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Dunlavy Audio Labs SC-IV

Greetings,

I've always been very interested in owning DAL SC-IV's, but given their current age, I'm a little concerned with making the investment in a pair.

I would assume the way Dunlavy matched/tuned drivers to achieve his results, would mean that just replacing a failed driver (if they're even available) with an off-the-shelf version would have a serious impact on sound quality.

Are the drivers in these speakers prone to failing and/or deteriorating over time? Are replacements available, and can you maintain the accuracy of the system with a standard replacement driver? Anything else I should know about investing in a system of this age?

Thanks for any and all input...I just don't want to invest in something that may be on the backside of the curve of its useful life.
seadweller
brauser
524 posts
 
I picked up a pair of the SC-IVs a couple of years ago for $2,500.00 which were not only functionally perfect but also without any visual flaws. I passed on a couple of lower priced sets that were around $2K. I've always felt that if gear looks like it's been cared for there's a better chance that it's in good shape sonically as well.

As a side note, I use the SC-IVs as the main channels in our high-end Home Theater room and use the SC-Vs as the choice for our reference 2 channel set-up. With the SC-Vs I have also incorporated the larger Dunlavy Sub (very rare) that incorporates four 10" drivers into an SC-IV size enclosure. Needless to say, the system is capable of moving some serious air in that room.
rja's avatar
rja
2,370 posts
 
Here's the place Madisound recommends for Dunlavy repair, Meniscus Audio in Grand Rapids MI. They replaced rubber surrounds on two 10" woofers for me, fast turn around time and reasonably priced.

As far as I can tell the rubber surrounds don't deteriorate noticeably over time. My surrounds were damaged by "die Katzen". Both speakers are now covered when I'm not listening. 8^)

PS: I've mentioned this on several Dunlavy threads, the IVA is superior to the IV. I've owned both. So, if you're serious, definitely look for the IVA.
no_regrets
475 posts
 
I've owned the SC-IV Signatures since the early 90's and they still look and operate as they did when new. No signs of deterioration at all. They are the most balanced sounding speaker I've ever heard. Love them, love them, love them!

They are very easy to drive with their very even and stable impedance. Even though they are very large speakers, with the right source material and when properly placed, they are very capable of disappearing like a truly great monitor speaker.

Oh, did I tell you that I absolutely love them? :)
garymac
1 posts
 
I purchased a pair of SC-IV's new when they were first released and have never regretted it.  I love their ability to reproduce instruments as neutral and natural as any speaker should.  Not a bass blaster by any means but drums sound real to this drummers ear.  I do augment the lower octave with a 12" sub (24db cross at 40hz).  I have never had any deterioration of the drivers and I've enjoyed their beautiful music for 25 years now.  A bargain at any price in my opinion.   
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