Attention: Dunlavy Audio Labs out of business

I am also saddened by this news. Recently I spoke to Karen Richardson and she had promised to send me a demo of their new DALLAS software (Dunlavy Audio Labs Listener Analysis Software). Not suprisingly it hasn't arrived, but I would be interested to know if anyone managed to get hold of it before they ceased trading?

I can't say that I know of any other speaker manufacturer that went as far as writing their own software to help users setup their listening environment for optimal performance, but I guess it hasn't helped them in the long run...

I have not had any problems with my SC-Vs and I appreciate that most replacement drivers are still made, however, I believe that Dunlavy specifically recorded individual speaker driver performance characteristics for all units sold. Therefore, if you previously needed a replacement they would be able to reassure you that the new driver had past their stringent benchmark tests (something like 60% of drivers are rejected) and they would also try and find the best possible match based on the archived data.

I am also saddened by the news that Dunlavy has ceased operations. Two years ago, after a somewhat exhaustive search for speakers, I purchased the Dunlavy Vs in the exotic Kevazinga wood finish. (I agree that the standard finishes leave a lot to be desired) And although they are tall coffins, like so many describe them, there was no denying the beauty of this wood. The height and mass of these speakers have never bothered me. In fact, I wanted big speakers.

Enough said about the looks. It's the sound that grabbed me! Since their arrival, I have never enjoyed music so much. I looked forward to getting home every night from work to spin an LP, a CD or an SACD.

Then I really did it. If the V's sound this good, their big brother should be even better. I took the plunge and ordered the VIs. I have never looked back. Like so many other audiophiles looking for that so called "perfect" system, I finally had mine.
I actually made two systems. I use the Vs in a tube setup and the VIs for solid state.

Thanks Mr. Dunlavy for the pleasure your products have given me. (I made these purchases before he sold the company to the present owners) I hope one day when economic times improve that Dunlavy will bounce back. I too, would like to try out the Dallas software.

As an owner of much Infinity IRS equipment (one pair of Gammas, two pairs of Betas and a pair of IRS V) I must say that the driver issue you face isn't that dire. Still, I can at least see a bit how you might be worried. I was afraid to play my speakers at insane volume levels, but once I was able to get over the fear and started playing the speakers like they are really capable, I was again reassured that I had the speakers I wanted and that I shouldn't be worried about the line being dead.

Once again, the super speaker market takes a hit, which makes my speakers that much more special. I tend to view these levels of speakers as like the big predator on the savannah. They are not common and if they were, they would lose some of that appeal that just makes you say "WOW!" when you see them.

Full disclosure: I have Dunlavy Alethas as my main speakers, and for home theater have an SM-1 center channel and 2 SCI-AV for the rear channels. Obviously I'm a Dunlavy fan.

I never had any trouble with Dunlavy customer service, in fact quite the opposite. I spoke with the Dunlavy factory twice. I called the factory the first time to confirm that I had indeed ordered the shielded version of the SM-1. Mrs. Dunlavy answered the phone and was extremely helpful and courteous. Two days later the factory called me. They let me know they were about to start building my shielded SM-1, and inquired as to the serial numbers of my Alethas. Though they didn't state this explicitly, I presume they were going to look up the measurements they had on my Alethas and insure the drivers in the SM-1 were a good match. (Both models use the same drivers except for the woofer in the Alethas.) They then put me on hold for a minute and John Dunlavy came on the phone. We spoke for a couple minutes about the system I was putting together. He too, was very courteous and polite.

Prior to my decision to go with Dunlavy, I also had several email conversations with Drew Rigby of Dunlavy. I was not a Dunlavy owner at the time but was evaluating different brands and models. Drew took the time to explain various stereo and multi-channel configurations for me, going over the pros/cons of each. Drew knew I was looking at used models so it's not like he was going to be making some great commission, yet he still took considerable time with me.

I have nothing but praise for my Dunlavys and my decision to go with them has been reinforced with everything I have listened to since. I love the sound and never fatigue while listening to them. I'm constantly amazed with their imaging and depth of soundstage. A woman's voice and cymbals often expose weaknesses in speakers. I swear you can tell when the drummer is using Zildjian or Paiste with the Alethas. Turn the lights off and listen to close-miked Diana Krall, yikes!

When I augment the Alethas with the SM-1 and SC1-AVs for home theater, the sound across the front 3 channels is absolutely seamless. The sound from the SM-1 and the Alethas is virtually identical (save the lowest octaves). The Alethas are relatively easy to place, simple to drive (I use a Bryston 4B-ST), and in my opinion, look damn good.

Yes I'm disappointed that Dunlavy has closed shop, but I don't believe for a minute that the reason for going out of business had anything to do with the quality or support of the product. It's a tough business to make money in when the vast majority of your customer base is satisfied with what's on sale from Best Buy. Quite often the ability to market and sell doesn't match up to a company's ability to make a great product. When that happens, it's tough to keep a P&L in the black.

I'm certainly glad I have mine. But it's too bad they're not made anymore because a lot of folks will miss out on a great product.

My conversations with Dunlavy were similar to Dave 1.