Suggestions please: upgrade from Dynaudio S1.4

Thanks a lot for your responses!

Meiwan, yes that was my concern too: mess with a good system can be risky. Indeed mostly what I am looking for was more authority in sound stage and bottom end. On other side it is about time to try something new. I do worry about room acoustics for floor stands because I already had to deal with it carefully with the S1.4 (and still don't quite get it yet).

Buff I like your idea with subs. I think that at least gives better flexibility. If it does the tricks for piano, I would love to try. I play on 9 foot concert grand Steinway regularly and you know how much I would love it to bring that sound (even part of it) home. While considered this idea before, I was afraid of possible integration issue with subs, and I don't know much about subs. Some suggest on choice of subs would be great.

Miker, I had no experience with Merlin speakers besides reading some good review about it. I am sure they serve you very well now, did you compare it with corresponding speakers from Dynauodio (ie. S5.4) when you were shopping for them?

All those said, some times I also feel the amp I am using may be the source of my complain, while I love how strings sound with Accuphase, I see quite often the meter max out on the E-530 when playing to near concert volume. I heard good words on Jeff Rowland (Continuum 500) driving Dynaudios, any thoughts on that too?

I really appreciate your inputs!

My advice: try separated amplification Accuphase gear like A45 + C2810. It would be perfect to make your Contours sing.

I've compared Contour S1.4 to Special 25 and found no real advantages of the S25 (which is dedicated for bigger rooms that S1.4), just better resolution, more highs and more dynamics (due to a bigger woofer). But Contour S1.4 aren't tipped on the top end so may be regarded as more forgiving for bad recordings. In terms of dynamics, tha S1.4 are astonishing for its woofer size.

For orchestral music , you probably just need to go more full range.

Try adding a sub as an easy fix. Or go to larger more full range Dynaudios if you like them in general but they just sound a tad smallish with large scale works and piano.

I have Dynaudio Contour 1.3mkIIs. They are excellent in most every regard except the sound is somewhat smallish compared to my more full range OHM Walsh speakers and this is most noticeable with large scale orchestral works.

Harbeth SHL-5 will provide everything you want from piano to guitar with exceptional impact

Harbeths don't rock like Dynaudios.

Go for the S5.4, and if you can afford it, the C4.