Dahlquist speakers

I have no knowledge of the 12's, but with respect to the 10's, based on having auditioned them around 1983, I would say "potentially." However, keep in mind that they are around 35 years old, and both the drivers (especially the surrounds) and some of the crossover elements may need repair or replacement. The crossover network is very complex, containing numerous capacitors and other parts, which very conceivably are no longer at their best.

In short, you may be purchasing a restoration project, or something that no longer sounds as it once did.

Regards,
-- Al

I have not heard the DQ-12's, only the DQ-20i's and the mirror-imaged DQ-10's, both of which I owned. And I wish I still had them! I have not heard any speaker at $1000 per pair (new) or even $1500 per pair (new) that I would prefer. I of course have not listened to all speakers available new between $1000 and $1500 per pair. Has anyone?!

However, Almarg's comment about "purchasing a restoration project" are an important consideration for anyone considering Dahlquist speakers. The good news is, there are companies (e.g., Regnar) that can take care of most needed Dahlquist restorations.

One other thing I would mention is that in my experience, the DQ-20i's and especially the mirror-imaged DQ-10's sounded better at moderate to louder levels and required significant quality amplification to sound their best (to my ears, anyway). They both sounded great with my Levinson 27.5 that I had at the time.

DQ-10s excel at vocals