Dahlquist DQM-9s ... A Hidden Jewel

[Indynryder]

Agreed, agreed, ageed, & agreed........hidden jewls for sure
around hear they don't come up FS especially the dqm line
when they have, I quickly went and got them. Yes they rival
most speakers in their class IMO, my current line are the
dqm-5's (laminate) with stands, dqm-7's (nextel) , dqm-9's
like yours minus the stands, & finaly dq-30's a class in their
own. If jbl's come up around here, very expensive.
My dqm's total cost (including foam) $170......
Hidden jewls.......oooh yessssss.

 

[Damage]

Good memory. DQM-9s were recommended. When they came up locally, I jumped .. these will be staying on the stands though.

I thought we had settled on JBL L-112s!

 

[robobxman]

I thought we had settled on JBL L-112s!

:thmbsp:

I saw some JBLs come up on CL but the prices were steep. And after moving my AR3a's, they sounded much better ... so I stuck with them. But these Dahlquists were literally around the corner, the price was right, and all the extras sealed the deal.

 

[robobxman]

There is a possibility that the M was for Carl Marchisotto who also designed the M-905, M-907 and the M-909 for Dahlquist.

Those are nice. I wonder if the Regnar guys know what DQM stands for. I'm going to look at my lit again too.

 

[robobxman]

Great find on those DQM-9's. I found a pair myself recently, $50 at a local shop. Mine are the Nextel model, and let me tell ya, that stuff is nasty. But let me tell you something else, these are some of the nicest sounding speakers I've ever heard--simply wonderful. So, if you put "ugly" and "good sound" on a scale, I've got the world's best combination of "ugly" and "good sound"! My plan, though, is to strip off the Nextel crapola, and veneer the boxes.

I got totally lucky, someone has already professionally redone the surrounds on my drivers. So, they are perfect!

Jhoyt - couldn't agree more and mine aren't even foamed yet. The review I posted calls them "velvety," which I can understand.

You should post pics of your 9s here. Given the sparsity of DQM-9 info on the web, we could all use a 'reference' thread about these great speakers. In fact, I need to post links to the two or three other threads here on AK ....

 

[jhoyt]

If there's ever a DQM-9 reference thread (this might turn into one...) I'll post pics. However, the room they're in is a true multi-purpose room, so they're kind of woven into other room elements.

I believe the "M" is for "Monitor". Check out the lit, they make it a point of emphasizing the "monitor" quality of these speakers.

And, thanks for scanning the lit! I DL'ed it for my files. BTW, do you have the scans in hi-rez?

 

[robobxman]

If there's ever a DQM-9 reference thread (this might turn into one...) I'll post pics. However, the room they're in is a true multi-purpose room, so they're kind of woven into other room elements.

I believe the "M" is for "Monitor". Check out the lit, they make it a point of emphasizing the "monitor" quality of these speakers.

And, thanks for scanning the lit! I DL'ed it for my files. BTW, do you have the scans in hi-rez?

I'm hoping this does become a reference thread. "M" for monitor makes sense. I tried scanning in higher res (photo quality) but my scanner decided to grab the color portions of the black manual - perhaps because it read black as nothing, so to speak. But basically, it didn't result in a full-page scan. I'll see if I can figure it out.

(I still think you should post pics of your 9s!)

 

[Stefan Wood]

I have a pair of the DQM 9s, Nextel finish, bought form a photographer in Annapolis. Had to have the woofers rebuilt from the manufacturer, still in Long Island. The owner mentioned that with this finish the only way to clean them is to take a damp sponge and wipe it (in one direction with the strokes) across the cabinet.

 

[Wharfcreek]

I've had a few sets of Dahlquists myself....Including some DQ-20s and DQ-6s. The 'stacked - phased array' thing kind of intrigued me. Both sets ended up with blown woofers, and both were replaced with after-market units. I found that up-grading the woofers to units with far greater capacity made a HUGE difference in my listening pleasure! And, it was actually less expensive for me to do that than to 'repair' the old speakers. So....if you've got access to some place like Parts Express, you may want to consider purchasing one of their Dayton drivers....and just give it a try. They may have something that will take twice or 3 X the power that the OE Dahlquist driver would handle....and the sound my be more pleasing to you when you can elevate the amplitude!! Just a thought......... TSD

 

[Susurus]

Stefan, the manufacturer? To be specific, the company has been out of business for 2 decades. The rights to the name was passed around a few times.

We are lucky, however, that one of the original people maintains an operation to rebuild them to original spec.

Also, Carl Marchasetto is still around; check for Nola/Alon speakers. Way out of my price range, but once in a while older Alons come up on AudioGon.

Wharfcreek easy it could be to kill your Scan-Speak tweeters in your DQ-20's even if new woofers will be fine. Sometimes tweeters unselfishly protect the fuses by sacrificing themselves first. :tears:

The crossovers were perfect for the originals. The smoothness could suffer. I'm keeping woofers on my sets stock (have 2 prs each 10's and 20i's, one set of 12's and 9c's) because the tonal balance, quality, and timbre is their forte so it's more important to me than bass output.

"He ruins it! Foul Hobbitses! Ta-ters!"

For more bass, a set of subs will do...or for louder blues I've got other loudspeaker projects... Altecs, LaScalas, JBLs...

 

[Stefan Wood]

Sorry, this is what I meant:

http://www.regnar.com/

 

[robobxman]

Some photos of the internals

A view facing up. You can see that the mid is enclosed in its own tube. Interestingly, the bottom part of the cab is not insulated. Perhaps because these are ported?

From the other direction:

And from head-on:

 

[robobxman]

Back of the woofer

 

[Sir.Byrd]

:thmbsp:

 

[robobxman]

Refoaming

I realize many here will know how to refoam speakers, but I wanted to capture the process for anyone new to this task and DQM-9s.

First, you may order exact replacements via simplyspeakers.com, an AK sponsor. I bought mine via their eBay store.

As for the job itself, it's one of the easier refoams I've done.

Step 1 - Remove foam on basket. I used a bondo spreader to remove the soft layer and a flat screwdriver to remove the hardened adhesive underneath. A small putty knife would have worked too.

Step 2 - Remove foam on edge of cone. This was trickier because there was a sticky, rubbery goop. I used the screwdriver again, keeping my finger under the foam to provide stability. Be careful here because you run the risk of slipping and damaging the cone.

Step 3 - Center the cone. I know there are various methods, but I always use shims. And I keep the original dustcap by not cutting it off entirely, but simply leaving enough to flip it back.

Step 4 - Glue the new surround. I started with the basket / outside edge, using Aline tacky glue. I applied it to the basket (plenty of room), brushed it on evenly, and also applied a layer to the underside of the new surround.

Here is one woofer at this stage. I like how the new surrounds fit perfectly.

After waiting about one hour, I glued the inside edge to the cone. For this, I used a contact cement that came with the surrounds. I used it because the Aline didn't stick as well to the rubbery material on the cone. Since the shims were in, the cone was firm enough for me to put a fine bead around the cone edge and then push down with my fingers. It set up in a few minutes. Sorry I didn't take photos of this step.

And alas the final product. In the photo, it appears the surround is not flush against the cone. At this point, I was still periodically pressing the surround down. It ended up perfectly flush.

 

[rjohn]

My latest additions - Dahlquist DQM-9s, with original stands and boxes and paperwork. There's very little about these on the web, but I can tell you they sound amazing even with partially rotted/missing surrounds. They image like no tomorrow; bass is full and punchy; but the strength is their mids and highs. Here are some photos. I will also be scanning the owners manual and a review that appeared in 1981 in Stereo Review. Of course, I'll be replacing those surrounds and showing that progress too ... and THEN I can put these through their paces. More to come ...

A friend of mine gave me a pair of these that needed refoaming. I did it myself and it was VERY easy. They sound amazing. I have JBLs, Altec/Lansing and Advent speakers and I think these are better than any of those. You will definitely be pleased.

 

[stereorob]

stunning find

 

[Honcho]

I'm a new member and found this old thread on the Dahlquist speakers... and I own a very nice pair of DQM-9s and love them. The black "rubbery" coating on the boxes has just gone to $h!t. Any advice on how to resurface/coat these speakers? I cant get the old coating off, it just keeps getting stickier! I would considering going over it with veneer, but I doubt that will be very attractive (not a smooth surface to mount to). Was considering to sell them (a number of times, my wife really likes that alternative too), but I do love their sound.

 

[kbott]

I've heard second hand that if you leave them in the sun it will dry it out

 

[Jdanderson02]

While working with Regnar on refurbishing my beloved DQ-20i pair, I happened upon a pair of DQM-9 n Craigslist for $200. A steal. Great condition, currently no refurbishment required. When necessary, I will work with Regnar. With all due respect to everyone’s skills, if you want to get the most from your Dahlquists, work with Regnar.

Looking for stands for these DQM-9 and would love to find an original pair. Any guidance is appreciated.