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Thiel 3.6 vs. Dunlavy SC-IV/A

Hi,

I currently own a pair of Thiel 3.6s in my system and like them a lot (their accuracy, imaging, soundstage, neutrality).

However, I have an opportunity to get a pair of Dunlavy SC-IVAs at a great price and wondered if fellow Audiogon members thought I should go for it and make the switch, or stick with the Thiels and save my money (not to mention my back as those Dunlavys are close to 200 lbs each). I haven't had a chance to hear the Dunlavys yet, but have read very positive reviews of them. Wondered if any Dunlavy owners could comment.

From some initial reads, I think the Dunlavys and the Thiels have similar sonic signatures and also require solid matching components. I currently have a Pass X-350 amp in my system so I don't think I have a problem there. Some posters complained of a brightness to the Dunlavys, which is often a complaint about the Thiels. Other posters noted that a solid matching amp will cure any brightness problem.

As I mentioned, I prefer a very accurate, neutral sound. No colorations in the music, and from what I've read the Dunlavys are supposed to do it as well as anyone.

My current system:

Linn Ikemi CD
Adcom GFP-750 preamp
Pass Labs X-350 amp
Thiel 3.6 speakers
justin2468

Showing 2 responses by unsound

unsound
7,344 posts
 
I'm a long time Thiel owner. I prefer the Dunlavys. Very similar presentation. The Dunlavys seem to present more height to the soundstage. I much prefer the sealed box bass of the Dunlavys over the passive radiators of your Thiels. If you compare the Dunlavy SC-IVA to the Thiels CS5i, then all bets are off. I would really like to hear those side by side. Dunlavys like a large room, with greater space between them and more toe in than your Thiels. Cabinets are much nicer on the Thiels. Pass would sound great on both. Good luck.
unsound
7,344 posts
 
Pbb, I have always set up my Thiels along the long wall. To my ears the Thiels like the Dunlavys sound best this way. Of course everyones room and circumstances differ. The key issues are space from side and rear walls and distance between speakers and between listener and speakers. The requirements between Dunlavys and Thiels are not that much different. IMHO the Thiels like more distance from side walls and less space from each other with much less toe in. As far as Dunlavy cabinets go, please bear in mind that the outer cabinets are just frames for individual enclosed driver cabinets. The finish on the Thiels as to furniture quality is much better than the Dunlavys. Your Thiel 3.5's are IMHO one of the all time great legends in audio, but as you say time marches on and the SCIVA's are a more ambitious product marketed to a higher price point. I don't think either of these products are bright unto themselves, but neither are they forgiving of preceding components sonic aberations.
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