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
    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!
    Yes, Ferrari, the LS3/5A is a 16 ohm load. Personally I think they are more trouble than they are worth. They have a real dedicated following, which tells you the speaker is definitely solid in most key areas of performance. But I think the Time Window is far easier to live with in real world terms. They have survived in my house for 23 years.
    Hello, I had to chime in this blog as I could not help myself. I have been a dedicated fan of DCM speakers since I heard them for the first time @ Circuit City in 1992. I fell in love with their lineup (Monitors) and worked my up to the (Time Frames) and eventually upgraded to the Time Windows (3 series).

    Today, I own the elusive Time Window 7's which I was lucky enough to pick up on Ebay a couple years ago.

    I can honestly say, I will never part my Time Windows because they are best sounding speaker which I believe will stand the test of time!

    Here, let me see if I can decribe accurately how these speakers sound althought I recommmend you audition these in person...

    The tonal balance is very accurate, vocal imaging crisp and detailed. The bass is deep (yet accurate); the TW7's creates bass to drops all the way down to the threshold (lower limits) of human hearing (20hz).

    FYI: when sound is created at 20hz, it's more of a vibration you can feel (like when you go to a 'live' performance.

    Just be sure to matchup your speakers to a nice amp to enjoy
    ultra low sonic distortion in highs, midrange and lows.

    I am currently running a 160watts @ 4ohms using a Denon 2 channel ultra high current amp. (PMV2000IVR)

    and that's all I have to say about the DCM Time Windows.

    Btw, I've at one time all of the following DCM speakers below:

    CX-17's, CX-27's, Time Frame 600, Time Frame 1000, Time Window 1A, Time Window 3's and currently I possess the Time Window 7's.