Review: DCM TimeWindow 1 Speaker


Category: Speakers

This review covers the orignal DCM Time Windows. Not the subsequent versions.

I remember the first time I heard these. Their unique shape and sound where unlike anything I had heard before. Here was a speaker that really delivered the promise. It was driven by a PS Audio Amp and PS Audio LCC PreAmp. At the time I had the Large Advents,and while those speakers were very good indeed, the Time Windows were clearly superior. The music just seemed to come alive in a way that's hard to describe. There was just a seamless transparency to them. Not overly bright or accentuated on the bass. The balance was right on. It didn't really matter what the program material was, the Time Windows clearly and with authority brought the music to life. If they had any real weakness is for some peoples taste the bass may have been on the light side. But for my taste it was as it should be. The orginals used Philips drivers using a transmission line and the cabinet construction contributed to the overall sound. In the late 70s these were not cheap at about $800.00 but were indeed worth the price of admission. I was finally able to acquire a pair of these and have them to this day. Few things one purchases in life have enduring value and the Time Windows truly are in that category. Of all the reviews I have read on these speakers not one reviewer has clearly defined the sonics of this fabulous speaker. Use all of the adjectives you want and one will still come up short in the description. Best way to describe them, if you love music and have better than average components connected to them, the Time Windows will deliver the music with a verve that will astound you.

Now these speakers are some 20 years or more in age and continue to deliver the music. And that's what this hobby is all about. DCM no longer produces the Time Windows,having opted for the HT route. This is a true shame as these speakers deserve continued production. Timeless design is just that.

Specifications:

  • Dimensions:36"H x 14 3/4"W x 11 3/4"D
  • Weight:32 Pounds
  • Power Requirements:10 Watts Minimum per channel 89 dB/watt at one meter;200 Watts Maximum
  • Impedance:5 Ohms minimum/6-8 Ohms nominal
  • Frequency Range:25Hz to 18 kHz
  • Dispersion:180 degrees horizontal/60 degrees vertical.

    Specifications do not tell the whole story,listening does. The Time Windows due to their configuration can be literally tuned to any room. That is due to their shape. This was a brilliantly executed design that has remained faithful all these years.

    Associated gear
    Click to view my Virtual System

    Similar products
    Polk SDA 2,Large Advent,Infinity,Boston Acoustic.

  • ferrari
    Hi Hedgehog,the Rodgers will be up on my shelf,running from a QAUD405/2;+44(control)- all now very compact & neat with nothing on the floor. Have you heard the LS3/5As? Rod:
    No, I have not heard the LS3/5As. Sounds like a very uncluttered system...

    Try McMaster for the grill foam...I believe the address is in a previous post in this thread.
    Has any other TimeWindow-fan heard the Rogers LS3/5As'? I would invite your comments on this tiny, 70's- BBC classic!Regards, Rod:
    The guy who originally sold me my pair of Time Windows back in 1982 still has a pair of the legendary Rogers LS3/5A speakers. I think for the most part the two speakers share the same basic tonal balance, although the extreme spaciousness of the Time Window is probably something that sets this speaker apart from the Rogers. Also, the LS3/5A does not have the same bass characteristic as the Time Window. But it seems to me both speakers roll off the top end very quickly above 18,000 Hz, and it is probably this quality that invites comparison. One thing is certain. Both speakers seem to have their dedicated following, and for good reason. They remain competitive today with even the best designs. I never intend to part with my Time Windows. It would cost too much to find a better speaker.
    Be careful on the Rogers LS3/5A. If memory serves me correct they are a 16 ohm speaker!