On 02 Sep 2004 21:20:06 GMT, ohawker (Andy
Evans) wrote:

Needing to replace my Magneplaners for lack of space (cue - SMGs for sale), I
strolled into Audio T and heard the following:
Dynaudio 52 (2 way bookshelf)
Dynaudio 52SE (2 way bookshelf)
B&W (2 way bookshelf)
PMC GB1 (transmission lines)

The B&W had the most lively mids and full mid-bass but a rather strident edge.
The PMc were surprisingly good. The 52SE were the best and most detail (subtle
stuff the others just didn't catch) and the 52s were right behind, uncoloured
but a trifle more bland. Result - on present auditioning I'm looking for
something in the Dynaudio range. But what? Bookshelf or thin floorstander?
Which range - contour, audience, any other? Any past superceded models that
were classics? anything for sale. Advise me, all you Dynaudio experts. And, of
course, is there anything small that is substantially better (notably more
detailed)? Andy

I've listened to a very wide range of 'minimonitor' speakers up to a
couple of grand or so, and while I favour the B&W N805 or ATC SCM 20
if you want to spend that much, the Dynaudio 52SE is otherwise the
best I've heard, and is one of those truly exceptional designs which
opo up from time to time, like the original B&W 805 - and indeed the
ATC SCM20. The only real alternative IMO at the price point is the ATC
SCM12, but that sounds so different that you'd need to audition both.
I've not heard any floorstander up to the same price limit which can
come even close to these speakers in overall sound quality, and if you
combine the 52SE with a good sub, you can rival the very best at *any*
price.

--

Stewart Pinkerton | Music is Art - Audio is Engineering