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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
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.
Ag insider logo xs@2x
knownothing
1,579 posts
 
OK, if you are considering the ProAc, you might as well consider the Spender SA and the small Harbeths as well. I am not that crazy about the Paradigm Studio 20, prefer the small Signatures or PSB Synchrony monitors. While on The Great White North show, how about Totem Model One Signature?
fusion10 OP
50 posts
 
A really good dealer here carries Spendor. The SA is a little pricey and I need something a bit more full range. I won't be using a sub, and I primarily like rock music. I might give the Model One a look...but it's even more expensive than the PMC. My ideal price is about $1,500.

Despite what I said, I went to listen to the Excite X16. It's definitely a speaker that can rock. Deep but clean bass, with a nice sense of scale. The music flowed really nicely out of them. They are definitely on my short list, despite my concerns about the rear port.
Ag insider logo xs@2x
knownothing
1,579 posts
 
"My ideal price is about $1,500"

There are several new and used speakers in this size class that are very nice, some available now or recently on Agon. For Rock, I suggest you look at the following, some are better placed close the rear wall than others.

New:

B&W CM5 - Don't yawn, good speakers that can be placed relatively close to the wall

Dynaudio Excite X16 - you are already there...

Fritz Speakers Carbon 7 - I haven't heard these but some posters here are enchanted (at $1750, a bit over your budget, but go deep)

PSB Imagine B - nice speakers for $1000

Swan D21.SE+ - Loads of bass and other stuff good too, may need more room to breath

Totem Rainmakers - Totem Hawks in a small box, go deep, sound good

Usher X-718 - uber bass

Used:

Dynaudio Focus 140 - Better than Excites

Dynaudio Contour 1.3 - Very good

Paradigm Signature S2 - if you can find them in this price range - much better than the Studios IMHO

PSB Synchrony Two B - Also better than little brothers

PSB Platinum M2 - Ditto

Revel M20 - Impressive stand mounts with a big sound

Revel M22 - Ditto above but with slightly more convential styling

Totem Model One Signature - Very good (Model One's not bad either)
fusion10 OP
50 posts
 
Thanks for the suggestions! I'll look into the speakers you mention. A tough thing with buying used or online is that I've got some things to trade in. Dealing with a dealer who accepts trades or sells on consignment would be a lot easier for me. I could sell on A-gon, but being in Canada makes that a little tougher, and I've never sold before. There are dealers here for many of the speakers you suggest though, so I can probably make most of those happen if I want.

Cheers
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