Speaker Asylum: REVIEW: Dunlavy Audio Labs SC IV Speakers by Jack D II

Model:	SC IV
Category:	Speakers
Suggested Retail Price:	$8500.00
Description:	full range floor standing speakers
Manufacturer URL:	Dunlavy Audio Labs

Review by Jack D II on January 18, 2010 at 22:18:00
IP Address: 74.177.90.44 Add Your Review
for the SC IV

I got my Dunlavys third hand when they were about two years old and have had them about 8 years. Used first with an Electrocompaniet A100 amp and now with a Marsh A400 amp. They are 6 feet tall and weigh 180 pounds each but have large "feet" and so are stable even on carpet. "Speaker of the year" in Stereophile in 1994. John Dunlavy believed that a speaker must be time aligned and in phase. Yes. Should be at least 10 feet apart and 10 feet away and pointed nearly at the listener. Sound? Great, even today. Soundstage is well delineated from side to side and front to back. The bass goes down to provide a convincing basement for the orchestra or combo and is both quick and accurate. Midrange is neutral and flat. Treble is clear and crisp. What treble I can hear(I'm 71)is very comfortable. Wide sweet spot. They make it easy to pick out and follow one instrument. Relatively efficient but needs an amp with good current ability.

Product Weakness:	Large and imposing.
Product Strengths:	Clarity, bass, neutrality. Relatively easy to position.

Associated Equipment for this Review:

Amplifier: Marsh Sound Design A400
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated): Conrad-Johnson CT 5
Sources (CDP/Turntable): Nottingham 294 w.294 arm
Speakers: Dunlavy SC IVs
Cables/Interconnects: Hero and Harmonic Tech Silway II
Music Used (Genre/Selections): jazz, classical, rock
Room Size (LxWxH): 18 x 16 x 7'8
Room Comments/Treatments: carpet
Time Period/Length of Audition: 8 years
Other (Power Conditioner etc.): Shunyata and Monster 3500
Type of Audition/Review: Product Owner

Amplifier:	Marsh Sound Design A400
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	Conrad-Johnson CT 5
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Nottingham 294 w.294 arm
Speakers:	Dunlavy SC IVs
Cables/Interconnects:	Hero and Harmonic Tech Silway II
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	jazz, classical, rock
Room Size (LxWxH):	18 x 16 x 7'8
Room Comments/Treatments:	carpet
Time Period/Length of Audition:	8 years
Other (Power Conditioner etc.):	Shunyata and Monster 3500
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner