Duntech Sovereign, Dunlavy IV, V, VI purchase make sense today?

The condition of the speaker is key, all that matters is does it work, will it last, and does it suit your taste. In terms of price you can see how much they go for by checking hifishark.com.

As a practical matter I think it would be easier to get replacement drivers for the Duntechs, as they're Dynaudios and it is quite possible that Duntech has replacements (they did for my Princesses years ago when I had to replace the woofers on one of the speakers).  I think that the Dunlavys would work better with your CATs (great amps); the Sovereigns sounded best to me with solid state that could control their woofers.  Both would give you that big sound you get from the Soundlabs, and will deliver outstanding dynamics and soundstaging, but don't expect the transparency you get from the electrostats.  While there are probably plenty of speakers out there today that are faster and more transparent, I still think that John Dunlavy's designs are timeless and convey the music as well as anything you can get.  

I traded my Dunlavy III for Sonus Faber Olympica Nova III about two years ago. I found this to be better in every way. I bought the Dunlavy’s new and was always happy until I heard the Sonus Faber’s. 
Phil

I have the 2001.they sound great they came with the krell crossovers. There are many crossovers bryston.marchant.sublime.dsp all would work great

I have only heard the Duntech Sovereign in a studio setting driven by Cello class A amps.  They are dynamic for sure!  The caveat to me is that they will play what ever you feed them good bad or indifferent.  With the proper input they are amazing, if not "in your face".

Considering your buddy owned a pair and you liked those then, scratch that itch.

Regards,

barts

I have heard two models if not three when I was trying to find the speaker for my setup. I am a fan of first-order cross overs due its inherent properties. Those days, there were only three designers who produced such quality speaker Richard Vandersteen, John Dunlavy, and Jim Thiel. The only reason I didn't settle for a Dunlavy was its imposing appearance in my living room! But the sound of these were top-notched. I finally settle down with a pair of Thiel 2 2.

Dunlavy speakers are highly recommended without any reservations.They were built right here in Colorado Springs, CO, and I believe John Dunlavy did extended listening tests to select drivers for each speaker. So you are putting your money behind a high-quality product, a product designed by an engineer who knew what he was doing and passionate about it.

Jim Thiel and John Dunlavy are now with the angles and May They Rest in Peace!

I had SC4’s for many years without a moment of dissatisfaction. In fact I still use Dunlavy speaker cables with my Focal speakers. If the size isn’t an issue and you can find a nice clean pair, I’d say it’s a worthy pursuit.

As for options I would consider Von Schweikert VR4’s. There is a pair for sale over on the audio mart site. The other option would be Legacy Audio Focus SE. Those would run a bit more than the VS’s but still under your price point. On the other hand if you really want to try them, go for it. If you would drive to pick them up you could likely demo them as well. Good luck!

I would like to thank everyone here and to those who wrote me externally to encourage me to give the Dunlavy speakers a serious consideration.  I will get the chance to hear them in two weeks and then take them home!  😊

John