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Thiel 3.6 vs. Dunlavy SC-IV/A

Hi,

I currently own a pair of Thiel 3.6s in my system and like them a lot (their accuracy, imaging, soundstage, neutrality).

However, I have an opportunity to get a pair of Dunlavy SC-IVAs at a great price and wondered if fellow Audiogon members thought I should go for it and make the switch, or stick with the Thiels and save my money (not to mention my back as those Dunlavys are close to 200 lbs each). I haven't had a chance to hear the Dunlavys yet, but have read very positive reviews of them. Wondered if any Dunlavy owners could comment.

From some initial reads, I think the Dunlavys and the Thiels have similar sonic signatures and also require solid matching components. I currently have a Pass X-350 amp in my system so I don't think I have a problem there. Some posters complained of a brightness to the Dunlavys, which is often a complaint about the Thiels. Other posters noted that a solid matching amp will cure any brightness problem.

As I mentioned, I prefer a very accurate, neutral sound. No colorations in the music, and from what I've read the Dunlavys are supposed to do it as well as anyone.

My current system:

Linn Ikemi CD
Adcom GFP-750 preamp
Pass Labs X-350 amp
Thiel 3.6 speakers
justin2468
unsound
7,341 posts
 
I'm a long time Thiel owner. I prefer the Dunlavys. Very similar presentation. The Dunlavys seem to present more height to the soundstage. I much prefer the sealed box bass of the Dunlavys over the passive radiators of your Thiels. If you compare the Dunlavy SC-IVA to the Thiels CS5i, then all bets are off. I would really like to hear those side by side. Dunlavys like a large room, with greater space between them and more toe in than your Thiels. Cabinets are much nicer on the Thiels. Pass would sound great on both. Good luck.
brauser
529 posts
 
I agree with Unsound. The Dunlavys have more potential,
but it can only be realized with the right kind of set-up.
One thing for sure, though, is that you would never outgrow
the Dunlavys which will always reward an upgrade to electronics and cable. I currently have the Dunlavy SC-V(s)
which perform in my living room well above any system
that I have ever heard in any high-end stereo shop.
mejames
986 posts
 
don't hesitate switch you won't be disappointed.
cdc
1,862 posts
 
I found Dunlavy to sound flat and extremely boxy (shut in). Maybe also a slight lack of low level detail. I wouldn't consider them dynamic, knock your socks off speakers. I thought they were similar to electrostatics in their style. But I'm not saying they can't play loud. Dunlavy's do have nice tonality and an accurate, neutral sound but there's more to a speaker than that.
Note: these are my thoughts based on limited in-store audtions.
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