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Merlin VSM MXr vs Thiel 2.4 vs Dynaudio C1

Hi, I got a lot of good recommendations from viewers of my other thread "Best speaker under $3K". I wonder if I stretch my budget to around $4K- used, what would be the choice?

A few people mentioned the Dynaudio Confidence C1, Merlin, Thiel, etc. Anyone have experience with these fine speakers? How would you differ them?

FYI, I listen to a variety of musics - orchestra, chamber, vocals(female and male), jazz, pop songs,etc and prefer natural, accurate, musical sound with smooth treble and good bass as well as excellent sound stage and imaging.

I had experience listening the Vandersteen 5A and was very impressed by the dynamics and details it rendered. But it's way beyond my reach.

Realistically, I would consider the few candidates mentioned above and maybe the Reference 3A Veneer. My listening room is about 13 x 15 x 9.

Thanks for your help.
r0817

Showing 2 responses by xti16

xti16
1,525 posts
 
I haven't heard the Merlin's or Thiel's but as a Dyn C1 owner all I can say the C1's are a great speaker for the type of music you listen to. Very natural and smooth (some may say a little laid back). Also as Mechans stated the amp is also part of the equation. I had a Bryston B100SST rated at 180 w/ch into 4 ohms which I thought sounded pretty darn good. Then I demoed an Octave V70SE tube integrated (in my home) rated at 70 w/ch into 4 ohm. The Octave just destroyed the Bryston in every way. With the Octave I can roll tubes to change the sound without having to buy new electronics or cables :).

Another speaker you may want to consider would be the Sonus Faber Creamora Auditor M. But at the same MSRP the Dyn C1's sounded much better to ME.

Good luck
xti16
1,525 posts
 
Rhmmmm & R0817
FWIW In July I took the 'plunge' and upgraded my cherry C1's to the C1 signature in mocha (I found a pair of black/chrome stands too). I never thought the C1's could be improved on but Dynaudio sure did. With MKII/Signature the bass is a little tighter and the mids are clearer. They also sound better at lower volumes. I also use a Rel B3 sub. The sub isn't necessary but for the few times that lowest octave is on the recording it sure is nice. It also adds to the mids and improves the sound stage. And yes I do listen without the sub on occasion.

R0817 I know the MKII's are beyond your budget and believe me the original C1's are a great sounding speaker. Honestly if you have a dealer where could hear them that would be your best bet because it is your ears and money regardless of which speaker you choose.
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