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Dynaudio Special 25 vs. Contour 1.3 SE

I'm torn between just getting a pair of Dynaudio Contour 1.3 SE and ponying up to a pair of Special 25s. Are the Special 25s really that much better than the 1.3 SEs? I love the tight control of the 1.3 SEs, however, I haven't had the opportunity to listen to the Special 25s. Whatever I choose, I'll be driving them with an old Krell KSA 100 (class A) through a Meitner Museatex DAC--no preamp. I'm also open to non-Dynaudio suggestions, however, the JM Utopias were a bit warm for my tastes. Thank you!
bgarrett
moemoney's avatar
moemoney
158 posts
 
I also had the 1.3SEs and they are a very nice speaker, but like the person stated about you have to pull they out from the rear wall then babies need room to breath. I never heard the 25s, but I do now own the C2s, and I will have to agree with Kthomas if you can try moving up to the C3s. I hear they give a better soundstage.
tunes4me
98 posts
 
Having spent time with both, as the above poster's commented, you HAVE pull them out as least 5-6'...
lafish
151 posts
 
Dyna 25 offers broader soundstage than 1.3SE. It is easier to drive too, 90db, you can try on tube gear as well.
bgarrett OP
3 posts
 
I probably will not step up to the Confidence series due to space and budget constraints. Your input is greatly appreciated. It looks like a bigger port, 2 Hz and 2 dB is going to cost twice as much.
bgarrett OP
3 posts
 
The Confidence 3's sensitivity is rated at 96 dB. That's the same as the 1.3 SE and 2 dB less than the Special 25. The frequency responses are rated as follows: 35-28K for the Confidence 3, 37-27k for the 1.3 SE and 35-25K for the Special 25. This makes for a tough decision because though the sound may be more 3-dimensional with the Confidence, the sensitivity is off of the Special 25's rating by 2 dB which is not insignificant. My room could be as small as 10x 15 x9 or as large as 15x 30x 20. Any more feedback? Thank you.
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