Timeframe T400 worth
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sparks12kv
Active Member
Depends on the series, and the condition. I bought my pair for 50 bucks, but they were formerly used as cat scratching posts. Once the one broken tweeter was replaced, magic. I think the model II with the rear facing tweeter really shines, but in general the Timeframes (any DCM with a TF prefix) are going to be worth around 150-250 in working condition. The wraparound sock look doesn't help their selling price.
I think a pair of TF400's are worth more to listen to and enjoy than resell. I kept mine, they kick ass. Great tight transmission line bass and good soundstage.:thmbsp:
I think a pair of TF400's are worth more to listen to and enjoy than resell. I kept mine, they kick ass. Great tight transmission line bass and good soundstage.:thmbsp:
Last edited:
recordfisher
New Member
Not meaning to hijack, but I'm supposed to pick up a pair of TF400's on Saturday in great shape for less than 80 bones.Going to see how they compare to my Magnepan SMG-a's.
62sunbeam
Raconteur
Broader sound stage and maybe more bass but not as much detail.
Have fun.
I find that TFs only sell for a lot when I'm looking for a pair but I can't move the 500s I have.
They are a wonderful speaker you buy to keep.
If the price seems fair get them and don't look back just enjoy.
Eric
CygnusDen
And so it begins...
Looks like we have similar tastes in speakers, Mystery. My collection includes TF-600, Polk M5 Jr+, and ADS L520. I paid $150 for the oak TF-600s from a CL seller in the Denver/Boulder area. They were in very good condition except for a tear in the back of one of the socks. If the TF-400s are series II, they are pretty comparable to the TF-600s and should sell for ~$100 in a local sale if in good condition. Personally, I think DCM TFs are undervalued in the marketplace, probably because they are costly to ship, fussy to repair, and out of step with current market preferences for small bookshelf/satellite speakers that disappear in a room.
In comparison to my Polks and ADSes (both of which are a step below your models), my TF-600s are a cut above in terms of imaging and soundstage, which is their specialty. With the transmission line enclosure, they also go a bit lower (although I'd bet the ADS L-620 beats the TF-400 in this department). Despite all the tweeters in the TF-600s, they are not as bright or detailed as the others. I'd characterize them as somewhat veiled sounding, but very expansive and full. They're great all-rounders that work well with a wide variety of gear and styles of music.
The little Polks sound great and make me think it would be worth pursuing one of the larger Monitor or SDA models. Mine have SL-2000 tweeters, which are very bright and can become a bit fatiguing in long listening sessions. On the plus side, they image almost as well as the DCMs and sound great with a subwoofer to help out the low end. I like them most for rock and metal.
The ADSes are just plain sweet. The highs are detailed without being harsh, and the bass is surprisingly good for just an 8" acoustic suspension woofer. They're only average in the imaging department, but they do everything else very well and are an absolute pleasure to listen to. They are my favorite speakers for listening at low-medium volume levels.
"Better" is in the ear of the beholder, but I'd say the TF-400s are better than the Polk 5Bs in most respects. Given their original prices, however, that's not really a fair fight. It would be a much tougher call between the TF-400s and ADL L-620s. Even though I am a soundstage junkie, I would have a difficult time deciding whether to keep my TF-600s or ADS L-520s if forced to choose one. The beautiful ADS cabinets and smaller size might end up breaking that tie.
If you can get the TF-400s (especially series IIs) for a good price and have the space for them, I'd recommend going for it. They are different enough from your Polks and ADSes (and the other speakers in your sig) that they won't seem redundant. I expect you'll find them to be keepers until you are ready to upgrade from this general class of speakers. Good luck and let us know what you think if you get them.
In comparison to my Polks and ADSes (both of which are a step below your models), my TF-600s are a cut above in terms of imaging and soundstage, which is their specialty. With the transmission line enclosure, they also go a bit lower (although I'd bet the ADS L-620 beats the TF-400 in this department). Despite all the tweeters in the TF-600s, they are not as bright or detailed as the others. I'd characterize them as somewhat veiled sounding, but very expansive and full. They're great all-rounders that work well with a wide variety of gear and styles of music.
The little Polks sound great and make me think it would be worth pursuing one of the larger Monitor or SDA models. Mine have SL-2000 tweeters, which are very bright and can become a bit fatiguing in long listening sessions. On the plus side, they image almost as well as the DCMs and sound great with a subwoofer to help out the low end. I like them most for rock and metal.
The ADSes are just plain sweet. The highs are detailed without being harsh, and the bass is surprisingly good for just an 8" acoustic suspension woofer. They're only average in the imaging department, but they do everything else very well and are an absolute pleasure to listen to. They are my favorite speakers for listening at low-medium volume levels.
"Better" is in the ear of the beholder, but I'd say the TF-400s are better than the Polk 5Bs in most respects. Given their original prices, however, that's not really a fair fight. It would be a much tougher call between the TF-400s and ADL L-620s. Even though I am a soundstage junkie, I would have a difficult time deciding whether to keep my TF-600s or ADS L-520s if forced to choose one. The beautiful ADS cabinets and smaller size might end up breaking that tie.
If you can get the TF-400s (especially series IIs) for a good price and have the space for them, I'd recommend going for it. They are different enough from your Polks and ADSes (and the other speakers in your sig) that they won't seem redundant. I expect you'll find them to be keepers until you are ready to upgrade from this general class of speakers. Good luck and let us know what you think if you get them.
Mystery
constantly upgrading...
Thanks for comments.
CygnusDen,
Glad to hear back from you.
I really like both 5B's and L620s. The L620s have fuller sound due to larger driver but 5B's are also very comparable and have great imaging. Will keep both for a while. The Polk S8's may go to CL soon after more A/B comparison with other pairs.
I am thinking of passing on TF400's as these look like in the same class as my speakers and I don't want to just have speakers unless they are better for sure. Decision, decision...:scratch2: Few threads mention only to go over TF600's.
Since I joined AK, I've moved on from a plastic home theater in a box system to all larger speaker system now and music is so much better and I thank guys like you for information and helping out.
Reading 100's of threads has added new brands to watch out for. I haven't acquired so much discussed Advents, Klipsch and DCM speakers yet and that's something I'd like to compare when they are in reach.
And the eyes are watching...
BTW, there is L520 listed in Craigslist along with NAD 7220 receiver for $150.
http://denver.craigslist.org/ele/2895326020.html
Also, Polk SDA 2 for $300: http://denver.craigslist.org/ele/2888678990.html
CygnusDen,
Glad to hear back from you.
I really like both 5B's and L620s. The L620s have fuller sound due to larger driver but 5B's are also very comparable and have great imaging. Will keep both for a while. The Polk S8's may go to CL soon after more A/B comparison with other pairs.
I am thinking of passing on TF400's as these look like in the same class as my speakers and I don't want to just have speakers unless they are better for sure. Decision, decision...:scratch2: Few threads mention only to go over TF600's.
Since I joined AK, I've moved on from a plastic home theater in a box system to all larger speaker system now and music is so much better and I thank guys like you for information and helping out.
Reading 100's of threads has added new brands to watch out for. I haven't acquired so much discussed Advents, Klipsch and DCM speakers yet and that's something I'd like to compare when they are in reach.
And the eyes are watching...
BTW, there is L520 listed in Craigslist along with NAD 7220 receiver for $150.
http://denver.craigslist.org/ele/2895326020.html
Also, Polk SDA 2 for $300: http://denver.craigslist.org/ele/2888678990.html
