Dynaudio Audience 52SE vs. Contour S1.4

The 52SE is a great speaker.

With that being said, the Contour S1.4 is much, MUCH better. I used to own the S1.4, and swapped A/B back to the 52SE in extensive auditions, same systems, when I was deciding.

What you will get with the S1.4 is much deeper and tighter bass with more output and a bigger, more dynamic sound overall with a larger stage. The cabinet is significant better in the S1.4, and the ability to mount the speakers right on the stands comes in handy too.

What I would suggest is trying to get a pair of S1.4 in house to try them out. If I was going to guess, and assuming you have the room to support them (no dyns like small rooms), then I think it will take about 10 seconds of listening to make your decision.

I've had the 1.4 then upgraded to the 3.4 and now the c1 and heard the 52 but not 52se but unless the 52se is a radical improvement the 1.4 is better, cleaner highs, bigger sound, better imaging, the 1.4 is pretty much high end level, not quite reference level like the Confidence series but very very good.

I am using a pair of 52SE with a Naim Uniti. I have a pair of S1.4s ordered and should be picking them up tomorrow. I'm looking forward to hearing them. After I've run them in for a few months, I'll A/B them with the 52SEs again. Later this year I will add a NAP200 to the mix.

the tweeter in the Contour edges out the Focus easily

good point.Edges easily other tweeters on other speakers. Better amplifier better sound you will get.I driving these speakers with Krell kav 500i and Technics Se-a3000/su-c3000.Self made stands from the wood.Technics provides very musical sound.The same trick will do (I am guessing)Luxman L550a or something very similar.

I still have both.

Contour S 1.4 is more difficult to drive than 52 SE and requires more space to breath. Normally Contour 1.4 needs a more powerful amplifier than 52 SE does.

Contour S 1.4 may ne regarded as more neutral and more transparent than 52 SE. But 52 SE is a little bit warmer and tolerant for bad recordings.

With Contour S 1.4 Bass goes deeper than 52 SE does but at low volumes 52 SE seems deliver more "slam".

I think both are awesome Dynaudio allrounders.