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

This thread's title-listed speakers received multiple decades of the highest praise.  Such legendary speakers can't just lose such status because of their age....or can they?

I currently run with Sound Lab A1 and Sonus Faber Amati Futura.  But I have an itch to try a BIG dynamic speaker without paying a fortune for such.

I'm thinking about the V, VI or Sovereign.  The dimensions are doable but the sheer mass of these things is intimidating!  A local friend had the IV's for many years, modified the with very impressive results, but them passed them on.

Getting these things down to my basement isn't happening but upstairs will work mighty fine.  Only other concern is driver replacement but there seems to be a lot of qualified driver rebuilders out there.

Amplifier concern is a non issue as I have CAT JL-3 monos and a Symphonic Line Kraft 350 40th Anniversary Stereo amp. 

I will only consider this if such speakers are a day's drive away as I would use a trailer.  What are your thoughts?  A crazy idea in current times?  And if so, what is out there at under $10k that can even begin to touch these speakers' performance.

John

jafox
kota1
2,706 posts
 

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.

 

 

 

rcprince
3,070 posts
 

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.  

woodman2
9 posts
 

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

mark200mph
177 posts
 

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

barts's avatar
barts
713 posts
 

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

 

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