Proceed with caution, the parts can be improved upon, but they are customized for the particular drivers used in each speaker. Each set of speakers were tested to a standard model and tweaked until a rather tight match was met, not something that all manufacturers go to the trouble of doing. If they were mine, unless they were broken, I'd leave well enough alone.YMMV. |
Yeah, that's pretty much where I settled out on this. But you know how the audiophile mind works...the siren song of upgrades always beckons. |
How do you tell the difference in the models of the SCIV's I hear there is the original then the signature series then the IVA . The set I picked up was said to be the original first run edition. However while setting up and moving the speakers around looking for the best position I noticed that they do say signature series on them. When I did some researching some say that all 3 models will say signature series? |
This is all off the top of my head and time may have compromised my memory on all these particulars, but I seem to remember Dunlavy changing drivers (woofers?) and tweaking the cross-overs accordingly, on the SCIVs at one point. The SCIVAs are a different and better speaker altogether, and no the SCIVs can't be upgraded to SCIVAs. I'm not sure, but I don't think the "Signature" nomenclature really means anything. |
Unsound. Is there any way to tell what woofers I have without taking one out? Are there any visual things to tell the two woofers apart? |
It started with the original Dunlavy IV, then towards the end of that run John made improvements to this speaker. He did not make any designation changes, but simply referred to it as the Dunlavy IV improved version. Shortly after this, he made additional changes that could not revert back to the original SCIV and therefore named it the SCIVA.
It has been such a long time, my memory fades....I cannot remember if all three versions say Signature on them or not. Mine are the SCIV improved and does says Signature on them.
I'm sorry that I cannot remember more specifics on all of the three versions. What I can say is that any of the three are fantastic speakers. You seriously can not go wrong with any of them. |
Every model made by Dunlavy that carries the "SC" in it's name is "Signature". That's what the S stands for!
Dunlavy changed a few drivers on various models over the years but the only one significant enough, according to him, to warrant a different designation was the SC-IVa.
There was a change in the woofers of the IV before the SC-IVa came out, but it was hardly worth note. Of course, you will find many people who disagree with me regarding any performance changes but you'd be wise to take it with a pound of salt.
Bottom line..... All Dunlavy speakers are world class. Worrying about which "version" of a model you have is a waste of time. |
I'm not an authority on DAL models, but I did follow their progress because of owning Duntechs and my respect for John.
I thought all the DAL numbered (Roman style) models were preceded by SC. I don't remember that he produced a special line of Signature models.
The change from SC-IV to SC-IVa was the most significant upgrade. It was in response to a Stereophile review of the SC-IV which was favorable except for bass extension. That was likely the only time anyone criticized one of John's designs for lack of bass. The SC-IVa apparently did produce a more extended bass range. |
I owned IVs and currently own IVAs. IMO the IVA is definitely a superior speaker. The IVA also cost twice what the IVs did. |
I've been an SC-4(not 4A)owner for over 17 years. An almost exclusively classical music listener, I've never been less than satisfied with its bass performance. I've also heard some others refer to the SC-4s as being bright. With the right room setup and associated equipment, this is not an issue...Incidentally, list price for the SC-4s was $5000. List price for the 4A was $8500, not $10,000 as Rja asserts. |
Sorry, correction: SC-4A in oak only was approx. $8000; in rosewood or cherry, approx. $8500. |
SC stood for signature collection. The original SC-IV's had Morel 10 inch woofers. There was a switch to a version with 10 inch Vifa woofers which is what I owned and was the version most reviewed. I was told by Dunlavy the switch was done because the Morel's had to much variability in sample to sample response. The Vifa mids were improved also..I was supplied those mids as well as improved Vifa tweets along the way. With all those additional changes the speaker was still the IV. The IVa designation came about when the switch was made from Vifa 10's to the Scanspeak drivers. Tom |
Opus88,
I paid $4000 for the IV new and $8250 for the IVAs. I am not contending this, I am stating fact. The IVs were black, the IVAs are natural oak color. |
Opus88, when you say "as Rja asserts" it sounds accusatory. Why would I make this up? As far as I know Dunlavy prices did not remain constant. |
I've been playing with my new to SCIV's for about a month and could'nt be happeir. They are a fine speaker. As far as bass is concerened in my set up they produce an acurate bass that's very musical and does hit rather nicely. Nicely enough that I sold my sub after getting them properly set up. |
Rja...I'm sorry you interpreted my comments as accusatory. That certainly was not on my mind when I made them, nor did I feel you were "[making]this up". Indeed, as you state, prices may not have remained constant. I paid $5000 list for my IVs, and I knew one other fellow who paid the same for his. In his review of the SC-4s, Stereophile writer Robert E. Greene also indicated they were priced at $4995. Do you recall if you purchased your pair at a discount or did the dealer indicate $4000 was the list price? In any event, it's not terribly important. What is, is that we seem to have shared in common the enjoyment these speakers have given us. I've never had the opportunity to hear the IVAs. Would love to, but guess I'll have to continue "to settle" for the IVs. The only thing that might cause me to give them up would be my moving to a smaller place, which would compel me to downsize my speakers as well. My best wishes for your continued enjoyment of your Dunlavy SC-4As ! |
I certainly never meant the IVs didn't sound excellent especially considering the price. What I tried to communicate was that the IVAs were a definite improvement but at a significant price premium. |
"I certainly never meant the IVs didn't sound excellent especially considering the price. What I tried to communicate was that the IVAs were a definite improvement but at a significant price premium."
Please rest easy when I say I did not construe your comments as condescending, negative or uncalled for in any sense whatsoever. I understood perfectly what you were trying to communicate, and I agree with you 100%. |
When I said I guess I'll have to settle for the IVs, I did so with tongue in cheek ! |
RJA, how do you like the bass on the Dunlavy 1VA compared to the Dunlavy 1V speakers? |
