08-08-09: GriffinconstI was beginning to think the DQ-12 was a typo, but they do exist out there in addition to the DQ-20. They are configured more like a DQ-20 in that they're a narrower 3-way with a more sculpted open baffle for the mid & tweet, like the DQ-20. I don't know anything else about them, but if you google, you'll find discussions about them on Audiokarma.org and other places. Not that I know you're in the neighborhood, I strongly recommend you make a field trip to Hawthorne Stereo in Seattle. As you can see, they have a great selection of used gear, and always seem to attract great used speakers. They often have a pair or two of DQ-10s and 20s around, through right now they're out. Notice, however, that they currently have several models of ADS under discussion--780 II, 810, 910, L-1590, and the M-12, which is probably the most speaker for the buck in that list, and would obliterate the DQ-10. Seattle_Mike: What you say about the DQ-10's build quality vs. modern is very true. The build quality of the ADS L- and M- series, however, match or exceed 80-90% of what's built today, and the previous models do as well, except for those cheesy '70s-era spring-loaded terminals. Even McIntosh amps had those back then, however. |
They were a fabulous speaker. A three way in a vertical tower with an open baffle on top. VERY good sounding. The 'cabinet' work was pretty unremarkable - these are not good looking speakers. And the parts were, as I said, not really expensive. This was a speaker built to a price point. And they're what, 25 years old now? It's not that great speakers from 25 years ago aren't competitive. It's that something build cheap, 25 years later....it's not going to sound as good as it did, nor will it be very reliable. Time to move on. There are lots of speaker to spend a grand on these days. MG12's (ok, just over a grand). Monitor Audio RS6. Get a good bookshelf speaker and a subwoofer. There's lot of bargains out there. |
Johnnyb53, yeah, I was a big ADS fan back in the day. Very high quality product and if you can find a pair in good shape they hold up very well today. We always used to say we wanted a DQ-10 with ADS drivers! I think a pair of Monitor Audio RS1's with an Energy sub (bargains on ebay) would be a great setup for under a grand. Don't forget the Skylanstands.com speaker stands. And Blue Jeans cable belden speaker wire. |
