2. speakers
  3. 1047344212

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
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.
eeerie1 OP
43 posts
 
Kthomas, I agree with you. The Dynaudio is a very versatile speaker! That's one of the things that draws me to them... plus the fact that they sound very open and detailed. The bass is also pretty tight and fast on Dyns (when fed enough power!). I'm just curious about all the other speakers I've never heard!

Dennis
dmichael
25 posts
 
I do not remember which model REL I listened to. It was probably the strata, but I can't say for sure. It was combined with the 1.3(non-se). Again, I did not like the combination. I have read here in another recent thread that the B&W805N integrates very well with the strata and storm. I would further investigate this match if you're intent on getting a sub/monitor system. Also, the 805 is front ported which may provide more flexible placement than either of the Dyn's. I agree with Kthomas that the 1.3 may not be any easier than the 1.8's to place. Depending on the room/furniture, pay attention to the port height, with the 1.8 it will be very close to the floor, 1.3 will be much higher(close to 3 feet). I think you may like the 805/REL best. Let us know if you get a chance to hear these paired.
eeerie1 OP
43 posts
 
Dmichael, do you have the 1.8's in a large area? How do you have them placed?

Dennis
More to discover