Dynaudio C2 versus S5.4 ?

I can't comment on the 5.4's, having not heard them, so I can't really answer your question. However, I do own the C2's and I highly endorse them. I'll admit to being a big Dyn fan, so I didn't listen to a lot of other speakers in the same price range, but if you're looking at these two, presumably you are a fan as well. They're probably both overpriced at full retail.

Even at a 50% premium, if you're looking for music (rather than HT) performance, the C2's will be a much better answer IMO. I find the full range to be exceptional - tight, controlled, transparent, and able to go as loud as any sane person would want in my medium-sized room.

Sorry I can't comment on the 5.4's - I'm sure they're excellent speakers too.

Thanks Kthomas. I assume the quasi 3-way is working fine for C2 then. I am just not so sure about it comparing to the more conventional 3-way design of S5.4.

I am a huge Dynaudio fan myself -- currently have Special 25's and SC center channel. I have no complaints about Special 25's, but would like to try 'full range' versus monitor.

Price-wise I put C2 and S5.4 in the same range -- they are not that much different. S5.4 has bigger woofers, a REAL mid-range, and a single Esotar2 tweeter, but strangely has FR 30-27000Hz versus C2's 28-25000Hz ( I expect the opposite ).

Any input on S5.4 ?

I prefer the old 3.0s to the new Contours. Dynaudio has definitely taken a step back with them.

I love the C2s and C4s, but at that price there are some other great alternatives (that look better imho)

I don't have much experience with S5.4; just a general comment about floorstand. I upgraded from 1.3SE to C2 a year ago. Definitely a step up as far as range in the tonal spectrum. However, I find it very difficult when it comes to placement. I am still working (vigorously) on it even after a year, and still not entirely happy with it. So, beware that it will be very demanding to place the spkers properly. Just my 2 cents.

I have listened to both speakers side by side and the C2's have more in common with the S5.4's than they do with the C4's. Really the improvement in sound is not worth the extra money. It is not that great. In fact after hearing all three speakers I upgraded to the C4's from the S5.4's.