Were there more than one series of DCM CX-27's

[89grand]

Or were they all the same? I ask because I've seen some with a full length grill cover, and then some with a 3/4 length grill and a panel on the bottom portion of the speaker that the grill doesn't cover. The driver compliment seems the same.

Are there just different versions in appearance, but otherwise the same, or is one of the two types preferred over the other sonically?


Here's an example without the full length grill.

 

[thedelihaus]

Basically the same, with incremental minor changes during the run.

 

[audio1025]

Great speakers by the way. Terrific soundstage.

 

[sb01]

I have often wondered the same thing about the CX-17's--I first bought a pair of those around 20 or so years ago, and the ones I got are the most common ones with the large square "cage" mounted tweeter that is the only thing visible from the front-- it is co-axially mounted to the woofer which is hidden behind the front baffle. Since then, I have seen a different version of the CX-17's with the same large square cage-mounted tweeter, but the woofer is readily visible from the front, mounted below the tweeter in the front baffle. Have no idea what the decision was behind this, but it seems to completely negate the idea behind the transmission-line cabinet! I suppose it is possible I am thinking of another DCM model, but it is definitely not the CX-07 as those do not have the large square "cage-tweeters." I am pretty positive they are still CX-17's. Anyone know what I am talking about?

 

[thedelihaus]

I have often wondered the same thing about the CX-17's--I first bought a pair of those around 20 or so years ago, and the ones I got are the most common ones with the large square "cage" mounted tweeter that is the only thing visible from the front-- it is co-axially mounted to the woofer which is hidden behind the front baffle. Since then, I have seen a different version of the CX-17's with the same large square cage-mounted tweeter, but the woofer is readily visible from the front, mounted below the tweeter in the front baffle. Have no idea what the decision was behind this, but it seems to completely negate the idea behind the transmission-line cabinet! I suppose it is possible I am thinking of another DCM model, but it is definitely not the CX-07 as those do not have the large square "cage-tweeters." I am pretty positive they are still CX-17's. Anyone know what I am talking about?

The CX-27. It has two woofers. One below the "cage", one behind the "cage" and it's coaxially mounted tweeter.

The CX-17 is one woofer, behind the "cage" and it's coaxially mounted tweeter. No second woofer.

 

[KingBubba]

I've always been struck by how much bass comes from such a small cabinets. When I use my CX-27s, I usually have to use the tone controls and knock the bass down a bit.

 

[tomlinmgt]

I've always been struck by how much bass comes from such a small cabinets. When I use my CX-27s, I usually have to use the tone controls and knock the bass down a bit.

Me too. I got my 27's with a killer score....Kenwood C2 pre, M2 Sigma amp, and a Yammie CDP all for around $250. I remember I got it home and set the rig up off to the side in my listening area. My main rig at the time was a Carver pre and a Hafler 500 through some JBL L100t3's. I had two copies of Steely Dan's last release Every Thing Must Go and I had the cd's playing in each rig with the same song qued and I'd listen to a section of the qued tune on one rig for several seconds then switch to the other. With tone controls flat in both rigs the Kenwood/DCM set-up gave up VERY little to the Hafler/JBL rig. I was completely floored by how well the little DCM's kept up with the JBLs. My friend came over and was equally astonished.

 

[phhphd]

I was also surprised with the 27s when I got them for the huge price of $20 at a Goodwill. I now am using them where I had theil 05s. Much deaper base and a better sound stage. I thought the Theils would wipe the floor with the 27s but this is not the case. My wife came down to listen and asked why the music sounded like it came from over there? She had experienced a sound stage for the first time. I've been trying to teach her audiophilia for ever and now she begins to here it with the 27s.

 

[tomlinmgt]

I was also surprised with the 27s when I got them for the huge price of $20 at a Goodwill. I now am using them where I had theil 05s. Much deaper base and a better sound stage. I thought the Theils would wipe the floor with the 27s but this is not the case. My wife came down to listen and asked why the music sounded like it came from over there? She had experienced a sound stage for the first time. I've been trying to teach her audiophilia for ever and now she begins to here it with the 27s.

You had Theils in the house yet the DCM's made the impression on the untrained ear. Wow.

 

[sb01]

The CX-27. It has two woofers. One below the "cage", one behind the "cage" and it's coaxially mounted tweeter.

The CX-17 is one woofer, behind the "cage" and it's coaxially mounted tweeter. No second woofer.

Those aren't what I am thinking of. I am very familiar with the CX-27s as I have owned a pair of those before as well. The speakers I am referring to were most definitely bookshelves. All I can think is that I was looking at the CX-07s and mistaking them for 17s, although I could swear that they still had the large square mesh mounted tweeter.

And, speaking of the CX-27s, they are nice and produce surprising bass but to my ear they don't seem quite as balanced as the CX-17. The guy above who posted that he has to notch the bass tone control down a bit, is dead on. The CX-17s have a nice, tight composed "airy" sound whereas my experience with the 27s led me to think they could sound a bit too "bloated" at times. They are still impressive considering their size, but nowhere in the same league as Thiels.