B&W DM602 S3 vs Quad 12L

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noclaner
Neuling

#1 erstellt: 21. Apr 2004, 07:41

Hello people. Very new to this forum, so please dont hurt me. I currently own the following kit :

Cd Player : Cambridge Azur 640C

Stereo Amp : Cambridge Azur 640A

AV receiver : Denon AVR-2803
DVD player : Denon DVD-2200
Speakers : Wharfedale Valdus series (5.1)

Currently my front 2 speakers are amplified using the 640A, from the preouts on the Denon, and the center/rears are run by the Denon. I'm planning on bringing the Cambridge setup into my room so I have a stereo for the bedroom, as all the kit above are in the living room. Having said that, I would need to get a pair of speakers for my room, and leave my existing ones in the living room, and the Wharfedales will then be powered with the Denon.
I am torn between the DM602 S3s and the Quad 12L. I am a big fan of hip-hop, techno and rock/alternative music. But, I listen to ballads and instrumentals as well. I know for one that the B&W produces an authoritative bass, and great presence. The Quads on the other hand have great detail and tranparency. But I favour the styling of the B&Ws. Anyone have any advice on this one? Which pair would partner the Cambridge elecetronics the best? I have also yet to audition the Dynaudio Audience 52s, but my dealer insists that the Quads are better boxes that the Dynaudio. Any feedback here would be welcome.

Another thing I worry about is the Quads outclassing my electronics. Any comment on this? Maybe I should save for the Roksan system... Then again, maybe I should just win the lottery

So please, oh please, help me decide here, as I am just torn between 2 beautifully made speakers from 2 very respectable manufacterers.

Arj
Inventar

#2 erstellt: 21. Apr 2004, 10:49

Hi NoClaner,
Quads are good with a nice Bass * smooth midband, but is not really known for its Rockability

its a bit laidback but excellant for Vocals..
Perhaps Dynaudio might be what you are looking at as they do Great Rock. period.Your Azurs would drive them well enough..

Of course the B&W's are good too, but personally I have felt that it is with the 700 series that they get really ineresting..and I mean no offence to the 600 series .
(BTW I have not heard the BW 309 floorstander..but have good stuff about it..)

Dont worry about outclassing..CA Azurs are really good components. hence my suggestion would be to keep then untill you want to move to the next level with 1500 USD stuff !

noclaner
Neuling

#3 erstellt: 21. Apr 2004, 11:59

Thanks Arj for your feedback. The Dynaudios will be worth having an audition then, though they do cost a few quid more.
Here's an idea~! What about adding a sub to complement the bass response of the Quads? That oughta add a punch and rockabilty~! What do you think?

Manek
Inventar

#4 erstellt: 21. Apr 2004, 16:51

I have heard all three extensively now.

Adding a sub will give you more bass but Rock music will sound very good but a bit laid back on the QUADS but everything else will sound great. I personally prefer quads to the B&W's. Quads and B&W have a subwoofer in their families to match. quads are definately smoother and more transparent.

Dynaudio 52's are definately good too. I would say a better bet then the B&W's. A bit difficult to drive at a 4ohm load.

Arj
Inventar

#5 erstellt: 21. Apr 2004, 17:32

Actually when it comes to music , matching a sub is not very easy. it is like designing a new crossover to bring in a a new driver..

For good musicality you have subs like Vandersteen 2q, REL S series, bagtussel, martin Logan, sunfire, SVS, etc...but the sub alone would be 1000 USd or more. (There are cheaper subs but they are usually single tone Thumps good for HT)
As most music on CD is usually 35Hz or more (Unless u like Organ music which can go down to 16Hz) a full range floorstander might be cheaper as well as easier to integrate into your room.

in that case the B&W 600 series floorstander should be enough as well as economical. The Dynaudios would be a bit more expensive.

BTW, With a Quad, the REl Strata is a very decent match in terms of speed & tonality..

You have not mentioned your budget !

Manek
Inventar

#6 erstellt: 22. Apr 2004, 06:31

yeah...
Arj is right....and lets not forget the quad floorstanders...21L and 22L.....in my view are far better than the B&W 600 series floors.

manek.

Arj
Inventar

#7 erstellt: 22. Apr 2004, 07:18

Manek, Could not help noticing your status is now "Moderator" !
Good for you mate !

Manek
Inventar

#8 erstellt: 22. Apr 2004, 14:42

tks ARJ.....

noclaner
Neuling

#9 erstellt: 23. Apr 2004, 09:21

Just had a listen to the Dyn' 52s, pretty impressive, but I think it's still a fight between Quads and B&W. Partly because of my budget

I've always had a thing for kevlar drivers

Which is why my first pair of speakers were wharfedale diamond 8.3s, such a great design dont you think?

Manek
Inventar

#10 erstellt: 23. Apr 2004, 10:24

8.3 diamonds are 2 away floorstanders right ? so how come you are moving onto bookshelves ?

I feel the diamond 8.1, 8.2, 8.3 and 8.4 are very good designs....worth more than they were priced at.

Quad 12L it still is for me.

noclaner
Neuling

#11 erstellt: 23. Apr 2004, 11:33

Not moving backwards. They were my first pair. Refer to my first post. The standmounts I'm looking for are for my room, for a pure hifi system. Currently have floorstanders in the living room, as part of the HT system. Quads are good huh?? Hmmm....

Manek
Inventar

#12 erstellt: 23. Apr 2004, 13:49

Not just the bookshelves 12L but also the floorstanders 21L nd 22L.

To be honest if you are buying a sub....dont, and go for the quad floorstanders..it will be cheaper and better sound. 21L is speced to go to 35khz and the 22L to 30khz.

manek.

noclaner
Neuling

#13 erstellt: 01. Mai 2004, 21:50

WooHooo~! I finally had the chance to listen to the DM602 S3, quad 12L and dynaudio audience 52 and 52SE in the same room, hooked up to cyrus and arcam kit. I must say, a side by side comparison has revealed the victor in my 3 way speaker battle. The dynaudios provided superb bass response, great for when I'm having a party, yet detailed and controlled enough to reproduce DeBussy's Clair de Lune with uncanny accuracy. Pieces from the London Philharmonic Orchestra sound fantastic, timing is good with 50 cent, and not sonic confusion in both high and low end when Evanescence is played.
Dynaudio 52s have emerged victors, and looks like I'll be getting them for cheap. My dealer offered me a good price for the 52s, well below the RRP, and well below the RRP of the 12L too~! Isnt that amazing? Cheap and good~! Unfortunately, the SEs are not on special, so no can do, too expensive for me, though they do provide me with some good 'sonic orgasm' Oh well, do let me know what you guys think about the speaker choice. Good or not? Oh, and I must say, the Quad 12Ls have been overrated by the British press for some reason. They use outsourced tweeters from Taiwan, as I was told. And, the bass response and warmth simply cannot compare with the 52s. The difference is so apparent when played side by side. But they are still good speakers though.... Are they?

Arj
Inventar

#14 erstellt: 02. Mai 2004, 06:03

well noclaner..trust your ears. they will always be your BEST judge/guide..period

it depends on your tastes in music. folks with a preference for a bit laidback sound (OR if they partner it with Aggressive components) prefer the QUAD. the strength of the QUAD is not BAss, but the midrange which is also important.
the Dynaudios are definitely great speakers..especially for their size and from what you describe..grab them if you like them so much as very rarely do you get the speaker of choice with a great deal.. in my case invariably, the deal would be on the one i like a bit lesser