Garmin, the parent company of JL Audio, recently announced the launch of the JL Audio Primacy system, promising to bring tailored, luxury sound to a variety of individual listening spaces.
The new system comes in two options, consisting of either T6 three-way tower loudspeakers or S3 two-way stand-mount loudspeakers. Both sets serve as active loudspeakers, incorporating the amplifier directly into the component, while an accompanying network streamer/preamplifier provides processing for room optimization.
Core features of the JL Audio Primacy system
Looking at the internals of the JL Audio Primacy System, each loudspeaker comes with multiple built-in amplifiers—one for each driver section—and a single cast, aluminum alloy enclosure with integrated bracing and woofer ports.
At the software level, the system incorporates DSP-based audio filtering, occurring at the input of each amplifier channel. The DSP, according to JL Audio operates 32-bit/192 kHz audio resolution and provides control over crossover filters, equalization, dynamics, delay and phase.
Control over the loudspeakers is provided by the CS centerpiece, a networked streamer/preamplifier that connects to the speakers through Dante networking. The centerpiece also works as a processor for room optimization, which, when connected to the loudspeakers, occurs automatically through JL Audio’s P.A.R.O. (Primacy Automatic Room Optimization) system.
The CS centerpiece. Photo courtesy of Garmin
Included in the system is also a wireless tabletop remote for added control as well as additional options to stream music from any popular streaming platform such as Qobuz Connect, Roon Ready, Apple Airplay, and Tidal Connect.
Audio and room optimization control can also be done from the companion Primacy app. Plus, the app can also be used to create, store and name listening profiles optimized for different listening positions, equalization preference and activities.
Differences between the T6 and S3 speakers
The T6 tower speaker. Photo courtesy of Garmin
Comparing the two speaker options for the Primacy system, the T6s clock in at 48.9 x 14.2 x 21.2 inches and weigh 272 pounds each. Each speaker sports a 1-inch tweeter, a 5.5-inch midrange and four 5.5-inch woofers that range from 29 Hz to 250 Hz frequencies. In total the amplifier provides 1000W of total power split between 200W for the tweeter, 200W for the midrange and 600W for the woofers.
The S3 speaker. Photo courtesy of Garmin
The S3, on the other hand, comes with a 1-inch tweeter and a single 5.5-inch woofer covering the same range, with the amplifier providing 200W of power for the woofer and 200W of power for the tweeter. Being on the smaller side, dimensions for a single S3 speaker is 20.7 x 10.1 x 13.5 inches with a weight of 82 pounds.
Takeaways for integrators
The JL Audio Primacy system presents itself as a strong out-of-the box solution for individual listening spaces in design-focused projects, as the system also comes with a wide assortment of finishes meant to easily incorporate into homes.
The automatic room optimization, provided by P.A.R.O., adds a level of flexibility to the setup, while expediting the installation process for integrators. Additionally, the use of Dante for networked audio provides a strong backbone of control for the system, allowing for precise dialing in of specific elements for the optimal listening experience.
The Primacy system is also only going to be available through JL Audio dealers, meaning that it’s being positioned as a professional solution at its core. Given the pre-built nature of the system alongside DSP and room optimization capabilities, its immediate strengths lie in providing an easy-to-setup option for standalone listening rooms.
Availability
The JL Audio Primacy system is available now through authorized JL Audio dealers.
