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Vienna Acoustics Kiss vs. Dynaudio Contour S3.4

Hi

Am considering moving from my current Dynaudio Contour S3.4 driven with Krell amplification. Looking for a slightly warmer and fuller sound especially in the highs with no sacrifice in speed and bass slam (the latter maybe willing to sacrifice some). My current setup can sound a little on the bright side with brass instruments on early jazz recordings.

A friend suggested Vienna Acoustics The Kiss. I am unable to hear it in the context of my system but have heard the larger version The Music driven by Bryston, which was fine but a bit boomy and slow in the bass (could be setup problems). Have also liked the Beethoven Baby Grand driven by all Ayre electronics, which I found to have a well balanced sound.

Does anyone have experience with the Kiss? I am guessing that the Krell would give the more laid back Vienna Acoustics house sound more bass slam and speed but am concerned primarily about treble brightness.

Thanks
mikey8811
jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
You should be concerned with brightness using Krell amplification. I have a friend who had a similar problems with Dynaudio S3.3's driven by a Krell KAV-250a amp. He solved the problem by switching to a Jeff Rowland amplifier.
mikey8811 OP
259 posts
 
I tried the JRDG Continuum 500 in the same setup and it was bright too. An Ayre Vx R was not but lacked the visceral quality of the Krell. My feeling is that it's not the Krell per se but the matching.
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islandmandan
1,260 posts
 
For what its worth, I upgraded from a pair of Dynaudio Contour 5.4s to a pair of custom built 12" Tannoys, and haven't looked back.

They sound great with SS or tube amps, I've driven them with from 10Wpc to 300Wpc, and they fill a large listening room, 16' X 34' w/cathedral ceilings.

I wouldn't change for love nor money.

Regards,
Dan
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,075 posts
 
ICs might be a less expensive and more practical way to tackle brightness issues, depending. My Dynaudios can sound similarly hot/bright off some ICS and much more laid back on others. I'd recommend any MIT terminator series IC used as a reasonable choice to try if this approach has appeal over changing amps or speakers.
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