Review - Dayton Audio MK442T transmission line tower speakers:
These are definitely a new contender in the large field of budget, modern speakers that perform above their grade level.
Andrew Jones designed some of the most well-received modern, budget speakers for Pioneer and Elac. I read an interview where Andrew Jones talked about options in speaker building on a budget. He said often you put your money into the drivers and less money into the cabinet to get the best bang for the buck.
Jones had no role in these Dayton speakers, but the Dayton engineers did the same thing here - the cabinet and binding posts have a cheap look and feel. But they did something clever with the cabinet design - using a transmission line design to boost low-end performance with small drivers. It's clever stuff.
My interest in two-channel stereo has recently drifted to a fascination with low-cost systems. I had to try these speakers.
These speakers cost $200 (for the pair) plus tax. Shipping is free.
When they arrived in this big, double box I thought - how can they do that? The UPS slip said the box weighs 50 pounds. So you get a double box, free shipping and two full-range speaker towers for 200 bucks. I don’t understand it. But I’m not complaining.
How do they sound? I say they sound very good.
I think reviewing stereo is all about trigger points. Does the change to your system hit your trigger points? We each have different trigger points. Trigger points bring you closer to the music. I like speakers that are detailed but not a crispy high-end, the midrange sound is very important to me, and the tone of the low-end is more important than how low they go. I don’t need the speakers to go super-low and I’m not using my stereo for movies or any hook-up to a TV. I don't need my speakers to "disappear". I want a stereo that makes me appreciate the music - old music and new.
These Dayton budget towers seem to do everything about right regarding my trigger points.
These speakers also rock.
AK member "cube-tube" gave an excellent review of these speakers. I agree with everything here:
The Dayton's provide a slight bit more heft in the bottom end and better evenness of that heft throughout, offer a bit more output given the same volume level (obviously), better dynamic range and an overall very pleasing and detailed sound. Midrange is quite neutral and great on both male and female vocals with more lifelike body. That little .75" tweeter is shockingly airy and smooth. Together, they produce a balanced dose of naturalness, detail and space ...... and make for a nice large sound stage with decent width, height and depth.
Some final notes:
These are 4ohm speakers and require an amp with some good power to drive them.
I have been testing them in a system that currently has the Elac UB5 speakers. I like the UB5. Will I replace them in the long-term with these Dayton budget towers? I don't know. Time will tell. But they do compete well with the UB5.
We live at a fortunate time in the history of two-channel stereo with many affordable options to put together a great sounding setup.
Cheers,
Snade