Dynaudio Owner's Thread - Page 623

+1

ATI makes very good amps that, in my experience, mate well with Dynaudio. Personally, unless I wanted to spend five figures or so on a high-end amp, I'd probably stick with the ATI. If I were you I'd upgrade the other parts of my system before I'd upgrade the ATI.
Edited by justindo - 2/21/13 at 10:37pm

Good to hear form someone running a similar system. Appreciate your feedback. I'll play with treatments a bit and see if that helps. BTW, this is not with 2 channel, which always sounds fine. It's the center channel that sounds bright which I didn't notice when auditioning. I know the Dyns and ATI are pretty neutral so can just be the source.

Anyone else, anxious for news about the Contour line? I said...ages ago...that the Contour might be odd man out, in the Dyn offerings. It doesn't have obvious bang-for-the-buck, the way say the Excite line has; and it doesn't have world-class pedigree, the way the Confidence line does. Throw in the re-vamped Focus line...now having the "damn good for the middle" designation, and it leaves the Contour even more in the cold.

Don't get me wrong; as I burned through the entire monitor string, I have come to have fond memories of the S1.4 (and I know, some of our most demanding members...love their 3.4s). But let's face it; I think it's becoming harder and harder to buy...if you're making a choice today.

I've had recently...in private...a debate, about a topic I think is under-discussed and quite relevant, within the would of hi-end audio. The notion of a "show-off" system. Now, I used to think...a "show-off" system, was one put together of all the "top" components; but seemingly, without any thought of synergy and cohesiveness. You know; so that when you demo it for your hi-end friends...or participate in forum chats; you've got, what one friend of mine called, hi-end "street cred"...lol. Certainly no way to criticize a system, that's comprised of all the "best" gear; but sometimes (often times?)...it doesn't exactly sound that great.

And while that's certainly still a definition of a "showy" system...this debate took things one step further. We discussed the nature, of gear that...by virtue of its performance...draws attention to itself; and is "showy" in that way...and whether, ultimately, that is a "good" thing or not.

Someone in this debate, called Dynaudio "show off" speakers (well, in fairness, he was talking specifically about the C1). He didn't mean it in a bad way; moreso, he meant it in a good way...in that, the performance is so good, it wows you and draws attention to itself. My own journey...through the Dyn line, struggling with my room, and now trying Harbeth...has kind of focused around this very issue. Did I find myself...through no fault of my own...focusing on the gear; or was I just relaxing, and listening to and enjoying music.

Anyway...I won't continue the nuances of that debate here; except to bring things back full-circle, to the Contour. In hindsight...and it always being 20/20...I do remember the S1.4, as being a much easier speaker to "live with". With the Focus 140, I found my first love of Dynaudio; but I knew there was more to be had. The Special 25...well, my views on that speaker are well documented...lol. I always thought, if I were ever lucky enough...to climb the mountain, and lay-hands on C1s; I'd be done, and have my pair for life.

But...great (not good) as they were; they do demand your attention, IMO. As we all know, and discuss; they're revealing of kit upstream...they need the right room, etc. I found myself too focused. They have so much potential; such a high ceiling to be gained...I was always searching. Would this cable, this pre-amp, this treatment...really allow me to take advantage, of such a great speaker.

But again; with that much energy dedicated on the system...how much was I paying attention to the music? I've said...I don't mean to paint this as everyone's experience (though I do think more hobbyists have it, than will probably admit or talk about). But I needed to go 180-degrees, and try a system that wasn't "fussy"...or demanded much attention at all. Harbeths are like that. A lot of people think of that, and them, as "boring"...lol; maybe that's one way to look at it. They don't "wow" me; they don't "amaze" me. But is that what I want, when I sit down to listen to music? Or do I want to be "wowed" by Cassandra Wilson, or Led Zeppelin.

I guess they don't have to be mutually exclusive; and like most things, the answer probably lies somewhere in the middle. Do I miss the "wow"? Sure, a little. And we keep coming back to the Contour. Maybe he's not the odd man out; maybe, it's the perfectly balanced speaker in the line? Gives you enough performance, that you're not left wanting; but isn't too "showy", so that you're constantly chasing nirvana instead of listening. But how can anyone buy that speaker, as a choice now? Everything else in the line has gotten a face-lift; and I'd be worried, that if I bought one now...I might have missed an update, that was just around the corner.

Yes; I guess what I'm saying, is I've considered coming back. And that the Contour might be a soft landing spot (someone suggested the Focus 160; and while I'd love to try that model, I will have saved these Stand4s for nothing ). But I can't commit to an "outdated" model. Please Mick; we need us an S1.6 (which I prefer to the simple mkII moniker); or at least word, that it's never going to happen. As I always contended, the Contour would get phased-out. So...Dyn; please sh*t, or get off the pot!
Edited by CDLehner - 2/23/13 at 8:38am

Well CD if we are asking dynaudio to revive some speakers or something how about a DM2/6 SAT speaker??? They'd be perfect for the DM/Excite/Focus crowd.

Some of use would love a pair for wall mounting in our HT rooms.

New Member Here - There is some wonderful info on the forum!

I came across the avs "Dynaudio Owners Thread" in my search for more info on these speakers that were given to me recently.

I need some help in identifying the speakers below:

I think they might be DM 2/6? Google image search does not have any speakers with such a color scheme. Any info would be most appreciated!

Many Thanks
acasanis.






Edited by acasanis - 2/25/13 at 5:45pm

Dynaudio Acoustics is Dynaudio's studio speakers division. Your speakers may be older studio monitors. What does the back of the speakers look like?

The back of each speaker has a "+" and "-" gold plated 5 way binding posts with a port. Essentially they look just like the DM 2/6...

Hello,

Can someone describe the sonic signature difference between the Focus 140 and 160? I'm a 140 owner and am curious about the "latest" update/upgrade. Since it would most likely be from memory, a simple "warmer" or "cooler" description would suffice for me.

I did hear the new 260, and I thought it much darker (in the particular room).

Thanks in advance.

anyone know where I can purchase dynaudio monitors or floorstanding speakers online?

no dealers in my area and cant find much online aside from the active monitors.

looking for the dm 2/6 or 2/7 passive monitors in particular

http://www.dedicatedaudio.com/

That's the only website I know that sells Dynaudio online.

DM 2/6 http://www.dedicatedaudio.com/inc/sdetail/25569/25339

DM 2/7 http://www.dedicatedaudio.com/inc/sdetail/25569/21399

I don't think the Contour 1.4, 3.4 and 5.4 model will get phased out anytime, my personal feeling anyway. We've been thinking the Contour is on it's last legs for the past two years and we neatly explained the Focus will be it's replacement but at the end of the day here they still are and perhaps here they will remain for another year or two maybe. I think Dynaudio rather likes this extended portfolio speaker range ( sort of like Samsung ) and as long as the Contour models sell well, they'll stay. The Contour and Focus lines look and sound differently enough from each other to offer upgrade options within each other ie 1.4 to 260 or 260 to 3.4 or 380 to 5.4 0r 160 to 1.4.

One thing we don't know was why the Confidence and Focus lines were refreshed, if it was a strategic move ( long term plans, line build-up ) or tactical ( falling sales, new competitors ) and we also don't know the sales numbers but if the sales numbers are healthy and the home thetre crowd accepts and enjoys it why fix it, why not save the upgrade for a rainy day.

Frankly I think you should just buy a used pair on audiogon or get a 140 to re-visit that dyne sound. You're obviously a speaker pilgrim, why settle for just one?
Edited by Dynero - 3/2/13 at 11:09am

I suppose they might take the "can't hurt to keep 'em" approach. Maybe they're more focused on products like the Xeo line.

As for me...as is evidenced by the above post; I'm searching for my place in the hobby these days. Believe it or not, I've never done something so drastic; just swapped-out plenty. But I might hit the reset button, and build anew.

I think you've maxed out your small speakers, time for floor standers, I've often toyed with the idea of small monitors once in a while but after floor standers there's just no going back ( at least for me ) to stand mounts, the size, impact and bass really connects you to the music in a different way.

Maybe. Was just reading about the new Venere line from SF. The 2.5 is a good-looking, good-size FS for my room. That, or an S3.4 (if I hear they're not going anywhere).

I gotta agree with you on that one. If anything, I could see myself going to a 3-way (Focus? S5.4?) or the C2s, but I won't go back to a monitor, not even the C1s. At least for classical music, there is no contest. I love my S3.4s. I just upgraded my preamp, and now they sound even better.

it seems the Venere line from Sonus Faber is the first to be made in China. Seems even Sonus Faber couldn't resist.

REL is building in China now too. I have a REL Serie T-7 and it's made in China. The only part of my two channel system that is (with the rest being Germany, U.S., England and -- of course -- Denmark).).

Just curious if anyone owns or has heard the C2 mkII or new signature. If so, what are they being driven with? And I'd like to hear your impressions of the speaker, in general. Were they better than the C1 or mkI version of the C2? i have mkI C1's and kind of miss my s3.4's.

The C1's are as much as my apt can handle, so thinking about upgrades when house/townhouse time rolls around later this year or next.

I am driving the C1's with a V70SE with a black box. Do you think this would be adequate to drive a pair of C2's? I listen at moderate volumes at most.

I have heard C2 Signature driven with a V70SE at my dealer and it sounded fantastic.

I haven't heard the C2 MKII/Sig but did have the original C2's in my home for a demo. At the time they were driven by a Bryston B100SST. The Bryston worked fine. I have since upgraded the the V70SE. The Octave is even better than the Bryston. My speakers at the time were the original C1's and have since upgraded to the C1 Sig. The Sig's sound much better at lower listening levels which gives me the impression they are easier to drive. So I'm sure the V70SE will have no problems with the C2 MKII

That being said I didn't keep the C2's because of my room (12' X 26'). The speakers have to be on the long wall so I was too close to them.

How far away did you feel like you need to be from the C2s. In my room (11 x 17) my S3.4 are on the short wall, about 7' apart, and I sit maybe 8-9' away.

I was at 9' but my back was on the wall and the speakers less than a foot from the wall. What I heard was a 'wall' of sound. A huge vertical soundstage (like I was sitting front row but the stage was 6 ft tall). When I heard them at Tylers I was about 10-12 ft back. The speakers were 4-5 ft in front of the wall and my seat was 7-8 ft from the back wall. Man did they sound good there.

My front wall has the shelves for my LPs, about 1.5' deep. The S3.4s sit about 2' in front of that. Where I sit 9' away I still have abut 4' behind me. I would love the hear the C2s or S5.4s in my setup. I have the amplifier power for them.

Thanks for the replies guys. I think speakers the size of C2s are realistically the sweet spot for me (at least at this point in time). I'm going to try to buy a place with a room suitable for a listening room so will take into account some of these dimensions.

RaceTripper I went from the 3.4 to the c1's. The midband of the c1 was cleaner and so was the treble, and the bass of the c1 was surprisingly deep, but in the end I missed the 3.4s' qualities. HOWEVER I also feel that if I started out with c1's and I went to the 3.4 I also feel I would have missed the c1's cleaner midrange and treble and more accurate bass. The mistake for me was trading one set of positive qualities for another without recognising/realising the compromises of the switch. Ideally I should have upgraded either to the Focus 380, 5.4 or c2.

CD, Sonus Faber? Really? Your into the romantic sound now are you? Somebody as frank as you will always look for fidelity haha SF is too sweet for your personality You know I speak the truth

Don't forget I have the Esotar2 tweeters in my S3.4s, so I get a bit of good qualities from both "C" worlds.

But for large scale orchestra music, you just can't knock having the slam of a big cabinet with two mid/bass drivers. A three-way (like S5.4, C4) would be even better. I think my nest step would have to be C2s, but not C1s.

vesy astute question re the c2 and amplifiers, I've heard the c2 mk1 with Plinius amps and I loved them ( albeit with a slightly warm treble ), then I heard them with Audio Research amps and hated them, then I heard them with a modwright amp and really really loved em. The c2 for me is definitely better than the c1 in terms of musicality and the speakers imaging was outstanding.

+1.

Might as well get a McIntosh with that too.

It's like driving an Acura after you've had a BMW.

Dean your room and set up would be just fine for either the C2's or 5.4's. Just if you do go for the C2's make sure you get the MKII's or Sigs.