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Dynaudio Owner's Thread - Page 11

post #301 of 19349
1/24/07 at 8:41pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by ChrisWiggles View Post

Confidence series is incredible. I'd say the difference between that and the evidence series is not the most significant. That's something that would require listening...

but Temptation looks much better on paper, i.e., Stereophile measurements. The "bump" around 30Hz of C4 does bother me a little, whereas Temptation has a perfect flat response!
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post #302 of 19349
1/26/07 at 11:09am
Has anyone compared the Audience 52 & 72 SE versions to their counterparts in the Focus line, 220 & 140? I am looking to build a 5.1 HT and will use my McIntosh MHT100 receiver 70% movies, 30% music. This receiver is rated at 120 watts / ch @ 4 ohms. I know, I know, I will need more power, but I thought that could wait until after the speakers are paid for. The local dealer does not have any Dynaudio's on display so I will have to travel to do some auditioning. I did not want to waste time finding & listening to the Audience SE versions if the Focus line was far superior. Thanks for your feed-back.
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post #303 of 19349
1/27/07 at 3:52am
BTW read Audience series about to be upgraded, anyone know i Contour line is about to be upgraded to in near future?
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post #304 of 19349
1/27/07 at 10:02am
someone else asked about the contour line earlier, I doubt it. It's among their most recently updated lines and they don't change things around all too often.
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post #305 of 19349
1/27/07 at 11:57am
Do you have one of these? If so, I'd appreciate learning the dimensions of the base portion of the speaker. Looks like I may need a new stand.

Thanks
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post #306 of 19349
1/27/07 at 3:23pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by patjoh View Post

BTW read Audience series about to be upgraded, anyone know i Contour line is about to be upgraded to in near future?

I wouldnt expect Audience upgrade until AT LEAST Cedia time. The Contour line will not be upgraded in the near future.

Keep in mind, Dynaudio is not a "me too" company where they hop on every BS supposed innovation every 6 months. They make real quality products that stand the test of time. Once you have a perfect loudspeaker then theres really nothing you can do to change it except maybe little cosmetic changes here and there.

They WILL however be releasing a new 30th annivesary loudspeaker this year!! I would expect it to fall it the range between the Contour 3.4 and 5.4, and I think it will be a floorstander. I will keep you all posted as I learn more.
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post #307 of 19349
1/27/07 at 6:02pm
I would suspect a hot rod Contour S3.4 with the Confidence tweeter and upgraded crossover for a 30th anniversary speaker. That would be smart and popular too (sales wise).

A floor stander for those who do not want the imposing look of the S5.4 but have the same if not better performance. A floor stander C1 if you will.
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post #308 of 19349
1/29/07 at 1:41pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by bvk_houtx View Post

Has anyone compared the Audience 52 & 72 SE versions to their counterparts in the Focus line, 220 & 140? I am looking to build a 5.1 HT and will use my McIntosh MHT100 receiver 70% movies, 30% music. This receiver is rated at 120 watts / ch @ 4 ohms. I know, I know, I will need more power, but I thought that could wait until after the speakers are paid for. The local dealer does not have any Dynaudio's on display so I will have to travel to do some auditioning. I did not want to waste time finding & listening to the Audience SE versions if the Focus line was far superior. Thanks for your feed-back.

The Audience SE models are based on the older Contour models. They have the upgraded tweeter and midwoofer along with better crossover. The Focus series is based on the newer Contour S drivers so you are benefiting from newer developments in driver technology. Given that and the better cabinets I would opt for the Focus line. Hope that helps.
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post #309 of 19349
1/29/07 at 2:26pm
bvk-houtx

If you can, I highly recommend you listen to both the Focus and Audience SE series. They are both awesome, but both present music differently in my experience. The Audience SE series to me is more balance with a more neutral tone up high and the Focus series is super sweet in the midrange but a tad warmer up high (the Focus 140 is really a steal). I listened to both on Krell and Rotel setup and they really were fantastic!

I ended up with the Audience 82 because it was the best fit for me. It is very nice at both low and high volume with great tonal accuracy, but my favorite was the S3.4 at almost double the budget.

Good luck!!
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post #310 of 19349
1/29/07 at 7:33pm
Hi,

I have had a set of contour 3.3's (the old version of the 5.4 not 3.4). I love them they are incredible. Iam definatly holding them back with the electronics... HK avr8000, b&k ref7250II. Thought I love the electronics (b&k is dark and HK is warm), after hearing dyn with mcintosh, I cant go back!!! I have an infinity intermezzo 1.2 (2600w 12" sub) and I dont even hook it up bc the 3.3's hit harder, deeper, and cleaner! Im also running the contour center, and wiring them with straitwire rhapsody's.

I have heard from many people that they liked the 3.3 better than the 5.4. Any body here have first hand experience and what do you think. I have heard both and do like my 3.3's better, I think they are more musical and not as aggressive as the 5.4. I thought the 5.4 was geared more toward theater. BUT I AM BIASED! If im not mistaken I think the 5.4's are less $ then the 3.3's. The 3.3's were around $7500.

What do you guys think?
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post #311 of 19349
1/29/07 at 8:29pm
I auditioned the Audience 42 and 52 (not SE) a few months back, and to me, the added bass from the 52 didn't justify the way it muddied up the imaging and focus (ranged from slightly hazier to downright boxy) compared to the 42.

In the end, I picked up a pair of Totem Mites, but recently, I did a very quick audition of the Focus 110 and ended up selling my Mites the next day. I don't want to give up the lazer sharp focus and airiness of the smaller speakers, but the lack of the lower octaves does leave you feeling unfulfilled at times and with certain music.

I haven't heard the Focus 140 and don't want to, since it's way out of my budget, but I just wanted to ask why there's so little coverage or attention to the Focus 110? Am I just the odd one, especially seeing as how I prefered the A42 to the A52?

My listening is mainly jazz vocals, and a little pop here and there (some R&B), my room is 16x25 and I have sound absorbers at the first reflection points. If anyone has listened to the Focus 110 and has any input, it would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks
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post #312 of 19349
1/29/07 at 10:30pm
Hi Twitchie,

If you haven't seen it, this is the Soundstage review of the Focus 110 : http://www.soundstage.com/revequip/d..._focus_110.htm

Despite your comment on the Focus 140, please allow me to add that I've heard the 110 and the 140 side-by-side for a few minutes, and in my opinion the 140 is significantly better. Next to it, the 110 sounds "small". I believe it is more suited for surround duties.

Regards,

Fernando
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post #313 of 19349
1/30/07 at 1:01am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by johnmacdyn View Post

Hi,

I have had a set of contour 3.3's (the old version of the 5.4 not 3.4). I love them they are incredible. Iam definatly holding them back with the electronics... HK avr8000, b&k ref7250II. Thought I love the electronics (b&k is dark and HK is warm), after hearing dyn with mcintosh, I cant go back!!! I have an infinity intermezzo 1.2 (2600w 12" sub) and I dont even hook it up bc the 3.3's hit harder, deeper, and cleaner! Im also running the contour center, and wiring them with straitwire rhapsody's.

I have heard from many people that they liked the 3.3 better than the 5.4. Any body here have first hand experience and what do you think. I have heard both and do like my 3.3's better, I think they are more musical and not as aggressive as the 5.4. I thought the 5.4 was geared more toward theater. BUT I AM BIASED! If im not mistaken I think the 5.4's are less $ then the 3.3's. The 3.3's were around $7500.

What do you guys think?

I dont consider any Dynaudio speaker aggressive. I think the Esotar2 is more detailed and resolving perhaps, and many music listeners consider that aggressive?

The 5.4 was designed as an affordable stepping stone to the Confidence line. The drivers are inverted which help to eliminate some room interactions similar to the DDC technology in the upper lines, and the tweeter/midrange is mounted lower on the enclosure closest to your ear level because those frequencies are the most directional.

Ive heard great things about the original contour line but many improvements were incorported into the contour s line. Anyway welcome to the club!

As far as amps go:

Simaudio
Bryston
Parasound Halo
Mcintosh
Krell
Classe

I personally dont think tube amps have enough control for the big woofers in the 3.3 or 5.4
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post #314 of 19349
1/30/07 at 3:33am
I have Audience 72 fronts and a 122c . Have had them for several years now and am very happy with them. I'd like to get some new surrounds (the speakers I've been using are part of another system that I'd like to put back together in another room) but the Audience bookshelfs are out of my budget right now. Is there anything in the $200/pair range that would mate well? I know that may be an unusual request but the primary reason I went with the speakers to begin with was for music which I only listen to in stereo (on vinyl).
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post #315 of 19349
1/30/07 at 6:46am
CoreyM, for about that price you can try the Acoustic Energy Aegis Evo 1 : http://www.acoustic-energy.co.uk/Pro...egis_evo_1.asp

Although they are not very easy to find in the US these days, I believe you can order them (check the US dealers at their website). I don't think you'll be disappointed.
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post #316 of 19349
1/30/07 at 6:56am
AudioArchitect & elderion,
Thanks for the information. I appreciate your first-hand experience. The more information I have the easier my decision will be. I am leaning towards the Focus ( 220, 200, 140 ) as this is about as far as my budget will allow (6K). I will audition the 'SE' versions just to be sure I don't miss anything.
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post #317 of 19349
1/30/07 at 7:19am
Quote:


Focus ( 220, 200, 140 ) as this is about as far as my budget will allow (6K).

Personally, I do not think you can find a better sounding or looking package for the price. I just put together the same package for a customer except for the rear surrounds as he went the in-wall route (Dyn's of course!) and the Dynaudio Sub500 mated with the Parasound Halo C2/A52 combo. I recommend this package time-and-time again....without question, it's one of the best I've heard. The Parasound A51 amp is better suited, but the A52 does just fine.

As for the comparisons of the SE's to the Focus series. To me the Focus wins hands down in the looks department. They sound similar, but most Dyn's do. I prefer the newer drivers in the Focus series as the SE's use the old Contour drivers.....as has been said before by others.
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post #318 of 19349
1/30/07 at 8:40am
Quote:
Originally Posted by ttowntony View Post

Personally, I do not think you can find a better sounding or looking package for the price. I just put together the same package for a customer except for the rear surrounds as he went the in-wall route (Dyn's of course!) and the Dynaudio Sub500 mated with the Parasound Halo C2/A52 combo. I recommend this package time-and-time again....without question, it's one of the best I've heard. The Parasound A51 amp is better suited, but the A52 does just fine.

As for the comparisons of the SE's to the Focus series. To me the Focus wins hands down in the looks department. They sound similar, but most Dyn's do. I prefer the newer drivers in the Focus series as the SE's use the old Contour drivers.....as has been said before by others.

Dynaudio Focus + Paraosund Halo, I know that sounds beautiful.

A brotha can only dream...
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post #319 of 19349
1/30/07 at 12:35pm
Just wondering what you members think I could get for a pair of C-4's in rosewood should I need to sell? I have wooden boxes and all. Purchased new about 3 years ago. Not a scratch or ping anywhere? Driven by a Sim Audio Amp. Advise would be appreciated!

Thanks,
K.
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post #320 of 19349
1/30/07 at 7:00pm
Quote:


Just wondering what you members think I could get for a pair of C-4's in rosewood should I need to sell?

Only about $800, but I'll give you $1000.

You can go out to http://www.orionbluebook.com/orionnew/Index.asp to look up their current value as well as watch ads on Audiogon. They show up from time to time.
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post #321 of 19349
1/31/07 at 10:17am
adakoda: Try selling them locally at first because shipping them will surely drive up the cost. I use to work for a audio dealer years ago and Dynaudio is still my speaker of choice for over the last 20 years. I have had many replacements other then Dynaudio but I always seem to gravitate back to these!! Too bad I didn't have the room, using C2 setup right now, other wise I would have been interested, I also have the rosewood finish.. Lets see, retail is around 16K I would say a tad more than half not including shipping should get you a buyer. Around 8K and some change, plus shipping charges of course! Good luck, any reason why you are selling them? That Sim/Dynaudio setup I have had before.... Very good.

Ah, ttowntony? Fuzzy math! LOL Confidence C4 run around 16K...

johnmacdyn: I had the Contour 3.3s, I would say they have a ton of bass kick!! and detailed to boot. The 5.4s are a tad more refined, more detailed in the upper end not as much bass, both are very good, depends on music taste on this choice. The 3.3 just rock! Currently using C2s and love them, I also had some Martin Logan Vistas which where very good for a Electrotatic speaker, but again I can't get away from how well Dynaudio makes tweeters!
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post #322 of 19349
1/31/07 at 10:28am
patjoh: Well, I feel your pain! I had the S3.4s and wanted to go with 5.4s but after hearing the C2 it was a no brainer for my ears! Same tweeter, but the C2 use 2 tweeters and a different crossover. I am having a really hard, if I decide to go with C1 as rears, I mean it seems a tad overkill, I am currently using C2/Matching Center/LR120 as rears. I have owned (tried) almost every line they carry with the exception of Evidence line or Focus, heard both at CES and other dealers. Focus is very good for the money and gives the Contour line a run for the money.
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post #323 of 19349
1/31/07 at 10:31am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Garman View Post

patjoh: Well, I feel your pain! I had the S3.4s and wanted to go with 5.4s but after hearing the C2 it was a no brainer for my ears! Same tweeter, but the C2 use 2 tweeters and a different crossover. I am having a really hard, if I decide to go with C1 as rears, I mean it seems a tad overkill, I am currently using C2/Matching Center/LR120 as rears. I have owned (tried) almost every line they carry with the exception of Evidence line or Focus, heard both at CES and other dealers. Focus is very good for the money and gives the Contour line a run for the money.

Is the "matching center" a Confidence Center?
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post #324 of 19349
1/31/07 at 11:31am
Quote:


Ah, ttowntony? Fuzzy math! LOL Confidence C4 run around 16K...

Sounded like a great deal to me. The C4's are actually $18K retail.
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post #325 of 19349
1/31/07 at 4:21pm
Ok now, moment of truth here. What is the real significant addition that the Focus 220 gives you that the 140 does not. I currently have stand mounted Dyn's, but have always wondered what the floorstander would give me. I use a sub for pretty much everything now (80% movies) so the reasoning of "It will play lower" prolly doesn't apply here. Just trying to figure out if the additional price of the 220 over the 140's is justified. Am I missing something here? Yes, I have heard both speakers quite a bit, but wanted to pick over the other owners of the Focus series here.
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post #326 of 19349
2/1/07 at 7:33am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Garman View Post

patjoh: Well, I feel your pain! I had the S3.4s and wanted to go with 5.4s but after hearing the C2 it was a no brainer for my ears! Same tweeter, but the C2 use 2 tweeters and a different crossover. I am having a really hard, if I decide to go with C1 as rears, I mean it seems a tad overkill, I am currently using C2/Matching Center/LR120 as rears. I have owned (tried) almost every line they carry with the exception of Evidence line or Focus, heard both at CES and other dealers. Focus is very good for the money and gives the Contour line a run for the money.

What is the sonic differences between the C2 and the Contour S5.4?
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post #327 of 19349
2/1/07 at 10:13am
Quote:


What is the sonic differences between the C2 and the Contour S5.4?

The C2 is a tad harder to drive and requires more power IMO, but driven with the appropriate power it's smoother and more refined over the 5.4 (not by much). The C2 is very well balanced. It's also an eye-catcher.

I have the 5.4 in my own system and I'm completely happy with them. When you step up to the C4 is where I see the big sonic leap. The C4 has unparalled sound qualities and is significantly better than the C2 and 5.4.

The two amplifiers I recommend are the Parasound Halos and Brystons. I'm experimenting with Cary Audio as well, but haven't gotten the chance to hear these just yet as the Cary's are a new line for us. With the new Parasound JC2 pre-amp coming out mated with the JC1 amps, the C2/C4 is sure to please. Currently, the Parasound Halo P3 isn't as refined of a pre-amp many of us would like, so in comes the JC2. I'm expecting big things from this pre-amp for our 2 channel customers. Of course, you can't go wrong with Bryston either. They certainly have power options and their pre-amp is phenominal.
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post #328 of 19349
2/1/07 at 2:56pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by JeffNebraska View Post

Thanks T-Town. Knowing that I didn't get taken advantage of always helps me enjoy a big purchase like this one.

My early review of the Focus speakers is that they are outstanding. I probably have about 100 hours of play on my mains and surrounds (left them playing constantly on 4-ch stereo over the holiday weekend while we were out of town). Maybe 40 hours on my center channel, but it will catch up quickly, as these are our only TV speakers.

Hooked up to my SherwoodNewcastle P-965 pre/pro and Sherbourn 7/2100 amp, I did my first high volume stereo test last night. I listened again to my audition disc that had led me to buy the Focus 220s in the first place. It has a mix of vocal jazz (Diana Krall, Michael Buble, and Fiona Apple), alt. rock (Dave Matthews, XTC, John Mayer, Duncan Sheik, Sting, Frou Frou, Chantal Kreviazuk, and Imogen Heap), opera (O Mio Bambino Caro), and rock and roll (Rolling Stones).

I was, once again, absolutely floored by the precise imaging and openess of the 220s. The vocals on every song, without exception, seemed totally set apart from the rest of the band, and the 220s created the "you are there" illusion as well as any system I could imagine at this price point.

Additionally, (maybe because my living room is smaller than where I auditioned the speakers), I was more impressed by the 220s punch and accurate bass extension, than I had previously been. When I picked these over the Paradigm Studio line, I thought I was giving away some power for clarity. Now, I'm not so sure that's true. Last night, I heard bass lines I never heard with my previous speakers (which were rated to 42hz) and felt the impact of the drums in a new way.

I also did a high volume home theater test, watching one of my favorite HDNet shows for demos, "Nothing But Trailers." As the name implies, it's just a series of high def movie trailers, one after another. Considering that I have no sub, I was very surprised by the bass power of this 5 speaker system (I have my Focus 140 rears set to "small" and crossed at 60hz). It was not the same as having a sub, but it was much closer than I expected, and more than adequate to while away my pre-sub months in this smallish living room. It sounded absolutely great, and the Sherbourn seemed to handle high volume action packed trailers without blinking an eye. I had the pre/pro set to a volume of -5, and didn't feel I would want any more.

Overall, as you can tell, I'm totally satisfied with my purchase. This 5-speaker Focus system absolutely sounds as clean and open and impressive as I hoped it would when I laid down the credit card. As someone who tends to feel the pangs of buyer's remorse whenever I'm in these high dollar situations, that's saying a lot.

Jeff, you have any photos of your system? I'd be curious to see some shots of the Focus series.
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post #329 of 19349
2/1/07 at 5:57pm
Quote:


Jeff, you have any photos of your system? I'd be curious to see some shots of the Focus series.

Randyman, I'm finishing up a Focus install for a customer this weekend. It's all in the Rosewood finish and it's sure to please. They went with the new Samsung 57" 1080p LCD, Focus 220/200c/Sub500, and the Parasound Halo's. Lookin' good!!!
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post #330 of 19349
2/2/07 at 10:21pm
Curious,has anyone here on this thread heard Confidence C4s? Please explain their sonics. Do they have the same transparency of Electrstats (ie. Martin Logan Summits)?
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