Dynaudio Audience vs. Contour

Thanks for your opinion on the 1.3mk2 Kirk. I look forward to hearing more opinions on them. I hope they really are a step up from the 52s, which I like a lot. By the way, have you heard the new Contour lineup? Are they really much improved, as advertised?

As far as the amp goes, I think the Rotel 1055 is supposed to be able to handle the contour 1.3mk2... they were paired together at the local HiFi store, and sounded very nice. The 75w/ch Rotel is a conservative rating, outguning other receivers (Sony, Denon, Onkyo, Marantz) rated over 125W/Ch. Reviews have mentioned that the unit performs similarly to separates, which has been their selling point. If anyone else has specific experience on the matter, I would love to hear it!

Thanks.

Dan

Dan, I have heard Dynaudio speaker with lesser electronics before and they just don't sound as good as they should. The issue is especially true if you plan on using a surround receiver. When all five speakers are going, there just isn't enough clean power being deliver to the main speakers.

Croos over to a high quality powered sub at 50-60Hz will solve the amp power issue, but you will also need a good digital processor with very clean bass management.

So the best way to go would be to have a good CD/DVD transport sending a digital signal to the surround processor and have the surround processor to adjust the cross over. Some of the newer surround pre/pros have variable digital bass management that can even solve bass loading problem. Check out B&K Ref50 or Anthem AVM20 or the newer Rotel pre/pro. I think the Rotel receiver can only do a fixed cross over at 80Hz and it might not be done in the digital domain.

The other option is go with a dedicated amp and just use the receiver as a preamp. You can pick up an used McCormack DNA or Aragon 4004/8008 for $1k. You can get have the cake and eat it too.

Thanks Ejliu-
I will be using a powered sub... the Rel Q100.
The Rotel 1055 is supposed to have an excellent digital processor. I am also using a good transport... the Sony 9000ES. As far as digital bass management, I'm not sure. If anyone has further advice, please post it.
The 1055 does have pre outs (in fact you have to use a separate poweramp for 6.1 or 7.1) that I could use if need be (I have an old NAD 3300 amp I guess I could fire up). I'm just not sure which speakers would use it.

Thanks.

Dan

Wow.
I received my Contour T2.1 today.
This thread is moot.
With the Audience 50 playing the Left channel and the T2.1 playing the right channel, certain things are clear.

First, they blend beautifuly... clearly, the tonal balance is very similar.
However, the sound stage and clarity of the Contour are clearly superior. What music!

Even way under powered on my old Onkyo Receiver (my Rotel has yet to arrive), they sound gorgeous.

And the bass. The bass is deep, warm and tight. It is incredible. I wonder if I made a mistake getting the Contour 1.3mk2, Rel sub and Osiris stands. If I could, I would trade them in for a pair of T2.5s or Contour 1.8s.
I'll get more thump from my sub, but not the exquisite lows that the Contours themselves generate.

God I love Dyns!

Dan