Does It Make Sense to Purchase Dunlavy Speakers

We all make audio purchases assuming the manufacturer will be around, but there never is a guarantee of this. I mainly would not purchase without seing and hearing the Dunlavys. This is even more true for used. I agree...the prices are way too high still, especially since warranty service would seem unavailable at present. My brother-in-law owns SC-IVs and I love 'em!

This is a tough call, but personally I would not buy Dunlavy speakers at this point UNLESS you got an incredibly good price. There are simply too many other good speakers available today. If you want to purchase time- and phase-coherent speakers, you might explore Vandersteen, Thiel, Meadowlark, etc.

Why don't you ask AVL what they think, great place to do business.

Dunlavy tested and matched their drivers to 1db. The specs of every speaker made were put on file so they could send matching drivers if you blew them. I assume someone still has access to these numbers, maybe the dealer who bought the stock could provide them with the speakers. It's true that all the components in the Dunlavy speakers are "stock" so it's simply finding a stock driver within the same 1db range. Not a big issue if you can find the specs. Otherwise it would require sending a good driver to the supplier and having them match it. Either way this should not be your concern, the issue of build quality and parts integrity is a good point and one I would want assurances on.

I talked to the guys at AVL and was told the reason Dunlavy closed shop was not for lack of $. The new holding company did not see the profit or sales they wanted. As for build quality I will let you all know next week when the III.A's I bought arrive. Also, AVL will back the drivers for one year. Getting them matched is a different story. I hope I never have to find out. They may cost a little more than used, but if you buy used you still do not get a warranty as well as abuse issues. Just food for thought.