Dynaudio Owner's Thread - Page 567

Indeed, it really is all good.



My CJ Pr.350 with 600 wpc into 4 ohms can push the C1's nicely, although I am going easy on them for a while.

Sparks, having tried both...I don't think you need to be envious of C-J power amps; having BAT yourself. Now, I don't profess to having anything the like of Joe's Premier 350; that thing is a legend. But my mf-2500a was the precursor, if you will; and a very good amp. I like my mf-2250a, but I understand it's place in the C-J food chain. The amps I'd really like to try, in that line...are the P-350 and ET-250S; but again...BAT is in the same league, IMO (and again...that is not to say my new VK-220 is anything like a VK-600).

Now, where C-J really shines IMO...are pre-amps; tube pre-amps of course (and I'm sure Puma would have some tubed power amps to add to the C-J try list). I wouldn't say the ET-3...and on this point, I guess I don't need to qualify my statements; since the ET-3 is thought to be a "baby" SOTA GAT (well, maybe with the SE upgrade)...is for everyone; tastes, of course, vary greatly on this kind of thing. But I think everyone who has the means, should try one in their chain at least once. For those who do take to it, they feel it is truly magical.

Chris,

I think you are correct but even legends can have some quirks. CJ preamps in a heartbeat as well as their tube amps, awesome.

The CA200 is a special piece and now that I look back, think I prefer it over the Pr350. Especially since you could add a preamp to it and enhance its performance.

I do crave a BAT amp/preamp at some point, but I am not in a hurry.

CD, It's been over two years since I've heard the C-J preamp on a pair of Sonus Faber Cremonas. And you guys are correct. It was magical! I can remember the sensation like it was yesterday. I'm telling you guys, the whole room came to life. Thanks for the feedback.

Interesting Joe; that you feel that strongly about the CA200...with the Pr350 sitting right in front of you. It's a piece I keep flirting with. I know when I was looking for a C-J power amp, a lot of people over at the other forum all screamed CA200. I wasn't looking for an "Integrated" at the time; and I'm one of those guys who hates to "waste" functionality (like to just use it as the power section, would be like "hell...why can't they pull the volume-control and switching out of this thing, and save me some dough"...lol).

These days, I might be more of a mind to do an "all-in-one". I'm getting ready to "simplify"...one way or another; and the little, modest Rega Brio-R really opened my eyes to what a quality Integrated can be. Don't get me wrong...that unit's not the end-all/be-all; but I figure if it can sound that way for $900...imagine what something a little pricier might accomplish. Maybe the CA200 is that unit? But the pricing, on the used market, really varies wildly. Food for thought.

I noticed it instantly and when Puma got his, he understood what I was saying. There's something in the treble of the Pr.350 that's not quite right on some less-than-stellar recordings. It's a little "hot" and "harsh". On great cds and well recorded music, the Pr.350 is stunningly beautiful. On the not so good recordings, I wince and have to turn down the volume. I attributed it to my CR-1's being very revealing but Puma heard it on his system. We've come to the conclusion that it might be break-in related. Both of our amps were used very little and stored for a long period of time. I am certainly running the heck out of it to make sure she's broken in and Puma is doing the same.

I never had any issues like this with the CA200. Just sweet music.

I have a desire to try the ET250S as well and/or buying back my CA200. I am secretly thinking about a BAT VK-600SE but I do not see that happening for a while.

I do agree about a new, smallish, more modern amp. I don't see it happening. Heck, I like to see an updated Pr.350 with less gain and a little more bloom.
Edited by joeinid - 8/25/12 at 6:20pm

I'm just at 262 hours on my Premier 350. But I'm hanging in there, there's still at least ~250 hours to go, I'm listening to tonight, and I've got to say, it's sounding really good. But I'm running it with a nice tube preamp, the C-J CT-5.

Remember that your CA200 does not utilize Teflon caps. That's probably why you remember as enjoying it more; I think the issue we're having with the trebie bite on some recordings is due to Teflon caps not being fully burned in; at least I hope so. It's certainly similar to my CT-5 in that regard while I was burning it in, and it came 'round in the end. Time will tell.....

The LP-series of linear pentode tube power amps, the LP70S, LP140M and LP275Ms are amazing amps; they sound absolutely gorgeous. I haven't heard the LP125M SE or ART amps yet, but my guess is they are also exceptional. Even my Premier 11A was a real sweetheart.

With all the running in I've done and now switching to the Dyn C1's, all of the music that made me wince is actually enjoyable now. I hope it is just the cap issue. Actually now with my speakers, if it stays the same - no problem.

I do miss my CA200. I've started so many pms to 'cisco to buy it back, I've lost count. Sometimes I think I'd like to try an ET250S as well, but I know the real answer is the ART monos

It's the finest of lines, isn't it Joe; between revealing and fatiguing? Just as you said: on the finest of recordings, you want to hear every little nuance...in all it's glory. But man does not live by audiophile recordings alone; at least not this man...lol. I've been back and forth on this dilemma. I ran into the same problem with the Special 25s, and it made me examine what side of the aisle I'm on.

A member once said, he liked the revealing nature of the 25s (and other gear I suppose); he liked knowing he was getting right what was on the recording. Good recordings, good; bad recordings...while they might be tough to endure, at least it was honest. It was not white-washed by the playback. Right on; I was so down with that...in theory (still am). In practice? Well...that's another story, lol.

For myself...after an arduous journey, with both my gear and my approach to sound and the hobby (and that's not to say it's over yet); I think I lean just a touch this side of "musical" and non-fatiguing. Sure, I want to be wowed...I want to be astonished; but then, I want to just listen and enjoy.

System matching is important, of course. Take the 25s for example; could you get that from them? Sure; but IMO, they're "challenging". You definitely need the right gear (and not just good gear...the right, good gear). You also need the right room. That's where another tough question comes in: do you want speakers that have to be tamed; have to be "toned-down"? I'm not bad-mouthing Special 25s; obviously those that see fit to stick with them, think the time and effort is infinitely worth the reward. They are probably right; at their best, they are special indeed. In the C1 Sigs, I feel I get a little more balance between the goose-bumps and everyday, smooth and non-fatiguing.

They're also less picky about gear (good amount of SS muscle, or the right tube current and they come alive), and your room. Add a high aesthetic factor, and it just may be the perfect, all-around stand-mount.

Chris,

I could not have said it better and totally agree. I love my CR-1's, the same way you did with the Special 25's. I am not, by nature, one to tweak every little thing. Perfectly optimize setup, perfectly treat my room. I've had some amazing aural moments in front of my TADs, I've also had some bad moments as well. I can understand the SET crowd, but I think that may be too much the other way.

I hooked up my C1's to my Burmester 911mk3's and I have to tell you the C1's are a whole new speaker. They just plain disappear. Soundstage is deeper with more air around the voices and instruments. The Pr. 350 is really nice but is totally (and sadly) outclassed by the 911's. It's like looking through a dirty window after it has been cleaned. Night and day difference.

Wow Burmester 911 mono's on C1's. I have to admit that would have to sound awesome. I heard either the 956 or the 911 amp (not mono's) at Tyler's and to this day it is my favorite combo. But with my budget the Burmester is not an option. I had to stretch just to afford the Octave V70SE w/Black Box LOL!! As others have said you are ONE lucky person.
Edited by OctaDyn_Dude - 8/29/12 at 3:52am

Thank you for the kind words. Yes, it's overkill, but sounds awesome. I have to admit I think my stereo 911mk3 had a sweeter tone which I absolutely loved. I think the monos just need more break in. I wish I had met Tyler earlier on. He is superb and can be trusted 100%. I am lucky to have found him.

I've lusted after the Octave gear and still would like to try it on my system.

Thanks for your comments Joe. Interesting. Of course calling one thing “better” than another (and in this case, I take a label like “outclass” to mean significantly better) is always subjective; and in the case of (2) 5-figure amps, probably highly a matter of taste. Might this be a case of different presentation; perhaps one amp being more forward, and one more recessed and laid-back (for the record, my money would be on the C-J being more laid-back)?

I find this to be one of those fine-lines as well. I find...again, after trying lots of brands, and really trying to hone in on differences and determining what I like in gear...I prefer a slightly forward presentation myself. But again, this can be a double-edged sword between forward and “strident”, and an easy-going, laid-back presentation.

Do you feel like commenting on what you think really set these amps apart? Also...PM sent

Gentlemen,

I am of the mind to expand my 2 channel (Focus 260s) into a 5 channel setup and I was wondering what rears you would use assuming that they had to go on the wall or in the wall.

I would use our IP-17's, separate MDF baffle, cast aluminum frame, Esotec tweeter and woofer and high quality crossover. The IP-17 woofer is designed for a free air environment, meaning they will give you 45 Hz flat without any backbox needed. You could use the IP-24's but they are a bit overkill for this application.

Great post, Chris, and one very similar to a post I made at that other site along very much the same lines. I agree that at this level of gear (and I include the ET3 in that level), the difference between components are more of what aligns with one's sensibilities rather than this is better than that. As I said there, my chasing the C-J "high end" with getting my CT-5 and Premier 350 compared to my reference Premier 17 and LP70S is that I've discovered that the differences between these four are along the lines of "Do you like Chateau Margaux or Chateau Lafite Rothschild?" Because the bottom line is that they all are REALLY, REALLY good, and the differences are of flavor, not absolutes.

Yeah, a given component might have one or two attributes that are better than another component, but as you've recently pointed out with respect to your S25 and C1 comparison, it's the WHOLE we should be concerned with, particularly with respect to can we live with a piece of gear in rough seas and calm, day in and day out? And is the experience beguiling and engaging? It's kind of like tube rolling, once you get to a certain inherent quaity of tube, the differences, as you point out, are a matter of taste.

Thanks Mick. Would you recommend that I hire a professional installer or is this something that a novice could handle? The wires have already been run.

Running the wires is the hardest part, installing the speakers is a piece of cake. There is a cut out template included with the speakers, once you have marked the cutout then a good drywall saw is all you need. Just make sure you are between the studs. Installing the frame is easy, you then just pull your wire through connect to the binding posts and install the baffle.

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Joined: 31/08/2012
Posts: 1 Greetings, I have been virtually banging my head trying to find a Dynaudio Uk/European 2ndhand online resource online with no real luck.
I dearly wish to purchase either a Dynaudio Countour 1.3mkii or the SE version.

Funnily enough I have a pair of MS GS10's...

Any help or pointers would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks.

Audiogon is listing a pair of X12 high-gloss speakers for $675 or about 50% retail.

A great deal on a great pair of speakers!

(They're not mine. I live in DC. They are being sold from CA.)

This has been a good summer. First I scored a really smokin' deal on a pair of Contour S3.4s that was pretty nearly a no-cost upgrade over my S1.4s. Today I scored a smokin' deal on my dealers demo Clearaudio Ovation turntable with a Talisman v2 Gold MC cartridge. I've had this on loan for a couple weeks and now it's mine.

My vinyl playback is sounding seriously awesome.

That's a beautiful deck Dean! Congrats.

Thanks CD.

I think this turntable and cartridge is the upgrade that has resulted in the most significant improvements to my system of any I have done. Even more than going from the Contour S1.4s to the S3.4s. This is a seriously good turntable. My Naim digital streamer can't touch it.

congrats Dean, that looks awesome. glad you got a great deal and youre loving it.

Happy Labor Day everyone! Hear those crickets? lol

If it gets any quieter around here, I'll have to post about my new Harbeths (for the Office system...don't panic)

It is quiet! If the "Dyn Owners" thread isn't on page 1, I get worried

I have a new double-CD album for you audiophiles to audition on your Dynaudio setup!

PRIVATEERING by Mark Knopfler comes out September 11!

Ah, MK; an audiophile fav. Of course I'm waiting for the new Animal Collective to drop tomorrow; but that's how I roll.

My [Dynaudio X32 + Denon 3312] + [4 Velodyne SC600 subs + Crown XLS2500] sound fantastic. Dynaudio makes great sounding speakers.