Hi
I am a very happy owner of S1.4s. Saying the S1.4s are only 60% of the C1s sound is ridiculous. The S1.4s use very similar technology to the C1s. The S1.4s are shockingly good. I'd say it's more like 95% of the C1s and betters the C1s in the bass department. The S1.4s bass is the best I've heard from a stand mount speaker and better than most floorstanders I've heard. The S1.4s are a huge step forward from the old contours (which were really replaced by the focus line). The S1.4s are just plain fantastic. I've changed speakers many times, but had the S1.4s for a long time now and still happy. Buy them and don't give it a second thought. Yes, the C1s are better, but the gap is small. You'll pay a huge premium for very small gains.
Regarding amps, I'm a fan of plinius, but I don't think they have good synergy with the S1.4. I would not go that route. Krell would be better. You want something that is brutally neutral and honest. Plinius tends to be warmer sounding and the S1.4 need no help in that department. I use Bryston and it's a joy. If you are open to Bryston, there's plenty of bargains on here now. I don't know simaudio, so I can't comment. From your list I think Krell would mate best. But, like I said, Bryston is a joy.
Being in a apt, make sure you have room for these. I have them in an 11x14 room and they are very full sounding. They are better served in a medium sized room with plenty of space around them. I would not put them closer than 20" to the wall. That's 20" from the rear of the speaker to the wall. And 30" would be better if possible.
One more thing. These speakers really shine on the dedicated Dynaudio stands. The Dyn stands are worth every penny and are outstanding quality. Fillable and built like a tank. They look great too. Highly recommend the Dyn stands.
Good luck! :)
I am a very happy owner of S1.4s. Saying the S1.4s are only 60% of the C1s sound is ridiculous. The S1.4s use very similar technology to the C1s. The S1.4s are shockingly good. I'd say it's more like 95% of the C1s and betters the C1s in the bass department. The S1.4s bass is the best I've heard from a stand mount speaker and better than most floorstanders I've heard. The S1.4s are a huge step forward from the old contours (which were really replaced by the focus line). The S1.4s are just plain fantastic. I've changed speakers many times, but had the S1.4s for a long time now and still happy. Buy them and don't give it a second thought. Yes, the C1s are better, but the gap is small. You'll pay a huge premium for very small gains.
Regarding amps, I'm a fan of plinius, but I don't think they have good synergy with the S1.4. I would not go that route. Krell would be better. You want something that is brutally neutral and honest. Plinius tends to be warmer sounding and the S1.4 need no help in that department. I use Bryston and it's a joy. If you are open to Bryston, there's plenty of bargains on here now. I don't know simaudio, so I can't comment. From your list I think Krell would mate best. But, like I said, Bryston is a joy.
Being in a apt, make sure you have room for these. I have them in an 11x14 room and they are very full sounding. They are better served in a medium sized room with plenty of space around them. I would not put them closer than 20" to the wall. That's 20" from the rear of the speaker to the wall. And 30" would be better if possible.
One more thing. These speakers really shine on the dedicated Dynaudio stands. The Dyn stands are worth every penny and are outstanding quality. Fillable and built like a tank. They look great too. Highly recommend the Dyn stands.
Good luck! :)