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Dynaudio 1.3SE question

I'm looking for a pair of speakers, and was considering the Dynaudio 1.8Mk2 (great speaker), but have heard that the 1.3SE is much better (despite being a monitor). If I go with the 1.3SE, I will go used, so I don't want to bother my local dealer to listen to them. So, I have two questions:

1. Is the 1.3SE really that much better than the 1.8Mk2?

2. How does the 1.3SE compare with the Merlin TSM-M? I've never heard a Merlin, but have heard many good things, and am curious.

My music preferences include jazz, folk, rock, heavy metal, electronic... you name it. I actually live in an apartment, so the speakers have to fit into my living room. I'd eventually like to add a sub to the system, for the extra low end. I don't have electronics yet, because I'm waiting to decide on a pair of speakers. When I decide, I will try to build around the speakers. By the way, I also like "fast" speakers (at least I think that's the term)... in other words, I like a speaker that can articulate fast transients in the music, particularly quick percussion beats. I also like nice separation and "air" (it is difficult to describe sounds, isn't it?) and detail. I'd appreciate any input... by the way, this is a great resource for audio enthusiasts!

Dennis
eeerie1
lafish
151 posts
 
Dyna 1.3SE wins over 1.8MKII. I have ever owned 1.8 and audited 1.3SE. 1.3 can give amazing bass especially when pairing with the original silver colour stand.

1.8MKII sounds a bit doub comparing to 1.3SE, also need to mind the listening space. 1.3SE can handle smaller place.

Merlin is good in mid and high, but lose in bass delivery. For amp, I strongly recommend Jeff Rowland Concentra II, a very very good match with Dyna speakers. Last time audit was 1.3SE with Concentra II.

Anyway, I can get 1.3SE demo Bird Eye at my end. Let me know if you are interested.
dmichael
25 posts
 
I own the 1.8mkII. I agree that the 1.3se does have amazing bass for a monitor, but the 1.8mkII has amazing bass for a small floorstander. No matter how you look at it, if you want that last octive, you will have to add a sub to the 1.3se. I did not want to add a sub and found the 1.8 was a reasonable compromise. The 1.8 will not give you that deep deep lower half of the last octive, but it is noticeably heavier than the 1.3se. I found that no sub, even the excellent REL's can keep up with the speed of the contour line, thus there is always that un-natural disconnect that can be annoying with some types of music especially rock. The sub works great however, if all you listen to is classical. This choice between these 2 speakers is a personal one. Most people who opt for the 1.3se do so because they can live without that last octive, or don't mind the Sub combo. I found that the 1.3se only bettered the 1.8 when listening to music that was mainly vocal. I listen to mostly Jazz instrumental, some rock and some classical, so my choice was to get a little bit heavier bass and the rounder fuller sound I find in the 1.8.
keithr
1,306 posts
 
I had the 1.3SE with a Concentra II, and didn't find it a great combo. Another guy on audioasylum had one with Ann 25s, and wasnt impressed.

I would look toward plinius or bat instead on integrateds...
eeerie1 OP
43 posts
 
Lafish, if I'm going with a monitor, I'm not sure how important deep bass is... as long as it's tight and quick.

Dmichael, which REL sub did you try? I've always heard that they were fast enough to keep up with most speakers... I've even heard they integrate well with electrostats and planars. Most of the music I listen to is similar to what you listen to, so in that sense I might be better off with the 1.8 (or another floorstander). However, I live in an apartment, and have very limited placement options (although the actual living room is pretty large). Aren't most monitors easier to place than floorstanders?

Keith, I was actually leaning toward the Plinius integrated. Is the BAT (which model?) in the same price range (preferably used)? In your opinion, which one would fit my styles of music better? For that matter, what's your opinion on the 1.3SE (since you owned one)?

Thanks to everyone for the advice.
Dennis
kthomas
911 posts
 
I like the Dynaudio line a lot - I own the 3.0's and have listened reasonably extensively to several other models. The 1.3SE is a wonderful monitor, and an excellent deal at the used prices they're available for. However, they do like power, the do need breathing room and they do open up a lot at louder volumes. I would not assume that they will be easier to place than the 1.8's - they'll want to be a ways out into the room.

The 1.8 is the easiest of the Contour line to drive. I have a friend who owns a pair and he uses 100 w/ch, tho originally he had only 50 w/ch, and he gets excellent sound. I saw a quote once from a Dynaudio rep saying the 1.8 was the one to go with if you wanted to use tubes. Anyway, you quite likely would find the 1.8 just as easy to place, easier to drive and to sound better at lower volume levels.

One thing I really like about the Dynaudio line is that they're very versatile speakers - I like a broad range of genres and mine sound good on the wide variety.
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