet, there shouldn’t be any.
The overall dynamics could be assessed by the ability to reproduce sharp impacts and orchestral tutti - freely, without any restrictions. All speakers work completely synchronously, creating a very decent sound pressure. Despite the fact that we did not turn the acoustics up to maximum volume, so as not to paralyze the work of the office. And in general, the Jamo C97 II are speakers that are quite easy to evaluate: you press PLAY and literally after a few minutes your attention automatically switches to the music. And this is a very indicative marker.
SYSTEM
- CD player Magnat MCD 750
- Parasound Halo P6 Preamplifier
- Parasound Halo A23+ power amplifier
- Wire World Luna 7 cables
Jamo C 97 II
Manufacturer: Jamo A/S (Denmark)
www.jamo.com
Configuration: 4 emitters, 3 bands || Acoustic design: bass reflex || Frequency range: 32 – 24,000 Hz || Sensitivity: 89 dB || Nominal impedance: 6 ohms || Recommended/maximum input power: 180/360 W || bi-wiring: yes || Finish: white or black oak, matt white || Dimensions: 1072 x 215 x 342 mm || Weight: 24.5 kg (each) || Price per pair: 83,990 .
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Direct conversation
The stylish Scandinavian design of the speakers makes you want to start listening with some conceptual Norwegian jazz, but I won’t be original and first find out how the Jamo C 97 II relates to rock classics.
First of all, I listened to the song “Thunderstruck” by AC/DC, which was found on the vinyl album “Iron Man 2”, compiled from the soundtrack to the film of the same name. And this sound turned out to be medicine for the ears and balm for the soul. The same “good old” rock that makes you want to shake the rest of your hair and play with an air guitar.
Low frequencies softly filled the entire room, instruments and vocals sounded clear, balanced and detailed, with a slight vintage flair. In my purely personal opinion, this is one of the best home setups, where the Australians appear to be the most advantageous. And the speakers worked honestly and dispassionately - they say that what they ordered was what they received...
For greater rigidity, the composite diffuser is reinforced with large-cell elements
However, let’s give digital the opportunity to prove itself with high-quality recording and take a two-layer SACD/CD-audio disc “JS Bach. Oboenwerke. Alexei Utkin. Hermitage Chamber Orchestra", which is known as the 100th anniversary supplement to the Stereo&Video magazine. Baroque classics usually become a difficult test for acoustics, but now the Jamo C 97 II set worked flawlessly. The instruments sounded extremely natural, and not like a “retelling from the speakers.” I was pleasantly pleased with the construction of an imaginary stage, when the speakers managed to convey the location of the musicians in a three-dimensional and believable manner.
I listened to this disc on “other good acoustics” and then could not get rid of the feeling that the performers were locked in a space limited by the stereo base. True, now the sound might seem a little rich and embellished, but in this case I am inclined to attribute this to the handwriting of the CD player itself. I will only add that, given a rather neutral attitude towards the work of the titan of baroque polyphony, it was difficult for me to force myself to tear myself away from the recording and return to further testing. I am sure that aesthetes will definitely be impressed by this sound.
The polymer material of the bass reflex is insensitive to vibrations and, in addition, is separated from the body by shock-absorbing material
The instrumental composition “Hallelujah” on vinyl, interpreted by the Thomas Siffling Trio, sounded soft and natural. Thomas' lyrical and delicate trumpet line is accompanied by a distinct pulsating bass guitar and a detailed drum kit in the background. For comparison, Randy Brecker's trumpet from the "Groove Is King" album by the American jazz-funk group Rock Candy Funk Party appeared bright and piercing, and the clearly defined bass guitar was complemented by round, well-articulated drums. In other words, this vinyl setup and, most importantly, the Jamo C 97 II speakers allow you to distinguish the entire range of subtle nuances both in the style of the performers themselves and in the quality of the recordings.
Separately about Jamo products
The ideal final result of the latest technology and impeccable design can be called Jamo products. Among the features are the following:
- The products of the Danish brand are distinguished by their timeless shapes and the use of high-quality materials;
- Jamo products harmoniously combine excellent functionality, aesthetic design and reliability;
jamo sound system
- Particularly worth noting are products related to Hi-Fi acoustics. It is these systems that are loudly praised by professional experts who have noted the unique “Danish” sound.
Note. A kind of “Danish sound” in the world of high acoustics is called clear sound, practically devoid of any distortion.
The following advantages of Jamo acoustics are especially worth noting:
- Ideal sound propagation in the horizontal area;
- Clarity of mid frequencies and light sound (“Danish sound”);
- Amazing looking design.
Note. There is also a professional drawback, but there is only one: slight distortion in the midrange and low frequencies.
