replacing Dunlavy SC-IV's

Check out the VMPS line, I think they have 3 models at $10,000 and above. All models make use of ribbons for mid/high's. Not sure if the new RM/X's have hit the streets yet, they are about $10,000. I think the Super Tower III's are over $15,000 but I'm not sure.

Dazzdax,

At the risk of being overly simplistic, in what areas are you especially looking for improvement over the SC-IV's? Even up around 15 grand, you'll be making trade-offs. You see, different speakers excel in different areas...

How loud do you like it (at the listening position)? How wide do you want the sweet spot to be? Do you place a higher priority on holographic imaging, or richness of instrumental timbres and textures? Are you more interested in a presentation reminiscent of a jazz club, or of a concert hall? How important is hearing all the little inner harmonic nuances - would you trade off some performance in other areas to get the inner details right? How critical is coherence? What are you looking for in bottom-octave performance (recognize that this is the most expensive part of the spectrum to "do it all" in)? What kinds of music do you mostly listen to? Do you sometimes listen at low or very low volume levels? Do you want a speaker that is ultra-revealing, or one that is forgiving enough to sound good with mediocre recording? Do you have any particular speaker-positioning constraints?

Sorry for all the questions, but the more information I have the better the chance of offering useful suggestions.

On the Genesis vs JM Labs front, I have tended to prefer Genesis, but haven't heard any of their new models. In my experience, JM Labs speakers really like tube amps (Air-Tight amps seem to work especially well with them - nope, I don't sell 'em).

Also, just curious - which Accuphase amps do you have?

Best wishes,

Duke

Hi Dazzdax,

About a year ago I narrowed my speaker choices to the Dunlay SC-IV/A and the Vienna Acoustics Mahler. I auditioned both of them several times, listening to the same music. I chose the Mahlers and never looked back.
They sound wonderful are much smaller and look much better. They sound very natural top to bottom and have all the bass you would ever need. The soundstage is very wide and deep with excellent imaging and great detail. My CD source is the Meridian 588, preamp is Jeff Rowland Synergy IIi, amps are the Classe' CAM 350 monoblocs.
It gave me what I liked about the Dunlavy sound but more liquid, detailed and musical.
Remember that Dunlavy is out of business, so be careful. Getting service could be more complex.
Good luck.

used Genesis 201 is better in every sonic parameter than any Dunlavy speaker I previously owned the Dunlavy 4 and 5 for a considerable period of time 5 years or so the Dunlavy just doesn't have the resolution capability of the Genesis has I really liked the Dunlavy bass capabilities but they really aren't comparable to the 201's. The Genesis also images much better and is easier to place also.

Audiokinesis makes some great points. I have always been impressed with the Dunlavy line and you would be hard-pressed to find a speaker that presents a more holographic image (at least within the sweet spot). You can get a Dunlavy V used for about $6500 but I do not think you would see a huge difference from the IVA.

The production issues with the VMPS RM/X have finaly been resolved. Dealers should have them for audition within the next few weeks.

Julian