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
    For 20 years now ím still the lucky owner of my DCM Timeframe 500's. They still sound great. Yesterday i layed my hands on a pair of TimeWindows, but the manual is gone and i'm not sure which type i bought.

    Can somebody please help to identify my second hand TimeWindow. The plate on the back of the speaker is exactly like the picture shown above, with the same number: 48104.

    Does this mean these are the (so called) originals?

    And what's the diffenrent between the original, 1, 1A ?

    Thanks,

    Arnold van Wijk
    Netherlands
    Hauser, I may have been mistaken about the TW3's. It's just what I thought I had read. Actually, I have a problem that was said to be cured(or reduced) by the 3's. One speaker is close to a corner, and the other has no real side wall and an opening close to it's back. I apologize for any misinformation.
    I have a question about my just arrived Timewindows (originals).
    I bought them second hand last week, but the DCM labels on the cloth are missing. My dcm timeframes TF500 require placement facing the labels towards each other. How about the Timewindows? The only identification i have is the bass-responceport in the lower part of the spaeker, eighter on the left or right pane.
    Hi everyone,

    I just found this forum a few days ago doing research, when I stumbled across a pair of TimeWindow 1A's on Craigslist near my house. When I read the information in this forum, and then heard them in person, I plunked down $350 for them. Okay, that was higher than what I’ve seen on ebay, but these were only 15 minutes away, the natural oak is in fantastic shape, and the brown fabric (not foam) is good (couple tiny holes). These sound great! These will replace my Infinity Studio Monitor SM155 that I’ve used for ten years—loud, thumping, but fatiguing.

    I first heard a DCM TimeFrame while I was in Ann Arbor going to college at Michigan. I've always thought one day I’d get "grown up speakers" like DCM makes……

    Anyway, DCM's website doesn't seem to have the manual posted for TimeWindow 1A. Does anyone have a pdf of it?

    And does anyone have a spare CX-17 for sale, having used one for a center channel and leaving the other homeless?

    Does anyone have any technical design info on the sophisticated crossover?

    Thanks for all of you sharing your experience! Your information was very helpful.

    Alan
    Downsizing sucks! My family has had to move to a smaller place and I have to sell my set. I am in Orange County, CA and would like to find a good owner.
    My speakers are worn - the wood is scratched and the foam has long ago worn out - so I took it off, but they still sound great. I'm sure they would look great too with a little TLC.

    Anyone know someone who might be interested in giving me a little bit of $ for them?
    PK