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Alternatives to DQ-10s? Looking for Speaker Advice

Nburt02

Nburt02

New Member
I'm trying to find a set of speakers that pair well with the Kenwood L0-7 CII Stereo Amp + L0-7 MII Mono blocks (150W per channel). Everything is hooked up to a Technics 1500C Turntable and Aux Cord. I mostly play Jazz, Rock, Electronic, Classical and prefer a more "musical sound".

I really love the sound of the DQ-10s that I've tried but they're way too large (I live in an apartment and my girlfriend does not approve sadly). I tried a pair of Vandersteens 2CEs and didn't like the sound as much nor did I think the Yamaha NS1000s were as good. I have also owned a pair of HPM100s in the past but didn't like the sound of those speakers either. My budget is at $1.5K and below so I'm considering checking out newer speakers.

Does anyone have any speaker recommendations to pair with this set-up or alternatives to DQ-10s? Thank you!
 

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You’ll hate this advice.
Drop the girl friend.
Keep your Dahquists.
There are tons of girls out there. There are also women that will love you and understand your hobby.
My wife of 32 years understands my love of this hobby. Many women would not allow me to have the equipment I have set up in our main living area. She does.
Replacing your Dahquists with something you will like is going to require a speaker most likely just as large.
I wish you well.
 
trinhsman said:
You’ll hate this advice.
Drop the girl friend.
Keep your Dahquists.
There are tons of girls out there. There are also women that will love you and understand your hobby.
My wife of 32 years understands my love of this hobby. Many women would not allow me to have the equipment I have set up in our main living area. She does.
Replacing your Dahquists with something you will like is going to require a speaker most likely just as large.
I wish you well.
Click to expand...
Hahaha this is great. To clarify, she’s open to me getting them and does love the sound as well. It’s more coming from the fact that I’m in my mid-20s and do not own a house or have a room that is an adequate size. Good to know that other speakers in this category would be larger. Thanks!
 
Nburt02 said:
Hahaha this is great. To clarify, she’s open to me getting them and does love the sound as well. It’s more coming from the fact that I’m in my mid-20s and do not own a house or have a room that is an adequate size. Good to know that other speakers in this category would be larger. Thanks!
Click to expand...
Check out the lower end Acoustic Energy speakers. Very well regarded. There are tons of vintage speakers that would be nice, but finding them in great condition can be difficult.
I’m in my 70’s. If at your age I would look for reasonably priced newer speakers that have great reviews. However, if you’re handy and can fix things, vintage well regarded speakers would actually be a better investment.
I wish you well, and get ready for a great ride in this hobby.
 
It would help if you could describe more specifically the aspects of the DQ10’s that you like best. What do you mean by a “musical sound”?
 
Mostly any of the Alon/Nola Models as they are designed by Carl M.
who was highly involved with the
Later DQ-10's A pair of Alon 4's or 5's would be a huge step up,
although the Lotus line is a bit smaller, and maybe more suited for your small space.
 
nerdorama said:
It would help if you could describe more specifically the aspects of the DQ10’s that you like best. What do you mean by a “musical sound”?
Click to expand...
Great question. I like how the DQ 10s perform in the treble and mid range. I thought the Vandersteens were very transparent in replicating the audio source but it didn’t scratch that “itch.” I liked how the DQ10 had amazing soundstage while not sounding flat and having a warmer sound? Does that make sense?
 
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Are tower speakers out, or just really wide ones? Thinking bookshelf speakers with a sub might work? Might be hard to get it all with only $1500 spend, unless you get used.

Just put a system in my kids room, 75w MOSFET amp, Klipsch bookshelf, 14x16 room, it sounds really good, much better then what you would think. It even has some bass. Not really deep but good, might not need a sub.
 
I don’t know if they will replace my DQ-10s but a pair of NHT SB3 speakers on 28” stands positioned where the DQ were sounded good enough for three folks to say, “those sound good.” They are my downsizing speakers and used in a bedroom right now. But if I lost my sound room, I could get by with the sound of those SB3s. Sub kinda optional as they do go down to 39Hz (3dB down) on 49 like most small speakers.

There may be other better quality small speakers that with a sub can provide the DQ-10 sound quality. Having your budget and looking used could bring something really nice into the system. Put the 10s away until you have that large sound room to enjoy them. Maybe a grille cloth change would help with their acceptance. They are a special speaker.
 
Mike_S said:
Are tower speakers out, or just really wide ones? Thinking bookshelf speakers with a sub might work? Might be hard to get it all with only $1500 spend, unless you get used.

Just put a system in my kids room, 75w MOSFET amp, Klipsch bookshelf, 14x16 room, it sounds really good, much better then what you would think. It even has some bass. Not really deep but good, might not need a sub.
Click to expand...
Tower speakers are not out. I had a pair of Klipsh Reference Tower speakers that I’ve used in the past. The DQ 10s are too wide. Taller and thinner would be fine.
 
I have a pair of Dahlquist DQM-9 speakers that have fairly high sensitivity (95dB/1w), very clear mid and treble and the bass is really good. A little harder to find but worth it. For a slightly smaller package there is a 9c version. They use all German made Magnat brand drivers.
 
nerdorama said:
I have a pair of Dahlquist DQM-9 speakers that have fairly high sensitivity (95dB/1w), very clear mid and treble and the bass is really good. A little harder to find but worth it. For a slightly smaller package there is a 9c version. They use all German made Magnat brand drivers.
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Oooo. I haven’t heard of the DQM-9s. Looks like someone near me has them on FB for $900. Might have to go check them out. Thanks!
 
Having had the DQ-10 I agree they take up too much geography. I felt but did not pursue removing the top drivers and placing them on top of some OL Advent speakers. Other thoughts included finding a different bookshelf speaker with a more modern woofer but that probably would require crossover rework. Final issue that killed it off was the lack of a true modern replacement for the Philips AD 5060. The Vifa P13 WH went out of production and probably would be a great substitute.
 
The thing about speakers...

There are literally thousands of choices out there. And if you know what sound you like then your best bet is going to be to audition them before buying. I mean there are a lot of recommendations for Wharfedale Lintons but I have never heard them. They are about in your price range.

So if you want something that is going to have a sound that you like... then an audition before buying may be the best way to get that.
 
If you like the DQ-10, you would love the Acarian Alon 4 or 5, sadly their bigger. Ushers X-719 or Acoustic Energy Aegis one or Compact 1 bookshelves with a sub would be a great alternative. Stay away from the older acoustic energy Ae100 and AE109 , their a bit aggressive on the high frequencies. These are all first hand experiences. The older B&W DM302 with a subwoofer is also a good combo
 
Maybe some of the smaller 700 series B&O speakers. I liked S series B&O speakers and ADS speakers, too. T series Bostons could be good, too, but not so much the HD series. There are lots of choices out there. Even some of the point source JBL's are good. Just make sure you audition before you buy !!!!
 
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