audio_file Posted April 19, 2017 Share Posted April 19, 2017 (edited) Has anyone heard the Dynaudio Contour s1.4 LE speakers yet? I don't have any shops nearby where I can audition a s1.4, neither the old one, nor the newer LE one. I have heard the Dynaudio Focus 160 and Confidence C1 Signature, so it would be great if someone could compare against those. I liked the 160, apart from a slight edge on the treble one a few songs, but on most songs this didn't happen. This is slightly under budget, but I'd have bought it if it wasn't so ugly. The C1 didn't have the issue at all, and is breathtaking in the mid range and treble, and digs deep in the bass, kicking hard. It's too expensive though. I love the look of the new s1.4 LE, so if it has what the 160 has without the treble spikes it would be great. I listen to almost all kinds of music, so it's important to me to have an all rounder. If someone hasn't heard the C1 or 160, maybe they could compare against one of the ones below: Speakers that sounded good on my amplifier (the one I'll likely run these on): Dynaudio Confidence C1 Signature Vienna Acoustics Bach Grand SE Vienna Acoustics Mozart Grand SE Linn Majik Isobarik ATC SCM 11 ATC SCM 19 PMC Twenty.23 Jamo D830 Spendor SA1 B&W PM1 Speakers that sounded OK on my amplifier: PMC Twenty.24 Dynaudio Focus 160 Dali Rubicon 2 AudioPhysic Classic 20 Spendor A5 Spendor D7 B&W CM9 B&W CM10 Sonus Faber Toy Tower Speakers that sounded bad on my amplifier: Proac Response D18 Linn Majik 140 PMC Twenty.22 Naim Ovator S400 Sonus Faber Cremona Spendor SP3/1R2 Edited April 19, 2017 by audio_file Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bunno77 Posted April 19, 2017 Share Posted April 19, 2017 Just go all out. These should be in your budgethttp://www.stereo.net.au/forums/index.php?/topic/121336-FS:-Dynaudio-Confidence-C1-II-and-Stand-6Sent from my JAZZ using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
audio_file Posted April 19, 2017 Author Share Posted April 19, 2017 I have a fixed budget (based on retail price) to avoid getting an unbalanced system where one part is held back by everything else. So I don't ever upgrade to a different price point, I just buy different gear at the same price. (plus inflation) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bunno77 Posted April 19, 2017 Share Posted April 19, 2017 Yeah I understand but this is roughly the same as retail of the contours. I know the contour Le and id be choosing the c1s especially if you know they already sound great in your system. I'd be buying these c1s myself if they didn't have the silver surrounds. I much prefer the newer colour matched c1sSent from my JAZZ using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
audio_file Posted April 19, 2017 Author Share Posted April 19, 2017 (edited) I meant my budget is based on retail price, so I'd consider the C1 as $13000, even though this pair is $5500. If I don't stick to this, I'm more likely to have an unbalanced system, and feel the need to upgrade my amp. (which is not nearly in the same league as the c1) Edited April 19, 2017 by audio_file Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bunno77 Posted April 19, 2017 Share Posted April 19, 2017 Yeah I understood. But if you know already that they sound good on your system as is and better than cheaper speakers I say why not? I'll leave you alone now to your own decisions with your money haha. Sorry if I we have been intrusive. Sent from my JAZZ using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
audio_file Posted April 19, 2017 Author Share Posted April 19, 2017 Not a problem I know they sound good, but I also know they'll sound better with a lot of $13k amps, and I'll want to upgrade the weak link. My solution to not falling into that trap is to have a budget and not having weak links. (at least not major weak links) 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bunno77 Posted April 19, 2017 Share Posted April 19, 2017 Yep it's a good idea. The LE's are very surprising. In the right room the bass is very punchy and solid. They have the dynaudio sound and don't really do anything wrong. I liked them and would happily own them myself. I'd probably say I like them more than the pmc 23 and I'd have a hard time between them and the VA Mozart Grand SEDefinitely in another league from focus 160Sent from my JAZZ using Tapatalk 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest rogerthat Posted April 19, 2017 Share Posted April 19, 2017 Which amp are you going to use? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
audio_file Posted April 19, 2017 Author Share Posted April 19, 2017 1 minute ago, rogerthat said: Which amp are you going to use? Likely my Naim Nait XS2, but I'll also try it on my Cyrus Pre2 DAC + Stereo 200. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest rogerthat Posted April 19, 2017 Share Posted April 19, 2017 I have not heard the LE version but have the heard the original s1.4 vs the C1. In my view they have a very different presentation. Here is a similar discussion from the past: I prefer the ATCs you have (curved?) to the s1.4s that I heard. The tweeter on the C1 might be one of the reasons people are trying to push that C1 in the classifieds on you. It's just sublime. Amplification for the C1s does not necessarily need to be 10k+. You just have to be careful with matching if you want the best out of it. I saw a Simaudio Moon i3.3 from the classifieds recently that went for $1500. A perfect match for the C1. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest rogerthat Posted April 19, 2017 Share Posted April 19, 2017 This combo of yours must be sublime. Can't imagine you would be adding much with a set of dyns. Naim ND5 XS Naim Nait XS2 ATC SCM 19 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
audio_file Posted April 19, 2017 Author Share Posted April 19, 2017 3 minutes ago, rogerthat said: I have not heard the LE version but have the heard the original s1.4 vs the C1. In my view they have a very different presentation. Here is a similar discussion from the past: I prefer the ATCs you have (curved?) to the s1.4s that I heard. The tweeter on the C1 might be one of the reasons people are trying to push that C1 in the classifieds on you. It's just sublime. Amplification for the C1s does not necessarily need to be 10k+. You just have to be careful with matching if you want the best out of it. I saw a Simaudio Moon i3.3 from the classifieds recently that went for $1500. A perfect match for the C1. Thanks, yes I have the curved SCM 19, they have a very revealing mid range with tons of detail, but their treble isn't perfect. It's good though. The bass is good too, but doesn't go nearly as deep as my 23s. The C1 tweeter is superb, but the LE is supposed to have better treble than the 160 because of a better coating on the tweeter as well as better crossover. Back in 2009 the 3.3 went for 2700 GBP, not sure how much in AUS$ when it was last sold. I'm guessing the newer version is the 340, which goes for around $6500. I doubt it would sound as good as something in the same price as the C1, but I can't say without hearing for myself. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
audio_file Posted April 19, 2017 Author Share Posted April 19, 2017 2 minutes ago, rogerthat said: This combo of yours must be sublime. Can't imagine you would be adding much with a set of dyns. Naim ND5 XS Naim Nait XS2 ATC SCM 19 They are good, but in some ways the 23s are better. I like to swap out and compare, so it's not to replace the 19s. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest rogerthat Posted April 19, 2017 Share Posted April 19, 2017 Actually, if you went for the c1, I don't think the preamp/amp or integrated is really the biggest issue. As long as it has the drive and you like the flavour, it will suit. It is still a standmount so does not need big big $$$ spend on all the watts you need for floorstanding/ multiple driver dyns like the c4. I think the biggest issue is DAC and source. It was for me anyway. Finding the right DAC and source good enough to make that tweeter sing took me a while. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
audio_file Posted April 19, 2017 Author Share Posted April 19, 2017 2 minutes ago, rogerthat said: Actually, if you went for the c1, I don't think the preamp/amp or integrated is really the biggest issue. As long as it has the drive and you like the flavour, it will suit. It is still a standmount so does not need big big $$$ spend on all the watts you need for floorstanding/ multiple driver dyns like the c4. I think the biggest issue is DAC and source. It was for me anyway. Finding the right DAC and source good enough to make that tweeter sing took me a while. I don't know, I have found at least with the speakers like the ATC SCM 19 or Jamo D830, there's a massive gain from a $2k amp to a $4k one with the same power. You might not need the power, but you'll likely to gain transparency and a better tonal balance. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest rogerthat Posted April 19, 2017 Share Posted April 19, 2017 Yes I agree with you there but there are some pretty poor $2K amps in my opinion. There are not many poor $6-8k amps. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
audio_file Posted April 19, 2017 Author Share Posted April 19, 2017 3 minutes ago, rogerthat said: Yes I agree with you there but there are some pretty poor $2K amps in my opinion. There are not many poor $6-8k amps. Yes. I still expect to find the same gains when moving from $6k to $13k though. I haven't listened to many components (or speakers) at that price, so can't comment as well as on the ones in my own budget. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest rogerthat Posted April 19, 2017 Share Posted April 19, 2017 1 minute ago, audio_file said: Yes. I still expect to find the same gains when moving from $6k to $13k though. I haven't listened to many components (or speakers) at that price, so can't comment as well as on the ones in my own budget. Unfortunately you won't find similar gains. The law of diminishing returns is in full swing by then. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
audio_file Posted April 19, 2017 Author Share Posted April 19, 2017 6 minutes ago, rogerthat said: Unfortunately you won't find similar gains. The law of diminishing returns is in full swing by then. Really? I'm surprised, because I can hear an immense difference between the Naim NAP 200 and Naim NAP 300 ($4400 vs $16000). And that's not even considering a pre amp of the same value on them. I have also heard a massive difference between my Cyrus Pre2 DAC + Stereo 200 and the Cyrus DAC XP Signature + 2x X300 Signatures ($5100 vs $15500). I thought the diminishing returns would only start to become obvious somewhere higher than that. I realise these two examples are of a larger difference than $6k and $13k, but I'll be surprised if I can't hear a difference. The other aspect to keep in mind is that you won't notice the difference in amplifier if the speaker isn't revealing enough. Also if diminishing returns applies here, it should be the same for the C1 compared to the s1.4 LE, shouldn't it? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChupaChups Posted April 19, 2017 Share Posted April 19, 2017 What's your budget? I can't figured it out after reading through the entire thread. 5.5k? The Contour has a better overall coherence sound compared with Focus range. While the Confident just takes it to another level. Incremental improvement on drivers, crossover and cabinetry as you go up the Dyns food chain. Thats my personal experience anyway. You ears is already telling you the C1 is the way forward. There will always be better amp, better source, better in everything else. You might as well quit SNA while you're at it.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tony B Posted April 19, 2017 Share Posted April 19, 2017 Contour s1.4LE is now discontinued. Have you tried the new Contour 20? Dynaudio use a slightly different tweeter in their upper models (Esotar 2) which is excellent . I believe the new Contours have this tweeter. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
audio_file Posted April 19, 2017 Author Share Posted April 19, 2017 1 hour ago, Sirmorebeer said: What's your budget? Around $4.5k - $5.5k, but will stretch a little either way depending on the product. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
audio_file Posted April 19, 2017 Author Share Posted April 19, 2017 19 minutes ago, Tony B said: Contour s1.4LE is now discontinued. Have you tried the new Contour 20? Dynaudio use a slightly different tweeter in their upper models (Esotar 2) which is excellent . I believe the new Contours have this tweeter. Yes, but those are above my budget. I currently have a chance to get a set of LE models. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest rogerthat Posted April 19, 2017 Share Posted April 19, 2017 1 hour ago, audio_file said: Really? I'm surprised, because I can hear an immense difference between the Naim NAP 200 and Naim NAP 300 ($4400 vs $16000). And that's not even considering a pre amp of the same value on them. I have also heard a massive difference between my Cyrus Pre2 DAC + Stereo 200 and the Cyrus DAC XP Signature + 2x X300 Signatures ($5100 vs $15500). I thought the diminishing returns would only start to become obvious somewhere higher than that. I realise these two examples are of a larger difference than $6k and $13k, but I'll be surprised if I can't hear a difference. The other aspect to keep in mind is that you won't notice the difference in amplifier if the speaker isn't revealing enough. Also if diminishing returns applies here, it should be the same for the C1 compared to the s1.4 LE, shouldn't it? I understand what you are saying. All I am saying is that if you found an adequately powered integrated from Luxman, Accuphase, Hegel, Simaudio, Plinius, Leema or even the beautiful Marantz PM11 (just to name a few), no one is going to tell you that that amp is the bottleneck in your system (with any dyn standmount). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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