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JM Labs Electra 937Be vs.Diva Utopia Be vs. Mezzo

Just got back from the audio shop this afternoon and had a fairly quick audition of the Electra 937. Very impressed I was. I was hoping to do an A/B comparison with the Diva, but for a variety of reasons was unable to do so. Perhaps will have a chance later.

I've now checked out the 907 and 927 Be, the first of which I liked a lot and the second of which I thought was disappointing. But the 937 is a whole different matter.

What I'd like to know is if others have made these comparisons as well and what were the impressions. Also how do the 937 and the Diva compare with the older Mezzo Utopia? If you had a choice, which would be the best choice and why? I had a very, very brief audition with the Mezzos a month or so ago, and liked them, but I didn't have a chance at that point for a full check with my own music. I'm still pretty blown away by the beryllium tweeter, which is just amazing with my musical tastes. Could someone also explain in more basic terms some of the technological distinctions between these three speakers? Thanks in advance.
washline
panderso
156 posts
 
I had many of the same questions comparing the pre-BE Electra 906, 926, and 936 with the 907 BE, the 927 BE, and the Micro Utopia BE and Diva. I had several at home, and fair listens in the shop for others. Only the quickest of listens to the 937 BE however, because it was way too big for my short list.

In absolute terms, I had no doubt of the superior sound of the Utopia BE models I heard, for their seamless coherence and high treble refinement,compared to their respective Electra Be counterparts. However, I say that as someone who doesn't look for a great deal of bass weight. How superior? Well, I'd call the difference substantial, even striking, yet subtle, if that's not totally inconsistent.

I wouldn't argue with someone who felt the 937 BE, or even the 927, was richer and more satisfying than the Micro Utopia Be for example, for given music in a given room, though my personal choice would be the latter.

If you want to talk about value for the dollar, diminishing returns and such, well that's another matter.
glai's avatar
glai
442 posts
 
i have a pair of divas. it takes a lot of trial & error with cables to achieve coherence. Resolution is truly amazing but very sensitive to changes in the chain.
aball
1,994 posts
 
As an owner of 926s, I agree with Glai that these speakers are particularly sensitive to associated equipment. I have been very surprised at how I hear every change I make, even a single cable in the chain.

I feel certain that in some cases, people haven't liked JM Labs because the rest of the chain didn't jive with them. You do have to tweak and experiment some to get what you want. Having said that, you can tailor the sound to your likings very nicely. Just something to keep in mind. Arthur
washline OP
185 posts
 
Hi Panderso, Bill here. We talked before. I was all set to get the Micros in November, and then I had a change of heart after one last audition. I decided to go for more bass extension. I pondered it over and realized if I had more patience, I'd have the Divas or the Altos used, so I thought it a better option than just buying the Micros at that time. Tough decision, though I'm happy with it. Then I heard the 937 and was shocked at how good it was, especially when compared with the 927, which I hadn't liked if you recall. I think I agree with you though. the cabinet construction and build quality of the Utopia series is pretty unbelievable. I think I'll stick with my original plan and patiently save up for one of the other two.

Glai and Arthur, what cables did you settle on and which did you eliminate in your setups? Where are you at now in terms of your listening and which matches do you think don't work at all with these speakers? thanks for following up.
cylinderking_1
130 posts
 
Washline you summed it up the cabinet`s on all the product`s in the Utopia series far surpass the 900 series. I am a JM Lab`s fan and have lived with the Mezzo`s for a couple of years. The old Utopia`s cabinet`s are lead lined for dampening purpose`s the new BE serie`s have been redesigned with stronger braceing and the lead has been taken out. Is it better? I have listened to all of them excludeing the Grand`s. Do the new BE`s sound better? My ears say no but they do sound a little different. I don`t fall into the hype of every (new and improved)product is better although it most certainly more costy 2to3 K more. Go with the Mezzo`s and save yourself some money, on the used market I`ve seen them as low as $4500. Just my 2 cent`s David
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