Speaker change


Hi all. I am thinking of changing out my Dynaudio Special Heritage speakers and I want to stay with stand mount speakers. My system consists of Hegel H390, Gustard X30 DAC, Eversolo A6 (streaming only) and two REL 7tx subs. It all sounds very good but like many of you, after a couple of years or so, I want to hear the music I like and know, maybe sounding better. I am thinking of the Platimon VC-1 speakers which are comparably priced with the Dynaudio HS and have gotten pretty good reviews. Imaging and soundstage are important to me. Does anyone have them? And if so, how do you like them? 

jmnextime1

I’ve found Dynaudio speakers to be nicely detailed, refined sounding and musical.  I’ve not heard the PlatiMon speakers so take this FWIW, but reading some reviews while it looks like they would deliver on the soundstage/imaging front if it was me I’d be a little concerned they might be a little more neutral/white wine sounding than maybe you’re used to.  Also you’d be transitioning from an excellent silk dome tweeter to a very different AMT design, which might be great but is another variable.  Given where you’re coming from and what you’re looking for I’d go for Joseph Audio Pulsars (imaging/3D soundstage champs) that would seem to be more of a safe bet and known quantity, and the original non-graphene version is perfectly fine IMO and can be had used for around $4k, and that’s absolutely what I’d do.  But that’s me.  Just my $0.02 FWIW, and best of luck. 

I’ve owned the Dynaudio HSs and really enjoyed them, and would agree with @soix that the Joseph Audio Pulsar graphene 2s are the best stand mount speakers I’ve ever heard in the sub $10k range. I moved to QLN prestige 5s’s. If you can find a demo pair of prestige 3’s (or new if budget allows) you’ll be blown away. 

Fully agree with @soix . The Dynaudio HS are a great speaker for the price. Would be hard pressed to find better at this price point. The Pulsars would be a great choice but a lot more expensive if not found on the used market. Had a pair of Harbeth M.30.2 it is in a comparable category with better mid-range for voices but lacking in some strenghts that the HS have. I now switched to the Dynaudio Contour Legacy floor standing. The Dynaudio sound is very well balanced with excellent tweeters, controlled bass and great soundstage IMHO.

It sounds like you just want change for change sake. That's ok. I have done it many times. I have regretted the switch as much as not. It is helpful to identify what you think you are missing. Dynaudio makes great speakers so you might just be bored.

I want to be able to revisit the music I like and experience it in a new way. Hopefully that would be in a positive new way. The only way to find out is to try other stand mount speakers  in this approximate price range that are highly rated and give them a listen. I appreciated all the recommendations given.

Joseph Audio uniquely and successfully uses his variation of Richard Modafferi's Infinite Slope Crossover Patent for several models including the stand mtd Pulsars

https://www.josephaudio.net/pulspecs

"Crossover: 2 way Parallel Asymmetrical Infinite Slope Crossover at 2 kHz. "

https://patents.justia.com/inventor/richard-modafferi

 

I loved my JSE Infinite Slope Model 2's, (tall 4 way on wheels) a friend has them now, they also use his low frequency Phase Shift Patent. 

these are called 'Rosewood', but I believe they are walnut veneer stained red,

https://www.ebay.com/itm/175688092340?mkevt=1&mkcid=1&mkrid=711-53200-19255-0&campid=5338381866&toolid=10001&customid=81789a74-7e13-11f0-b7e4-376164373863

I changed my 4 wheels to 3 with rear anti-tipping blocks. Dual wheel furniture casters do not wobble like single wheel axels do. I have those wheels on my current speakers.

this pair, black, you would need to use UPS pack and ship, just have the seller drop them off unwrapped.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/186655453570?mkevt=1&mkcid=1&mkrid=711-53200-19255-0&campid=5338381866&toolid=10001&customid=612a4a46-7e14-11f0-9d65-626131373061

notice different inputs, they are the later updated 2A's I believe.

I would verify the bottom woofer is the original dual coil woofer (not previously switched by a prior owner), have a woodworker apply a new select veneer of choice, and good luck finding anything sounding better.

https://www.audiogon.com/systems/11418

 

 

 

I like to change up for the different perspective new speakers can bring to familiar music also. Is also why I buy used now. Those Raidho D1.2, There's the NS 5000 by Yamaha that would present a very different sound than the Dynaudio with more resolution at the cost of some upper bass/lower mid energy. That new Dali epikore 3 retails for $18k and so far the cheapest I've seen it online is around $11k, but is likely endgame and not something that would be in rotation. I very nearly bought the Paradigm Persona B with stands and if you can place them a few feet away from any reflective surface they might be the best 2 way under $10k I've heard! Too close to a corner or monitor and the mids can harden up tho'. they sounded good with the Hegel H360. 

OP, I think you have an impeccable system, but relatively speaking, the weak link is the EverSolo A6 streamer—not the speakers. I had the A6 for a 30-day home audition but returned it in disappointment. Consider upgrading it. I highly recommend my new addition, the Volumio Rivo Plus (with an LPS; connected w/ my DAC via I2s). It sounds much better than the A6 (in completely different league) and, according to reputable reviewers, even outperforms the A8. Based on the combined Hans and iiwi ratings, it ranks either on par with or slightly below the Innuos Zenith Mk3 at 1/3 of the price. Highly recommended.

lanx0003 I agree with you regarding the A6 used as a streamer. And the Volumio Rivo Plus would be at the top of my list to replace the A6. Like you I have heard nothing but good things about it. That would be my next buy. However, I think speakers have the biggest impact in a audio system. My view of the heirarcy of a audio system is: Speakers, amp, DAC, streamer. (ok, I'm waiting for the counter comments already). Once again, thanks to everyone for their input.

My view of the hierarchy of a audio system is: Speakers, amp, DAC, streamer. (ok, I'm waiting for the counter comments already)

My journey and experience are different, and I wish to offer an alternative perspective—not a counter one. I believe both ends of the chain, and every piece of gear in between, are equally important. You want the full potential of each component to be explored, leaving no weak link. I invested in and auditioned my amp and speakers around the same time, about 2–3 years ago, and since then I have never felt the need to upgrade them. However, I do rotate them between two rigs, which lets me enjoy a fresh sound every now and then, especially when I upgrade my digital front end and cables, including streamer and DAC. At this point, I’d say I’ve finally explored the potential of my amp and speakers—or at least come very close.

“Garbage in, garbage out.” It’s a simple phrase that captures the essence of any production or reproduction system. In audio, however, the reproduction chain between the “in” and “out” must be capable of preserving the quality of what is fed into it. In your case, if I were you, I would eliminate the weak link in the chain first and then evaluate the system’s performance over a full burn-in cycle before embarking on upgrading components that are already top-notch.

If you’re craving a different sonic character, that’s a different story. But even then, it’s always wise to proceed sequentially—one step at a time.

Have you considered buying a SPL Meter, a Test Tone CD, and an Equalizer, to modify what your existing speakers are doing in your space from your listening position?

https://dbxpro.com/en-US/products/2231

2231 model has longer sliders for more precision, and detents when centered, as well as bypass. 

meter needs a bottom hole to mount on a tripod at ear level at listening position

https://www.amazon.com/RISEPRO-Decibel-Meter-Digital-Sound/dp/B01EZZ8B5Q/ref=pd_sim_hxwPM1_sspa_dk_detail_d_sccl_1_4/139-6901040-2909631?pd_rd_w=uXDCw&content-id=amzn1.sym.3a852a98-d65f-4301-9bd0-9b589b14d1ef&pf_rd_p=3a852a98-d65f-4301-9bd0-9b589b14d1ef&pf_rd_r=3C68P58TS9X7W0B46P8J&pd_rd_wg=voB9P&pd_rd_r=ec8c23b6-5aee-41ed-bc53-ba4c6336c669&pd_rd_i=B01EZZ8B5Q&psc=1&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9kZXRhaWxfdGhlbWF0aWM=

’Amazing Bytes’ my favorite test cd with 29 1/3 octave test tones

https://www.discogs.com/sell/release/7290000?ev=rb&srsltid=AfmBOoq1vdU9N4AMJIN3cPUlLdiU1kdXW8AsHVh8wCi84obHHEEUmwQ8

I could help you find an inexpensive copy

 

lanx0003 I am looking for a different sonic character. Larger soundstage, better imaging, more resolution. I am looking for that "wow" factor for these aging ears. At times the chase may be disappointing and certainly expensive but I think the "wow" factor, wharever that is for you, no matter how transient, is what audiophiles persue. I'm sure many audiophiles keep there gear for many years but I'm betting most change a component every two or three. I think that's what keeps this forum alive people like me getting other opinions on equipment they want to get or replace. Again, thanks to all for their input.

jmnextime1: I had the Heritage Specials and they’re very nice but ended up upgrading to the Confidence 20s. It was a significant upgrade, more detail and wider sound stage while maintaining the tonal DNA of the Heritage Specials.

 https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/650237326-dynaudio-confidence-20-wstands/

Have a look at KEF Reference One’s. I had the non-meta version, it was very good on all levels, though they do require an amp with some low end torque.