What to replace DQ-10s with?


I have owned the Dahlquist DQ-10s with DQ-1W subwoofer for 30 years and I just love them. However, I am tempted to tempted to try another speaker system in search of better sound. Money is an object and I've researched as possible replacements the Vandersteen 2Cs, Yamaha NS1000s, or a FMI mini-J system.

I would keep the DQ-1W subs with any of these other systems to augment the base.

Would like opinions from people familiar with these specific speaker systems on whether they would be an upgrade to the DQs.
jjh92
I rebuilt the crossovers, rewired completely, and then replaced
the drivers with better ones. I had to spend about $800, but
it improved the sound so much I wouldn't trade them for
anything.
If you love the Dahlquist sound, and audition other speakers in a "money IS an object" price range, you will be very disappointed IMO. I have somewhat modded DQ-20i's, and cost is not much of an object for me. While the 20i's have a couple of measurable "compromises", I have not found a speaker that I prefer to listen to in a medium size room, and I have auditioned quite a few. Many do better bass, many do better highs, but none I have heard do the midrange the way DQ's do. ANd none I have heard provide as balanced a listening experience. Every time I get home get home to my DQ's I just sit back and say, "Aahhhhh...., now that's a speaker."

That being said, from the dq10's (which I have owned), the affordable (under $1000) upgrade is a no-brainer: DQ-20i's or Alon 4's or 5's - and when you can afford it, upgrade the tweeters, caps, and internal wiring. You won't impress any audio-snobs, but you'll impress yourself.
Hi, I have had dq-10's for many years, both stock and modded, with subs, and loved them. Natural progression would be vandersteens, which seem to continue and expand upon the same principals as the Dalquist's. The vandy's are more coherent. Drivers blend seemlessly. The DQ's are somewhat dated compared to current technology. I went from DQ-10'S to electroststics, Acoustst, Sound Labs, B&W 801's (yuk)to Vandy3a's to Vandy 5's. To my ear the Vandy sound is an evolution of the Dalquist.
Used to sit the DQ-10's on top of the subs without stands.
Good Luck, Tom