Dynaudio 1.3SE v. Silverline SR17

I've owned all three versions of the SR17 short of the newest, the SR17.5's.
There is a significant improvement from the very first version to my ears, in
both the second and third. I believe Alan changed both drivers from one to
two, though I'm not sure. The version III's I own now use two Dyanaudio
drivers which I'm pretty sure are the same in the 17.5. The one thing I hated
in the vII was the choice of oversized terminals that made using spades a real
PITA. Sensibly Alan changed that in the vIII. Someone correct me if I'm
wrong, but I think the differences in the 17.5 are a revised
("improved") crossover, and a thicker MDF used for the cabinet
(going from 3/4" to 1" thick), thus making the cabinet slightly
larger and more heavy. Alan changed cabinet makers entirely from what I
heard. I believe the two Dyanaudio drivers remain the same, but should
sound different given the different crossover and heavier cabinet. I've
enjoyed all three versions of the SR17, and the current vIII I own is certainly
my favorite. They are outstanding monitors, and put out prodigious bass for
such a small monitor. Alan's claims of 38hz are slightly exaggerated IMO and
having measured the bass response in my rooms with two different amps and
two different measuring tools. I'd say it's capable of around 45hz before it
dips pretty far down. I noticed in the specs Alan has dropped the range down
to 32hz for the 17.5. I'd have to hear that to believe it, but I must say they do
go low, and are very detailed and musical speakers. No experience with the
Dynaudio 1.3SE to speak of.

Marco

The Dynaudio 1.3se used drivers that are unique to the 1.3se and are not available in any other speaker: both bass/mid and tweeter feature neodymium magnets and are considerably more powerful (and expensive) than conventional ferrite magnets.

Personally, I don't think you can do any 'better' for the money than the 1.3se: I think that they are a rare balance between phase coherence, accuracy, transparency and musicality without being overly analytical. The only thing lacking with them, in my opinion, is that they don't do super deep bass; however, they do go to 37hz in my room without any booming or smearing. Of course, since every loudspeaker seems to have its own unique personality, you may prefer another...I would buy the silverline, listen to both, and sell the lesser speaker irrespective of price.

Lastly, if you do keep the 1.3se's, consider changing out the synthetic stuffing for natural wool. I experimented with this and found a slight but worthwhile improvement in the bass and midbass with the wool. Considerig the cost (around $20) it was a very economical upgrade!

This is an old but interesting thread.

As it turns out, I recently was able to purchase both of the speakers in question. So, here is a straightforward answer.

It depends.

If you have a high quality, high power amplifier, the Dynaudio 1.3se really is unlike anything I have heard. Huge soundstage, detail, and accuracy.

If you have more modest amplification--or just lower power like First Watt from Nelson Pass--I would run not walk to the Silverline SR-17.5 or the 17 Supreme. These things were tuned to the Pass sound, and it shows. It's softer, but it sure has swing!

For everyone who ever wondered, I hope that answers the question.

I have owned my Silverline SR12'a for about 10yrs and Alan actually replaced the tweeters. Alan has a wonder "ear" and voices his speakers beautifully. If you want accuracy, then it's Dynaudio, but beautiful sound is Alan's trademark. I also owned his original Sonata's but had to sell them for financial reason. Good luck!