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Epi/Epicure M1000 vs. Duntech Sovereign

Wanted to pose a question to those that have heard both the Epicure/Epi M1000 towers and the Duntech Sovereign (I guess opens up to the Dunlavy SCV as well) to ask opinions.
I had, fairly recently, found and fully restored a pair of the vintage Epi M1000 towers back to better than new with 12gauge wiring, binding posts, caps etc. etc. and recently came upon a pair of early model - unmolested - Duntech Sovereign 2001.  When I mentioned this to a dealer of very very high end gear about this "comparison" for the idea of replacing the M1000 with the Duntech her response was "Why?  The Epi 1000 are better...."
This totally took me for a shocker.  I didn't, and don't, know how this could be possible.  She then went on to inform me that she had a pair of the M1000 back in the 70s and was a dealer for both Duntech and Dunlavy lines. 
She basically told me to save my money and not to bother with either of the "one hit wonders" and keep the Epi as they are "icons" to audio. 
I have never heard either of the others however I've read the literature and know that the 1000 are absolutely incredible sounding speakers with silky smooth highs, from the inverted dome tweets, and truly floor rumbling lows....
I'd like to hear any comments, impressions or whatever regarding this subject.  Thank you in advance...
marzutra
binkt
10 posts
 
The Duntech Sovereign does not use foam surrounds and mine have not required any maintenance except periodic cleaning since new. If you have not gone through Epi 1000 restoration, you do not have a clue as to the expense and hassle you are buying into.
pryso
1,935 posts
 
Any dealer who would call the Sovereigns or any John Dunlavy design as a "one hit wonder" would discredit their opinion on any audio subject for me.

I owned Duntech Princess (next model down from the Sovereigns) for 19 years.  During that time I auditioned several Duntech and DAL speakers, including the Sovereigns.  In my opinion all were rewardingly musical.  I also had the chance to chat with John Dunlavy a few times and do believe he was among the most knowledgable and respected among speaker designers.  Reading reviews of Duntech and DAL, all were positive in their recommendations other than the Stereophile review of the DAL SC-IV where they felt it should have more extended bass given the dual woofers and cabinet size.  John responded to that with the introduction of the SC-IVA which Stereophile then added to their Recommended Components list.

Also, Robert Ludwig, one of the most acclaimed mastering engineers in recent decades, utilized Duntech Sovereigns for his primary mastering work for several years.

One hit indeed!!!

marzutra OP
8 posts
 
Thanks guys for your replies. Greatly appreciated.  I've never heard either of John Dunlavy's designs.  I am glad I went through the total restoration of the Epi 1000.  Very rewarding in the end though a lot of work.  The surrounds too are butyl and not foam.  I am glad that I never had to tackle any sort of crossover that I'm sure the Duntech/Dunlavy SCV would have. I would imagine they are very complex.
They are still on my radar and have been for some time.  Just had the opportunity to pick up and restore these vintage giants and the result is rather shocking to be truthful but, again, I've never heard the Dunlavy design which are rarer than hen's teeth here.
Thanks for your replies.  Greatly appreciated. 
whart's avatar
whart
3,047 posts
 
Wow. I remember those big EPI towers from the early '70s- which was probably the last time I heard them. Back then, most high power solid state amps weren't as good as what's around today, so I doubt we were able to hear what those things could really do. The guy who had them ran a Marantz 7 tube preamp, which was, even then, a classic piece, but dated, an SP-10 table (then it was new and cool, now it is vintage and cool), etc.
The Duntechs- fast forward to the late '80s- a different friend in a different city ran those with an early Krell power amp set up and a variety of turntables, including a Goldmund and an early VPI TNT with air bearing arm. I remember how good Ray Brown's bass sounded on that system- full height, great staging. 
Thanks for bringing back some good memories. 
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