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Opinions on the Dynaudio DM 2/8

I'm curious to hear what people think about these speakers. I've read reviews on a few of the models in
the line (including one from TAS about the 2/8, and the 2/10 by HiFi-Choice) and they are very positive overall. People seem to think that based on their size they make great speakers for rock music, which I listen to lots of.

The 2/8 has caught my attention for this very reason. My dealer carries the Tannoy Prestige line with very large cabinets and drivers and they sound amazing. Obviously they are very expensive and should sound amazing, but I think the basic design has something to do with it: they seem totally effortless, are very resolving, and produce fantastic bass and a big sense of scale. They Dynaudios seem to get praise along those same lines. Large drivers in large cabinets must have a lot to do with this.

I currently run a pair of Quad 12L2, which I think are great speakers. But I think I hear their limitations when it comes to some of the harder stuff. They sound a bit thin and compressed, even on albums that are well produced. For example, Voodoo Lounge by the Stones, the softer stuff sounds great, the harder stuff a bit thin and congested in complex passages.

Am I on the right track with the 2/8? I can't help but think I am kind of downgrading, wondering if the cabinet on the 2/8 is of lesser quality. Certainly the finish is. I guess one could argue that a lot of what you are paying for a pair of Quads is going to the finish, whereas for the 2/8 it's going more into things like the drivers and crossover.
fusion10
hieule5
115 posts
 
MA RS 6 is a that gets many things done right and very little wrong. My only gripe is that their high is not as smooth as that of a Dynaudio DM 2/8 or Excite X 16. I do not know if the MA RX 2's tweeters got some improvement. If they did, they are great speakers for rock too if you don't mind the fact they are built in China.

I will say this. The DM 2/8 is an excellent choice. But you will not regret the premium that the Excite X 16 commands.

You can get a DM 2/8 and still have a few hundred dollars left for an Outlaw LFM 1 Plus. I usually have some reservations against the metal dome tweeters because they sound hot to my ears.
fusion10 OP
50 posts
 
I concur with your thoughts on the RS6 Hieule5. I technically had the RS5, but it's pretty much the same speaker. I felt it did everything well but the highs were way too strong.

Well now I'm also considering the PMC TB2i. Heard a pair last year and looooooooooved them. They were always going to be the speaker I wanted in the long run but were a bit too much money right now. Everything is ultimately going to depend on how much I can get for my current gear and how much the Audiolab electronics cost. But I might be able to step up to the PMC, especially if I also part with my turntable and phono stage. I probably won't leave vinyl entirely, but get back in again with a nicer table in a few years. Vinyl just isn't so much better sounding than CD that I just have to have it.

I'll be comparing these four speakers (the MA, PMC, and two Dyns) in early June. One plus for PMC is the higher sensitivity and easy load...I can surely get away with just an integrated amp. I think I can with the other speakers too, but I'm sure the Dyns would thrive with the extra power. It won't be a deal breaker though...if I go for Dynaudio then I will just buy the 8000S integrated and add the power amp later on.
fusion10 OP
50 posts
 
Just in case anyone is still interested...

I bought an Audiolab 8000S for half off the retail price. Couldn't turn that deal down. In comparison to my Exposure, the Audiolab has toned down the highs nicely, and provides a more full bodied sound with a deeper soundstage. It's a punchy little amp with great build quality. The downside is probably less PRaT, as the Exposure sounds quicker. But I'm okay with that trade off.

The Dynaudio speakers are probably out of the picture. I did an in home trial of the Monitor Audio RX2, a similar design with the 8 inch driver. They were too much for my room, with lots of boomy bass. I'm a little concerned now with any rear ported design as my speakers are fairly close to the wall, so I'm shifting my focus to front ported speakers.

I was also able to try out the PMC TB2i, which were amazing. Deeper and more tuneful bass than my Quads, and better detail and clarity. You can truly follow every musical instrument clearly. They certainly highlighted the weaknesses in the 12L2. The PMC isn't a typical rear port design, but they are pricey. I'll buy them if nothing else comes close but hopefully something will.

The next demo will be of the ProAc Studio 110. Hopefully it can come close to the PMC's at about $1,000 less. If that doesn't work out I'll check out the Paradigm Studio 20.
Ag insider logo xs@2x
knownothing
1,626 posts
 
If you like slightly detuned British studio monitors like the PMC's, you should also listen to ATC monitors, something like the SCM 11.
fusion10 OP
50 posts
 
I've always been interested in listening to a pair of ATC speakers. But I'm thinking they might be a little tough to drive for the Audiolab. It's got some guts, but ultimately I'd prefer a load that's no harder than average.
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